The Value of Good Design Services

• 31 December 2015
• Local News
• 983 Views

Q&A: THE VALUE OF GOOD DESIGN SERVICES

It happens far too often in Cambodia: build-find faults-demolish-build again-find other faults tear it down again. It’s a nightmare for all involved, and usually a result of buildings going up without owners using expert architectural and design services. These projects almost never come in on budget or on schedule.

Many project owners complain about the headaches and cost overruns, but still too many are reluctant to hire professionals since they worry the costs are too high.

Sin Sochiet, managing director of Group Four Architects & Engineers, a leading local consultancy, told Construction & Property Magazine that the amount paid for professional services is much smaller than what an owner will lose when a project goes wrong.

What kind of changes have you seen in design and architectural services in Cambodia during the current construction boom?

Business opportunities in architecture are growing in Cambodia, and many architectural firms and consultants have begun offering services. But competition is tough. Previously, one firm might have designed 10 projects a year; now 10 firms compete for only one project in year. Now we see more firms paying more and more attention to safety standards and codes.

What percentage of projects use professional designs to draw up construction plans?

Many clients now understand the role architects play with their projects. In addition, the law requires that architects do design for construction, and now almost 100 percent of projects are designed by architects. However, regulations say buildings built with temporary materials do not require an architect for the design. And the definition of temporary materials is not clearly explained.

What are the risks of not using proper drawing services?

A project owner always looks for beauty, prestige and effectiveness of his building and looks for a reasonable project budget to achieve good results. Clients don’t want headaches, they want to see a project run smoothly. Professional architects will provide services so all those requirements are met. Moreover, professional architects can look beyond all that, considering a building’s effect on the surrounding community and society. Without professional architects, these things would never happen.

What are the issues that have to be considered in the planning stage to minimize the risk of errors in the design?

Usually, a client explains the function of the building and architect designs the building’s form and structure. It is important that architects study all the requirements, standards, codes and surrounding conditions of the project location before designing the project. Mistakes or errors can happen, but they should be minimized.

How about the costs of these kinds of professional services? Are they out of reach for many owners?

If a client invests in professional architectural services, the project is more likely to succeed and the owner will save a lot of money on the project. But, if the client does not hire a professional architect, difficulties, mistakes and errors are usually the result and ultimately, client will spend a lot more.

Are there local firms which offer these services and can they compete with foreign firms offering similar services?

My firm, Group Four Architects & Engineers, is one local firm offering these kinds of professional services. We usually compete with international firms for projects.

Regarding architecture and design consultancies in Cambodia, have you noticed specific strengths and weaknesses?

The quality of expertise is improving, but codes, standards and laws are still lacking. It is difficult to provide consultancy services in the country with this kind of situation.

Since Cambodia doesn’t have design and architect codes itself yet, what are the codes that designers and architects follow now?

Right now, we usually agree with the client on standards and codes to follow. Standards and codes from Singapore, the US and the UK are commonly used.

ASEAN economic integration is less than two years away. How will it affect the construction market and those providing designing and architectural services in Cambodia? How should they prepare now to strengthen their position beforehand?

The opportunities will be to expand architecture services, gain more knowledge transfer, provide better services to compete with others, and more job opportunities. At the same time big challenges will arise. Domestic Cambodian architects will be competing with international firms. It is necessary for our architects to build their own capacity, get familiar with international design standards and be ready to compete with the international community.

Now the Board of Architects of Cambodia is calling for local designers and architects to register with them to be officially recognized by the government. What do you think of this move?

It is a very good start. The board will play an important role regulating architects and architectural firms. This will bring architecture on the right track.