Do you remember that one person living in our society who is elder, studying for higher education, and carrying out tuition to care for their own expense? That was my first impression of a freelancing individual. Thanks to the pandemic, every one of us has started to explore the various capabilities of technology. Working remotely became popular and boosted individuals’ independence in terms of work & jobs. Sitting in a cubicle staring at the computer screen, we have targets to complete and projects to achieve; freelancing appears as an opportunity to work on one’s terms.
A freelancer is an individual who earns on a per-job basis; hence they are their bosses and do not associate themselves with any firm. There is contractual freelancing where one can associate with a firm for a contractual period providing services. Then there is the option where one can directly provide their services to the client. Where one considers the freedom of freelancing, there also lies more experiences and contacts to begin in the first place. As there are two sides to a coin, Likewise, there are pros and cons of freelancing architecture.
Why Freelancing in Architecture?
As individuals are looking to break the monotony, freelance architecture can provide various experiences and freedom in working. India is already witnessing a huge surge in freelancer individuals in marketing, IT, design, etc. In the coming year, up to 45-50 per cent of the economy will be contributed by freelancers. Hence co-working spaces, WeWork is seeing more centres throughout the country. This also gives equal opportunities to women to join workforces from any location. But apart from this, the work burden gets even more than doubled in some cases. This will help one grow on their own! As the aptness to choose work independently without getting tied to one desk is the idea of freely working appealing to the masses.
Software Assistance
For architects, daily software is used from 2D to 3D- from CADs to Sketchup to Rendering software like V-Ray or Enscape to quantity calculations on Revit and FrameCADs. Even with Zoom & Google Meet platforms, freelancing gives pliability for individuals to connect and collaborate. With Revit and BIM software, architects with the structural team can work differently but on the same project. The timeline should be retained, but one can work according to their own time. Some people are nocturnal; hence they are more productive at night; some are productive in the early morning, and some at noon hence more preferable.
Selection Privilege
One can even be selective regarding the software they prefer or the software they are more proficient at. Based on their preferences, architects can even choose the role to go for 2D working drawings or 3D renders or Quantity estimator and designate themselves with it to avoid future complications. Looking at the possibility of having alternatives, one can select the clients and team for working on a particular project, for which architects need to have good connections in the industry with the people that have already been a part of your curriculum or earlier office after that one will need to go into the local plexus of developers, architects, and contractors who can help to achieve the intended client. With the uproar of freelancers worldwide, one can use social media for advertising, collecting info and connecting with people.
Better Portfolio
Architects are open to experimentation. Be it in terms of their designs or be it in terms of their job profiles. Hence being a freelance architect will allow them to go for an overall evolved portfolio. As they are experimenting with various roles, it gives an all-around development. This can also help an architect to establish their practices. A holistic approach can also help one get better jobs at better MNCs if one aspires to have one. This also gives them the autarky to explore practices in any part of the world or collaborate with any part of the world. This can also lead to varied technology coming to our country or our country exporting the services to the world.
Freelance Architecture – Bane or Boon?
Freelance architecture gives freedom and flexibility to select the time, space, and order of an individual architecture. It provides exciting opportunities appealing to the present generation. But with great power comes great responsibility. That is, with great opportunities, there are certain setbacks.
One can get overwhelmed by the extra work responsibilities. One is empowered as the work is in charge of the architect. It is exciting yet stressful at times. As freelancers are working individuals, they are their one-man army and thus are the admin for their whole work. Time liberty is there, yet procrastination could kick in, and time management could be seriously challenged. There have been situations where the files and digital copies of their work could be exploited, and the architect would be deprived of their credit. Hence one should be more careful with the sharing of digital copies. Late payments, Cash payments, less branding, renegotiation, and uncleared payment terms have always added to miseries.
Freelance Architecture, however, can help develop architects who still need clarification about their future career trajectory. As the www is open to all with varied goals and scopes, this can be the right time to be in the network. It may not be that stable, but it can impact one greatly, so much so that to start their business modules and practices. It is for the individual to decide whether to go for the cubicle’s comfort or explore every couch, seat, and table possible!
References:
Grozdanic, L. (2016). The Pros and Cons of Starting out as a Freelance Architect. [online] Archipreneur. Available at: https://archipreneur.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-starting-out-as-an-freelancer-architect/?utm_medium=website&utm_source=archdaily.com [Accessed 3 Jul. 2023].
- McFadden, D. (2022). Benefits of Working in Architecture on a Project Basis. [online] Archinect. Available at: https://archinect.com/c4ablog/benefits-of-working-in-architecture-on-a-project-basis [Accessed 2 Jul. 2023].
- Pandey, N. (2023). 40% freelancers in India are Gen Zs and they get paid $22/hour, says report. [online] cnbctv18.com. Available at: https://www.cnbctv18.com/education/40-freelancers-in-india-are-gen-z-and-they-get-paid-22-dollars-per-hour-says-report-16875091.htm [Accessed 2 Jul. 2023].
- Satyakam, S. (2022). The Scope and Challenges of Freelancers in India 2023. [online] Razorpay | Learn. Available at: https://razorpay.com/learn/scope-and-challenges-of-freelancers/ [Accessed 2 Jul. 2023].
- Walshaw, E. (2021a). A Beginner’s Guide To Going Freelance as an Architect. [online] Journal. Available at: https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/industry/going-freelance-as-an-architect/ [Accessed 2 Jul. 2023].
- Walshaw, E. (2021b). How To Find Work as a Freelance Architect. [online] Journal. Available at: https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/industry/find-work-as-a-freelance-architect/ [Accessed 3 Jul. 2023].
