Innovation

Architects Jerzy Zuniga and Kathleen Esperanza lead the way with innovative and practical approaches to their work.

"ZUES Designs, ZUES Builds." They are more than creative but also excellent at execution. "We do more than design," Jerzy beamed proudly as she introduced the company. "We design and build, wisely", she followed through with an emphasis on being wise. She went on to their philosophy: "Builders value every project their clients bring forth; leaders treat people with an eye towards human worth. In other words, we value people as we value our clients". Currently, they are working on erecting a two-story residence with a swimming pool designed to filter and treat water less frequently, allowing for cleaning and recirculation instead of draining and replacing. In special instances, they assist clients with (Do-It-Yourself) DIY projects and cost-effective renovation ideas.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one of their primary tools for renovation and ground-up projects. They were pre-exposed to this technology's features during their university days. First, let's understand how BIM is an innovation.

Traditionally, building plans relied on blueprints and drawings, making it challenging to see dimensions and requirements clearly. The introduction of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) digitized these plans, and now BIM takes it a step further, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal #9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. BIM offers detailed 3D models that enhance the planning and construction of resilient infrastructure. It allows architects, engineers, and contractors to collaborate on everything from layout to electrical and plumbing systems. This technology supports economic growth across architecture, engineering, and manual labor, enhancing collaboration, reducing errors, and increasing efficiency in the construction process.

Inspiration

Jerzy told me the story of the inspiration to build the company. As far as I could recall, it started when Kat and I were reviewing for the Architect Licensure Examination. ZUES motivated them to finish strong on the board examination. "If we're going to pass, we're definitely establishing ZUES," she said with conviction.

They both successfully gained their licenses as Philippine Architects with God's grace. They did not waste much time. They immediately compiled the business documents needed to become a corporation. I asked them their inspiration or motivation to continue the business, knowing they had already fulfilled a milestone as they passed the board examination.

Then, Kathleen shared during our interview that the construction business heavily relies on labor. "Our people are our inspiration. When you're out in the field, it's easy to notice if your team lacks motivation or isn't clear on instructions," she mentioned. After reflecting on their observations, Kathleen and Jerzy introduced BIM (Building Information Modeling) to their team. They found that their workers' performance significantly improved because they could visualize the plan in more detail and from various perspectives. This new way of providing instructions encouraged open communication among skilled and experienced workers.

These experienced laborers are the backbone of the construction operations. They climb, carry heavy loads, and fix electronics, among other tasks. Considering their years of experience and inherent biases towards women, they would initially challenge Kathleen and Jerzy. But instead of feeling intimidated, Kathleen and Jerzy felt inspired to find ways to align with their team. Since then, they've been using BIM to demonstrate how accurately it represents the project details. They understand that effective communication is critical, leading to increased productivity.

Overall impact

"I think women in construction industry, project management would be more detailed, not only to design but to the execution during construction," Jerzy shared. "Ten years from now, we could already develop initial impression if the building has been built by women,". she wondered. "We would witness the feministic designs outstand among others," she said hopefully. When asked about the branding of women in the construction industry, she shared a quote, "Why stick to one side when there are 360 degrees to choose from?". This quote emphasizes the importance of exploring multiple perspectives or approaches rather than limiting oneself to a single viewpoint.

In the short term, they noticed that some clients preferred them because they were women. Comments like "You'll spot the simple mistakes," "We believe you'll handle the job more seriously and respectfully," and "You both are definitely meticulous" were some of the feedback they received. Architects Kathleen and Jerzy crafted a design project in one of their projects to meet the client's vision of an elegant yet budget-friendly apartment. The client specifically asked to avoid expensive materials like exterior tiles, so they creatively used grooves and paint to achieve their desired sophisticated look.

In the long term, they plan to use their brand as a women-led company to inspire other firms to engage in responsible construction. They will promote designs emphasizing the synergy between the natural environment and their structures. In one of their projects, architects Kathleen and Jerzy designed an apartment with two air wells across the hall, ensuring natural ventilation and plenty of sunlight for all the rooms. They understood the impact on the tenants, allowing them to enjoy comfortable and well-lit living spaces.

Business benefit

"There are very stressful times, especially when laborers are getting stubborn to listen," Jerzy recalled when they had to deal with it. "When we are explaining about the job, sometimes they raise seniority in the field." "It was so hard to make them believe, this is the right way to do this complex task", she added with frustration. "But when we introduced BIM, they were amazed. I think it was the 3D visuals that made the difference."

Since ZUES adopted Business Information Modeling, managing projects has become more accessible. Regular toolbox meetings ensure everyone knows their tasks and safety protocols, maintaining a safe work environment. Integrating business modeling information into these meetings made employees more attentive to details and precise instructions. For example, they used Building Information Modeling (BIM) to visualize the plumbing system for sanitary drainage, reviewing the 3D model of the sanitary fixtures and plumbing layout to highlight the precise locations of pipes and fittings. This visualization helps workers spot potential issues and reminds them to be accurate in their installations.

Kathleen and Jerzy regularly discuss the model during toolbox meetings to review their thought process and ensure thoroughness. This approach helps them be open to input from workers and detect discrepancies before work begins, minimizing errors and reducing costly rework.

Indeed, as women advocates for diversity and inclusion, they employ a senior citizen and a person with a disability, treating and compensating them equally to other laborers. "They never show any sign of handicap, instead they were the usual performers and ready to work."

Social and environmental benefit

Engineers and architects work hard to reduce environmental impact, but any project can still affect the habitats of plants and animals. During the interview, Kathleen admitted that their field isn't utterly eco-friendly from the start, but they strive to minimize this impact. Before developing the land, they carefully study the terrain to avoid harmful practices. "Of course, we won't interfere with an ecosystem, if we won't develop it into something better and eco-friendly", Kathleen reassures me. She acknowledges that these challenges drive innovation in their profession. For example, they use Building Information Modeling (BIM) to consider existing environmental structures. I was surprised to learn that trees and other living things can be integrated into BIM. In one project, they used BIM to ensure tree roots wouldn't interfere with a sanitary drainage system. They understand that roots grow over time, which must be carefully considered during planning. "Mother Nature is a woman; isn't a better fit that a woman should be more caring for another woman?" she asked rhetorically.

"All things are difficult before they are easy," Kathleen sounded sure. "As women ourselves, we envision women leading the future with no more abandoned projects due to rising costs and unbudgeted materials." They knew it as one of the common issues prevalent in both residential and commercial projects. By promoting more women to enter the construction industry, they foresee fewer excessive material purchases from inaccurate estimates and aim to eliminate idle labor time caused by poor timeline management. Their goal is to turn around such concerns. From there, they hope to showcase how women are changing society.

Interviews

Jerzy Claire Zuñiga, Owner

Kathleen Esperanza, Owner