Upholding Professionalism Amidst Unrealistic Expectations: A Journey as an Architect

In the vibrant city of Mathura, where traditions often clash with modernity, I embarked on a journey that would test my resilience and professionalism as an architect. With a sincere passion for diverse projects beyond residential design, I eagerly welcomed new challenges to showcase my expertise.

One day, amidst my routine, I received an unexpected call from a husband and wife duo seeking my architectural skills to renovate their school, the Bachpan Play School. Though they were acquaintances through familial connections, I approached the project with optimism, viewing it as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to my community.

Following a comprehensive site inspection, I proposed my design fee - a reasonable 1.25 lakhs. However, negotiations proved arduous, with the clients attempting to slash my fee to a mere fraction, citing budget constraints and questioning my value.

Refusing to compromise my professionalism, I stood firm, eventually settling for a fee far below my worth - a mere 65k. Despite this concession, challenges persisted.

Throughout the project, instances arose where the clients questioned my expertise. One notable example was their demand for a low-cost WC, insisting it fall within the price range of Rs. 1000-2000. Their focus was on immediate savings, despite my efforts to stress the significance of quality and durability, and to move ahead of their unrealistic expectations.

Similarly, when I selected a vibrant blue tile to infuse the space with energy and modernity, the clients unilaterally opted for a dull black alternative without consultation, further highlighting their unrealistic expectations. Despite my efforts to inject life and vibrancy into the space, their preference for a sombre hue left me baffled.

And now, to add a dash of irony to the situation, they're spreading the word that I didn't do a good job, citing the space's dull appearance. It's almost comical how their unrealistic demands have now led them to critique the very choices they insisted upon. 

Adding insult to injury, despite clear terms in the contract stipulating that payment for additional services, such as 3D views, would be separate, the clients refused to honour this agreement in the middle of the project.

Their blatant disregard for the contract was akin to a child calling a parent to complain about a trivial matter, expecting to get their way through whining. This disregard was further exemplified when they bypassed professional channels and called my family members, attempting to evade their responsibilities. It seemed they were more focused on finding loopholes than honouring their commitments.

Despite my dedication, facing payment dues became a significant hurdle. For ten days, I diligently tried to reach out to the clients, clearly stating the repercussions of not paying the dues. These included a 5% penalty added to the due amount every week, and their name and details would go on our website under client defaulters. However, the clients ignored my attempts and instead called a family member again, attempting to manipulate the situation and evade their responsibilities.

In the face of adversity, I remained resolute, refusing to compromise my principles or integrity. Though the journey tested my patience and resolve, it left a bitter taste knowing that the school project would forever remain incomplete. The fate of the design I poured my heart and soul into is uncertain, and I can only hope that it will be embraced and nurtured by those who come after me. May God watch over the design, guiding it towards its full potential despite the challenges.