If you’ll consider starting salary of an entry-level graduate architect, is taking up architecture worth it? The irony is, it is not proportional to your expenses during college. Taking this career track is quite expensive; from matriculation fees, drawing paraphernalia, decent PC, and even spending a fortune for your caffeine intake. In fact, to be an architect in the Philippines, will require you at least 7 years. (5 years BS Architecture + 2 years Diversified Architectural Experience). I think “architorture” is not solely applicable to your sleepless nights but also to your financial expenses.

I was also given the opportunity to work for an architectural firm. It was not the normal 8-5 job. It was full of OTs and worst, overnights. Unfortunately, I realized that this profession requires long hours but with relatively low compensation. One memorable line I’ll never forget from the CEO of that company is, “If you want to be rich, leave. There is no money in design.”

As I was exposed to real estate development projects, I realized that architects play an important role in the built environment. Since most of the clients prioritize their profit margin so as a result, they stick to cookie-cutter planning. So what if architects become real estate developers? Architects are well-aware of the entire process, construction costing, materials, etc. Besides, design thinking and innovations are skills are competitive advantage for architects. Architects have the untapped potentials and ability to challenge the conventional thinking of the developers.

I like to point out that one thing that architecture school lacks is how to handle business. Architects need not only training for design thinking but as well as management, handling finances, and how to be entrepreneurs. Studying terms such as profit margins, feasibility, and ROI will not cause harm to our profession/practice. Whether we like it or not, design is business. That is the reality.

With this growing interest of “architect as real estate developer” in my mind, I discovered that this is not a fresh concept. Jonathan Segal, is practicing this business model. This approach is where an architect has the ability to become an owner, where any contract between designers, clients, and contractors are eliminated. Brandon Donnelly who trained as an architect realized that he could make more money as a developer. I like how he compared developers as orchestra conductors. They don’t play instruments but instead direct the performance.

Real estate development requires a lot of study, data, and risks. When done right, it is profitable. That is the reason why the richest of our country ventures into this field. If you are visionary, this is an opportunity to have the superiority over the improvement of built environment. This is what our cities need more right now; Developers who care about inclusiveness, community building, and sustainability.