Client - Why are architects fees high? Its just a few drawings right?

Me - Wrong. Its hard to explain and more complex than that to people new to the building game, we take on a lot of responsibility.....

I find myself at a crossroads of late, knowing the experience i have obtained to date is valuable, very very valuable. Once you have this knowledge its very hard as an architect to answer basic questions in a simple manner, as you know the complexity to most scenarios and nothing is as simple as it appears. Its like being on Fury Road (how much fun is that movie!), its a constant fight to stay on top of a project and still retain beauty within budget and maintain client / consultant and council content. As Architects we take on a huge amount of responsibility and liability. We have to balance aesthetics with buildability, creativity with practicality and be in control of the whole process regarding timeframes and external input. Our work is immediately on display for all to critique how they would have done it better.

When i take on a project, i put my heart into it. Im passionate about the end result and want happy clients, a good looking project and a builder that tips his hat at a colleague, rather than some bullshit white collar academic with a superiority complex. I try my hardest to not be a wanker, both with clients and builders alike. I see everyone as part of the project team and its my job to be the captain, for a short joyful while.