24/07/2026
"If you want to be RICH , don't be an ARCHITECT"
"Wearing suit and tie, designing sky rocketing skyscrapers, supervising a sprawling resort and sketching like Frank Gehry."
This is a delightful story of an Architect who wants to succeed in this industry.
But what's the reality behind this?Can it really be grasp with just having a degree and a license?
In a Philippines setting, if you want to be rich as fu** I would not recommend taking up architecture school if you just want to live the american dream. Better be a medical doctor, a lawyer or an entrepreneur. There's a big chance you'll be a millionaire on these professions.
Why do I say so?
Yes, I am an Architect but I am not RICH.
I finished architecture school for 5 YEARS that cost a lot of penny.
Rendered 3,840 HOURS ( almost 2 years) of diversified training experience.
6 MONTHS of non-stop review and a bunch of money for a decent LAPTOP / DESKTOP to start up.
As I am practicing architecture today.
I do architectural design , accomplished sets of drawings , collaborating to different allied professionals. I've done not so many projects and I really know the struggle of an Architect not having a project nowadays.
The question is, why can't we eagerly charge a fee that is prescribed by the law?
Just for the information of everyone to give you an example. A RESIDENTIAL PROJECT with an architectural and engineering design services,its professional fee is 10% of the total project construction cost. Hence, you're thinking that it would be a lot of money! Yes, literally speaking but the right term is "SULIT NAMAN".
The biggest hindrance to us is that they only know Architects, "DRAWING DRAWING lang"
"Misinformation to clients and homeowners are dragging the profession down."
If an architect charges you a fee for a certain project , please calm yourself and he/she will unveil the details of the contract.
Hindi po yan 50% down payment, 50% upon submission. It comes with different design phases.We cater ethical services and not just a product.
Why an Architect as a profession cannot make you WEALTHY?
Because the construction industry today is full of "FREE - AGENTS". The ones that is catering free design services that's ripping the architecture profession in the Philippines. "Pababaan ang labanan". So how can you charge a 10% if the opposite side is catering a FREE design charge.
But for us keeping the value and worth of our education and profession still stands.
There's a few Architects with their own architectural firm that gets to climb up the hill of success. But mostly and plenty are struggling closing a deal because of those free-agents.
Right information to the clients must come first, we design for the wants and needs considering the client's hard earned money. We are the expert of our field but some keeps exploiting it.
Are there rich Architects? Yes.
But in some cases they are not just an ARCHITECT, they are businessmen, general contractors and might be a heir.
It's more fun the Philippines nga daw. But the reality in the Architecture profession lahat na kalaban mo. Lahat na sila magaling, pinterest and google are the keys!
"Hirap na nga humanap ng client ang Arkitekto, aagawan pa ng ____________."
As I end this, I won't discourage you being an Architect as if it is your PASSION and DREAM.
Go for it and take home the bacon.
But if you're thinking the road to success is easy and "ito ang mag-aahon samin sa kahirapan" , better go with your passion. It's not a poker game 🙂
Be an Architect to inspire. Architecture is about determination , passion and faith.
You'll reap what you sow when the time comes. Kudos!
