Founder of the Khvoya bureau: "The work really begins after 6."

Contents:

• The structure and functioning of the architectural business
• A step-by-step guide to building a house yourself
• Sources of inspiration for architects

Georgiy said:

• How long does it take to achieve significant heights in the field of architecture?
• Managing the process of building a house requires careful planning and coordination of various stages. You should begin by drawing up a detailed design, which will include architectural drawings, engineering solutions, and a cost estimate.

  The next step is to select a reliable construction company or contractor with experience and a good reputation. Preliminary negotiations are essential to discuss all the details and terms of cooperation.

  During construction itself, you should regularly monitor the progress of the work, monitor the quality of materials, and adherence to deadlines. Conducting periodic inspections will allow you to promptly identify and resolve any potential problems.

  Furthermore, it is important to ensure proper communication between all participants in the process—from architects and engineers to workers and material suppliers. This will help avoid misunderstandings and delays.

  Finally, don't forget about documentation. The entire process must be documented, from building permits to certificates of completion. This will not only simplify control but also help, if necessary, to prove quality and compliance with all building codes.

• The most common mistakes made when building independently can be summarized in several key areas. First, insufficient planning and a lack of a clear work schedule can lead to delays and budget overruns. Second, a lack of knowledge of building codes and regulations can sometimes lead to serious design flaws, which can lead to the need for rework later.

  A third important aspect is neglecting the selection of high-quality materials. Often, the desire to save money leads to the use of low-quality resources, which negatively impacts the durability and reliability of the structure. A fourth common mistake is underestimating the importance of a professional team. An unjustified desire to do without qualified specialists can lead to numerous problems during the construction process.

  Finally, no less important is neglecting the stage of work supervision. Skipping this stage can lead to emerging problems not being noticed in time, which can further exacerbate the situation. Architects draw inspiration from a variety of sources, each of which can have a strong influence on their designs. Nature, with its forms, colors, and textures, often provides the basis for creating harmonious and sustainable structures. Cultural traditions and history also play an important role, allowing for the creation of buildings that reflect the unique features of the local context and heritage. Modern technologies and innovative materials open new horizons for architectural creativity, enabling the realization of bold ideas and concepts. Social and environmental aspects, such as sustainable development and community needs, are also becoming important factors shaping architects' approach. Inspiration can be found even in everyday things—from urban infrastructure to man-made objects, highlighting architects' ability to see beauty and functionality in the most unexpected places.

  Each project represents a unique interaction of these elements, allowing architects to create not just buildings, but true works of art that can impact people's lives and their surroundings.

Brief Information

Georgy Snezhkin is an architect and one of the founders of the Khvoya architectural bureau. He is also a member of the Union of Architects of Russia and co-author of a training course entitled "House Construction Management."

The Structure and Functioning of an Architectural Business

The history of the architectural bureau "Khvoya" began with the desire to create unique and harmonious spaces that combine functionality and aesthetics. Driven by a passion for architecture and design, the founders of the bureau joined forces to bring their ideas to life. From the very beginning, they focused on developing an individual approach to each project, taking into account the needs of clients and the specifics of the environment. As a result, "Khvoya" gradually gained a reputation for its original solutions and attention to detail, which allowed the bureau to take a worthy place in the architectural field.

During our architecture studies, my friends and I decided to form a creative association, which we called "Quiet Time." We all combined our studies with work in various companies, and in the evenings we would gather to collaborate on our architectural ideas. When our projects started producing results, we decided to take the plunge and turn our passion into a full-fledged business. Now, looking back, I realize it was the only right decision.

What are the key aspects of running a business in architecture?

— It has its own peculiarities: for example, my real work only begins after the workday ends. Usually, it goes like this: my morning is consumed by meetings, meetings with clients and customers... Sometimes, my usual activities are interrupted by site visits. And only when all this activity ends, I get the opportunity to sit down at my desk and finally pick up a pencil and ruler.

— How long did it take your team to develop from newcomers to recognized specialists? During our conversation before the interview, you mentioned that the waiting list for a position at your firm is six months.

— You won't believe it, but we still consider ourselves newcomers to architecture! Despite the fact that our firm has regular clients and a backlog of orders awaiting fulfillment, I believe that it can take as long as thirty years to reach the level of a true architect. However, in order to begin to feel confident in your abilities, it is enough to see at least a few buildings built according to your sketches.

— Who is your agency's client?

Each client is unique in their own way. However, it is especially pleasant to work with those who share our values ​​​​and views. This allows us not only to demonstrate the finished project, but also to freely discuss the nuances in order to make the necessary changes. We strive to work with precisely these types of clients, since otherwise, the interaction turns into standard commercial practice, where you have to constantly justify every decision that the client considers questionable.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a House Yourself

— You teach a course called "Home Construction Management." Explain why it's worth designing and building your own home yourself? What are the advantages if you can completely rely on specialists?

Building your own home without the help of specialists is a reality that's hard to disagree with. However, simply delegating all tasks to the architect, foreman, and construction team, while saying, "I don't want to interfere," won't work either.

The process of building a home is always associated with significant stress. It's nice to be able to monitor the progress of work on the construction site and understand where savings can be made and where they would be inappropriate.

Understanding construction management allows you to make thoughtful decisions that won't cause regret years down the road, instead of acting impulsively and chaotically.

— What motivates you to work on this topic? Does it seem especially important nowadays?

The pandemic has exacerbated the issue of housing conditions—the desire to own a home has become more pressing, as an apartment is increasingly perceived as a full-fledged family space. With the transition to remote work, many are finding it difficult to be together in the confined spaces of apartments.

— Why not consider purchasing a ready-made solution?

Standard residential complexes and apartments offer generalized options. They don't take into account your individual preferences and needs. Meanwhile, you may have your own unique desires and vision of the ideal home.

— For example?

Everyone has their own idea of ​​the ideal home, and for many, this image was formed in childhood. For example, perhaps you dream of a kitchen island and a sink located by the window, so you can watch the children play on the lawn in the yard while washing dishes. There can be many such small details.

When you take responsibility for the design and construction of a home, you have the opportunity to consider the diversity of your preferences. This opens the door to realizing your dreams within the framework of a single project.

— Where in this project can errors occur? And which of them pose the greatest threat?

In this matter, the slightest mistake can have serious consequences: you can choose the wrong architect, complete the design and construction of the house, and then be faced with a result that will cause disappointment. This is why it is important to be completely immersed in the process.

In my opinion, the main risk is the duration of this process. Building a high-quality house can take two to three years. During such a long period, significant life changes can occur. For example, you can have a child, find a new hobby or job. Of course, people know how to adapt to circumstances, but with an apartment, everything is different: you bought it - it's yours, you can move in within a month, and if you want, you can sell it in six months. With a house, such flexibility is impossible.

— Can you give a clear example of what should not be done?

— Ordering a budget project is clearly the wrong approach. If your goal is to build affordable housing, then you shouldn't skimp on the architectural design. To achieve a high-quality result at a relatively low cost, it is important to consider all the details in advance.

In this situation, it is appropriate to say that "a miser pays twice." Today you decided to save on calculations without considering all the possible risks, and tomorrow you may face having to pay much more for low-quality materials or unnecessary structures.

Here are some unfavorable recommendations:

• do everything yourself;
• You should listen to the foreman in everything.
• hurry;
• Try to save on all possible expenses.

— Something wrong with the foreman? 🙂

While everything is true regarding the foreman, it is important to remember that he has his own priorities and tasks. When you build your home, your main goal is to create a beautiful home where you will feel comfortable. At the same time, for a foreman, the main goal is to make a profit. Therefore, his recommendations should not always be taken as the absolute truth.

Read also:

At the age of 35, Alexey Grishchenko decided to leave the IT field. First, he built a house for himself, and then founded a construction company.

— What should I do with the architect's recommendations?

Collaborating with an architect has its own unique characteristics. When you work with an experienced professional, your aspirations align. An architect is also interested in creating an attractive home, as it's not just about their portfolio but also about their reputation.

I wonder if a talented architect can transform 45 square meters into a comfortable and functional home for the whole family?

— Absolutely, but it's important to realize that everything has its limits. In such circumstances, only two people can experience comfort, and you're unlikely to want to share 45 square meters with five other family members.

A successful design can significantly improve the perception of space. With small houses, the situation is clear: everything is arranged compactly, which in itself creates a cozy atmosphere. However, when it comes to a large house with an area of ​​200 square meters, evening walks through it can be accompanied by an echo... In such cases, it is extremely important to carefully consider the layout.

Sources of Inspiration for Architects

— I wonder if the work of an architect is more of a creative process or does it still require significant knowledge of the exact sciences?

The main appeal of the architect's profession is that it embodies the highest level of technical mastery. Possessing precise knowledge and skills in the field of calculations, you are able to create something unique and inimitable. It is impossible to say unequivocally that one of the sides predominates in our work, because each of them has its own meaning.

Architecture is an art form with an amazing paradox. It's often difficult to understand what exactly motivated an architect to choose a particular solution.

— Great, but how can a recent graduate master the skills to find such solutions?

To get started, all you need is a desk, a chair, a computer, and a ruler. That's the beauty of this profession. There's no need to work for someone else, and there's certainly no rush to open your own office. To run a private practice, it is quite enough to have drawings.

There is an opinion that an architect needs to travel a lot in order to expand his horizons and gain visual experience.

— Yes, this is indeed one of the options. But sometimes art finds its way based on childhood experiences or random memories.

— Are there a number of typical distortions in your professional environment that can be observed among specialists?

— It's difficult to draw a conclusion, since I am immersed in this community and may not be aware of the characteristic professional distortions inherent in architects. However, one comment can still be made - the habit of wearing black clothes!

How do you imagine the architecture of tomorrow?

— There is no need to delve into these thoughts now. If we try to imagine the architecture of tomorrow, I can confidently say that it will be significantly different from what we imagine now. Our task at the moment is to focus on the architecture of the current time and not look too far ahead.