19.5.2025 Monday - some unusual news

sub basement calculations

I receive some unusual news that someone has asked a fellow architect to look at one of our projects. The way the message was worded makes me think that the client is either selling the land or the project. This is unusual because the project has not received its planning permission. It is also unusual that the client's team is pushing the consultants to develop the design and obtain costings at the same time. In fact, I have a meeting with them tomorrow. I thank my friend and ring off. 

Just like me, I might have assumed the worst - that someone is planning to take something away from me. When I think more about it - my client might simply be looking for a partner for the construction stage. In any case, it is not something I can control and if the project is taken away then so be it. We have been paid for work done. 

a random post from the St. Thomas's chat group

6.3.2025 Thursday - back at work

6am to the gym to push some weight around, have not done this for a week plus, then a quick walk to the office to see GB and AS about final accounts matters. Then Freddie drops by to brief me about work done while I was away - looks like we have a little too much on our plate at the moment. But this is a good thing, provided we continue to communicate regularly and for me to handle the deadlines, and accountability to client without stressing the team. 

10am I thought it would be nice to have a quiet chat with Fi downstairs to hear her opinion about the Precinct 1 housing presentation - she thinks we can do better, and she think that we were one of the 2 already selected by the client prior to the 'pitch'.

11am the chat with the glazing specialist confirms the way forward, I let him lead the conversation, just as we thought he would like it. Ultimately we got the confirmation needed, and that is the main thing. FL and I decide to ask the client to consider the central AC system (who agreed to re-visit the selection).

12noon - small lunch (2 eggs) with SY later joined by the LEK group. They seem to be doing well, just not as sharp on some matters (as we two oldies are) - we are impulsive while they are careful. This is not a bad thing.

130pm - I leave for a meeting with the 49 project team, they have many questions; the team answer most well enough for a 'I can see that you guys are on top of matters regarding this project' from the senior man. 

430pm - squash for the first time in ten days; and with a proper warm up; whack the ball around, stretching - the good doctor finds it hard to keep up. 

The end of a long day - first day back from holidays; folks express surprise expecting me to rest for a day or so before resuming activities. I don't have that luxury - there is much to do. 

28th September 2023 Thursday - Public Holiday (again)

 Today is a public holiday in Malaysia. Since some of the office folks are coming in to do some work, I promised to cook them a nice lunch. Salmon and a warm salad of beans, tomatoes, potatoes with a lemon, olive, caper and anchovy dressing. Sam ended up cooking everything which is good, because the young ones like having her in the office. Suki and husband dropped by to chat and drink some red wine - I like her; open, sincere and warm.

 

8th September 2023 Friday - dry needling