Architects Work From Home: Ar. Pankaj Vaid explores the new normal
“It’s a great time to be a perfectionist.”
– Ar. Pankaj Vaid, Principal, Pankaj Vaid Architects
Even when we were unaware of the worldwide brewing pandemic, we, at PVA, had started taking certain precautions within the office by asking all staff and visitors entering our premises to sanitise themselves with alcohol handrubs, etc.
However, I had not anticipated the overnight national level lockdown imposed by our government. In fact, understanding the severity of the situation, we had already directed our staff to work from home a couple of days before the prescribed lockdown. This actually hampered our working from home as we had not prepared ourselves for a 21 day lockdown.
Nevertheless, with minimal tools such as software and project-related information such as drawings, related data, product catalogues, etc, we have succeeded better than my expectations. We came up with following steps that have allowed us to continue with our professional work:
- We have created an office group on WhatsApp. All project-related intra-office communication happens on this
- Certain members who did not have some of the software on their personal computer were requested to download free-of-cost trial versions
- Project teams or individuals prepared their priority list of pending works
- A lot of project-related base information was and is being constantly retrieved from our office email accounts.
- I have conference calls at regular intervals with my colleagues to discuss and resolve project issues.
- Not many, but some, have made design presentations via video conferencing with clients who had systems in place at their residence.
We have managed reasonably well and I hope we can stay productive till this lockdown is over.
The most important thing apart from precautions such as social distancing and sanitisation is to keep a similar daily routine as one had prior to this shutdown. Staying professionally active and productive at the end of each day gives me a sense of accomplishment. By keeping my office staff and consultants officially busy from home is “killing two birds with one stone”.
However, since we do not have the usual work deadline pressure, I have always advised my colleagues to study and read (online, under current circumstances) articles that will improve their general knowledge. Do online courses that will improve their software skills. Do more project-related research and improve on design development. It’s a great time “to be a perfectionist”.
