A Name to Build a
Dream On
By Prosy B. Montesines

What do these names have in common? Juan F. Nakpil,Pablo S. Antonio, Leonardo V. Locsin, Francisco Manosa, Ildefonso P. Santos Jr.
Everyone who knows the country’s architechtural history will surely agree that it is remarkable reputation. Inded, the names of these esteemed Filipino architects are written indelibly on the wall of the country’s architectural history, motivating and inspiring archittects who look up to them as they blaze their own trails.

One of them is Architect Noel M. Caramoan, founder and architect of N.M. Caramoan Builders & Development Corporation. He bellieves that an architect who intends to stary ahead in the profession cannot do without a good reputation. As it is often said, your reputation goes before you; it opens door of opportunities especially in the face of severe competition.
 
Money, a well-oiled public relations machine, and even tons of finely-crafted white-ups about oneself cannot buy a good reputation. This young architect knows that it can only be earned from one’s day-today endeavors.

“In this kind of work and in any other calling for that matter, I can say that an untarnished reputation makes the difference. Your career cannot be built and sustained without,” he said.

That isn’t mere rhetoric. Clients and associates can attest to the fact that Archt. Caramoan has been hard at work laying the groundwork for building a name, a strong client base, and his dream for the company.

N.M. Caramoan Builders and Development Corporation was founded in 2004 and organized under the existing laws of the Philippines to engage in the general construction and allied businesses.

“Projects may come one at a time so it is always wise and practical to start slowly but surely in order to learn more and improve your knowledge and skills,” he said.” I believe that with work hard, honesty, sincerity and faithful service, you cannot go wrong.”

“I am hands-on practitioner,” he said.” I see to it that the design plans approved by our clients are properly executed and implemented on the ob sites.”
Where does he draw his wisdom and strength? He taps into the power of faith and prayer expecially during trying times.

Survival Mode
Archt. Caramoan would like to focus on design and build, but he expressed some reservations about it because of the “highs and lows of the economy.” One has to learn to be on a survival mode, he said.” Have a keen eye on opportunities and grab what is at hand.”

He, however, would like to train his sights on global competitiveness in terms of design, construction, and technology in response to the rapid advancements in building and design trends, increasing sophistication of client’s tastes and preferences, and highly-accelerated means of communication. “You have to be aware to what’s new, and what’s being offered in the market,” he said.” A lt of things are chaging the way we design and build.”

Not necessarily large-scale
When asked to name his major projects, Archt. Caramoan made this clarification:” “For me, major projects are those that benefit people and make them happy, such as hospitals, airports, and resorts.” They are not necessarily large-scale or big-budgeted.

At present, his company is doing schematic studies for a modern hospital in Pangasinan – one that uses modern technology and materials along the concepts of green architecture.

One project that is “most significant” to him is the biological science building at the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna. He considers it significant for three reasons: technical innovations in construction; coordinative work with UPLB’s in-house engineers; and faithfulness of its implementation to the original plan which is to transform the building into a more appealing facility than ever before. It will be done by creating more efficient floor spaces, entrances and exits, and by adding elements that can make students enjoy the place better and entice theme to keep study harder. Also given due attention are the elements of safely and construction methodology.

Practical pointers
Archt. Caramoan has some practical pointers on how an architect should go about setting schedules and deadlines and rectifying mistakes or oversights.
On setting target schedules: To complete a project according to plan and target schedule, he highly recommends: coordination meeting, proper planning and construction methodology, designation of right persons for specific or specialized tasks, safely and health programs.

On deadlines: In the field of construction there no such thing as a perfect deadline owing to force majeure and other unforeseen or unwelcome circumstances.
On rectifying mistakes or eversights: The main elements that should be taken into account in designing a structure are strength and durability, adequate lighting, ventilation and minimizing or even doing away with pockets or alleyways that can serve as entry or exit points for nefarious elements. When something goes wrong due to negligence or lack of prudence, correction can be done in many ways, depending on the situation. You have to evaluate, investigate what went wrong, gather ample pertinent data, and come up a most practical solution.

Communication and Leadership
An architect can buttress his reputation also by his leadership and communication skills. “The success of every organization depends on leadership,” he said. “Architects are professionals responsible for shaping and improving our physical environment. They must possess leadership traits and communication skills to be able to succeed.”

Architecture also calls for continuing or open-ended education especially in the areas of theory, history, business, and tehnology.
He also pointed out the need to improve the industry by “upholding critical standards of professional practice, ethics and safely, and recognizing at the same time the myriad ways by which organizations can deliver design services and structure themeselves accordingly.”
Another direction, he said, is for firms to “institutionalize their practice for purposes of continuity beyond the lifetime of the personalities that founded the practice.”

Archt. Caramoan is an active member of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries
(PCCI). He joined the organization out of his desire to take part in its advocasy for business growth and innovations, sustainable development, and advancement of grass roots entrepreneurship, and the promotion of international trade relations, among others.
“Architects and designers must get involved in addressing critical issues in the country today if they want to contribute solutions to problems concerning the environment, energy supply, sources of materials, and socialized housing.

What’s in a name?
In Archt. Noel M. Caramoan’s book, it is reputation – which will be his reward if he works hard enough and keep a strong faith in Him who can provide him with the ability to build sound working relationships, acquire leadership traits, safeguard one’s integrity, and pursue his most fervent dreams.