Throughout the years, I have encountered quite a few clients who request that our design fee to be either:
- Waived / done for free
- Or if we can design first and the payment to follow, ONLY AND IF they approve of the design.
Please do not do this.
We study for 5 years to obtain a BS Architecture degree, spend years as an apprentice while studying for the board exam that we also spend restless nights reviewing for, in hopes of passing the first time.
It took a lot of money, time, experience, perseverance, hardwork and sweat to finally be a licensed Architect
So please be kind by not requesting for free services. Just as doctors, lawyers and engineers, we also deserve our professional fees.
WHY SHOULD YOU INVEST IN AN ARCHITECT?
Architects wear many hats as they are responsible for many roles, even during and after construction. Most people aren’t aware that Architects don’t just design. There is a huge difference between a Designer and an Architect. An Architect is not just focused on the design but the structural and foundation integrity of the structure as well. They must take several technical aspects into consideration to ensure that the design is not just possible and safe, but also conforms to the building laws of the Philippines. Architects also consult and work along with the technical expertise of other Designers and Engineers. These consultations with other specialized experts also have a fee.
I always tell our clients that getting an Architect is a smart move.
References:
Architect, Designer, Draftsperson: Who should I work with?