MANILA, Philippines?A good architect must have an eye for beauty. But, recognizing beauty even under a coating of age, grime, or banality is a gift; and, the ability to bring it out for others to appreciate it too takes an even more special talent.

Such a person is not just the lucky finder of treasures; he is a skilled artist who can recreate or improve what others may consider mundane. He must know how to put things back together, to make things work, to enable disparate elements to harmonize. More importantly, he must have the perseverance to complete what he starts and he must possess a passion for detail.

Some architects are blessed with such a passion for finding and restoring beautiful things. These things may not be limited to houses and furnishings alone. A case in point, like the late CC de Castro, architect and builder Leandro Naguiat also has a passion for vintage cars.

Eye for detail

A cabalen (provincemate) through and through, Len manifests an eye for detail, as seen in the beautiful houses he builds. I am not certain if this is a Kapampangan trait but it sure is one of his strong suits.

After he successfully restored his family?s ancestral home in Angeles, Pampanga, he took up another hobby, the restoration of vintage cars. He particularly likes working on Mercedes-Benz models, enjoying the challenge of unearthing or assembling parts and accessories and making even a junked car run. This is his idea of fun and relaxation.

Len has the patience to search for every missing part, and the acumen to put them together. He makes sure it works, refurbishes every square inch, and loves every minute he spends on the project. He puts in as much time and effort in his cars, as he dedicates to his clients? houses. Both endeavors bring out the best in him.

This writer has always admired people like Len, people with the patience to put things together, to create a masterpiece from odds and ends. Where some persons would just give up when faced with a difficult problem, there are those who will keep on going until the job is complete and satisfactory.

Success of a project

In architecture, the ultimate success of a project certainly starts with finding out what the client really needs, what he truly wants; and the architect must discover how to achieve both. He must treat each structure as a stage for beauty, an opportunity to uplift and sustain its users and viewers. He needs patience to put materials (and people) together, always working toward the project goal.

He continuously pays attention to details, from the smallest nail to the biggest glass window. He must see the building through, from planning and design to project turnover. Ideally, the gratification should not come only at the completion of the structure, but throughout the course of the construction. That is when the practice of architecture becomes a joy as well.

True enough, we can confirm that, in the end, those who can handle the little things are rewarded with big things.

* * *

Please send your comments and questions to marcosdeguzman@yahoo.com.