Myth, magic and self-cultivated hero worship aside, architects usually don't emerge from an obscure sanctuary with complete and inspired sketches of a great new building. Most architects labor over their work. The good ones listen and observe. Their early work is often poorly formed. Patiently, they come to understand the essential parts of a building, then struggle to assemble the parts, keeping in mind external factors such as orientation to the sun, the prevailing wind, neighboring buildings, the character of the land and the sanctity of the physical and cultural environment.
Architecture is a complicated craft involving a large cast of characters.
Some liken it to the role of a director in the making of a film or to the conductor in the performance of an orchestral piece. Roland Batten knew how to marshal the ideas of many into a coherent and responsive building. He trusted the opinions of his clients, his co-workers and those who built with him. He had little tolerance for the fashionable detail or gesture. He designed for the long haul.