On Getting Paid Appropriately

Some clients think that they are being ripped off by their Architects, saying that the legal professional fees being asked for by professionals are too much.

These people don't realize that the fee includes cost of all basic engineering consultants, travel cost, administrative cost and taxes, and the remainder is spread throughout the duration of the project, from design conception (which takes forever), and actual construction (which also takes forever). Add to this the fact that these "clients" think that they own you once you take on their project, calling 24-7, demanding short production time, and demanding long meeting hours.

Hopefully there will be a document or primer someday that will convince people that Architecture and Engineering is both a creative process and scientific process, that is distinct for each project, needs due attention and is not off the shelf in nature. People tend to think that design and construction is merely a simple exercise that is easy to deliver once you select an Architect.

Till then, patience patience patience...

On Meeting with Clients

There are some clients who think that they are the only clients served by their Architects. They schedule meetings like nobody else has their own schedules, hold meetings like there's no tomorrow, and make sure that not a single screw or a single measurement gets unnoticed in one meeting or one sitting.

Maybe I should bring a horn similar to those that is used in basketball games.

"Ok, times up!"

On Doing Site Measurements

There is always one point in an Architect's life where he has to ask why he has to do field measurements, knowing that the project won't be profitable or won't push through in the first place. Or sometimes that Architect will ask himself why he is still doing measurements given his current position in the office or phase in life.

I had to ask that question, since working freelance, I have to represent myself well, so as to make clients believe that I have the resources in order to deliver to them what they want. It's nice that you dress well, drive your own car, talk well and package yourself well. But when it comes down to the nitty gritty measurements, you still do it yourself.

I need an apprentice.

I remember back then overhearing an officemate talk to a client "Ok we will send the documents via messenger." The problem is, that same officemate is the messenger. Talk about representation.

Now I know why there are bosses, lackeys and apprentices. Now I gues its time for me to become the boss of my own office.

Privilege

I gave up my priviledge for free education, so that I will really focus on my thesis, and not take it for granted, and waste the taxpayers' money.

I have been trying to find time to squeeze in government work, private practice and teaching, as well as find the energy to work on my long overdue masters thesis.

Thus, having to shoulder the cost of my own education, I will be forced to really find time for my thesis.

Hopefully this sacrifice will pay off, as I need to move on with other things, and eventually move on academically as well.

On Maintaining a Physically Fit Self

Back then in college we can go on without sleep for days, for me its a maximum of 3 days without sleep, or minimal sleep.

Now I have to face the reality that I need to sleep early, 8 hours a day, and not rely on overnight work and early morning cramming.

Even for field inspections and measurements I have to accept the fact that it is not appropriate that I alone do measurements, keep notes and do all the dirty work.

I think all of these, are the crisis an Architect in his thirties need to address. Now I know why there are bosses, apprentices, and rank and file in the office. As you get older, your projects' sizes increase, your fees increase, but your health decreases.

Clients

There are two types of clients, those who say "Ang mahal naman ng services mo!" or those who say "Antagal naman ng production time for that???". Pero pag me problema na ang bahay nila, sasabihin nila na "Sana kumuha na lang ako ng draftsman sa city hall!". Ngwekngwek...

On Being Active at the UAP

When I started my membership with the UAP, it was just for show and for the IAPOA. Add to that the problem with distance of the UAP GMM venues, and our desire not to be active with the UAP.

Now I am typing the minutes of the meeting as co-secretary for our chapter (my second chapter eventually). It seems you can't escape the fact that you need to be associated with your fellow Architects, belong to a group and be active. And being active as an officer is not that bad and is actually a good thing, so as to be further active in the organization.

Being active also provides a venue for development, and/or reviving of my interest in the profession, as being stuck in a rut most of the time is not healthy...

715AM, Early at the Office, Eating Breakfast

Hello. I am a young Filipino Architect who refuses to follow my contemporaries abroad, hoping to make it here in the Philippines. Feel free to join me as I try to write down what it's like to be a government architect, freelancer, master plumber and masteral student in urban planning, and downright stubborn person who has his usual professional ups and downs.

I hope I can sustain this memoirs, as I have attempted several time to write down how it is to be an Architect, hunting projects, feeling the burn, getting rejection and getting redemption.

Enjoy!!!