I wholly agree with Linda Young's assessment of architects. They can be useful but must be kept chained at all times. Likewise the structural, electrical, mec hanical engineers. The best protection is to establish a coordinator with FULL veto power at the museum. This on-site person should have the assistance of an experienced and knowledgable consultant who can review concepts, materials speci fications, traffic patterns, lighting/fenestration, and the myriad other details of conservation and functional concerns implied by a new or renovated building. This consultant, in concert with the museum's coordinator, should share in the full veto power over the architects & engineers. I have just completed (almost, at least) managing the renovation of a historic b uilding that houses a museum, including the design and construction of a (presum ably) state-of-the-art collections storage facility. This was accomplished from basic concept for the project to virtual completion in two years (a miraculousl y short time). This was a very tough project as every one of the "design profes sionals" hired was inexperienced in museum design and attempted by ignorance, arrogance, or negligence to undermine the goals of the project. The contractors were equally poor in their attitude. Despite all this, persistent attention on my part to all the details has resulted in a good result, albeit not optimal by any means. Working in a university environment has made the process even more difficult. As a conservator/administrator/museology consultant for about 25 years, I have s een virtually every version of museum design nightmare, including many of those built within the last few years. I could easily make a very long list of potential problems gleaned from hundreds of real examples. Unfortunately, it is much more difficult to make even a short list of buildin g projects that are well-done. I don't mean perfect, but merely acceptable. It is frustrating that I usually get to see the problems after they are "cast in concrete", since most institutions forget to ask for advice un til after the problem has been created. It is much easier and cheaper to solve the problems on paper than it is after they are immortalized in steel and concrete. Good luck with your projects. You will need it! Geoffrey Brown [log in to unmask]