Where are the customers?

The need for a specialist to carry out an Architecture and Engineering project is still poorly recognized.

One of the reasons that can cause this “effect” would be the idea that a project is expensive. I can't say that it costs little either, because if we start from the hypothesis that without a project it costs zero, any project costs something. But the truth is that the project of an Architect and an Engineer should cost around 1.5% to 2.5% of the total cost of the work. In addition, the consequence of the existence of a project, in addition to the good performance of your enterprise, generates savings in materials, time and labor. That is, a project costs, but does not cost. And notice that I didn't even get into the positive technical and aesthetic aspects of a well-done project.

At this point I ask myself, why do the citizens of our dear planet still find it expensive to hire specialists?

As incredible as this may seem, I think the main reason people believe in the need for a professional is simply, cultural.

Let me explain: More than 80% of constructions in Brazilian cities are carried out without a project or with a very simple project. Those made only for approval of the work at the city hall. I think everyone knows what I'm referring to. What cannot be considered a project. It's just a document.

Therefore, it is believed, intrinsically in our society, that a project should be simple or non-existent, or even only for high-end projects. It is common to hear around: “Oh, but my brother-in-law's cousin built a “wonderful” house without any project. He designed it himself.” At that moment, I feel like drinking mango milk in front of my grandmother, just to see what happens.

However, the matter is a little more serious, the side effects are perceived in the architectural evolution of cities that is inadequate and practically does not meet the needs of comfort and space of our society.

What I'm really trying to achieve with all this is the dissemination of the necessary knowledge so that there is no doubt that hiring specialized professionals costs little and generates savings. I swear it's true!

To exemplify, the savings generated can be easily observed in two stages. The first stage is in the construction phase: a detailed project, as mentioned above, generates savings in materials, time and labor. The contractor has a more rigorous and precise control of everything that happens in the work and in a documented way, not to mention that a well-done project follows all the technical standards to guarantee a good performance.

The second stage comes with long-term savings, for example: the energy bill will be lower due to the simple fact that your work is located in a more intelligent way and according to the climatic characteristics of the region. The choice of materials and constructive and structural methods end up favoring a more adequate performance for your enterprise and the correct way of execution of the work increases its useful life, reducing the need for renovations and maintenance.

And last, but not least, the project avoids a common phenomenon that is “we solve it at work”. Any lack of detail that must be corrected or created at runtime will be costly and will probably not be an adequate solution. There's no shortage of reasons to hire your dearest professional!

However, something interesting is observed in the midst of all this, those who positively decide to hire an architect/engineer for a project, are in doubt whether to hire only one of the two, or both and in which order this should occur. Truth be told: the two professionals must work collaboratively and simultaneously. However, it all starts with the architectural design.

However, it is necessary to say something that many will not like or agree: Engineers understand little or nothing about Architecture and Architects understand little or nothing about Engineering. However, it is very common to see these two professionals working separately instead of working together. The real truth, my dears, is that these professionals hate each other. Except me.

The architect combines design needs with aesthetics in a harmonious and intelligent way. He knows well how to dimension spaces, volumes, flow of people and the daily functional dynamics of the enterprise. The engineer, in turn, knows well how to marry Architecture within a structural system that meets the minimum technical standards in an economical and intelligent way. I usually say that the engineer does his best, using the minimum necessary for an adequate performance of the enterprise.

It was precisely for this reason that I decided to team up with an architect to open my design office. Here, we carry out the project of your dreams in a synchronized and intelligent way. Be sure to look for a specialized professional. As much as possible, find someone who is passionate about what they do. Like me.