Hello November| Project Update

 

​Hello, RCD readers

​November has officially begun. It is a fresh month, a time for new inspiration, and the perfect moment to start wrapping up the year with a bang. Around this time of year, I like to evaluate what works (and what doesn't) in the studio, clear the desk of ongoing work, and focus on finishing up projects strong.

​Here is a look at what is happening behind the scenes at RC Designs right now:

​Project Round-Up
​Project B: We have officially crossed the finish line! I received the approved building permit last Friday, and the client is currently finalizing her financing. I am crossing my fingers that everything aligns so construction can kick off next year—that would be an amazing win.

​Project M (1): This preliminary design for an international client relocating back to Suriname is wrapping up after a round of revisions. It is a full family property where the original structure was cleared for a new build. Although the client went in a different design direction than my initial concept, I adapted the layout to match her vision while tweaking key functional details so the space works practically on-site. Next step: receiving the final parcel documentation to ensure all site boundary clearances check out and approval from client from my revisions.

​Project M (2): Currently on pause. The client aims to wrap up by December, but running a business means prioritizing active, paying milestones to manage monthly studio overheads. Once current priority deliverables are out of the way, I will jump back into her construction drawings, structural calculations, and permit submission prep.

​Project C: The goal is to finish this 3D model today so it can be sent out immediately. With exterior changes kept minimal—especially when client preferences remain fluid—focusing on solid core execution rather than over-exhausting on endless variations is the best way forward. Key focus areas today: finalizing the front/back terraces, cabana, and windows.

​Project W: Another international project where the client has been remarkably patient. Between an intensive stretch of ballet teaching classes over the past two weeks, studio scheduling got tight, but follow-ups are done and work is moving again.

​Project V: Currently on hold while I wait for feedback from the client so I can move forward with the next steps.

​Project S: Waiting on calculations from the engineer so I can finish everything up next week.

​Enforcing Boundaries & Managing Studio Workflow

​Beyond active drafting, this week also brought site inquiry evaluations. There is a potential new project site visit scheduled for Saturday, alongside a couple of declined inquiries.
​In business, you quickly learn to recognize patterns: some prospective leads reach out purely for quick pricing or free advice, while others vanish the moment standard rates are shared. I turned down a request recently due to a full schedule—and never hearing back confirmed that it wasn't the right fit. It is completely normal for people to seek expertise, but maintaining authentic, professional boundaries is essential for keeping studio focus where it matters most.

​Today's Game Plan
​The focus for today is simple:
​➡️Wrap up and email Project C.
​➡️Complete studio bookkeeping and administrative tasks.
​➡️Teach scheduled ballet classes.
​➡️Carve out much-needed downtime to reset and recharge.