The process of choosing an architect is an interesting one to say the least. I've always like the hiring process, whether I am hiring or I am being hired. It is an opportunity to specifically get to know someone, or let oneself be known with a concise idea as to why this is taking place: to hire or be hired, no mysteries about it. I like it.
Doing so, picking the right architect to remodel the hotel requires criteria, what kind of architect will best serve the purpose? Therefore, the issue of defining 'purpose' is first at hand, this is also a creative and entertaining process, just like hiring: Where are we going with this hotel? What should it be? What shouldn't it be? Answering these questions brings about ingredients of a journey of discovery and yet, it is a limited physical space, not an endless software project or a path of personal growth (equally endless); figuring out the requirements for a small boutique hotel might just be the perfect scale for a new venture, so far.
Criteria: Keep it old, keep it simple. In the hotel's case "architectural criteria" requires the ability to work with what is already there, this is not a new construction project, it is a remodeling of an 100 year-old structure that has seen, through the years and its owners a number of not always coherent influences change its look and demeanor. Consequently, first at hand is to organize and homogenize its lines and structure into a single idea or style.
Criteria: Pick local, stay local. Must pick an architect with significant experience building in the area. While Punta del Este and Maldonado, both about a 100+ km away are packed with professional services in the construction industry (Punta is a high end, populated beach side resort in Uruguay), La Pedrera in Rocha (the Uruguayan department where La Pedrera is located) are at the relative start of the building boom and therefore talent is rare, plus understanding and negotiating with the local government requires further expertise, only acquired thru experience in the area.
Criteria: Live the "vision." Sitting by the fire an intense winter storm shakes the walls and windows of my rented home in La Pedrera as I prepare myself to make the choice of Architect this w-end. After being presented with six different approaches from 7 different architects, including floor plans and details of their vision I have learned a great deal about my own personal vision for this hotel in this remote but amazingly sought after beach town, a vision that must make business sense while still venturing into the creative process of realizing something different and unique.
A great experience, a complement to the uniqueness of the area, the outcome shall hopefully meet the hotel client expectations as well as be welcomed by the town's folk and this way, become a success for everyone involved. And make us some money too.
Not small peanuts but fun peanuts indeed.
Criteria: Keep it old, keep it simple. In the hotel's case "architectural criteria" requires the ability to work with what is already there, this is not a new construction project, it is a remodeling of an 100 year-old structure that has seen, through the years and its owners a number of not always coherent influences change its look and demeanor. Consequently, first at hand is to organize and homogenize its lines and structure into a single idea or style.
Criteria: Pick local, stay local. Must pick an architect with significant experience building in the area. While Punta del Este and Maldonado, both about a 100+ km away are packed with professional services in the construction industry (Punta is a high end, populated beach side resort in Uruguay), La Pedrera in Rocha (the Uruguayan department where La Pedrera is located) are at the relative start of the building boom and therefore talent is rare, plus understanding and negotiating with the local government requires further expertise, only acquired thru experience in the area.
Criteria: Live the "vision." Sitting by the fire an intense winter storm shakes the walls and windows of my rented home in La Pedrera as I prepare myself to make the choice of Architect this w-end. After being presented with six different approaches from 7 different architects, including floor plans and details of their vision I have learned a great deal about my own personal vision for this hotel in this remote but amazingly sought after beach town, a vision that must make business sense while still venturing into the creative process of realizing something different and unique.
A great experience, a complement to the uniqueness of the area, the outcome shall hopefully meet the hotel client expectations as well as be welcomed by the town's folk and this way, become a success for everyone involved. And make us some money too.
Not small peanuts but fun peanuts indeed.
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