Things That Sound 100% Innocent to Architects — But Not to Others

Architects speak in layers, joints, thresholds, and metaphors.
To us, it’s technical. To everyone else… it’s definitely something else.

Here are the things we say that may raise eyebrows outside crit — and get nods of understanding inside it.

Things We Just Say

1. "Mind if I study your elevation?"

2. "Help me to adjust your axis just a little."

3. "I always double-check my openings."

4. "You don’t understand the section until you’re inside it."

5. "That curve? It wasn’t in the brief, but I’m into it."

6. "It’s a bit experimental, but I think you’ll love it."

7. "This space invites circulation."

8. "I usually design from the inside out."

9. "There’s a hidden entrance to discover."

10. "It’s not just a void — it’s a programmed absence."

When We Talk About Materials

11. "I prefer exposed joints. Always have."

12. "Let me tweak your model."

13. "It’s not rigid — it’s a flexible system."

14. "Let’s keep it clean — no unnecessary finishes."

15. "I like it raw, but structured."

16. "This finish is a little rough, but still beautiful."

17. "Once you enter, it wraps around you in the best way."

18. "Sometimes I like to really articulate the joints."

19. "Just one touch and the whole thing reacts."

20. “It’s not loud, but it makes everyone feel something deep inside.”

21. "Contrast is everything. Especially where surfaces meet."

22. "This wasn’t meant to be sensual, but here we are."

That Space Between the Lines

23. "You’ve got incredible site lines."

24. "The transition between public and private is subtle."

25. “I love everything handmade, with real care and attention to detail.”

26. "This doesn’t need a rendering. It needs a tactile ritual."

27. "I studied these beautiful curves in Rhino before we even met."

28. "This project broke me emotionally… but in a beautiful way."

29. "Let’s pin it up, step back, and see how it feels."

30. "Let’s give this threshold the attention it deserves."

31. "Each layer is fighting for attention — and I respect that."

32. "Program’s dense, but it flows beautifully."

It’s Still Just Coordination… Probably

33. "Let me show you the as-built conditions."

34. "We removed the walls... and all our boundaries."

35. "It’s not just circulation — it’s choreography."

36. "I don’t need a plan view — I’m good at improvising in section."

37. "That’s not a column — it’s a very strong performance-enhancing vertical gesture."

38. "I just needed to shift the grid a little, and then it all clicked."

39. "We need to revisit this after dark — the light hits better then."

40. "Soft lighting, exposed structure — it just works."

41. "This beam can take a lot of load."

42. "Transitions this smooth should be illegal."

When the Software Breaks (and So Do We)

43. "Let me warm up… my rendering engine is still spinning."

44. "You bring the context — I’ll bring the intervention."

45. "The tension in this space is… intentional."

46. "The plug-in couldn’t handle the curves."

47. "I can’t find the insertion point, but I’m committed now."

48. "I spent all night cleaning the layers."

49. “This add-on makes the work so much easier.”

50. "I extruded it by accident and then fell in love with the form."