If your staff is stretched thin, like Reed’s, you can hand off the on-the-ground stuff. But make sure you trust your collaborators fully and stay in close touch with them. “We try to maintain an active part” in the physical shaping of the buildings, says Reed.
8. Getting paid is tricky
Answer: True
On this one the verdict is unanimous: It’s hard to get paid, so be very, very careful about who you work for. Of course, the better your local contacts, the easier it will be to assess a potential client’s reputation. Be willing to enter into extended negotiations before signing a contract to ensure that it’s fair and that everyone agrees on the deliverables. Or you could propose a “trial run,” an initial, short commission?say, three months—to develop a master plan for a project while deciding whether the relationship is going to be a good one.
Although it’s easier said than done, make sure to keep business realities at the front of your mind. “We try not to fall in love with a really exciting project until we have a better understanding of its true [financial] potential,” says Taylor. Finally, try to get money up front?also easier said than done. “The clients are pretty good at finding a way around that,” Perkins admits.
9. If you haven’t worked in China yet, you should get on a plane today
Answer: False
Sure, there’s a ton of work in China. But guess what? There are lots of Western architecture firms there already, growing permanent offices and fostering long-term clients. Besides, the Chinese are “developing their own capabilities so quickly. I would be cautious,” says Perkins. If you’re looking for the next boomtown, follow the oil, Perkins recommends. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Trinidad have petro-riches. The next of the Asian tigers is Vietnam. And then there’s Cuba—if you’re willing to be patient.
Jet Better: Survival tips for the traveling architect Marilyn Jordan Taylor:
- Keep your watch on home time: Don’t adjust your time zone if you don’t have to.
- If you have trouble sleeping on the plane, close your eyes and rest. Don’t drink wine. Put work aside.
- Sleep at least four hours when it’s dark; eat when food is in front of you.
- Never check a bag. If your flight’s delayed, you can always hop on another one.
Bradford Perkins:
- If you’re socializing with clients, it has to be at their pace—not yours.
- You may end up in a drinking contest. “I am equipped for drinking contests,” Perkins says.
- Take one of your kids with you next time. Perkins often did this when his children were young and called them “you and me trips.”
