Church architects specialize in designing Christian houses of worship, incorporating elements of the faith tradition and accommodating the needs of the congregation. They study various architectural styles and materials, and work with different Christian denominations to comply with local building codes and regulations.
Church architects are architectural professionals who specialize in the design of Christian houses of worship. Along with other faith professionals such as the mosque architect and synagogue architect, the church architect will incorporate elements that are part of the specific tradition of the faith in order to create a design that is conducive to the needs of the particular religious community. This usually involves learning some information about the background, styles of worship, and types of ministries that will be utilized within the walls of the building.
When pursuing a career in church architecture, an architect studies a wide variety of styles found in a number of different schools, such as classical architecture, residential architecture, and contemporary commercial architecture. This allows the designer to develop a work plan that incorporates design elements that are likely to blend well with the needs and desires of the local congregation that will occupy the completed church building. Due to the extensive knowledge at the church architect’s fingertips, it is possible to take information about what the church wants to do with the space and present them with specific design elements that they may not be aware of.
Along with a solid working knowledge of architecture, building materials and other facets of building a church, the church architect will also look at the distinct aspects of the faith tradition that will occupy the completed building. Depending on worship traditions and the observance of various rites and ordinances, the architect may find it necessary to install a larger baptismal font or incorporate a smaller font ideal for use in baptisms that do not involve immersion. Likewise, practices of the Christian faith in particular may make the use of altars unnecessary or even eliminate a chancel or tribune area at one end of the main meeting area.
This flexibility in designing architectural plans for different Christian faiths enables the church architect to work with congregations that demand anything from the majesty of a cathedral design to the simplicity of a Quaker meeting house. The architect can also work with the congregation to include key features such as restrooms, handicap-friendly entrances and exits, and the incorporation of a speaker system compatible with equipment for the hearing impaired.
Along with seeking clients from many different Christian bodies, a church architect may choose to work for a specific denomination. This is usually the case when the denomination in question prefers to use a limited number of approved designs for their houses of worship. Within that capacity, the church architect will focus on ensuring plans remain in compliance with current laws as they relate to each new construction site. The architect will also advise denominational authorities on any improvements or changes that must be made to comply with local building codes and will oversee the implementation of these changes.
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