LIFE AS A PRACTICING

ARCHITECT
introduction

What I am going to talk about Today

i.
ii.

My personal journey practicing as an Architect

Not necessarily the correct way to do things but I
hope it will give you some perspectives on what
some of you will experience when you graduated
later on.

Topic to Cover
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

My Background
Life in JKR
Life running My Own Practice
How to be the Head of the Team
How to get Projects and to bring in the Money
What the Future has in store for you ?

1.My Background

Part 1 in Nottingham University UK (Bachelor of

Arts)
One Year Practical Training in Hijjas Kasturi KL
Part 2 in Nottingham University UK (Bachelor of
Architecture)
Work in JKR
Part 3 while practicing in JKR
Work as a partner in a Private Practice
Work as a sole proprietor

2.Life in JKR (Jabatan Kerja Raya)

i.
ii.

Working in Cawangan Bangunan (Building Department)

Type of Projects we were involved in (various ministries)
The Organization Structure of Cawangan Bangunan (HQ
and State levels)
The Pros and Cons of working in JKR
*
Some examples of projects done in JKR
In-house Design : either standard design or new design
External Design : design done by external architects, we
monitor and supervise

3.Life Running My Own Practice

i.
ii.
iii.

i.

i.

Arkitek Rekabina Sdn Bhd (body corporate)

Structure of the firm (partners and branches)
Marketing strategy
Pros and Cons
*
NA Architect (partnership)
Pros and Cons

Subki Ahmad Architect (sole proprietorship)

Pros and Cons
*

4.How To Be the Head of the TEAM

i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.

Why do we need to lead the team?

What are the Qualities needed to be the Head of the Team?
Knowledge : Design. Structure. M&E. Cost. Maintenance
Honesty
Integrity : great power come with great responsibilities
Communication : visually and verbally
Sense of Humour
Confidence
Commitment
Creativity : in solving problems of your design during
construction

5.How to get Projects and bring in

Money

i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.

There are many ways to get Projects :

Inheritance
Friends and Colleagues
Competitions. Local and Overseas
Associations (in everyday life as well as professionally)
*
Write articles or books
Doing a lot of Charity works
Political Parties
Create Projects for potential clients or create your own Projects

* REPEAT CLIENTS

5.How to get Projects and bring in the

Money
* NO POINT IN GETTING A LOT OF PROJECTS IF YOU
CANNOT GET PAID FOR IT.
i.

ii.

iii.

iv.

Get a good accountant or a good personal assistance

to chase the payment
Make sure you get your appointment letter upfront,
the fee and payment mode clearly outline according
to stage of work. (never do work on success basis)
Most companies are not efficient in invoicing the
reimbursables. (mainly focus on fee)
Know when to stop work. (act within the contract)

6.What the Future has in store for You

i.

ii.
iii.
iv.

Globalization opening of our door to other countries to do business here.

We must become world class architects in order to compete against the cheaper
workforces from the emerging markets and financially savvy mega consultancies
We must go abroad and do work in other countries
Extinction no more architectural profession?
RIBA think tank Building Futures new survey on what will architecture profession look like
in 2025 proposed the following if we are to remain relevance :
architecture firms have to focus on a financial and business approach rather than
predominantly design-led offices
in addition to financially literacy, the client-savvy architect must be able to see beyond
building a building and offer a service that embraces the clients broader aim
becoming a problem solver as well as a designer
According to RIBA those that will survive are :
Small local general practice
International star architects
Specialist niche practices
Traditional regional delivery driven practice

Questions and Answers

THANK YOU

Pros and Cons of Body Corporate

The firm has several directors. Each director can be

assigned to a specific task (design director, marketing
director, financial director etc.)
The firm can be operated in a fairer manner. (i.e. not
at the whim and fancy of one person). Everything will
be discussed and agreed by all the directors.
Many directors means more ideas, can be good and
can be bad.
Everything must be clearly defined to avoid
misunderstanding.
*

Pros and Cons of a Partnership

Almost similar to Body Corporate. except it is not

governed by Company Acts.
*

Pros and Cons of Sole Proprietor

Decision can be very fast. You can do almost

anything that you believed in (firm vision and
mission) without having to worry about what
others think.
All the risk are yours and all the money are yours
too.
Unfortunately there will not be checks and
balances
It is very lonely sometimes. Nobody to share your
ideas and problems with within the firm
*

Pros and Cons working in JKR

It is a very good training ground. There are so many types of

projects. You can handle the project from A to Z with a lot of
experience seniors that can guide you.
You can make mistakes without many grave repercussions.
You will understand how Government Agencies and Local
Authorities functions.
Good contacts for your future if you decide to practice on your own
Not much money. Not much advancement in your career. End up
doing more administrative works not related to architecture.
Too big an organization and too many red tapes to handle
*

Hunter and Partners

Based in London
100 over architects
Huge experiences
Latest designs input
Proven building designs, working drawings, details
and specifications
*