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More than a decade ago, there were large projects where I desperately needed aerial site photos. However, in Vietnam, hiring a helicopter was an extremely costly option, making it nearly impossible.

With the emergence and growing popularity of flycams (mini drones), aerial photography and videography have become an essential tool for professional architects. Drones not only assist in site surveys but also provide valuable images and videos for integrating into architectural proposals.

High-performance drones capable of flying at great heights and withstanding strong winds require a significant investment, though they are not excessively expensive. With a budget of around $2,000 to $3,000, one can acquire a compact, professional-grade drone. However, the real challenge lies in flight experience—similar to pilot flight hours—and the constant risks involved. Any mishap, such as collisions, crashes, or signal loss, can result in substantial financial loss.

I started using semi-professional drones in 2016 with the Phantom II, and by 2021, I upgraded to the Mavic Pro 3, a highly capable drone suitable for complex scenarios with 4K-quality imaging. The experiences it has brought me have been incredible.

Whether for professional architectural video production, tourism promotion, real estate advertising, personal projects, or research purposes, operating a drone is not something you can simply delegate to employees. Drone flights always carry an element of risk, and in Vietnam, there is no insurance for these devices. Flying a drone is a responsibility reserved for its owner—both a specialized skill and a thrilling hobby that offers countless exciting experiences.

LXT | Architecture

In Vietnam, a sad reality is that many wealthy investors still hold the belief that "Architecture is just pieces of paper with drawings on them." However, the truth is that for a professional architect, this field requires investment in numerous factors that cannot easily be listed. The investment in university education is not worth mentioning, as many wealthy investors have also passed through some form of training in other fields. The investment in physical facilities, production materials, software, and computer hardware is highly diverse and cannot be easily enumerated. Investment in academic research, as well as the development of skills and expertise, is also a critical and essential part of the profession.

However, in this article, I want to focus on one of the important investments in the architectural profession: investment in drones (flycams).

Physical Investment

For small projects, using a drone may not be necessary. But when it comes to medium or large-scale projects, a drone becomes an indispensable tool, offering numerous benefits to architects and design firms.

So, is investing in a drone expensive? The answer is yes.

The Value of the Equipment

Currently, drones are quite popular with many affordable devices flooding the market. However, for optimal use in the field of architecture, a semi-professional drone priced between 2000 and 3000 USD is necessary. This amount is not excessively large for an architect, and it’s just a small part of the cost for organizations or businesses. However, unlike other common devices such as computers, cars, or printers, a drone is a very specific type of equipment, with operational costs that differ significantly from typical devices.

Operating Costs

While the cost of owning a car includes factors such as the initial investment, fuel, maintenance, and a driver, drones must also account for the added risk factor. In Vietnam, there is no insurance for this type of equipment, and finding a qualified drone operator is not easy. Just like a pilot flying an airplane, a drone operator needs skills and experience — not just anyone can operate it like a car driver. Despite modern drones being equipped with many safety sensors, just a momentary distraction by the operator or unforeseen issues at the site can lead to severe damage to the equipment or it being seized due to local regulations.

As such, the operational costs of a drone could match the value of the equipment itself. This is why many organizations or companies choose to rent drone services rather than invest in their own equipment.

Drone Services

When I decided to invest in the Mavic 3 drone (3000 USD when it was first released), I accepted the risks I had previously encountered with my Phantom 2 (which crashed when it lost power mid-flight). However, the steady stream of design projects and the frequent need for a drone made my investment decision seem reasonable and necessary. The drone served my work very effectively, so I had no intention of using it for commercial services. In reality, the revenue from drone services would not cover the risks associated with the equipment.

However, I realize that in the architectural field, there are individuals or organizations that need to use a drone but cannot afford to invest due to the complexities mentioned earlier. The cost of renting a drone service for a single flight is negligible for a project, and when compared to investing in a drone, renting the service is a more economical solution.

On the other hand, I also have international partners who need aerial footage or images from Vietnam. Even though they may have their own drones, the geographic distance makes it impossible for them to use their equipment here, so renting a local drone service becomes their only option. The cost is not a significant issue for them, as it is much lower compared to the results they need to achieve.

Conclusion

When it comes to drone services, we do not emphasize charging fees but simply wish to share our passion and provide specialized services in the architectural field. With years of expert flying experience combined with professional knowledge as an architect, I am confident in providing the highest quality of work for everyone.