Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Building Your Dream Home in the Philippines: Why Hiring an Architect is the Smartest Decision You'll Ever Make

 One of the biggest expenditures a person can make in their lifetime is constructing a home. Making a home that is special, individual, and indicative of one's values and objectives requires not only a financial commitment but also an emotional and psychological one.

The job of an architect in designing a house extends beyond simply the design stage and includes the building stage as well. The architect is in charge of following industry standards, making sure that the design is carried out as effectively as possible, and making sure that the building is finished on schedule and within the allocated budget.

Working with an architect has several advantages, one of which is their capacity to listen to your demands and create a home that is suited to your particular tastes. They can incorporate their understanding of design and building concepts with their experience and expertise to make your idea a reality. In order to produce a design that is not only beautiful but also practical and effective, they will work with you to comprehend your way of life, the size of your family, and your particular needs.


In addition, architects can assist you in avoiding costly construction-related errors. You may save time and money by having them anticipate potential issues and offer ways to avert them. Additionally, they are able to oversee the entire construction process, ensuring that it is completed with high quality, on time, and within budget.

It is important to keep in mind that constructing a home in the Philippines might be difficult, particularly for people who are unfamiliar with the country's building norms and rules. An architect can help you navigate the procedure and make sure you follow all rules and apply for all essential permits. You'll feel more at ease knowing that your investment is not in danger of being destroyed because it does not adhere to building codes.

Moreover, hiring a professional architect guarantees that you receive the most for your money. They can suggest materials that are not only functional and affordable but also aesthetically beautiful. They may also provide you advice on how to make the best use of your available space and develop designs that are energy-efficient, which will ultimately cost you less money.

Many people may claim (especially in the Philippines) that employing an architect is an unnecessary investment and that they may design and construct their home with the help of amateurs or carpenters. This, however, can be a risky approach that results in poor building, delays, and even legal problems. Non-professionals might be able to offer less expensive prices, but they lack the education and expertise needed to guarantee that the construction is completed to the necessary standards.

ECONOMY 

Although hiring an architect may seem like an additional expense, it is actually an investment that could end up saving you money. Architects have the skills and knowledge necessary to create attractive homes that are also practical and affordable. They can suggest building materials and methods that are strong and energy-efficient, which can lead to significant power bill savings.

Additionally, architects can assist you in avoiding costly errors that could happen during the building process. These errors may cause delays, extra costs, and lowered standards. Working with an architect will help you avoid these blunders and guarantee that the building is done correctly the first time.

The cost of an architect's fees is well worth paying when you take into account the long-term cost savings and the potential risks of not hiring one.

RESALE VALUE

When compared to homes constructed by non-architects, those that are designed and built by architects have a higher after-market valuation. This is due to the fact that architects create homes that are both aesthetically beautiful and useful. They take into account the regional context, the immediate environment, as well as the homeowner's demands and preferences. As a result, the house is distinctive and sticks out in the market.

An architecturally designed home is also more enticing to prospective buyers since it reflects the homeowner's lifestyle and values. Additionally, it is more likely to be free of design defects, which may appeal to buyers seeking high-end properties more.

In short, a home that was designed by an architect has a better resale value, which can increase the return on investment.

Furthermore, architects are artists, and their projects serve as their works of art. Like any other artist, once they become recognized for their own style and identity, it might increase the value of their work. Buildings designed by renowned architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Zaha Hadid, and Bobby Manosa have become cultural icons and draw tourists from all over the world.

Similar to this, a property that was designed by an architect may come to represent that architect's style, increasing its attractiveness and value. Working with architects gives homeowners the chance to design a one-of-a-kind house that stands alone as a piece of art.

Below should be your criteria for making the choice of a DIY, hiring a cheap substitute, or opting for the sure-shot route and more convenient. Heck, it might even give you the best experience, like having your own hair stylist or wedding planner, though it's a far more expensive undertaking.


To sum it all up, building a home in the Philippines is a big investment that needs to be done carefully. Your dream home can be realized with the assistance of an architect, and your investment will be safeguarded. From concept to construction, they may offer vital advice and support while assisting you in avoiding costly errors. Working with a trained architect who has the required knowledge and skills to realize your vision is crucial. Keep in mind that buying a home is an investment in your future and the future of your family as well as a financial one.

Thursday, January 5, 2023

Top 10 Architectural Design Features for Modern Houses in the Philippines

If you want to build a modern house in the Philippines, you can choose from various design possibilities. There are numerous ways to make your modern home unique and adapted to your needs, ranging from environmentally friendly features to lavish comforts. Here are some of the most popular architectural designs for modern houses in the Philippines, focusing on sustainability and elegance. Use These Architectural Designs to Make Your Modern House in the Philippines Stand Out:

  1. Solar panels are a popular choice for modern residences in the Philippines since they provide a clean and renewable source of electricity.  Installing solar panels on your home's roof allows you to generate electricity to run your appliances and lighting. Solar panels are environmentally friendly and cost-effective to lower your energy expenses and carbon footprint.

  2. Rainwater harvesting systems in modern homes: Rainwater harvesting systems gather and store rainwater for usage in your home. This can lessen your dependency on municipal water supplies while also saving you money on your water bills. Rainwater harvesting systems are a sustainable and practical option for modern homes in the Philippines, particularly in areas prone to drought.

  3. Green roofs are a new and environmentally friendly addition to homes in the Philippines, with various advantages. These roofs are covered in flora and plants, which provide insulation, noise reduction, and air purification. Green roofs can minimize runoff and improve the surrounding ecology by absorbing stormwater. These environmentally friendly roofs are also attractive and can be a fantastic addition to any modern home. Green roofs are not only a great way to reduce carbon emissions, but they also help to create a healthier and more vibrant environment for everyone.

  4. Passive cooling systems in modern homes: Passive cooling systems are meant to keep your home cool without the use of air conditioning. They function by utilizing natural cooling strategies such as ventilation, insulation, and shading. Passive cooling systems are a sustainable and energy-efficient option for modern homes in the Philippines, particularly in hot and humid conditions.

  5. Courtyard gardens in modern houses: Courtyard gardens are a prominent feature in modern residences in the Philippines. They give a peaceful and quiet outdoor spot for leisure, entertaining, or cultivating plants. Courtyard gardens can be constructed in a range of styles, ranging from formal to casual, and can be customized to your specific needs.

  6. Rooftop gardens in modern houses: Rooftop gardens are another popular element in modern houses in the Philippines. They add to the outdoor space for relaxing, entertaining, or growing plants. Rooftop gardens are a practical and environmental option because they can help to reduce stormwater runoff and provide insulation.

  7. Energy-efficient appliances and lighting in modern houses: Energy-efficient appliances and lighting are a sustainable and cost-effective option for modern residences in the Philippines. They consume less energy than typical appliances and lighting, which can help you save money on electricity and minimize your carbon footprint. Energy-efficient appliances and lighting are available in a variety of styles and can be customized to your specific needs.

  8. Infinity pools in modern luxury houses: Infinity pools are a luxurious and visually attractive addition to modern residences in the Philippines. They are pools with an edge that appears to flow into the surrounding landscape, giving the appearance of infinity. Because they give a relaxing and delightful outdoor space, infinity pools are a popular choice for modern luxury houses in the Philippines.

  9. Home theaters in modern luxury houses: Home theaters are a luxurious and entertaining amenity for modern residences in the Philippines. They are specific areas built for the best viewing and hearing experience. Because they give a handy and immersive method to view movies and TV shows, home theaters are a popular choice for modern luxury houses in the Philippines.

  10. Technology-integrated study rooms: The pandemic has highlighted the importance of having a dedicated space for remote learning and working in the home. As a result, many modern homes in the Philippines now include technology-enhanced study rooms. These are dedicated places with cutting-edge technology and services to promote online learning and work. High-speed internet, ergonomic furniture, and high-quality audio-visual equipment may be included in technology-integrated study rooms. These qualities can aid in the creation of a pleasant and productive atmosphere for remote learning and working from home. You may ensure that you and your family have the support you need to thrive in the digital age by installing a technology-integrated study room in your modern house in the Philippines.

You could build a unique and individualized place that meets your needs and fits your budget by adding any or all of these architectural features to your modern house in the Philippines. There are various design possibilities to select from, whether you want a sustainable and practical home or a lavish and entertaining residence, or both. You may build the modern home of your dreams in the Philippines with careful planning and the assistance of a knowledgeable architect.

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Affordable Architectural Services in the Philippines

 Are you planning a construction project in the Philippines and seeking an affordable architect? Finding high-quality services at a reasonable price can be difficult, but it is not impossible. Here are some pointers for locating relatively low-cost architectural services in the Philippines:

1. Shop around: Getting quotations from multiple architects is one of the best ways to discover economical architect services. This will give you a fair indication of the pricing range available and assist you in finding the best value for your money. Provide the same information to each architect so that you can compare quotes on a level footing.

2. Consider smaller firms: While larger businesses may have greater resources and knowledge, their costs tend to be higher. Smaller companies may be able to offer more affordable services while still generating high-quality outcomes. Inquire about the skills and qualifications of architects at smaller firms; many of them may have equal or greater experience than those at larger firms.

3. Seek architects with a wide skill set: Some architects may specialize in a specific type of project or have knowledge in specific areas, such as design and construction. You may be able to save money if you can discover an architect with a varied skill set and use them for different elements of your project. If you can locate an architect that is experienced in both building design and construction, you may be able to use them for both services rather than paying two distinct professionals.

4. Don't compromise on quality: While it's crucial to obtain reasonably priced architectural services, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. If choosing the cheapest choice implies sacrificing quality, resist the temptation. It is preferable to invest a bit more in an architect who will provide high-quality work that fulfills your requirements.

5. Negotiate: Don't be scared to haggle with your architect about the pricing. They could be willing to collaborate with you to find a solution that fits your budget. In exchange for a lesser charge, consider proposing to pay a larger deposit or committing to a longer timeline.

By following these recommendations, you may find economical architect's services in the Philippines that match both your needs and your budget. Don't be afraid to shop around and bargain - with a little effort, you may discover the ideal architect for your project at a reasonable price. Happy designing and building with your architect!

Saturday, February 13, 2021

Needs and Options Review

YOUR EXCITING PROJECT

Congratulations! you are about to embark on mixed emotions of joy, excitement, anxiety, and other heightened feelings through-out your project. Now you are not sure where to start or want to start somewhere so here are your guaranteed first steps.

THE PROBLEM

It is not uncommon for people to know they want to do a building project and have thought about it quite a lot – but just don’t know how best to start.

Or worst, launch into an expensive design service without establishing a relationship or worst still, not carefully establish the groundwork for the project.

THE PROMISE

“A surgeon wouldn’t operate without proper diagnosis, so… as professionals, we don’t just draw ahead and explore ideas, there are other critical information to look at before getting excited with ideas”

The initial NEEDS AND OPTIONS REVIEW works in the same way, it will allow you to start an exploration designed to precisely understand your unique requirements and potential roadblocks, then gives:

· Findings and Recommendations
· A Plan to move forward
· A timeline and rough Cost Estimate of what to expect

THE PROCESS

We developed this process while doing some of the most problematic projects that we had over the years. The business and process of designing typically involve a number of groups and a diverse range of people. We saw an issue in these projects of people starting design and construction BEFORE they had fully done their research and homework BEFORE they had critiqued their ideas.

We think this applies to the construction industry. It always happens in residential projects. People are trying to run before they have started walking, most often because many people even without the proper education in design and construction think they know enough and unknowingly becoming arrogant in deciding to or advising others to discount proper planning and hiring professionals. Yes it seems simple, these simple minds make for sophisticated disaster.

The foundations are the most important part of the structure of any building because everything is built on top of it, it’s very expensive to change the foundation once you have started to build upwards. But it’s very easy to change them if they still just lines on paper.

So.. we spend a little more time on the research than other people who rush their clients into designing without proper investigations, diagnostics and come up with the best courses of action to do everything right at the very outset of embarking to design and later build your project.

There are Five important steps in building your project:
  1. Needs and Options Review, the critical first step which this document is trying to advise you to do before anything else.
  2. Schematic Design Phase
  3. Detailed Architectural Design Phase
  4. Construction Documents Phase
  5. Construction Administration Phase
Below, I’ve outlined the first step – what the Needs and Options Review is.

NEEDS AND OPTIONS REVIEW

When considering building a new home, a high-level Needs and Options Review with your architect is the critical first step. Why?
  • Obtain a licensed architect’s opinion on the feasibility of the project – one who is experienced in the type of project that you now want to work on.
  • Produce an outline brief that provides the “DNA” for future work.
  • Discuss the “look and feel” of a potential scheme.
  • Prepare a sketch of a possible layout option.
  • Provide a preliminary program of the timeline.
  • Provide rough estimates ranging from bare finish to top quality finish.
  • Provide options on ways to construct or get the best price quotations from contractors.
  • Provide advice and assistance in applying for permits and funding requests.

A surgeon wouldn’t operate without a proper diagnosis. Prescription without a diagnostics is malpractice. My initial Needs and Options Review works the same way.

It starts a strategy designed to precisely understand your situational requirements, make expert analysis and report findings and recommendations, and a plan to move forward with rough estimates and probable timeline to consider for budgeting your scheduling decisions.

What do you get?

Phase I: Initial Project Inspection, Investigation, and Discussion  = Minimum 2,500 peso for travel costs
  • Meet on-site and Discuss
  • Document site investigation
Phase II: Layout Options Sketches PRICE = Minimum 2,500 peso for On-site or In-person sketches & advice


Friday, April 24, 2020

The Project Planning Workshop

Imagine your dream home - customized for your lifestyle – completed on time and on budget, without the headaches. When you are designing a custom home, every detail matters.
As a professional architect, I care about the integrity of the design and want to guide you through the process.
“If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend the first four hours sharpening the axe” ~Abraham Lincoln
The #1 Project Problem – Projects being handled by the wrong person, not properly planned and designed and going over time and over budget.

On a daily basis, we see people moving projects into designing before the research or the careful attention to one’s unique Needs and Options has even started or has been adequately defined. This is like a doctor starting to prescribe medicine without a thorough diagnosis or in our case of designing and building; we jump ahead at design or worst, to some, jumping to construction from sketches without properly looking at the most essential questions that's needed to be answered for an architect to prescribe solutions.

That is why I created the Project Planning Workshop. Now you have a simple process to help you move the Project Planning or Needs and Options Review Phase.

If you follow this tool, you will reduce project risk and improve project’s design success and do it fast. Once you have understood or have done your homework on all the key ideas below and is confident enough after that, you are ready to move to the Design Phase.

1. Building Project Roadmap
Review the roadmap and identify where you are in your journey and recognize where you are going.

2. Frequently Aked Questions & Should Ask Questions
Questions you need to know about working with an architect and going about your project.

3. Myths and Reality
Some things architects do above and beyond sketches to complete a project.

4. How to Create a Design Brief
Contact your shortlisted architects to start your design process
          5. Budgetary Estimation and Finding the right architect for you.
          Contact your personal architect to work on estimating a reasonable budget estimate. 
6. Readiness Meter
Gauge how ready you are to move to the Design Phase.