ZULUETA ARCHITECTURE

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 cu...

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, nex...