DAY - 01

Who is a professional architect?

Effective professional practice in architecture requires overcoming challenges such as

language barriers, which include communicating concepts to both trained professionals and
individuals unfamiliar with the field. Architects must demonstrate control over their work,
reflecting the value and depth of knowledge intrinsic to the profession. Adherence to an
ethical code of conduct, as outlined in the Manual of Architectural Practice, is crucial for
maintaining integrity and professionalism.

Additionally, understanding liabilities and formalities is essential in ensuring accountability.

Architecture, as a profession, represents a body of shared knowledge that serves society,
emphasizing collective learning and societal contribution. There is often debate about the
balance between formal education, such as five years of a Bachelor of Architecture degree,
and the hands-on learning gained through the execution of actual projects, highlighting the
importance of practical experience in shaping professional competency.

Finance for dummies

Managing finances is a crucial aspect of architectural practice, requiring a clear

understanding of taxation and financial planning. Direct taxes, such as income tax, must be
accounted for under the applicable regime—new or old—depending on the architect's
financial situation and benefits offered. Architectural work, whether classified under business
(manufacturing of goods) or profession (providing qualified services), is domain-specific and
subject to varying tax rules. Capital gains, property taxes, and the Public Provident Fund (PPF)
are additional considerations for long-term financial planning. Architects must also account
for losses and ensure timely payment of advance taxes to avoid interest penalties.

Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) and Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance is essential, with
GST divided into CGST and SGST for intra-state transactions and IGST for inter-state dealings.
A proactive approach to financial management ensures not only regulatory compliance but
also the sustainability of the practice, allowing architects to focus on creative and professional
growth.
Entrepreneurship and real estate
DAY - 02

Gender in architecture

Women designers have played a pivotal role in reshaping housing and urban design,
emphasizing inclusivity, functionality, and community well-being. In the early 20th century,
architects like Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky introduced innovations such as the Frankfurt
Kitchen, revolutionizing domestic spaces by making them more efficient and ergonomic,
addressing the evolving roles of women in society.

During the mid-20th century, female architects like Jane Jacobs critiqued traditional urban
planning paradigms, advocating for vibrant, people-centered cities that prioritized
community interaction, walkability, and mixed-use developments. Her ideas shifted urban
design away from rigid, car-centric layouts towards more human-scaled neighborhoods that
promote social cohesion.

In housing, women designers have consistently championed the integration of flexible

layouts to accommodate diverse family structures and needs. This has included designing
spaces that support multi-generational living, affordable housing projects, and cooperative
housing models that emphasize shared resources and community engagement. They have
also focused on designing for marginalized groups, such as single mothers, working women,
and elderly residents, ensuring access to safe and inclusive living environments.

In the contemporary era, women architects like Zaha Hadid have challenged conventional
aesthetics and functionality, creating iconic designs that redefine urban skylines while
inspiring younger generations. Their contributions extend beyond aesthetics, influencing
policies around equitable urban development and advocating for spaces that are
environmentally sustainable, socially equitable, and adaptable to changing lifestyles. These
efforts have fundamentally transformed the way we think about housing and urban spaces,
fostering inclusivity and resilience in modern design.

What are the issues about handling clients and negotiating fees? How do we
tackle such problems?
In architectural practice, navigating client relationships and fee negotiations is a delicate
balance that intertwines professional responsibilities, ethics, and personal values. Architects
must reflect on their role in a project, understanding whether they are drivers of the vision or
executors of the client's ideas. This dynamic often mirrors the "chicken and egg" dilemma
between design priorities and contractual agreements. Communication styles—whether
casual, formal, or legal—significantly influence project outcomes, as do clear definitions of
deliverables and receivables. Architects must weigh the practicality of payment structures,
whether in cash or kind, and decide on timelines for compensation. Transitioning from the
ideal to the real often necessitates adaptability: saying "yes" while tactfully asserting
professional preferences. Overpromising can strain ethical boundaries, urging architects to
balance societal expectations with personal values.

The tension between function and aspiration, symbolized by the building versus the trophy,
underscores the duality of design as both a practical solution and a statement of ambition.
Similarly, architectural work is a blend of "glamour and grime," requiring both creative flair
and managerial acumen. Sensitive issues, like addressing client beliefs (e.g., Vastu Shastra),
represent the "elephant in the room" that must be approached with diplomacy. Overall,
success in architecture lies in managing these dynamics with integrity, ensuring every project
is both a professional and personal achievement.

Legal and contractual procedures in the business of design

Architectural practice and research

DAY - 03

How do you manage (Administration, Design, and Finance) of an architectural

office?

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What are the legal compliances for an architectural practice?

What are bylaws? Concepts of FAR, Super Builtup (SBU), Built-up, Carpet Area

Building by-laws serve as essential legal tools to ensure orderly development, public safety,
and the efficient use of space. These regulations are critical for achieving pre-planned and
sustainable urban development. By-laws are applicable across various jurisdictions, including
cantonment areas, talukas, and new constructions, and are governed by entities such as the
Chief Minister's Urban Development Ministry or, in some cases, the Central Government.

The scope of building by-laws encompasses several aspects, including building margins,
ground plot coverage, permissible building and floor heights, parking requirements, building
services, occupancy loads, and provisions for emergency exits. Contemporary by-laws also
incorporate features addressing green building standards, accessibility for persons with
disabilities, structural safety, and security measures.

Key Terminologies Related to Plot and Building Areas

● Plot Area: Refers to the land owned by an individual.

● Net Plot Area: The plot area available after deductions for common spaces.
● Floor Space Index (FSI): Represents the total built-up area permitted on all floors in
proportion to the plot area. Increasing the FSI facilitates higher density development.
Premium FSI may include allowances like balconies, common passages, staircases,
parking spaces, and areas for MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) services.
● Carpet Area: The usable private area within a building, excluding balconies, under the
Real Estate Regulation Act (RERA).
 ● Built-Up Area: Includes the overall constructed area, encompassing structural
elements.
● Super Built-Up Area: Comprises the built-up area along with shared spaces like
passages and staircases.

Starting an Architectural Practice

Initiating an architectural practice requires distinguishing between practice and business,
understanding the profession's evolving nature, and actively seeking opportunities.
Architects can secure work through strategic marketing, networking, and participation in
competitive bidding processes.

Tendering Process
A tender is a voluntary offer submitted by an individual or organization to provide materials or
services, often used as a formal process for project procurement in architectural and
construction practices. By engaging in tendering, architects can expand their reach and
secure diverse projects.

Negotiations in Architectural Practice

Conflict, while often seen as a challenge, can be a constructive force, serving as a catalyst for
social change, improving relationships, and redefining group norms. It evolves through
various stages, beginning with latent conflict, escalating to overt conflict, and progressing
through phases of power balancing, power rebalancing, and eventual equilibrium. Conflict
arises from diverse sources, including societal structures, decision-making processes,
uncertainty, and substantive issues. On an individual level, it can stem from differences in
values and principles, personality and relationship dynamics, perceptions, and competing
interests.

Constructive conflict resolution is fostered by attitudes and beliefs that emphasize optimism,
the potential for mutually acceptable solutions, and the value of cooperation. Respect for
others' values, legitimacy of their perspectives, and confidence in communicative
competence are critical in navigating conflicts productively. The outcomes of conflict vary,
with stress being a common byproduct, but the approach—cooperative or
competitive—greatly influences its resolution. Cooperation often proves more effective as it
prioritizes shared goals and collaboration over rivalry.
Negotiation plays a central role in conflict resolution, offering opportunities for positive
interaction even amid disputes. It helps address inadequate decision-making procedures,
limited alternatives, and the need for self-determination. When managed constructively,
negotiation transforms conflict into a platform for growth and improved understanding.

Living Healthy (Physical Health)

Type of Architectural practice and their prospects in India

Architectural practice spans a wide range of approaches, as seen by B.V. Doshi's creative,
design-focused work and Hafeez Contractor's commercially oriented, large-scale urban
development projects. This disparity underlines the profession's diversity and raises issues
about its fundamental boundaries: does architecture require meaningful design intent, or
can it be characterized just by aesthetics? This discussion, frequently portrayed as the
difference between a shed and a cathedral, emphasizes the critical importance of design as
the cornerstone of architectural identity while also investigating the profession's ability to
broaden its reach without jeopardizing its integrity.

The legislative structure, namely Section 37 of the Architects Act, protects the profession's
exclusivity by limiting the use of the title "architect" to those registered with the Council of
Architecture (COA). Additionally, the Act requires all partners in architectural firms to be
registered architects, assuring accountability and professional standards. However, while the
Act preserves the title, it does not cover the entire extent of architectural services, resulting in
overlaps with engineering specialties. Engineers, while capable of executing identical duties,
frequently lack the particular design expertise required for architectural success,
emphasizing the importance of preserving the profession's unique characteristics.

Maintaining the integrity of architectural services requires a focus on the unique value
architects bring to the built environment. Protecting the profession from dilution and
ensuring that only qualified architects deliver these services is essential to sustaining its
design-driven ethos. Expanding the profession’s scope is not about encroaching on other
fields but about highlighting the critical role architects play in shaping spaces that are not
only functional but also culturally and aesthetically enriching.