19/10/2024
Why I say architects are undervalued.
The story of 31,000 square feet built-up area on a 5,100 square feet plot.
Since I work in redevelopment, I deal with ambitious developers on a regular basis. Redevelopment predominantly takes place in the prime areas of a city, where the sale prices are usually on the higher side. This has opened up avenues for budding developers to expand their business manifold, by being able to acquire numerous projects.
While the constraints of space coupled with the construction laws make it a ropewalk to design a plan that will make the occupants happy, provide a good sale area for the developer, and be legal in all its respects; it is commonplace that the developer doesn't see it that way. There comes someone who counts everything in square feet, regardless of how much effort has gone into that layout.
Recently, one of my newer clients brought me an enquiry wherein he had already committed a generous offer to the society members. Based solely on the numerical feasibility of the plot, it seemed. Now the challenge I was faced with was to provide close to 22,000 square feet carpet area on a 5,100 square feet plot. In Pune. Where the FSI isn't all that tall.
Being me, I made it happen. I presented a 2B+Shop+13 floors design along with its permission readiness, parking, two sizeable elevators, an airy lobby, the works. With no compromise on the room sizes for the 2BHK & 3 BHK layout with duplex possibility. All this on a 54'X95' plot. It was appreciated by one and all.
The fun started when the client insisted that I work for a fee which was close to half of what I had quoted. Imagine that, half. I asked them why they think it is justified, to which they said their other architect charges that much. Frankly, I care not even if he does it for free. When I make the impossible possible, I expect to be remunerated in proportion if not more, and definitely not half my usual fee.
When I told the director that this complicated design means me having to explain it to various city engineers, fire officers, all the consultants, and any others right until the final certificate is received; and that I do not expect to be bargained with; I was told that this is the project budget.
OK, I'll bite. I said I'll work at this amount, I'll reduce my scope of work by half. This was not acceptable to the client.
For the closing argument, I told the client that the money he was offering was equivalent to the salary of my junior architect who would be working on his project for the duration of it. Which means I earn nothing in the three year commitment to the most complicated project yet, which was possible only because of my design skills, which means it becomes a net loss venture for me.
The ball is now in his court.
I will never work for an amount lesser than what I feel myself worthy of; and any money that brings a headache with it is not worth the effort.
