Monday, May 05, 2008 Jolly good fellow By Arch’t. Karl A.E.F. Cabilao, UAP
ONCE a person puts his heart into his work, it would just love him back. Or in this architect’s case, passion spells out honor and recognition.
Because of his outstanding contributions to the architecture profession in construction management and technology, Arch’t. Eldred Caesar Tan of United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Sugbu Chapter received an honor.
He was among the four architects from all over the country elevated to the UAP’s prestigious College of Fellows (COF) last month.
It was held in Manila during the 34th national convention of the organization.
The UAP-COF is a group of architects who have been nominated by their colleagues for having “rendered exceptional contributions for the advancement of the architecture profession as well as outstanding service to the UAP” continuously for a given number of years.
At first, Tan did not expect to be immersed in a specialization that has often been equated with his name.
“The kind of projects that were entrusted to me during my stint with Golden ABC Inc. in the past decade involved a lot of construction management (more than 300 retail projects implemented) rather than the design aspect in the practice of architecture,” says the past district director of UAP Regional District C-1, Central Visayas.
He adds that he enjoys the intelligent interaction with contractors, suppliers and allied professionals.
Sun.Star Cebu (SSC): What do you think is your most relevant role now that you’re a member of the UAP-COF?
Eldred Caesar Tan (ECT): Given the opportunity, I hope to give my humble contributions on matters relating to the UAP in general which will benefit its members and the profession.
SSC: How vital is the integrated and accredited professional organization to the professional and to the public?
ECT: The organization takes the lead role in the quest of continued growth and development in a particular profession.
Without it, professionals will be running around in all directions resulting in a lot of complications, which will not help in any way to further the ideals of the profession. The group can be viewed as a partner of the government. A good professional organization should be able to help educate the public regarding the profession/professional. And be able to police its own ranks so that the highest level of ethical conduct can be achieved for the general welfare of both the professional and the public. It should also be able to take up the cudgels for its disadvantaged members so that their rights (under the law) can be protected at all times.
SSC: What is the importance of a construction manager in a project?
ECT: He serves as the owner’s conduit to the construction team. He makes sure that all aspects of the project are attended to, including anticipating problems likely to occur in the project and finding the appropriate solutions, in collaboration with the other members of the project team. However, the need for a construction manager depends on the type, nature and complexity of the project.
SSC: Why is the architect the ideal construction manager?
ECT: The architect’s well-rounded nature on the building industry gives him a better grasp and understanding of construction work.
Even during our student days, we were already taught the various scopes of work necessary in the construction of a building, like cost estimates, building technology and utilities.
SSC: What is the main challenge of the job?
ECT: It’s to undertake the project with fewer disruptions so that the project will be completed within a
reasonable timeframe, at a realistic cost and with good quality workmanship.
SSC: What makes a good construction manager?
ECT: Based on experience, I have learned five important qualities that make a good construction manager: trustworthiness, fairness, patience, creative and good interpersonal skills.
