In today’s episode, we’re talking with

JOHANNES KLINGLMAIR, TECHNICAL PROJECT ASSISTANT, WARRANTY AND DEFECT REPAIR

Mr. Klinglmair, you are responsible for warranty management at CUUUBUUS. What exactly does that entail?

Warranty management essentially refers to the process of rectifying defects that are reported within the warranty period after the property has been handed over to the owner or tenant. This task is often carried out by individuals who managed the construction supervision office’s affairs during the construction phase.

How and why did you actually come across CUUBUUS? Were you already familiar with our company?

I have to admit that it was a speculative application that led me to CUUBUUS, since there were very few job openings at the time I was looking for work. In fact, though, I had already heard of the company—or rather, seen some of its projects—before that. I had also come across CUUBUUS earlier while doing research during my studies, and I was really impressed by it.

Back to your work: From the discovery of a defect to its satisfactory resolution, there are likely several steps involved. Could you give our readers a brief overview of how such a process works?

This varies greatly from case to case. If a defect can be immediately attributed to a company or trade, fewer steps are required.

First, it must be determined whether there is actually a defect. The initial assessment can sometimes be made based solely on a description or a photo, but an on-site inspection is usually necessary. Once the cause has been identified, the company responsible for the defective work is required to remedy the defect.

It’s not uncommon for a combination of factors to make the situation more complex. In such cases, it often involves sifting through documentation, documents, and guidelines. Sometimes it’s necessary to bring in specialists, experts, or product manufacturers to clearly determine which trade is responsible for the defect. This requires a great deal of patience and organization.

I can imagine it’s not always easy to balance the interests of everyone involved. Have you always had a knack for calming things down and mediating between opposing sides, or do you just enjoy arguing? 😉

No, it really isn’t. Sometimes there are very sensitive and emotional reactions, which I understand. Housing is a basic need, and users want their expectations to be met perfectly.

A knack for it… I don’t know if I’d call it that, but I’ve often been able to defuse “tense situations” both in my club activities and in my personal life. In situations like these, it’s simply important to me that a reasonable solution is found quickly, rather than arguing, since that’s just the wrong approach for me and, above all, leads nowhere.

And in your opinion, what personal qualities are needed to do this job? What technical skills are essential, and what talents or abilities are nice to have but not a must?

Honestly, I really don’t know where to start. 🙂

There are many qualities and skills you should possess, as this is a very diverse work environment. Technical knowledge, legal knowledge, a structured and analytical approach to work, time management, the ability to handle stress, and a problem-solving mindset are skills that are definitely required.

“Nice to have,” of course, would be experience—just like in any other job. That makes the whole thing a lot easier. A certain degree of composure, strong communication skills, and empathy can’t hurt either.

Speaking of coworkers: How do you feel about working together as a team, and on projects? Do you prefer working in the office or on-site?

Working as part of the team at CUUBUUS is very, very pleasant. I noticed this right from the very first minute. You interact with all your colleagues, and everyone tries to handle requests right away, despite the stress.

A healthy mix of office work and on-site work—that’s something that’s very important to me personally and is a major selling point for this position. I couldn’t imagine spending 40 hours a week sitting in front of a screen in the office.

And finally, a personal question: Has your professional work already influenced you to the point where even in your personal life, every construction flaw immediately catches your eye, or can you just tune it out? 😉

But of course. Regardless of your profession, you just pick up certain habits, and then you can’t shake them off in everyday life. It always happens very quickly, I find.

Maybe I don’t notice every construction flaw right away, but my perception has definitely changed, yes. Whether I’m walking past construction sites or visiting friends in an unfamiliar apartment, something always catches my eye. Since I moved just a few weeks ago myself, I’ve already noticed that you see a lot of things in a different light—things you simply wouldn’t have paid attention to before. Of course, it’s very practical when you can also benefit from it.

Thank you very much for the pleasant conversation and the interesting insights!

In today’s episode, we’re talking with

DI Serap Kaya-Firat, Architect & Social Media Expert

Ms. Kaya-Firat, what led you to the real estate industry? Did you want to be an architect even as a child, or did that career aspiration come later?

From a very young age, I was fascinated by creative forms of expression. Alongside my love of music, I discovered my passion for drawing. Fields of study like medicine or law never appealed to me, because the opportunity to express my creative side was always an important aspect for me. As a result, I was torn between pursuing a career in music or architecture. During my teenage years, I devoted myself to both singing and guitar lessons as well as creative projects like designing our school building, through which I actively contributed to its renovation. Ultimately, I had to make a decision: study music or study architecture. I chose to keep music as a hobby, as I feared it might lose its appeal if it became my profession. So I began studying architecture and enjoyed it immensely from the very start. It felt right and allowed me to take my creative passion to a new level.

You completed your master’s degree at the Technical University a few weeks ago, but you already have several years of professional experience working at various architecture firms. Now that you’re officially a “fully qualified” architect—would you say that what you learned in theory is still relevant to real-world practice?

The deeper insights I’ve gained through my work experience so far have, overall, made it easier for me to understand the theory, especially when it comes to technical drawings and details. Whether the theory taught in college is still relevant to real-world practice is a complex question. In my experience, while a university education provides a solid foundation, it is essential to supplement this knowledge with practical application and experience. The architecture industry is dynamic and requires constant learning and adaptation to new technologies, trends, and requirements. Therefore, it is important that theoretical education be flexible enough to meet current practical needs while also imparting fundamental principles and concepts that are timeless.

Specifically regarding your current role at CUUBUUS: What exactly does your job entail, and which areas do you enjoy the most?

In my current position at CUUBUUS, I primarily work on the “DAS ARTMANN” project—located in a historic brick building—handling construction planning and supporting the team in various areas. My responsibilities range from designing tile backsplashes to handling smaller details, as well as preparing materials for the Federal Monuments Office. In a way, I’m an all-rounder. Over the past few months, we’ve also been busy planning a series of events that took place in the attic of our “DAS ARTMANN” project. In this role, I was responsible for coordinating the schedule and monitoring the on-site implementation by the contracted trades.

In addition to my work as an architect, I’m also responsible for managing CUUBUUS’s social media presence, particularly on Instagram. Photography and videography have always fascinated me, and my eye for detail really comes in handy here. This creative work provides a valuable balance to the technical aspects of construction that I deal with as an architect. Together, these two aspects make my job so exciting and varied.

How and through what means did you actually come across CUUBUUS? Were you already familiar with our projects or the company?

My friend Bianca, who was working as an architect at CUUBUUS at the time, told me that the team was expanding and that new positions were being filled.

When I decided in early 2023 to resume my studies and finish my thesis, I was also looking for a part-time job. It was important to me to work without neglecting my studies. I wasn’t sure if it would be possible to find a position with reduced hours in this industry. But CUUBUUS turned out to be a real stroke of luck: they were extremely supportive and allowed me to have a flexible schedule—both in terms of working hours and responsibilities—so that I could finish my studies without any problems.

Interestingly, I was already familiar with the “DAS ARTMANN” project, since I enjoy walking along the Danube and had noticed it on some of my many strolls. I remember visiting the CUUBUUS website and checking out their projects. However, I never would have thought that I’d one day be part of the planning process myself. Sometimes life takes a fascinating turn, and it’s exciting to see how things seem to develop on their own.

The architectural profession is, after all, fraught with numerous clichés and prejudices. Which of these, would you say, are actually justified, and which stereotypes do you want to dispel once and for all right here and now?

Where should I even begin? 😉 The cliché that all architects wear only black and tend to be rather conservative in their style is definitely outdated. Many in our industry are fashion-conscious and appreciate a variety of styles in their clothing—perhaps not least because the profession of architecture requires creativity, and not just in the design of buildings. This is sometimes reflected in the way we express ourselves, or indeed in our choice of clothing.

Unfortunately, I can’t dispute the stereotype of high coffee consumption, although this phenomenon isn’t actually limited to the architecture industry. In fact, people from various professional fields and different industries enjoy drinking a lot of coffee to boost their energy, focus, or simply take a short break. Furthermore, in the office or other work environments, the coffee machine is often a central gathering spot where colleagues catch up with one another. Therefore, drinking a lot of coffee isn’t just an architect’s cliché—it’s likely to be found anywhere where people work long hours.

By the way, there’s a funny Reel on our CUUBUUS Instagram page featuring some of the most common clichés and funniest stereotypes about our profession.

What does it take to become a really good architect—both in terms of professional skills and on a personal level?

I believe the combination of technical skills and personal qualities is essential. From a technical standpoint, a deep understanding of building technology, building codes, materials, and construction is crucial. This technical knowledge naturally expands and deepens with experience, but fundamentally, there should be a commitment to continuous learning. Equally important is creativity, which is essential for developing innovative and aesthetically pleasing designs that are both functional and visually compelling. The ability to visualize ideas and translate them into precisely drawn plans and models is also of fundamental importance.

On a personal level, teamwork, empathy, and flexibility are immensely important. Architects must be able to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams: They are not only in close contact with their own colleagues on the project, but also in constant communication with consultants, contractors, building owners, and clients. It’s also worth noting that we live in a world and an era of constant change, and therefore we should be highly adaptable to evolving requirements and new technologies, as well as strongly committed to quality and sustainability. In my opinion, perseverance and a continuous willingness to learn round out the profile of a successful architect.

Speaking of the CUUBUUS team—what is it actually like to work here? Are there any specific aspects that make this company special?

What I originally planned to be just a temporary solution until I finished my studies has, thanks to the family-like work atmosphere, the team’s wonderful support, and the combined expertise and valuable, long-standing experience of my colleagues—who are always willing to share their knowledge— has turned into a workplace where I not only feel completely at home, but—above all—can learn a great deal.

Currently, CUUBUUS is primarily developing residential projects. Planning, designing, and building for people inevitably involves numerous requirements and, in some cases, restrictions—such as building code regulations, guidelines for building services, or similar factors—that the average person out there is probably largely unaware of or doesn’t even realize exist. So people just end up asking, “What was the architect thinking?” Do you sometimes wish for more “understanding”? Or are these standards and requirements something that perhaps even frustrate you or make you feel restricted when you’re planning?

Especially at TU Wien, there’s very little connection between our design work and the numerous demands of the “real” world. The focus is on creativity, and we were literally allowed to “let our imaginations run wild” with our concepts. When I started my career and began working on “real” projects in the professional world, this transition was very difficult for me, and at the time I often got frustrated that the university hadn’t prepared us better for this “harsh reality.” When I returned to university after a three-year break from my studies and started designing again as part of my program, I realized just how much I had missed that freedom to design. 😊 Of course, it’s important to have a certain framework to follow, since a project becomes increasingly complex, especially during the in-depth phases. Still, it frustrates me sometimes, too, because it naturally limits the design process.

Returning to the sense of fulfillment and joy that this profession brings: What inspires you most about your work?

I’m generally the kind of person who takes on new challenges with great enthusiasm and dedication. I find the architecture industry to be very diverse—one day you’re on the construction site, the next you’re drawing in the office. You’re constantly interacting with other people. You work on different projects, and you learn something new from each one. What I find particularly fascinating is how the drawings become more detailed over time as the project phases progress, and are ultimately built exactly as drawn. What initially exists only on paper can be seen and touched in just a few months.

What project would you definitely like to take on at some point in your future career? Or is there a design from the past that makes you think, “Wow, I wish I had designed that!”

Of course, there are works that fascinate me as well. Still, I wouldn’t want to have designed them myself. I think architecture is very diverse, and every design is actually unique and specific to that architect. So it’s rather unlikely that I would end up doing something exactly the same way myself.

In general, though, I always find museum buildings very interesting. The spatial design plays a huge role in how visitors experience the exhibitions. For my final project in my bachelor’s program, I designed a science research center that included a museum. Ever since then, it has definitely been my dream to work on something like this someday and to amaze visitors with architectural elements such as ceiling heights, the way light enters the space, and the layout of the pathways.

Aside from buildings, what do you think the future of housing and daily life will look like? Are there any trends in this area?

I feel like the living space in households is getting smaller every year. There’s currently a trend toward small, smart apartments with shared common areas. Personally, I’m not a big fan of that. It was very important to me to have plenty of living space, large windows, and high ceilings in my apartment, which is why I ultimately decided on an apartment in an older building. Interestingly, this shows that the quality of living that was once considered normal is now viewed more as a luxury.

And one final question: Do you live in a “typical” architect’s apartment? Is there even such a thing? 😉

I’m actually very interested in interior design. Just as with the question about the “wow” factor in other architects’ work, I’d say that there isn’t such a thing as a “typical” architect’s apartment. Everyone has different preferences and tastes. What I can definitely confirm is that we give a lot more thought to living spaces, design, and furnishing. For example, I took my time choosing my furniture. And even my guests who are visiting me for the first time say you can tell that a couple of architects live here. 🙂

Thank you very much for the pleasant conversation and the interesting insights!

In today’s episode, we’re talking with

Katarina Ivusic-Kuvikova, Architect, Certified Civil Engineer, and an experienced expert in the field of building construction.

Ms. Ivusic, to start off with a basic question: Did you always want to be an architect, or how did that come about?

I’ve never really thought about it. Actually, even as a child, I loved to draw and do crafts—but don’t we all? Maybe my father had an indirect influence on me; he’s an architect himself, and I’ve always been fascinated by all those pens and those big rolls of paper.

Can you give our readers a little glimpse into what it’s like to work at CUUBUUS? Why don’t you tell us a little about your projects and your impressions of the team here?

My current project at CUUBUUS is DAS ARTMANN. It is a building that is partially listed as a historic landmark and is being converted into a residential building. The challenge lies in creating a high-quality, harmonious living space while complying with regulations that are becoming increasingly stringent.

Housing is very close to my heart, because it creates spaces where stories unfold.

At CUUBUUS, great importance is placed on quality and architecture—aspects that many developers have neglected.

With the CUUBUUS team, this is easy to achieve, because their years of experience, expertise, and attention to detail come together to form a strong team that can handle any task.

Right from the start, you feel like you’re part of the team. All of my coworkers are very helpful, supportive, and open to new ideas. The atmosphere is harmonious and friendly. Even in crisis situations, we try to support one another.

How and why did you actually come across CUUBUUS? Were you already familiar with our company?

I wasn’t really familiar with CUUBUUS. I happened to come across CUUBUUS in a conversation with a friend I met on construction sites, where he was working as a site coordinator.

My first impressions of the website ultimately convinced me that CUUBUUS was a company where I would enjoy working. Shortly thereafter, I submitted my application there.

What would a typical workday in Katarina I’s life look like? Does it generally follow the same pattern every day, or is there sometimes room for the unexpected?

I find the work very exciting and varied thanks to the different areas of responsibility, projects, and site visits; no two days are alike, and I really enjoy that.

In fact, it’s usually not possible to prepare a fixed schedule of tasks for the day, because you always have to respond immediately to requests, especially during the execution phase.

And in your opinion, what personal qualities are needed to do this job? What technical skills are essential, and what talents or abilities are nice to have but not a must?

As an architect, you are, so to speak, the link between the client, consultants, and the contractors. That is why it is always important to remain objective and impartial and not lose sight of the goal.

I think that as an architect, you should have a good imagination and not overlook even the smallest detail in any approach. You have to be knowledgeable in your field, or at least have an idea of where to look up information, whether it’s a law, a standard, or something similar.

And, of course, you should have a technical aptitude—on the one hand, to understand the processes on the construction site, and on the other hand, because IT skills and proficiency with drafting software are essential in today’s world.

Speaking of coworkers: How do you feel about working together as a team and on the construction site? Is the atmosphere there really rough, or do you, as a woman, experience a different kind of treatment?

I am pleased to see that more and more female colleagues are working on construction sites—not only in planning and billing, but also increasingly in hands-on roles.

I have already met with clients who were concerned about having a woman serve as the local construction supervisor for their project, but I was able to allay their fears and quickly convince them of my abilities.

Admittedly, as a woman on construction sites, you might not be taken very seriously at first, but once you’ve shown that you know what you’re doing, your gender no longer matters.

The industry is still predominantly male-dominated. Do you see a paradigm shift happening in the near future, or will there still be more male architects than female architects even 10 years from now?

Yes, I’m seeing more and more women in this profession. I can’t say for sure whether there will be more female architects in 10 years.

Since projects typically last an average of two years, you end up working on the same thing for a very long time. Do you see that as a positive, or do you sometimes wish it would “go by” faster so you could move on to the next project? 😉 What are the pros and cons?

Architecture—the entire process leading up to the completion of a building—is a long process. The building itself remains the same, but the stages of planning are always different. You start with a feasibility study and plan the entire building down to the last detail. Then comes the construction phase, during which you must ensure that the plans are implemented correctly.

You deal with a lot of people—at the beginning, it’s the clients who express their wishes. Then there are the various specialist planners and government agencies… And once the planning phase is partially complete, you’re dealing with the various contractors almost every day. This entire process is necessary, and its duration always depends on the client’s decision-making ability and the complexity of the building.

What do you personally find most fulfilling about your work? If you could decide again, would you choose this career?

I think I’d choose this job again; I think it’s great to see something in real life that was initially just on paper.

A quick note on the construction and real estate industries in general, as well as architecture and planning: To what extent do you think development, construction, and housing have changed over the past ten years?

Over the past 10 years, construction trends have increasingly shifted toward sustainability and self-sufficient living, but at the same time, smart homes have also become more popular.

In the realm of housing, people are creating more and more shared spaces in the home where they can spend time together and enjoy life, and are doing so at the expense of spacious private rooms. The focus is on togetherness.

And in your opinion, what do you think the future of housing will look like?

Collaborative living—featuring smaller living units and shared multifunctional spaces, such as guest rooms, urban gardening areas, or even larger common areas that can be used flexibly—is becoming increasingly important for adapting to different life situations.

Finally, a question for non-experts: Is there such a thing as THE typical architect’s apartment? In other words, when you visit your home, is it immediately obvious that someone “in the field” lives here?

I don’t think so, but the visitor always says you can feel it 😊

Our apartment is a rental, so we haven’t made any structural changes. The apartment’s atmosphere is defined by the furniture and accessories. When it comes to furniture, I really focus on quality and would rather buy something high-quality, secondhand, than something from a furniture store.

Thank you very much for these fascinating insights!

In today’s episode, we’re talking with

BIANCA BARNARD, ARCHITECT

Ms. Barnard, tell us a little about yourself… Where are you from, what do you do, and what kind of education did you receive? Have you always wanted to be an architect?

I have roots in the Waldviertel region; I was born in Vienna and grew up in a suburb of Vienna before moving back to my hometown in 2016. After many detours—including various educational paths and career fields, as well as a year abroad in New Orleans, a city that further shaped my love for architecture (especially historic architecture)—I ultimately landed in my dream job as an architect. Even as a child, I enjoyed drawing floor plans and have always had a good sense of spatial awareness.

You’ve been with the company for almost exactly a year. Time for a reality check 😉 What’s it like working at CUUBUUS? What are the projects like—have your expectations been met, or have you had to revise any assumptions? Are there any areas that have pleasantly surprised you? And what, if anything, have you become disillusioned with in the meantime?

I’ve worked at other architecture firms before—both small and large—but nowhere else has the sense of family and team spirit been as strong as it is at CUUBUUS. Recently, my best friend asked me how I manage not to turn back on my way to work. The answer is simple: a job you’re passionate about—as hard and thankless as it can sometimes be—and coworkers you look forward to seeing every day. We support each other, and despite the various hurdles we face, we never run out of humor 😊

Renovations are always a special challenge, but I think that’s exactly what makes them so exciting. With our “DAS ARTMANN” project, there’s the added complication of having to take two different construction phases into account: one from the 1870s and the other from the 1990s—so it’s essentially a project within a project. This, in turn, means we’re appealing to a broader clientele. I’m also the only one on our architecture team working exclusively on this project, so I take on a sort of coordinating role to ensure everything runs smoothly.

How and where did you hear about the job posting? Had you heard of CUUBUUS before?

There wasn’t actually a job posting in that sense, but, as often happens in life, I ended up at the company thanks to our observant CUUBUUS founder, who learned about my specialization in historic preservation and renovation —and CUUBUUS happened to be looking for support for its revitalization project at exactly that time.

Tell us about a typical workday—are the routines essentially the same every day, or is no two weeks alike?

With such a tight schedule, there’s actually a clear plan for what needs to happen and when. As we all know, reality is different, and almost every day brings surprises. In theory, I keep a to-do list, but in practice, those very items usually have to wait a bit because, of course, the urgent matters take priority first.

In the morning, we discuss what absolutely must be done today. Consultants are brought in, meetings are held, planning is an ongoing process, sales plans are updated… As a creative person, I also enjoy taking on additional design tasks, such as handling the layout of brochures, designing portfolios, creating visuals for construction site advertising, etc., which I really enjoy.

And what personal skills do you need to have to do a job like yours? What technical skills are essential, and what qualities are nice to have?

Humor, lots of humor—especially dark humor! 😉 And patience.

Common sense and forward thinking are just as important. No matter how much formal training you have, if you lack logical thinking, you’re doomed to fail in this profession, in my opinion. Unfortunately, the architecture program at TU Wien tends to be (too) little practice-oriented, but fortunately, you pick up the technical knowledge over time in your day-to-day work, and as we all know, you can always look up the OIB guidelines and standards at any time 😉

Speaking of the team: How does it feel to be the youngest (not in terms of age, but in terms of when you joined—the “newest”) employee? And how do you feel being the only woman among all your male colleagues?

I really can’t complain at all! Here, it doesn’t matter how old you are or where you’re from… you’ve just got to have the right sense of humor 😉 Even during my first week on the job, it felt like we’d known each other forever—and that says a lot 😊—and after a year, things are still just as great!

In general, the industry still tends to be male-dominated. Why do you think that is?

Technical professions have always been typically male-dominated… but fortunately, that has changed over time. In my architecture program, the ratio was about 50:50—if not even more women. So I’d say that’s a positive trend!

With an average project duration of at least 18 months, you end up working on the same project for quite a long time. Is that a curse or a blessing?

Both in equal measure?😉 Joking aside… Things aren’t the same every day; we’re constantly working on different areas, which keeps things exciting. Every project evolves, and it fascinates me anew every day just how quickly everything actually moves. No sooner are the formwork plans approved than they’re already being implemented on the construction site. In my opinion, 18 months could easily be longer in this industry 😉

What do you find most exciting about your job? And what moment always makes your heart race or brings you a sense of personal happiness?

According to my colleagues, the greatest sense of fulfillment comes when the project is completed. Until then, it’s a roller-coaster ride. But it’s precisely this challenge—the unpredictability—that makes the job so exciting. You might think every project is the same, but it isn’t.

A quick note on the real estate industry and architecture in general: To what extent do you think the planning, construction, development, and design of housing have changed over the past ten years?

That definitely depends on the target audience. Real estate prices have skyrocketed; new buildings are getting smaller, but their floor plans are, in turn, being designed in more sophisticated and efficient ways. Right now, Vienna is experiencing something of a “construction boom”—construction is happening on every corner, vacant lots are being filled, and former industrial sites are being transformed into new, mostly car-free residential neighborhoods and developed sustainably… Personally, I’m curious to see how the situation will unfold over the next 10 years, because by then most vacant lots in Vienna will likely be built on, and renovating existing buildings will become even more important. As a self-proclaimed “revitalization fan,” I naturally believe that much more should be done in this direction—not least because our resources are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. Furthermore, a city’s character should not lose its distinctive identity. A welcome development (for me) in the coming year will be the expansion of the Historic Preservation Act, which will broaden the scope of ensemble protection.

In your opinion, what will our living situations look like in the future? Are there any trends already emerging, and can we identify any developments?

For a long time, the trend was for many people to move to the city. However, the pandemic has reversed this trend, as working from home has created many new job opportunities and fields, and the desire for self-sufficiency—driven by both quality-of-life and financial considerations, such as rising inflation—has become a hot topic. A good example is my grandmother, who lives deep in the Waldviertel region and has a huge garden with vegetable beds, fruit trees, and a greenhouse that provides organic potatoes, carrots, beets, and apples all year round—she hardly notices the rising prices at all.

And to wrap things up, may I ask you a very personal question: Is your home immediately recognizable as an “architect’s apartment” at first glance?

It depends on what you mean by an “architect’s apartment” 😉 My guests always say how cozy my place is. The colors go well together, and there are lots of houseplants and mementos from my time in New Orleans and my life so far.

A lovely closing remark… I wish you continued success, and above all, thank you very much for these fascinating insights!

In today’s episode, we’re talking with

Paul Tangerner, Construction & Project Manager

For anyone outside the industry who might not be familiar with terms like “ÖBA”—could you explain what exactly your responsibilities as a “local building inspector” entail? Do you essentially supervise and monitor the work on the construction site around the clock, or how should one picture this?

On-site construction supervision (ÖBA) includes the services of construction monitoring and coordination, schedule and cost tracking, quality control, invoice verification, processing of claims for additional and reduced costs, takeover and acceptance, identification and resolution of defects, and documentation during the phases of construction preparation, execution, and project completion.

When and how did you end up at CUUBUUS? What do you think makes the company stand out?

I was introduced to CUUBUUS by the site manager of a project at the time.

I had previously worked for a German construction company, and after completing a major new-construction project near the Grüner Prater, I had the opportunity to work on one of the most prestigious renovation projects involving the addition of an attic floor in the 1st District: the Palais Schottenring.

What sets CUUBUUS apart for me, above all, is that I’m not just seen as an employee, but am also given opportunities to grow. In my case, this took the form of support during my apprenticeship. At the same time I started working at CUUBUUS, I also began a part-time degree program in civil engineering at FH Campus Wien. Throughout my studies, I was always able to take time off for exam weeks.

For my recent master builder’s exam, after consulting with management, I was able to devote myself entirely to exam preparation for six weeks. Of course, something like this is only possible with—and thanks to—dedicated colleagues who are willing to help shoulder the workload during this time.

May I ask what kind of training you completed? Is that a requirement for your current position, or is it possible to break into the field through other means? And aside from technical knowledge, what interpersonal skills are essential for this job?

I began the building construction program at the HTL in Krems and took the vocational matriculation exam in Mödling. I then decided to pursue a part-time degree in civil engineering at FH Campus Wien, but I dropped out in the fourth semester and switched to a preparatory course for the master builder’s exam.

In my opinion, it’s always possible to make a career change into the construction industry, since there are so many different areas of work and opportunities. You should generally have an interest in technical matters and—something that’s very important to me personally—a certain amount of common sense and social skills for interacting with project stakeholders.

A project like this takes some time, after all. What part do you personally find the most exciting? Or are you involved from start to finish?

For me, every phase of construction is exciting in its own right and presents its own challenges… it’s the variety that really makes it special. At the start of a project, you mainly work in the office to estimate costs and prepare the project. During construction, you spend 50% of your time in the office and 50% on the job site. In later phases of construction, this balance will shift more and more toward the construction site, and toward the end—during the handover to buyers or tenants and as part of the defect rectification process—you’ll be primarily on-site to coordinate and supervise the work.

Are there any downsides to this job? What is the most fulfilling aspect of your work?

There aren’t really any downsides in the strict sense—I personally really enjoy the job. However, you have to be able to handle a certain amount of stress; being a healthcare administrator is definitely not a “9-to-5” job.

From a buyer’s perspective: What are the key things to look out for, what are the pitfalls, and what advice would you give to prospective buyers?

Above all, you should pay attention to the materials used and read the fine print in the manufacturer’s maintenance and care instructions. These instructions state, for example, that windows, air conditioning systems, or filters must be serviced once a year in accordance with the standard in order to maintain the warranty.

In your opinion, how has the housing sector—or the project development and real estate industries—changed over the past ten years?

Based on my professional experience over the past six years, I can say that, unfortunately, the quality of work performed by companies on construction sites is getting worse and worse without supervision, and that a site supervisor has become indispensable as a quality assurance tool.

Furthermore, the number of special requests and buyers’ desire for customization has increased enormously, which makes managing the construction process considerably more challenging for us as contractors. But that makes it all the more rewarding when we’re finally able to bring our clients’ very specific visions to life exactly as they envisioned 😉

How do you think we’ll live in the future?

I think that smart homes and all aspects of sustainability will play an increasingly central role. This starts with the production of building materials, continues with the resources used, and extends to the actual design of the building.

And your personal closing remarks—what else would you like to share with your readers?

The construction industry is so diverse that there’s something for everyone, career-wise. It never gets boring 🙂

Thank you very much for these fascinating insights!

In the first episode, we talk with

Gernot Zuckerhut, Architect.

There are numerous stereotypes surrounding the architectural profession. The ideas that
people outside the industry have about your work are sometimes even completely contradictory—ranging from creative artist to meticulous technician with a knack for numbers… Mr. Zuckerhut, this is your chance to dispel the common clichés. Tell us: do you really only have black turtlenecks in your closet? And how many all-nighters, design plans, and cups of coffee does it actually take to complete a turnkey home? Or to put it another way: How much truth is there in the stereotypes of the “typical” architect?

The profession of architecture is very diverse and thrives on the tension between art and
technology. As an architect, however, you’re also allowed to be a bit of a do-gooder—at least that’s how I see it
. People feel more comfortable in a well-planned, beautifully designed building.
Architecture that exists solely for its own sake and does not serve people is too one-dimensional for me.

That’s how I feel about black turtlenecks, too—wearing the same one every day would be too boring for me.
However, white and black are important design elements in art and architecture
. They serve as the canvas against which colors stand out all the more, and in the
case of architecture, it is, for example, sunlight that brings life into and onto the building.

Specifically: What are your responsibilities, and what does a typical workday look like on the architecture team at CUUBUUS?

The task is concrete and, day after day, involves drawing from a multitude of requirements,
regulations, rules, technical necessities, and the client’s wishes to develop solutions
that take all of these into account while still representing something new and exciting.

You’ve been with CUUBUUS since 2005. How did you come to join the company, and what exactly sets CUUBUUS apart from other real estate developers?

By chance—that’s just how life goes… Actually, after college, I spent most of my time working abroad (the U.S., Japan), most recently in Sydney. For family reasons, I returned to Austria for a while, planning to go back to Sydney. Things turned out differently, as you can see, but I don’t regret it, because I’ve always appreciated the versatility at CUUBUUS. At CUUBUUS, it’s always been about architecture and the fascination with elegance in design, but we don’t want to produce works of art—we want to create functional buildings. That shouldn’t be a contradiction, and that’s what makes the work so exciting.

What education and skills are required to fill your position? Are there people who have switched careers, or is a degree in architecture essential to succeed in this field?

In any case, one should be able to empathize with others; this is important in addition to
technical and legal training—which is, after all, required by law.

It can sometimes take years from the first sketch to the handover of the keys. As an architect, are you involved right down to the final decision on where to place the outlets, or is your job done once the floor plan has been approved?

There are all kinds of possibilities… But if you want the ideas you’ve had to actually be implemented
, you have to make the effort to be involved every step of the way—from the design phase, through the construction site, all the way to the
very last outlet—and fight to ensure quality in the execution.
After all, it is also our job as architects to think everything through “practically”—with the future
user in mind—and thus get the most out of it.

What advice would you give to a young person who wants to become an architect? What are the challenges and opportunities in this profession?

Give it a try and go for it! There are many people who studied architecture but later went on to work in other professions
—and that has a stimulating effect on society.

Speaking of your dream job: Which project in your career so far has been the most fulfilling for you?

It may sound cliché, but every project is like a child to me—one I’m happy to see
grow up, that is, as it’s being built. Some turn out better than others, but
they’re all close to my heart. The best compliment, though, is when someone who’s lived in one of our homes for a while
tells me how comfortable they feel there.

And what is every architect’s nightmare?

People with blinders on who think architecture is all about whether they personally like or dislike something
. Taste is one thing—and, as we all know, that’s a matter of opinion 😉
But there’s also an overarching responsibility—including to future generations—
to create livable housing.

In your opinion, how has housing—or the architecture and real estate industries—changed over the past ten years?

The constraints imposed by technical standards and building codes are becoming ever tighter. Up to a certain point
, this serves as an incentive and a challenge, and since these laws are designed to protect
people, they do serve an important function.
However, there are increasing contradictions among the various regulations (standards,
fire safety, building physics, zoning guidelines, findings from legal disputes, etc.), which
sometimes result in a situation where one is forced to build something that makes anyone who sees it
or is supposed to live there say, “What was the architect thinking?”

What do you think—how will we live in the future?

More and more in the city… And we’re bringing nature into the city with green facades and
roofs. In addition, we’ll be exploring mobile living more and more in the future.

And your final thoughts as an expert: The perfect apartment, the ideal house—what does that look like to you personally?

For me, the perfect apartment doesn’t exist by definition, because there’s always room for improvement
. However, a lot has already been achieved when an apartment or house is designed in such a way that it can
adapt to the changing needs of its occupants.

Thank you very much for these fascinating insights!