ZULUETA ARCHITECTURE

This is a tricky question from a newspaper headline spurred my thoughts. I am big believer in collaboration. The construction industry is tough and competitive. Every single project, big or small, it seems you are fighting tooth and nail for it. To survive, it helps to work with parties  that complement your strengths. That's how I got started on some of my projects. Design and working on projects is a continuum of dialog and partnerships. That is how relationships flourish. At the end of the day, because everyone knows each other, you will eventually work together in a some form or the other. So, why not the build the foundation now? Zulueta Architecture is a dynamic professional practice currently based in Calgary, Alberta.

For some strange twist of events, I stumbled upon a big client who was looking for an architect to work with in Calgary. I believe I was chosen by merit, but I was also at the right place and at the right time. Who knew that my reprieve in Manila last year would lead to this fortunate circumstances.  In any case, I went from being a nobody to a person of influence.  I was so used to being ignored, people could not even pronounce my name correctly. Suddenly, because I am representing this client,  I get a dozen calls from suppliers, vendors and contractors trying to get on my good side so that they can get a piece of action.  All of this though, has not changed my attitude. Down to earth, and as fair as I could to everyone. I know  how quickly the tide can turn. But at this moment, it does not hurt to enjoy this moment of influence, however short-lived it may be. Zulueta Architecture is a dynamic professional practice currently based in Calgary, Alberta.

As an architect, I am always in the pursuit of new projects to keep my practice running. I realize that my firm's name, which is named after my last name Zulueta, has attracted a certain market- the immigrants. I believe that because of my background I have an edge, my clients can easily relate and communicate with me. Not that other architects can't perform as well. Still, there is an underlying thread  that serves as a bridge- immigration experience, minority view, cultural ethnicity. This growing clientele of mine I enjoy working with and look forward to long term relationships. After all, Zulueta is more than just a last name. Zulueta Architecture will be representing the stronger and visible role of immigrants in this socio-economic web of society. Zulueta Architecture is a dynamic professional practice currently based in Calgary, Alberta.

I have been noticing increased construction activity in my neighborhood.  The house next door is new and I know the builder, of course, is intending to sell it at the highest price possible. But get this, a million dollars, no.  More.  $ 1.325 M dollars. So, I scratch my head and look out the window. Sure, its a wider lot, 40feet vs. our 30feet. Its same structure though, 2 floors and a basement.  The footprint is not any bigger. Also,  there's  only 8feet distance in between the sidewalls. At the second floor, there are windows annoyingly looking straight at each other. So they have fancier finishes probably, but are the sinks lined with gold? I am thinking the houses are a growing premium here because of the proximity to downtown, that I would understand.  Even through this new fence that's shared, anyone standing from our rear landing is still overlooking at their yard. So, next time my neighbors have a cook-out, I'll check out their million dollar barbecue

I have a number of clients, smaller businesses or start-ups, that work with very limited budgets in improving their leasable space. Majority of them do not have a clue of what it entails to take on a renovation project. They only look at the dollar figure as the bottom line and get a bolt of shock when underlying costs begin to show up. My advise is really to do proper research. Look at very realistically what the construction costs are going to be and that is including: professional fees and permit fees. Prepare in advance. For smaller projects, it is more often than not difficult to get professionals and contractors to get interested.  Set timelines that can be met and works for your operations. Do not ask for impossible schedules, you do not want people walking out on you.  Be aware of City requirements and timelines. The City is busier this time of the year, processing permits takes longer. Taking consideration of all these factors would make the project more successful. In the end

 Until early this year, I was heavily involved in finishing my mother's project in Manila. It is a 5 storey residential building sitting on a narrow lot. The lot itself is about 72sqm or 775Sf. Built out of steel and concrete, it stands tall showcasing a modern look with its geometric ironwork and dark stonefinishes. Each floor is treated as a separate unit with its own main door and access to a stairway. Each floor has 2 bedrooms and 1 washroom with a front balcony. Of all my projects, there was a Ripley's believe it or not moment when we were undergoing construction . A private plane crashed less than a block away from the project site. The plane flew so close to side of the building, that our workers felt the heat coming off the plane.    Nevertheless, my favorite part of the building is the deck. From the deck, you really get a good view of the neighboorhood. Within a radius of a kilometer, I could identify my grandfather's house, one of the oldest hous

I recently worked on a house plan for my aunt Flora in Manila. The lot area is about 50 square meters or 540 square foot and is elongated. In Philippines, it is fairly common for extended families to live in one roof. Typical approach to increase living space in this case is to go vertical. Currently, the floor plans are showing 3 floors with a finished deck. I initially designed for 4 bedrooms, and one washroom per floor. Given the  limitations on the actual physical space, I truly believe that projects such as this  is an opportunity to be creative. It's a challenging, for sure. As designers, we are made to reflect and revisit our assumptions on treating  space. Then again, people across the world inhabit in such myriad of ways. Square footage is always a factor, but it is not everything. As what the  Swedish furniture retailer Ikea campaigns on-  Any space can be beautiful. Big or small, if I may say so.   Zulueta Architecture is a dynamic professional practice currently base

Cheers to the release of the much awaited building permit for the medical clinic project at NW Calgary. I even said to the owner, once we have the building permit, we should throw a party complete with cake and balloons. The story of the permitting process for this project is close to a thriller movie, complete with the unexpected twists and turns and fall-off-my seat scenarios. Truly, although small, this project is a good exercise in building code and City of Calgary coordination. This building was upgraded from residential to commercial classification.  The application of building code was revisited in terms of exits, fire ratings, window calculations.  In any case, this permitting chapter is over and all parties concerned for sure, are looking forward to moving ahead.   http://architectblog.zuluetaarchitecture.com/2012/04/27/thriller-building-permit-in-calgary/ PermitGo is a division of Zulueta Architecture that specializes in assisting property owners, contractor