Not all architects pursue a career in design—many take on different roles such as teaching architecture, working as government officials, or even leaving the profession entirely for unrelated fields. In Vietnam, the majority turn to residential construction as a means of earning a living and seeking career growth. The design fees for a house are often so low that they barely cover the work itself. Due to complex regulations, the residential design market is chaotic—so much so that it has, in a way, diminished the social standing of architects.

Putting all of this aside, almost every practicing architect has, at some point, completed the design of a house. While it may seem like a simple task, in reality, it comes with a range of challenges—from technical difficulties and bureaucratic hurdles to absurd encounters with eccentric homeowners. On top of that, architects must navigate a web of vague yet convoluted government regulations, often requiring the help of "services" (essentially bribery networks) to get projects approved.

When I take on a residential design project - whether a townhouse or a luxury villa - I always ensure that my fees fairly reflect the effort invested, based on the official "design pricing standards" issued by the government. However, in a chaotic market full of price undercutting, my fees often appear exorbitant to homeowners. As a result, I don’t take on many residential design contracts, but the ones I do are always of high quality due to the following factors:

• Fair design fees that align with the true value of the work.

• Extensive experience and dedication, even though housing projects are considered small-scale.

• No financial pressure, as my main income comes from large-scale civil projects.

LXT | Architects