Pass the blessing | Day in the life RCD

 

Hello RCD readers,

There is something powerful about starting the morning early before the rest of the world wakes up. In the quiet, you get a clear view of where your energy is being matched—and where it isn't.

Accepting people for who they are—without bitterness—is a huge part of personal growth. It frees up space to focus on your purpose, serve where your gifts are actually needed, and stay true to yourself.

The week is moving along, and while it has been busy, it has also been incredibly productive. I am actively trying to pace myself—especially with a studio break on the horizon—to maintain steady momentum on current projects without running on empty.

Here is a look behind the scenes at what is currently happening on the studio drawing board and operational side:

Project Updates

➡️ Project B

This is still moving through its standard administrative phase. I am waiting on updates regarding the building permit and plan to visit the building department soon—either this Friday or early next week—to review the status and check if any technical additions or minor layout adjustments are requested.

➡️ Project River

In the meantime, the studio is preparing for an exciting preliminary design consultation for a unique commercial project situated on a hotel property near the river.

To clarify the actual scope: while the broader property functions as a hotel site, my design focus is centered specifically on a public-facing restaurant and two rental studio units positioned near the riverfront.

My vision for these spaces centers on preserving local identity through tropical architecture. While Paramaribo’s historic inner-city colonial design is undeniably admirable, Suriname’s architectural identity extends much further. The traditional structures found deeper inland—reflecting Indigenous and Maroon building heritage—hold immense character and cultural value.

Integrating these regional concepts into a modern, open-air riverfront layout creates an authentic tropical environment that naturally resonates with both international visitors and local guests.

➡️ Project M

On the operational side, maintaining strong relationships with project partners remains a core priority. I coordinated directly with my structural engineer yesterday to confirm that project funds are secured and his payment is finalized.

As a business policy, I prioritize paying external colleagues and consultants promptly and in full. Building a reliable, trusting professional network means ensuring the people who collaborate with you are respected and compensated on time.

➡️ Behind the Business Side

Between managing design concepts, sending out project invoices, and handling end-of-month accounting—from tracking project costs to setting aside tax allocations—taking things one structured milestone at a time keeps the studio grounded and focused.

I received the best compliment recently: "You are very professional and give options." That was truly the best compliment to hear.

As I get ready for today's to-do list, I am thinking back to where God tells me to quiet down the noise and listen—to understand where I stand with people, to recognize where my gifts are needed, and to notice where I can lend a helping hand.

Not everything is about money and growth. Sometimes God wants us to pass the blessing on or protect others, just as I was protected when I went through a hard time. As the saying goes, may your cup overflow so you can bless others in any capacity.