Architecture is a wonderfully complex career. It demands an intellect, temporal stamina and problem solving ability of the most creative minds. Being profitable is important and emerging professionals want to generate personal wealth. However the sheer complexity of the architecture profession may be overlooked by the general public. When the architect fails to inform the client of this complexity, that is when she or he delivers a fee schedule that falls short of reality. Often the result is telling the client that the project will cost [x] dollars, but because projects last for years and there are inherent roadblocks along the way, the architect ends up investing personal time to make up for the unaccounted complexity.

 

Although I am merely an underling in my current road to licensure, I can provide one bit of insight for how to manage this. Track your own past projects for time/cost and read building journals to uncover the cost of building types, size and location, then develop a general understanding of what types of expenses a client *might* expect from their vision. But inform them that these numbers cannot be fully realized until far into the project. There are roadblocks, unforeseen code compliance issues, city officials, community organizations, water mains – all of these and more that will substantially and unexpectedly increase time/cost.

 

And the most important aspect of all of this – out of left field – that will provide each designer the status they desire: design within the context of the surrounds. Too often, with computer technology, designers fail to include or see where the doors are into the building next door. This will gain the designer respect in the community, making those community organizations and officials more accommodating.

Life Management Strategy
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