8.10.2026 Thursday - taking a friend to work

Y has been asking to visit one of our job sites, and today I had some free time and decide to make time for him. We are there to meet the sub-contractors as well, so the timing is good. It is good practice, to explain the project to him from a planning, architectural and engineering stand point. This cause me to think about some aspects of the building's design which I have not framed properly in my mind before. 

This is why it is good to 'teach' as it forces you to think more deeply about your work, and causes you to frame questions (and answers) that may arise when present this scheme to a group of students for example.

After the site inspection, we take him to Kim Joo where he enjoys his first set of 'zheng-thng and kolo mee'.

7.10.2026 Wednesday - clearing a spot in the garden

On the way to work, Sam and I decide to clear a spot in the garden for new planter boxes. I have the bright idea of getting Beko to do this, which he does beautifully - I look forward to the weekend when we can get the veggie patch ready.

A client wants to re-visit a project we worked on several years ago, and tells us that they have reviewed the project with a third party architect which resulted in a series of new design requirements. I would have reacted differently last year, but this year I would respond this way: 

1. we will write in for additional fees, and treat a new project
2. the client did not have to tell us they consulted another architect, they could have simply told us that they changed their minds. 
3. it is another reason to talk design with GW who will not doubt have something to say about this. But it is likely quite a simple assignment once we get into it. 
4. Take our time, get Sean to lead this exercise.

6.10.2026 Tuesday - arguing about good things

Today, there is a meeting with an important person whose objective is to get a good business deal out of our relationship. He is a good negotiator with an experienced business mind. So, I go with an open mind; to listen, to understand but not necessarily to agree off-hand. 

So, it looks like we might have a new job, with full control over the design - and although we debate about this and that, those are small points in the big picture. The main issue is that when jobs are slowing down - it is good to have a new one to work on especially one in a new typology.

In the afternoon, he and I argue about the design for the house on the hill, I feel that his roof pitches the wrong way; it allows views of the sea only without addressing the hillside. I can see that he sees my point and in his heart agrees, but he is unable to concede. Our young assistant does not help the situation as she agrees with my points when I make them to him. I am not interested in scoring points; I am interested to having points to underscore our design narrative when presenting our scheme. 

It rains heavily in the evening, and I go home and sit in front of the telly instead of going to pickleball. I like to end my evenings with a bout of physical activity, I feel better about eating a good dinner then.

5.10.2026 Monday - good news at the bank

 We go to the bank this morning and get some good news. After which we treat ourselves to lunch in a cafe, the food is good but the portion is small. 

for my own lunch, I blitz up some green juice and enjoyed drinking it. it also kept me quite full for the rest of the day - I will continue with this.

Later in the evening after pickleball, at our kopitiam dinner I decide that I will not eat at these sort of places anymore. I would rather cook two eggs and eat them on toast at home. It will be cheaper, taste better and definitely better for me. 

I make good progress at work; the house with Leong, ID with Rachel, the masterplan with JY, the toilet upgrade with Clarissa and talk about money with Fiona. I also send out the masterplan queries for the Home, the client promises to revert soon. I am very happy with how the ball pen takes onto the recycled blueprint paper, which I have made into sketchbooks.

4.1.2026 Sunday - one day more

 A stay at home day today, up early to draw on the green room which is nice and cool and quiet at 6 in the morning.

3.10.2026 Saturday - exams and a nice sit down dinner

 

2.10.2026 Friday - more changes on site