HeadNotes
Architecture, Technology and the World
Outsourced Architectural Services
August, 2020
Design firms have long been outsourcing drafting jobs to freelancers, as “side work”.
An acceptable practice.
However, some situations create serious conflicts of interest when the freelancers are - in fact, employed by another professional firm, practicing the same line of work.
There is a need - which can be attributed to a variety of factors:
The high cost of maintaining regularly employed drafters and other relevant workers. A hard pill to swallow for most struggling design firms.
Overhead, from paperclips and energy costs to digital equipment, software, and health insurance.
Design Professionals sometimes experience slow seasons.
Employees need to be let go, most times. continuity suffers.
An open-ended relationship between the Design Professional and Outsource Contractors eliminates this problem.
There is no commitment beyond each Contract. But there is THAT choice.
There is no conflict of interest since NDAs and client-specified boundaries are normally included in proposals and documents, for each Contract entered.
The current global constraints on how we do our jobs have exposed us to new techniques, ways, and means.
Demands have evolved - and will continue to do so, but there will always be our solution.
We can choose to be progressive.
We can let go of old habits, evolve, and bravely step into the future of design processes.
This applies to several areas of architectural service.
Survey and documentation.
Visualizing design concepts.
Translating concepts into 3D digital models
Code analysis.
Construction documents.
Construction administration.
Review of RFIs and shop drawings.
As-Built Drawings and Documentation.
So, why not?
Outsourced services are meant to complement and support the traditional workforce – not replace it.
The demand is real to modify the way we deliver and perform what is required from us.
Do We Dare?
The First
July 20, 2020
At a time when microorganisms have the power to dictate economies, transform entire cultures, and reconfigure the way businesses operate, we realize that Architecture is but a speck of a microcosm.
Humbling.
Challenging, nonetheless.
What was once considered as unacceptable operational practices - such as electronic signatures, video conferences, and outsourcing facets of architectural services, are now part of our “new normal”.
Soon, this can possibly be a standard.
The same way VR architecture will plausibly be a regular occurrence. Soon.
A vital tool for decision making and our entire design process.
Are we ready for tomorrow?
Coming Soon
VR/AR Architecture
coming soon
VR/AR in Architecture
Addressing tight, limited spaces
coming soon
Smol, Tiny, Slim - addressing tight, limited spaces
Shop Drawings
coming soon
Drawings - Shops
As-Built Drawings
coming soon
Drawings - As Built
CaddConstruct offers consultancy services to those looking to have flexibility in their staffing.
Services include the production of conceptual 2D and 3D drawings, project management and construction administration.
FR Acuña is the driving force in the studio's streamlined approach in electronic drawing production and construction administration. With vast experience in design and construction project management capacities, the review of shop drawings - as well as all the different facets of architecture, is second nature to this Philippine-born New Yorker. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas and another in Computer-Aided Design and Drafting from Ateneo de Manila University, FR pursued further Urban Planning studies at the National University of Singapore. After six years in Singapore, moved on with the career adventure to New York where FR specialized in Transit Architecture - including various subway and above-ground train stations; Forensic Architecture; Exterior restoration and repair of pre-war and post-war buildings; and Project Management with a focus on construction services.
In October 2010, after over 20 years of experience, FR ventured into private practice in New York, fuelling the original studio with its first two clients. After two months, the studio found new clients in old professional friends and saw the completion of the original website featuring its background and services.
March 2011 was when services were extended to Maryland, eventually venturing into metal/steelworks in 2017.
In 2018, CaddConstruct explored design options for built-in, energy harnessing modules in prototype houses. These are systems that are meant to help hurricane-ravaged areas in rebuilding their communities.
Today, CaddConstruct moves forward and maintains ties with its New York City roots while catering to its new network in Northern Virginia and Florida.