Building harmony: An architect’s vision for the future

Architecture is both an art and a science, requiring a sense of balance, responsibility, and collaboration to create meaningful and lasting structures, Francisco Javier Sánchez Román told an audience at the Merida English Library.
The architect, owner of Montea Arquitectos, introduced his book Architecture: Weakness and Strength while sharing his insights into the challenges and nuances of modern construction.
Sanchez addressed a fundamental issue in the construction industry—fragmentation and lack of coordination among stakeholders. Engineers, designers, and contractors often work in silos, leading to inefficiencies and miscommunication, he said.
“Something that starts as a beautiful dream to have your own house can quickly turn into a nightmare,” he remarked. This disjointed approach stems partly from a gap in educational systems. While universities excel at teaching design principles, they often fall short in providing practical, hands-on experience in construction.
The Balance of Design, Cost, and Construction
Central to Sánchez’s philosophy is the idea of equilibrium. He explained that every project must balance design, cost, and construction, each carrying equal weight in the outcome.
“Design is not more important than money, and money is not more important than construction,” he asserted. Without this balance, projects risk stalling due to budget overruns or unrealistic designs.
Sanchez shares anecdotes from his career, where poor planning and insufficient budgets derailed promising projects. He stressed the importance of detailed, comprehensive architectural plans encompassing everything from plumbing and electrical systems to finishes and accessories.
“A complete plan allows for adjustments on paper, which is far easier than dealing with issues once construction has begun,” he said.
The Role of Leadership and Teamwork
Sanchez advocates for a unified approach, where a single leader—ideally the architect—oversees the entire project from design to construction. This eliminates conflicts between architects and contractors, ensuring a cohesive vision. “When the architect is both designer and builder, the client avoids being caught in the middle of disagreements,” he noted.
This philosophy extends to his practice, where Sánchez maintains an in-house team of skilled tradespeople, including carpenters, electricians, and masons.
“My carpenter is my teacher, my electrician is my mentor,” he said, emphasizing the mutual respect and communication within his team. This model fosters efficiency and allows for rapid problem-solving—a crucial advantage in a field rife with unexpected challenges.
Sanchez also touched on broader issues, such as the 2023 labor shortages exacerbated by large infrastructure projects like the Tren Maya or during pulpo season, when some tradesmen opt for more lucrative fishing-boat expeditions. He acknowledged the resulting wage inflation and its impact on budgets but emphasized the importance of flexibility and contingency planning.
“Budgeting isn’t just about numbers. It’s about preparing for the unexpected,” he adds.
Beyond the blueprints and budgets lies a shared responsibility to create spaces that resonate with their inhabitants, he says.
“Building should be an extension of the client, not just the architect.”

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