Webinar June 2024

[Richard Bexon]

Okay. Let's get started. Well, everyone, um, thank you very much for joining us on the third webinar here.

Um, if you've missed the other two webinars, you can find them on YouTube. Uh, they're there. The first one was talking about vacation rental data and investments in a vacation rental.

The second one was about construction. And today we're here with Juan Diego Cardenas, chief architect of Studio Anonimo. I know we've worked on quite a few projects together Juan, I'm very impressed with your work.

Hence why I thought it would be great to get you on here and kind of explain the design and architecture process, uh, here in Costa Rica.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Great. Thank you, Richard, for having me here. And yeah, it's a pleasure, uh, to collaborate with this kind of, uh, dynamics with you.

So really excited to get started.

[Richard Bexon]

Awesome. Awesome. Well guys, just to give you an idea of what the agenda today is, we're going to be basically going over kind of the process.

If anyone had seen some of the webinars beforehand, uh, they'll understand that there is actually kind of like a whole flow of process that you go through when building, uh, and designing, uh, here in Costa Rica, we're going to be focusing on the front end of that, uh, that process. With regards to architecture, um, Juan is going to, and I will kind of talk about basically the things that you can do when trying to find an architect. Um, and then we'll also discuss basically about the design process from the architect's point of view as well.

I think it's important to have that point of view because again, you know, it's a lot of people are coming into this for the first time. And I think getting an idea of like, what's going through your head, uh, and the questions that you're asking and then the individual should have as well, and what they should come ready with just to make your, uh, you know, I would say your life easier, especially when it comes to designing something that the client wants.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Yep.

[Richard Bexon]

And then we're going to talk about bioclimactic design, which I think is very important here in Costa Rica, uh, based on the climate that we have here. Um, you know, there are, I don't know how many microclimates here in Costa Rica. It seems that you drive, you know, 15, 20 minutes in Costa Rica and the climate changes.

So, you know, whether that's designing up in Guanacaste, whether it's designing in the mountains, whether it's designing in the Southern more tropical zone of Costa Rica, uh, you have to bear that in mind when designing. Um, and then again, just some considerations there when it comes to materials based on, you know, where you're also designing as well. We'll also talk a little bit about the fee structure as well, uh, of how that works.

We did cover it in the previous webinar, but I think important to also, um, discuss that as well, because it's always a question here of like, is it percentages? Is it a fixed price? Um, and sometimes it can be a bit of a mixture of the two.

And then also from one base is top five recommendations, um, of things to do when working with an architect here in Costa Rica as well. So, um, and then of course, at the end, we always have a bit of a Q and a session here. So we'll, um, we'll wait to, uh, to the end, but if you do have any questions, guys, feel free to put your hands up or post them here.

Uh, and we'll get to them basically at the end, this will probably be a, uh, probably, I would say probably about 25, 30 minutes seminar here, guys. Uh, we shouldn't keep you too long, but again, this is, if you said, if you do have any questions at all, feel free to raise your hand, uh, or ask a question. So here's a picture of a house one, uh, actually designed.

And then that also got built as well. Beautiful home. So timeline and steps here, guys.

Um, so if you guys remember, if you've listened to one of the webinars before, I'm just going to go over here, kind of the timeline and steps when designing and also building here in Costa Rica, you know, the design process, you know, I say average takes four months. It can take more. It can take less as, as I'm sure, you know, depending on who the individual is and then whether they know what they want, whether they don't, and also the speed as well.

I always tell clients, take your time in this process again, because I think it's the, one of the most enjoyable parts of the actual process. You know, I mean, the construction is pretty, I would say boring for, for most people, just because you don't really see it until the end. So the design process, you know, typically, uh, is the most interesting part of the process for me anyway.

And then we moved to construction documents again. Go ahead, Juan, sorry.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Yeah, sorry. I kind of lost you there. Yeah, no, no.

I mean, we love all the process and the design process, of course, it's really enjoyable for everyone, but construction process where you see that they actually can build. So that's, that's really exciting for everyone as well. Yeah.

[Richard Bexon]

Yep. And then we have the construction documents process, which typically takes about two months, you know, and then from there we go into permitting while that's happening as well. You usually do bidding and then some value engineering again, depends, you know, on the actual company that you use, whether this process usually runs like this, but this is typically how we work.

Then also the construction contract of putting that together and making sure it's a solid contract. Um, and then from there, basically into construction, depending on the size of the home, eight to 12 months, you know, so delivery anywhere from 17 to 21 months. Uh, and I put a little star there because again, it does really depend on, you know, how much time you spend in this design process, the construction company you use, how big your house is, et cetera, where we're going to focus today is where this red line here is, which is more of the design process here, guys, as well.

We will touch on construction documents as well, but really what I want to get from Juan today, um, on this webinar is just really kind of more, you know, more understanding of the design process that he goes through and things that people can do to kind of help that design process, uh, as they work with architects. So finding an architect, Juan, I mean, how do you prepare, you know, when meeting with architects, because a lot of the time is there are a lot of architects in Costa Rica, man, like, and it's like, well, how do you choose? How do you prepare?

I mean, what's your advice on this?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Well, yeah, as you mentioned, there are a lot of architects in Costa Rica and we are all work differently. So the first thing that I would suggest to do is that, uh, you have to make sure that you, you connect with the right architect regarding his line of work, you know, his type of architecture, his style. That's really important because in that way, you will be completely aligned with the philosophy of he or she.

Uh, and the idea is that every architect should have, uh, freedom and should be a process where trust is, uh, always, uh, between the two parties. So the idea is the first idea is that you really connect with an architect. You like the, his type of work is architectural language.

And, uh, from there, uh, you could, you know, pick a selection of architects that you really like.

[Richard Bexon]

One, I mean, again, going from, you know, I mean, how, you know, we typically do it is we have a list of architects and based on the client, you know, we're able to recommend, but if you're coming in this fresh, like, how do you find an arc? Like, how would you go about in your opinion? Like, cause again, there are so many out there.

I mean, is it, you go to Instagram and type in architects, do you go into Google and typing Costa Rica architects, and then just find the ones with the, I think you said design language. Did you use the word there?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Yes, exactly.

[Richard Bexon]

That's a new, that's a new, a new word for me, but like, then do you find ones that like have done projects where the design language is the same? I mean, what would be your advice on that front?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Well, yeah, Instagram is a really useful tool. Uh, actually we have met a lot of clients from Instagram and also from our webpage, uh, cause, uh, people really like to, you know, see stuff beforehand. So it's really important, uh, for an architect to have his profile completely updated and that, uh, each client could really see, uh, what they do best.

And yeah, I suggest going into Instagram, even TikTok that it is really useful nowadays. And of course Google, but, uh, I would suggest, uh, investigating in those areas first, and then you can, uh, get an approach with the architect, uh, you know, uh, schedule a meeting and just have a nice conversation regarding the project.

[Richard Bexon]

Juan, what should the client bring to that meeting? I mean, what should they have prepared in order to make that meeting very useful?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Well, yeah, it's really important to, uh, prepare the project, uh, vision and goals. So, uh, it's really, uh, so we could know the functional part, the aesthetic part of the project. Uh, it's important to be upfront with the budget as well.

Uh, so the project could be realistic and that it could be within the scope of the budget. Uh, it's important to ask as well regarding the timeline of the project. Uh, if there's any, you know, important, uh, uh, important timeline to, to consider deadlines, sorry.

Uh, you should ask as well for a, uh, experience and portfolio information, uh, fee structure and, uh, understand of course, uh, the deliveries, uh, in, in that. Yeah. Sorry.

Go ahead.

[Richard Bexon]

No, I was just going to say, we have a question here, uh, from Daniel. He's basically like, are there any recommendation on possible red flags when doing this approach? Like, is there anything you should be aware of?

I mean, I have a couple, but I'll let you, uh, you know, is there anything like, is there anything as you, as an architect, like if another architect was saying this or doing this, or like, you would be like, look, I think that's a red flag.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Well, I think that a red flag is if an architect hasn't have, uh, anything built. Yeah. I mean, every architect should have like a little project with us at least, or, you know, some experience in another, uh, offices as well.

I mean, that that's really important because during the construction process is, uh, is when you can really realize what you need in the construction documents. So it's really important that an architect has at least, you know, depending on the project, but at least five, uh, build projects. So that's, for me, that's, you know, like a kind of red flag.

I wouldn't trust a guy that is just coming out of the, of the college, you know, with a big project. Of course he could have great ideas, but you need experience as well.

[Richard Bexon]

Yeah. I mean, well, I think one of the red flags for me would be making the, like, Hey, I want to build a house. That's five bedrooms.

That's X amount of square meters. How much do you think it would cost? And I think that when the cost is really low, meaning that probably less than a thousand, 800 a square meter.

I mean, if they're quoting like a thousand, a thousand, 200 for something that's somewhat nice, that's a red flag for me. Like, and I would ask that question of like, how much has the square meterage been on some of your current builds just to get a real idea of what your budget's going to be. Um, I mean, stuff like people like not paying attention.

Like if you're asking questions, you've shown them stuff and they show you stuff. That's not the same as what you're looking at. Like it's not aligned with some of this information that you're giving them.

That's a red flag for me. Um, because again, you know, as you said that people have a design language and I would say architects that have been in the industry for a very long time, like 30, 40 years, some of them have been able to change that design language a little bit from that colonial to more like more modern tropical, if that makes sense. But I think if an architect has just one type of design, if you know what I mean, like they're doing older, just colonial style stuff, and you're looking for something a little bit more modern for me, I would ask to see some more modern stuff that they've done.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Exactly. Exactly. Yeah.

I mean, every architect has like its own investigation, uh, during his, his career. Uh, so it's, it's really normal to shift between languages, you know, but there's, there's always like a line of work that you could follow and you could see. So, yeah, I totally agree with you.

It will be a red line.

[Richard Bexon]

I mean, if a guy only designs colonial style, you wouldn't ask him to create a contemporary house, you know, so that there'll be kind of a, uh, I think as you said there, just go back to the work that's done, because if it's very boxy, meaning it's just a rectangle when you want something beyond that, you know, that would be kind of like, you know, are they just used to doing boxes? I think their experience as well. And I would be very careful on when you get quotes back, if the quotes are really low based on other people, then I'd be very concerned about that because a lot of the time, well, the majority of time in my experience, the lower the quote is the less the design, like the actual artistic part of the design.

It's more like engineering, it's more squares and rectangle. And there's not that experience of that flow, you know, from room to room in a property.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Exactly. Yeah.

[Richard Bexon]

Yeah. Well, I mean, I think we've got some, we covered their questions to ask. I mean, and I mean, is there anything further that you think that's really important to communicate to the architect in the meeting?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Well, yeah, it's really important, you know, to have the technical information like the survey, topography, the existing trees, also the in Costa Rica, you can see and you can buy a beautiful land. And the Uso Suelo is the worst. So that land, you know, it's worthless.

So it's really important to communicate all the functional and rational information to the architect. And of course, the architect will help getting and gathering more information. But at least you need to have like this complete package, even before buying the land, you know.

[Richard Bexon]

Yeah, I agree. I agree. Well, let's just jump into the design process.

I mean, maybe a stupid question, but like, how do architects design? Like, where does the inspiration come from? Like, how does it work?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Yeah, well, that's a really hard question, because everyone designs differently. We in the studio Anonimo, we like to create ideas that are really creative. And for instance, when we have a new project, what we do is we do a lot of brainstorming in the office.

So we can kill the obvious, you know, the obvious ideas, the first ideas that come out to your head, that's the first thing you need to get rid of. And once you filter that out, you can start doing things differently. We have a methodology really established in the office, but it's always changing.

You know, with some projects, we create more sketches. With others, we need to analyze the volumetric idea. So we create a lot of models, you know, like little models, scale models of the projects.

And then we jump into 3D models and rendering of parts of the project. So it's like, it may seem like we are doing a lot of things at the same time, because we do. But the idea is to filter every part of the project as we move on.

So there's a process, it's really creative. And we like to get inspired by movies, or by books, or, you know, other architects. But I really think that the best ideas are not always when you're researching other architects.

Maybe you watch a movie and you want to create like this type of atmosphere that made you feel good. So you can do that with architecture. So that's the way that we like to address the projects in Anonymous.

[Richard Bexon]

Fantastic. What are the project stages in that process, Juan? You mentioned there that kind of you were using your hands to kind of step through these stages.

But I mean, what are the project stages?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Okay, typically, we have like, there's like four stages, conceptual, schematic, design, development, and the construction document phase. As I mentioned, the conceptual stage is really creative. So it's good to dream big, it's nice to have crazy ideas in that stage.

Because as we move on, everything becomes more rational, you know, everything is filtered. So you need to start with this great idea, and you just need to polish it during the process. So in the schematic design, for instance, you are going to be able to see some spaces, some materials.

During a design development, you will see the actual project with its dimension and the layout, you know, and maybe the facade designs. And then the CDs is where, you know, everything is rational. We have the whole team working on it, the whole engineering team, architecture, interior design.

So yeah, that's basically like the four big stages of process.

[Richard Bexon]

Awesome. I mean, you've mentioned there's some other kind of professionals that are involved in that process. I mean, what are those professionals?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Okay, yeah, actually, we work always with structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, and infrastructure. It depends on the size of the project, of course. There's a lot of other professionals involved in the process as well.

But this varies between the size and the location of the projects. And if you need to take like a set in stuff like that, then you need a person to specialize for that as well. But basically, our team is structural, mechanical, electrical, and architecture team with interior design as well.

[Richard Bexon]

We have two questions that just come in one here from Indira. She says, how much have you seen requests for sustainability considerations? And how challenging has it been to involve these ideas in design?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Okay, well, there's a lot of recently we have a lot of requests for sustainability, sustainability considerations. In Costa Rica, this has been quite of a challenge because, you know, we have the ISE, and they need to sell you electricity. So if you would like to add solar panels, they will make a lot of requirements for the solar panels in order to install them, right?

Because they always want to keep you connected to the grid. So that makes it a little bit difficult. And sometimes the, you know, the parts that you need the systems that you need to be a little bit pricey here in Costa Rica.

This is changing, it's evolving, there's a lot of new companies coming in to create, you know, to have more offer on this. But there's also another type of strategies that you could use that doesn't necessarily need additional systems, you know, like, you need to consider the orientation of the project, you need to consider the wind direction, and where are the parts with more humidity, for instance. So that's something that every architecture project should consider.

It's not isolated, you know, every project should consider that in order to have like a optimal architect.

[Richard Bexon]

Well, I think I'll just add to that, which is like the sustainability functions that sometimes, you know, I we've worked with a couple of clients that have used, like, for instance, they've been using peat wall panels instead of using, you know, gypsum. And once they actually saw the price of those panels, it was like 40% more, you know, using regular gypsum, which I completely understand, you just need to understand.

[Richard Bexon]

Like it can be more expensive and it probably will be more expensive, you know, in the long term. Well, for some things and some things not, but they're just some considerations like use split AC systems because you can turn them off and turn them on, like so that you're not blowing AC all the time, you know. And from a functional point of view, it works a lot better as well, because if one breaks down, you can quickly replace it.

But there are just simple stuff that you can do. Like if you have a lot of glass, there's film that you can put on that glass so that, you know, you don't heat up your house. You know, there are some more, I would say, you know, we've had clients that have tried to use rammed earth before, you know, to build a house.

And yes, it makes it more complicated. Usually the construction process is a little bit longer. So ultimately it does become more expensive.

But I think that there are simple things that you can do to be more sustainable. But I even feel that building in concrete sometimes is sustainable. And people are like, Rich, you're nuts.

And I'm like, no, it will last for like 80 to 100 years. That's sustainable that I don't have to knock it down and keep replacing it. So there is a sustainability to that as well.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Yeah, exactly. And as you mentioned, in concrete, you have thermic mass. So the house keeps cooler during the day and warmer during the night.

So that's, you know, like a strategy that you could use for sustainable measures.

[Richard Bexon]

We have a question here from Daniel. He says, for the kind of projects that they can find on your webpage, how many months would it take, you know, the project stages and also the process? I mean, how much does that like design stage usually last?

How long does the construction documents usually last?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Okay, yeah, that's a really good question. It varies from project to project. Of course, the size is really important.

But usually it takes around four to six months. The first stage is like one month and a half. The second stage could be another month.

And the last stages complete, you know, like three or four months. So we're talking about four to five months total in the design process.

[Richard Bexon]

And I mean, people like the client is normally involved in those first three months, would you say? You know, because when you're in construction docs, the client's not really involved, right? Exactly, exactly.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Well, in our case, what we do is to always keep involved the client in all the stages during the construction document stage. We are also doing the interior design. So every information that we develop during the interior design process goes directly to the construction document.

So we are always, you know, we're always in communication with the clients during the whole process, yeah. Fantastic.

[Richard Bexon]

Okay, designing in Costa Rica. I mean, you've got here, you know, that we need to talk about site analysis. You mentioned it the other day about some of your, you know, the studies that need to be done earlier in the presentation.

But maybe you could just go over kind of this part of designing in Costa Rica.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Yeah, sure. I mean, the site analysis is the first thing that you need to do in order to get a project completely adapted to the context. And the first thing that you do is a site visit.

In the site visit, you will definitely get a feel of the context. You will see the views, you will see the existing trees, the sun direction, and you can analyze the restrictions. So the first thing would be the site visit, and then the site analysis where you gather all the information and start creating, you know, questions and problems.

Because architecture is all about solving spatial and architectural problems. So in a way, an architect creates these problems to solve them. So it's kind of, you know, it's like a loop.

[Richard Bexon]

I mean, I'm talking about a red flag here. When the architect does not visit the land, that's a red flag for me.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Oh yeah, for sure.

[Richard Bexon]

You know, because I think you need context of what it is that you're creating, and you need to understand of like where it's positioned, the contours of the land, how your neighbors are, the trees, you know, all those kinds of things. Exactly, yeah. You know, yeah.

I mean, it would be like painting a canvas blind, I suppose.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Yeah, totally, totally. Yeah, you need to feel the area, you know, the weather, the humidity. You need to truly feel it to completely understand the best response in architectural form.

[Richard Bexon]

Yeah, and I mean, you mentioned there earlier today about, you know, you were talking about wind and sun. I mean, give us an idea of like what bioclimatic design is, how you integrate it into your projects.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Yeah, sure. As I mentioned before, every project, no matter where it is located, should consider bioclimatic strategies, mostly passive strategies, because this is, you know, the pure architecture should consider, you know, the orientation, should consider the wind direction, and should consider, you know, have cross ventilation, direct or indirect illumination. So it's really important that the architecture, sorry, resolves every aspect of the weather of the sites.

[Richard Bexon]

What's your opinion? Because I'm always anti-facing a house straight west to the sunset. I always, you know, what's your opinion on that?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Well, yeah, I mean, you should have your rooms and everything facing north, because it is like the cooler facade of the project. And if you would like to have like the sunset view, then you need to work on different strategies in order to have a cooler space, because during the afternoon, it could get really hot. So we're talking about big overhangs that cover a large portion of the facade.

So that space remains, you know, in the shadows. So that's, yeah, I mean, that's really important to take into account as well.

[Richard Bexon]

Yeah, I just, I would just never face it west. It's just never what happens. I would go southwest or I'd go northwest, but I would never go pure west, just because I've seen so many houses that have like these blinds that come down.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Exactly.

[Richard Bexon]

3.34 in the afternoon, that sun just shines in, and it's like a greenhouse.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Yeah, it's impossible to be there. Yeah.

[Richard Bexon]

Yeah. Well, let's talk about materiality and maintenance. Talk to us a little bit about that in the design process.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Okay, well, in Costa Rica, it's really important to know that materials should last. You know, you should choose the right materials that last this kind of rainy season that we have here. It should be, or I mean, we recommend to use some eco-friendly materials as well that are made locally.

That's really important because in that way, you can have like the economy in Costa Rica evolving in different aspects. And this lowers the impact on transportation because you're not importing as much as materials. You're buying them directly here in Costa Rica.

So that's a really good way to reduce the footprint, the carbon footprints. It will support local economy as well. And you should use materials that withstand high temperatures as well.

As we talked a little bit earlier, this concept of the mass, you know, in the walls, that contributes to have a cooler inside during the days and warmer during nights. That's really important to take into account as well.

[Richard Bexon]

Yeah, I agree. Juan, I think the balance I've always had, and this is managing budget with architects is, architects love to create something beautiful. And it doesn't always, you know, it's very difficult for people that aren't from here that don't understand how much it costs of like, I'm putting all my trust in the architect here to design a home within my budget.

But I find the majority of the time that doesn't always happen, Juan. So, I mean, how do you manage that properly with a client?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Okay, so the first thing that you need to know is the real budget. Okay, what's the real budget of the project? And what's the recommendation for that?

Probably you have X amount of dollars for that. So the project should be this size. You know, that's like the first rule that you need to do, budget with size.

And then we always recommend using a process called IPB. So it's like the integrated project delivery, but it is really interesting. You know that the key principles for that process is it's a collaboration process between the architect, the engineering team, the contractor or construction company from scratch.

So from the day one, everyone is involved in the process. Everyone knows the budget of the project. And everyone is focused on respecting that budget.

So it's really transparent as well. So the idea is to create different deliveries during the design process. You know, even in conceptual ideas, you could have some areas.

So you could do some calculations of the budget. And you can reduce the size of the project if needed. And as you move on during the process, the idea is to create different deliveries to analyze again with budget, with the structural engineer, MEP, everything.

So you are doing like small, what's the name of this, value engineers during the process and not a big one at the end. So this, you know, you use, you have a better use of the time in that way and avoid the reprocess of redoing a lot of things in the construction documents.

[Richard Bexon]

So, yeah, I mean, look, I mean, we're project managers. So I think this is where project manager have a huge amount of value, which is, you know, knowing that budget and kind of bringing it always back there. We had a question, you know, a question, a comment here from Louise, which says they said, that's why you need a project manager during all phases to kind of control the budget, you know, which I agree with.

I mean, there are multiple times and multiple times with, you know, what we've had with some architects and I'm not saying all architects where, you know, they have a budget of 600,000. They built this beautiful house and it comes back at 1.2 million. And like the architect's like, well, like I just did what you told me to do.

Because they're designing, they're creating art. So it's always that I think that balance, if you know what I mean. And I think that that's always a red flag as well.

I would make it part of the process, or I would have the client ask constantly of like, can you give me an updated budget based on square meterage, based on, you know, a previous build that you've had.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Exactly. Based on the characteristics, you know, of the project that they want to build, because not every time bigger is better. You know, you could create like a small project with better characteristics, with better materials, low maintenance with the same budget.

So you have to make that balance as well. And of course, during the construction progress, if you create like a IPD methodology, then you have a very detailed. You are doing the design and the site visits.

The idea is to review every change order and analyze the impact on changes and how this will affect other parts of the project. So the control during the construction process, it's really important as well to be aligned with the budget.

[Richard Bexon]

Yeah, I agree. I agree. We have a question here from Danielle, which is during the IDP, how do you handle possible hidden costs, like a bigger soil movement than expected, for instance?

And, you know, how do you manage that?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Well, that's really important to have the actual soil studies beforehand. So you can really know if the land is, you know, if the soil is adaptable to build or optimal to build. So it's really important to have all the considerations, technical considerations, soil studies, in order to really know what you need to move beforehand.

[Richard Bexon]

Yeah. I mean, we've had some, you know, some infrastructure engineers actually, you know, look at property beforehand and give us kind of come up with a plan. And then from that, you can actually quote it.

I mean, I think you're always going to need some form of contingency plan, because even with soil studies, I mean, we have it on a project at the moment. We did soil studies, but it's in a certain area. I mean, soil changes, if that makes sense.

So as you start to dig out further, you know, we've had to go a little bit deeper to work on, you know, you often find something. So I think you always need a contingency on any project. I agree.

You know. Exactly. Yeah, yeah.

Well, let's talk about a little fee structure here, because I think this is always it, Juan. You know, I mean, typically, would you say architectural, like the fees for the, I suppose, the design architectural process are around 5% of the budget? Exactly, yeah, around that number.

Yeah. So, I mean, at a $600,000 home you're designing, you're probably looking at $30,000 for all of the architectural fees, correct? Correct, yeah.

You know, I mean, and then permitting, I mean, it's not exact science here, but I put 5% here just because it's a nice round number. It's actually probably a 4.7, I think. But, I mean, you also need to budget that as well, because a lot of people don't have that in the mind.

They go, $600,000 is my budget. Okay, you know, $30,000 then, you know, now that leaves me with $570,000. And it's like, well, actually, you need to now take the permitting off that as well.

So you're now down to $540,000, if that makes sense.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Yeah, exactly. That's really important to know beforehand, because those are like probably hidden costs that you don't know at first. You know, you need to pay the SEFIA, you need to pay the municipality, you need to do soil studies, topography, tree service.

So, yeah, there's a lot of things there.

[Richard Bexon]

Yeah, yeah. And then also inspections. I mean, is it really $30,000 of inspections through it, do you think?

Or is it fixed price per inspection? And I think I get to that like in a little bit, which is like, how many times are those visits?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Yeah, I mean, it should be at the end around this percentage. But of course, there are different ways of charging the site visits, you know, by per visit, it's a way on doing that. But it's good to have like an interest for that as well.

So it doesn't, you know, yeah.

[Richard Bexon]

I think the most shocking thing for people is the price to use architects here is the same as the US. You know, it's what I've heard a lot, like that's a typical price that I pay for an architect in the US. Do you agree with that?

I mean, I don't know how up to date you are with US architects, but.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Well, I mean, I'm not really sure, because I have some colleagues from the US, for instance, that they charge, I don't know, like 1.5 times more than we do, or the double as well. It depends, you know, it's crazy. Yeah, it depends on the area.

[Richard Bexon]

I mean, if you're in LA, for every double. Yeah, I mean, but also here, you guys are kind of, you guys have guidelines as percentages of the project that you need to charge, right? I like to call it like, you know, which I'm sure this won't, like, it's a bit of, it's like, it's like lawyers, like there's a percentage they need to charge of it, and they're required to do it and can be audited.

Exactly, exactly. Yeah, it's like by law, you know, by the College of Architects. Yeah, exactly.

I'm more of like a free market guy, so I don't like the percentages. I prefer that the market dictates and the individual based on supply and demand. But, you know, I mean, again, I think it's each to their own.

Exactly, yeah. Anyway, it says here, it says the USA is more expensive, but easier to get a permit. I'm not too sure, a lot of, depending on what you're building, I think it could be easy to get a permit here in Costa Rica.

You know, from my experience. But yeah, I just had a client the other day, I mentioned how much it would cost, and he said, well, that's pretty similar to the US. And I've heard that a couple of times, but I think it just depends on the individual and also the project as well there.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

So yeah, exactly.

[Richard Bexon]

And the firm that you're hiring. Yeah. So let's just, I mean, how often is an architect visiting during the project?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Well, as I always say, the architect is the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. So we are involved in all the projects and all the process of the project. So the ideal visits should be like one per week.

That's like the ideal for an architect. Of course, if there's a setback because of a rainy season or something like that, that could vary, but the idea is one per week.

[Richard Bexon]

And what about structural engineers? How often do they have to visit?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Well, they arrive first as well, and they are the first to leave because they only do site visits during the great part of the project, the great construction, as we say here in Costa Rica. So yeah, during that part, I don't know. It depends on the side of the project, but during four months, they could go once per week or twice per month.

Okay. Like every two weeks, depending.

[Richard Bexon]

And what about the electrical engineers?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Yeah, and the electrical, yeah, sorry. The electrical, it's really similar to the structural because there's like a time where they go more and then they go less. But at the end, they need to make a visit to receive the work and make sure that everything is well-connected and everything is according to the regulations.

[Richard Bexon]

And the mechanical stuff, does that roll into it as well? Is this the mechanical stuff?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Yeah, it's pretty similar.

[Richard Bexon]

Okay.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Yeah, I mean, we always work with an electrical, mechanical engineer, but it could be separate as well. Okay. I like to work with MEPs engineers because you are only coordinating with one person instead of two, but that's way better.

[Richard Bexon]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I think that that's the one thing that people need to understand in Costa Rica is that the engineers are responsible for these areas.

Meaning if anything happens to the project, they are responsible, but the colleges are also behind them as well. That if necessary, you can go to the college as well. Exactly.

Sorry. Okay, Juan, your top five recommendations, which I always love to kind of end with here. You here, a chosen architect you enjoy working with.

I mean, why is that important?

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Well, because you are going to be stuck with him like for 16 months or 18 months. So that's really important. You need to like him.

You need to enjoy working with him and you need to like his work as well, of course. Awesome. You said communication is key.

Yeah. Transparency. Transparency.

And it's always important to be aware on the stage, to know where we are going. What's the next step? Everything.

[Richard Bexon]

So communication is key for that. I mean, what would you suggest that's really important to be communicated at all times? I mean, from both sides.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Well, what we do is we create small deliveries during the process. So we communicate the idea in small parts and not like a huge delivery that can be really overwhelming. So for us, that's a way of communication, you know, little by little, step by step, small deliveries.

Okay. You said make the project the real size you need. Exactly.

Sometimes we have an idea. I want, I don't know, 500 square meter house. But why?

You really need that amount of space or you could have less space, but a better quality construction, you know? So it's really important to analyze that because that's like a normal idea that I get. I want this size of house, that size of house.

And most of the times, people are not even sure what a 500 square meter house look like, you know?

[Richard Bexon]

Yeah, definitely. Using the right materials for the tropics. That's really important.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

That is key because you need to be aware of what you're using and what the cost of maintenance it will cost, you know? So the better materials, the less maintenance most of the times, but you need to consider that always in Costa Rica. And you said embrace context.

I mean, what does that mean? Yeah, embrace context. That's our motto in Estudio Anonimo.

You need to love the context. You need to work with the context and you need to adapt the architecture to the context and not the other way around.

[Richard Bexon]

Well, we have a question here that comes in from Luis. From the owner, be clear of what they want is one thing that he'd mentioned, that the owner should be clear of what they want.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Yeah, I agree. Totally agree. And I mean, our work, again, is to help to create that clear idea, you know?

Because sometimes clients have like a bunch of ideas, a bunch of images, a bunch of things that they love, but you need to organize all that to have like the clearest idea of what they want. So it's really important to work together. You know, it's not always clear at first what's the purpose of the project.

[Richard Bexon]

So we help with that. Well, I mean, I would always say a red flag is when architects don't ask questions. Like, you know, I mean, if the client's starting to not be clear, like you need to ask those questions in order to get that information out of them.

It's like a doctor with a patient. You have to ask them like, you know, what's going on so that, again, that owner sometimes can be clear of what they want. Because sometimes they don't know how to explain it or they don't know or like, yeah, I mean, you know, every client is different.

Exactly, exactly. Cool, I agree. Well, I'm just going to wait here like 10 seconds and see if we've got any more questions coming across here, guys, about the architectural design process here in Costa Rica.

And I'll just, here we go. It says Juan is one of the best young architects we have in Costa Rica. Best wishes and I hope we can work together.

That's from Luis Danny Matarita. So nice work.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Yeah, thank you. I have worked with Luis like, I don't know, 10 years ago. So it's really nice to have him here.

Thank you, Luis.

[Richard Bexon]

Well, I feel like I'm biased because I love, you know, working with you on projects as well, Juan. I mean, we did the Mamon Antonio Treehouse project, you know, which we'll start construction soon. We're working on the Aronel one.

So yeah, I mean, I agree. I think you're a great architect, buddy. Thank you, Richard.

Really honored to be here with you as well. No worries. Daniel says thank you both very much.

He loved the dynamics of the webinar. I hope it was useful to everyone out there. Basically, guys, if you have anything that you need, we'll be emailing out to everyone that signed up here anyway, just these details so that you have kind of a bit of follow up on the link to the webinar if you want to watch it again.

But Juan, thank you very much for your time. Sharing your knowledge and experience here. And again, as I said, anyone that wants to contact Juan, all of his contact details, we will email out to everyone.

[Juan Diego Cardenas]

Okay. Thank you, Richard. And thank you everyone that joined and have a great afternoon.

Fantastic. Have a good one, guys. See you later.

[Richard Bexon]

Bye. Bye.