Why should you hire an architect? EP 6 Ft. Ar. Varun Tandon| BuildMate Podcast with Rishabh Aggarwal
Summary
TLDRIn this episode of the Buildmate Podcast, host Varun Tandon, an experienced architect, discusses his journey in the field, focusing on residential architecture and building flows. He emphasizes the importance of architects in foreseeing future needs and collaborating with structural engineers. Tandon outlines the comprehensive services architects provide, from consultancy to interior design, and the types of drawings essential for a project. He also addresses how to choose the right architect, the benefits of having a team of vendors, and the challenges of balancing client desires with practical design. The conversation touches on cost-effective construction, green building concepts, and the role of architects in creating sustainable and efficient living spaces.
Takeaways
- 😀 The guest, Varun Tandon, is an architect with a focus on residential architecture and building flows, having worked for about five years.
- 🏢 Varun works with a firm called Fair Build, which is also known for its informative Instagram page.
- 🔍 Architects foresee and solve design issues, such as structural and utility planning, which can be complex for those without experience.
- 🏗️ The services of an architect include consultancy, structural consultancy, preparing drawings, and obtaining licenses for construction projects.
- 📚 Types of drawings provided by architects range from structural and electrical to plumbing, and even include elevation and interior design details.
- 🤝 Choosing the right architect often relies on referrals and personal visits to their projects to assess their design style and suitability.
- 🏡 The role of an architect extends beyond design to becoming a part of the client's family, guiding them through the building process.
- 🌿 Green architecture is gaining importance, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability from the construction phase itself.
- 💰 Reducing the cost of housing involves innovative materials and methods, such as IPC flooring, and considering vernacular construction techniques.
- 📋 The Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is crucial for budgeting and includes detailed specifications of materials, brands, and grades to avoid cost overruns.
- 💼 Hiring an architect may seem costly, but the value they bring to a project in terms of design, problem-solving, and cost management outweighs the expense.
Q & A
What is Varun Tandon's educational background in the field of architecture?
-Varun Tandon has a bachelor's degree from the School of Planning and Architecture, and a master's degree in interior designing from Ansel University.
How long has Varun Tandon been working in the field of architecture?
-Varun Tandon has been working for roughly five years in the field of architecture.
What is the name of the firm Varun Tandon works with, and what is its focus?
-Varun Tandon works with a firm called Fair Build, which focuses on residential architecture and building flows.
What are the core services provided by an architect according to Varun Tandon?
-The core services provided by an architect include architectural consultancy, structure consultancy, preparing drawings, and working on electrical and plumbing plans, among others.
What types of drawings does an architect typically provide for a house plan?
-An architect typically provides working drawings such as slab, electrical, plumbing, floor plans, window and door details, and elevation details.
How does one choose the right architect for their building needs according to Varun Tandon?
-Choosing the right architect is often based on referrals and personal visits to their projects to see if the design and feel align with the client's preferences.
What is the role of a structural engineer in relation to an architect's work?
-A structural engineer works closely with the architect, providing expertise on structural matters and helping to prepare structural drawings.
How does Varun Tandon approach the integration of Vastu principles in his architectural designs?
-Varun Tandon keeps Vastu principles in mind and tries to integrate them into his designs, but also balances them with the client's requirements and preferences.
What are some ways to bring down the cost of housing construction as discussed by Varun Tandon?
-Some ways to reduce construction costs include using vernacular construction methods, innovating with materials like IPC flooring, and utilizing factory-manufactured components for construction.
What is the process of creating a Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for a construction project?
-Creating a BOQ involves specifying all materials, including brand and grade, and considering factors like freight charges. It should be detailed and comprehensive to provide a clear cost estimate.
What is the myth about hiring an architect being costly, and how does Varun Tandon respond to this?
-The myth is that hiring an architect is costly, but Varun Tandon suggests that the cost of not hiring an architect can be higher due to potential mistakes and inefficiencies in the construction process.
What is Varun Tandon's outlook on the real estate market for 2023?
-Varun Tandon's outlook for the real estate market in 2023 is stable, suggesting that it will neither be overly bullish nor bearish.
Outlines
🏗️ Introduction to Varun Tandon's Architectural Expertise
Varun Tandon, an architect with a background in planning and interior design, shares his experience in the field. He has been working for about five years and specializes in residential architecture, focusing on building flows. Varun works with a firm called Fair Build and emphasizes the importance of architects in foreseeing future needs and resolving construction issues. He outlines the various services an architect provides, including structural consultancy, preparing drawings, and obtaining licenses.
🤝 Choosing the Right Architect and Their Role
The discussion highlights the importance of referrals in selecting an architect and the ethical constraints against marketing endorsements. Varun explains that architects should be involved in the entire construction process, from design to completion, and become a part of the client's family. He also touches on the balance between following vastu principles and meeting client expectations, emphasizing the need for architects to guide clients while respecting their wishes.
🏘️ Reducing Housing Costs and Construction Innovations
Varun discusses the government's efforts to reduce housing costs and the importance of innovation in construction methods. He mentions historical examples like IPC flooring and the shift from on-site casting to factory-made components. Varun suggests that vernacular construction, which uses local materials, could be a cost-effective approach and should be considered in urban settings. He also addresses the increased complexity of modern houses compared to traditional ones.
🌿 Green Architecture and Material Selection
The conversation delves into green architecture, starting from construction practices to energy-efficient systems. Varun explains that green buildings require a holistic approach, including site preparation and the use of solar energy. He also discusses the decision-making process for a Bill of Quantities (BOQ), which involves considering factors like material grade, brand, and additional costs. Varun emphasizes the importance of detailed planning to manage construction costs effectively.
💰 The Cost of Hiring an Architect and Market Outlook
Varun addresses the myth that hiring an architect is costly, arguing that the cost of not hiring one can be higher due to potential mistakes and inefficiencies. He also discusses the real estate market's future, predicting stability for 2023 and advocating for real estate as a long-term investment. The podcast concludes with a reflection on the conversation and a promise of future discussions.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Architect
💡Interior Designing
💡Consultancy
💡Elevation
💡Vastu
💡Bill of Quantities (BOQ)
💡Turnkey Projects
💡Green Building
💡Vernacular Construction
💡Referrals
💡Innovation
Highlights
Varun Tandon, an architect with a background in interior designing, discusses his expertise in residential architecture and building flows.
Tandon emphasizes the importance of architects in foreseeing future needs and resolving construction challenges, such as pipe passage issues.
Services provided by architects include consultancy, structural consultancy, and preparation of various architectural and interior design drawings.
Architects are responsible for the entire scope of a project, from structural and electrical drawings to elevation and interior design.
Choosing the right architect involves referrals and assessing their past work to ensure their design style aligns with the client's vision.
Tandon explains the role of architects in managing client expectations and balancing practicality with design aspirations.
The discussion touches on the importance of architects working with structural engineers and the ethical considerations of professional endorsements.
Tandon shares insights on the process of building, from the initial client relationship to the completion of the construction phase.
The concept of architects becoming part of the client's family during the design process is highlighted as a key aspect of the profession.
Vastu and its integration in modern architecture is discussed, with Tandon sharing his approach to balancing traditional principles with client satisfaction.
The government's efforts to reduce housing costs and the role of architects in innovating cost-effective construction methods are examined.
Tandon suggests returning to vernacular construction methods and using local materials as a way to reduce construction costs.
The conversation explores the increased complexity of modern houses compared to old houses and the impact on sustainability and maintenance.
Green buildings and their focus on energy efficiency, solar power, and sustainable construction practices are discussed.
Tandon explains the process of creating a Bill of Quantities (BOQ), including considerations for material grades and brand specifications.
The podcast addresses the myth that hiring an architect is costly, with Tandon arguing the value of professional expertise in project success.
The future of the real estate market in 2023 is predicted to be stable, with Tandon advising long-term investment strategies in real estate.
Transcripts
hi and welcome to the buildmate podcast
he's a dear friend as well and his core
area of expertise is too fast
multifaceted actually Consulting
building
good to have you here awesome to have
you today with us uh would you like to
tell us something about your experience
so my name is Varun Tandon as uh which
we already mentioned and I'm an
architect I've done my bachelor's from
school of planning and architecture
fairness and I've done my masters in
interior designing from Ansel University
okay so it's been about
roughly about five years since I've
started working okay so I work with a
firm name called Fair build yeah this
guy Instagram page beer videos and
there's a lot of knowledge out there uh
is there a core area of expertise that
you uh enjoy in your own field and we'll
see I try to
I try to work towards the best in
architecture so the core area that I
Target is majorly residential and uh
residential basically and build a flows
that's where I try to Target okay that's
where you're doing the uh floors where
you're building and you're selling them
off yeah so you're working as a builder
and an architect okay great uh
first season may I met a structural
engineer right
structure engineers
and I think that holds for your
profession as well right
why should somebody hire an architect
with Architects what what we do is we
foresee what is going to be next like uh
I'll just give you a very small example
on this
relatively some somebody was building
their home
they got stuck on one thing please
let the pipe pass through
he has more experience with working with
ac5 so we'll do it yeah and then foreign
ER
somebody who doesn't have the experience
this is this is a very small exam yeah
that I give what are the services uh
that fall under the purview of an
architect
okay if you're going uh for architecture
concern consultancy yes a hardcore
consultancy we do we the structure
consultancy is also included in our
scope only so we are the ones uh
communicating with the structure
consultant and preparing the drawings
okay and after that the work in drawings
electrical drawings Plumbing drawings uh
if I if I go deeper into architecture
then there's elevation uh elevation kit
designs what we can what we can try out
and probably listening of the plans
getting the licenses and everything that
is our scope okay
and if you move towards the interior
design then obviously interior working
Trends as well okay and that brings me
to the next question what are the types
of drawings that an architect provides
in the entire plan of the house
types of drawings of
it's majorly working drawings only so
starting from slab electricals to
Plumbing where each and every pipe has
to go from rain water pipes to supply
pipes to waste pipes waste pipes
how much load that bathroom is taking if
you if you notice all the commercial
projects commercial projects are they
actually have calculations in the
calculations that you have to calculate
the foot the footfall of the area then
according to that you have to calculate
how many urinals you're going to give
them wow yeah so
there are really small nitty-gritty
details also talking about drawings
again Electrical Plumbing uh structure
drawings goes through us then the floor
plans how the spatial planning should be
done window details door details
elevation details these are the a few
number of drawings that we usually okay
again
all through the reference right
how does one decide that who is the
right fit for their home or their
building need how to choose you know
who's the right architect for their home
see
our our profession is all about
referrals only uh business all about
referral simply so first of all the
referral sense our hair referenced it's
better to go to that person first
because you're not allowed to do
marketing yeah marketing endorsements
all such things are ethics don't allow
it professional course if you actually
do that COA has the right to cancel a
license oh so if you notice my Instagram
page is not about endorsements are not
about promoting a certain product or
promoting my design it's about
information yeah
that's knowledge sharing yeah so uh
after reference probably you should
notice what their designs are all the
three Architects keep their designs
together roam around their projects once
and see if you like if you like the look
and feel that product of you like
roaming around their project
see the that is it and on the basis of
that you have to take a call whether you
want to hire that architect or not do
you think it is beneficial for me to go
with somebody who has a team of vendors
with them do you think I need to look at
the number of years of experience
foreign
I know what you mean very nice uh
can you guide us through the process of
building or
once you do that is
relationship with the client when does
it start and in your purview of the job
via construction stage where does it end
see we try to stick as long as possible
with the client
decisions
so we don't leave that hand until they
are finished okay uh roughly tentatively
a project inside maximum to them to the
max okay I'm talking about residential
project commercial projects take even
more time
in this journey that he has started you
have to you have to be with them during
this journey so one of my mentors so he
told me once came
again
family Architects
our design process
you kind of become a part of their
family right and that is what we try to
achieve with our training
we give the best possible thing they
want yeah uh family friend we were
talking about when he was building his
own um
you know he came out with them and he
said yeah
you know so I'm creating two guest
bedrooms I'm creating a TV room I'm
creating a I don't know activity room
and you know I'm doing everything for
the kids
that is where the architect comes in and
he he tries to control that fomo
that's like my idol project now which I
foresee well designed
um vastu Pro
against
very sensitive equipment
that my mother is seeing this podcast
then I have to say Pro okay
what do you think but there's a thin
line there's a thin line yeah you have
to at times uh follow us
as much as possible but as per the
clients whatever
sometimes sometimes okay sometimes okay
and but you we would rather make it all
was to prove for your clients so that no
satisfaction yes
but you must have done homes for people
who don't care much about vastu and
they're happy in their houses but I tend
to keep that thing in mind okay the
basic the basics
that's there uh
there is a whole push from the
government today about getting into
basically Bringing Down the cost of
housing
is
they've been trying to bring a
constructed home to all individuals in
India right
values
expectations now how does one actually
in today's environment inflated
especially raw material how does one
bring down their cost of housing today
see this thing this has been going for
ages now later
he also read that rnl will cost housing
mother there are a lot of housings okay
low cost terms
a few of them were successful a few of
them burned
me if you talk about bringing down the
cost of construction then I think you
should go back to the independence then
the government didn't have money yeah so
they came up with different things they
started innovating like IPC flooring
it's Indian potato cement flooring so
that flooring was basically cement a
layer of cement on the floor
by adding marble chips to it okay if you
still go to Old independent hierarchy
buildings or government buildings
oh and that is very long lasting
yeah this these are the things that
brings down the costing not compromising
on the structure at all uh initially
College of buildings everything was done
on site right uh casting beside paper
concrete
foreign
now things are being manufactured in a
factory and brought to the site are
installed and
and maybe it is inflation over the time
but do you think if we actually fall
back to the same methods because
vernacular okay vernacular construction
is basically using the raw materials
that is around you okay just say if I go
to an Old Village or some place
construction is very different from what
is happening here if you bring that
vernacular touch
plastered walls
and I think these Concepts should be
brought
two bigger cities now
that way we should learn from these
actually
Italian florins right
um
modern housing versus old houses like we
were just discussing
um I've seen that there is a lot of lot
more systems required to support a
modern house
compared to an old house do you think
it's the house or do you think it's the
people in it
is
I don't know so do you think the
requirement has gone up or do you think
that everybody everybody
foreign
people try to as in try to move out of
their area
we get the we get the best of things for
ourselves
yeah and how useful it is to you and
yourself honestly speaking when does
they have to sell their material yeah
they will never tell them the downsides
or anything like that
it eats into the hardware it eats into
the electronics it eats eats into a lot
of systems and India has a lot of dust
you need to see the practicality of that
system working into our environment
uh we are moving towards a carbon
neutral scenario across the globe in
fact there is a push from the Indian
government also that you know by a
certain amount of years we have to
reduce carbon emissions uh you're
looking at Green buildings conceptually
at least
I don't know if that is the gist of it
or maybe they've done something for it
see everybody has their own take on it
with green buildings the process starts
right from the construction bit the
simple shortest example when I was when
I just started reading the Green
Building
so at the entry you should have two
puddles filled with water
so once the truck leaves those key
s
that is where the green architecture
element starts from
green architecture you're focusing yeah
building with the cube there are a lot
of things one can focus on article
air conditioned systems
they are energy efficient more than that
if you put solar plants and grid payoff
transfer careers are electricity there
is or there are all bells and whistles
that you can find but obviously green
architecture such things come with the
cost as well
um since this is a more from at least
from my end it's a very material Centric
podcast that I'm doing so just a minute
I I want to come back to that and I want
to ask you how you how basically do you
decide on a boq of materials how they
how do you basically convertki konsa
Steel
cement concrete grade XYZ and building
on how do you come about cpuq the full
term as Universe bill of quantities you
have to add everything
when I give it to the client there are a
lot of things that one has to look at
the brand the grade that you mentioned
and all these grades uh they're a basic
Norm that you have to follow like in
today's day when I talk to my structure
consultant so there is a certain kg of
Steel you have to put per square feet
for the structure to sustain it okay and
over that is your wish if you want to
make a better structure for yourself but
below that is a risky situation so
equals
steel Fe 500 or SC 550d which one which
one we want to use cement OPC or PPC 43
grade or 53 grid yeah there are a lot of
things a bill of quantities means these
things have to be clearly mentioned
starting from with cement we are using
the company name the brand name upper
supposedly
people often tend to forget certain
really small costs Freight charges
that is
what do you think you can actually
tightly budget your boq at the very
beginning
but do you think if that you budgeted
properly at the very beginning that will
make a difference with somebody uh in in
terms of bringing the cost down uh well
Architects try to try and do that but if
the owner wants to switch to a higher
grade then searching is different yeah
yeah that is a different thing all
together but yes there is a there is a
10 to 20 margins okay usually okay
so that is that is what if you talk
about TurnKey projects there are certain
clients who come in and they're like
okay and if he if he give them a boq or
a budget on the basis or a contract
basically on the basis of that then usme
up they want everything
but at the same time they don't want to
spend so I think what we came up with
the solution for that was that we work
on percentage basis there
that will help you with everything you
give us whatever you ten percent
whatever we discuss on you give us that
public
so there is there is a solution to
everything
okay uh in terms of that what about the
myth which says you know hiring an
architect is very costly do you agree
with that
now I know you're an Architects
but do you agree with this is
so the cost of not hiring and not hiring
an architecture
okay agreed so a real estate market
future 2023 bullish
stable stable
that sounds like a very honest answer uh
real estate as an investment not 2003
long term
real estate has always been good for
long term so the order is being good
that's true
right that is something
very nice very very nice uh boss it was
wonderful to actually have a sit down
with you and talk to you thank you for
coming around thank you for having me I
will keep on bugging you by the way this
is not done foreign
next session we'll schedule it soon and
uh thank you for coming thank you for
your time thank you for having me
awesome man awesome
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