Wage watchers: how much does a self-employed architect earn?

What’s you’re job?

I’ve been a freelance architect since 1999 and since 2008 I’ve been director of Blanco Architects, a 10-piece architect office in Hoeilaart. Not long ago, I was also elected as member of the Council of the Association of Architects in Flemish Brabant and Brussels.

Do you like your job?

Like many self-employed people, my job is one of my passions. If you don’t do it with full will, it’s probably best not to do it at all. Of course it helps that I can count on a very cool team of people who all want the same thing: to give our clients a home, an office or a school with just that extra dash of design.

How many hours do you work per week?

As director, I work some 50 to 60 hours per week. Those are the hours spent doing things that are directly for the business. Networking, meetings for the municipal planning commission (GECORO), information evenings and such things that aren’t included in the work hours. Hence I consider myself lucky that a year ago my spouse entered he business. Thanks to her, we’ve managed to have more flexibility and a higher quality of life on the home front.

How much vacation do you get from that?

It’s not a fixed amount, but I try to take around 25 days per year to spend time exclusively with my family.

Are you satisfied with your salary?

My family has everything we need as well as a healthy business, so I couldn’t wish for more. My independence is more important than my salary.

What does the majority of your salary go to?

A large portion goes to our mortgage, the rest to the family budget. There’s not a lot left over to save.

How is business in the crisis?

We haven’t – and I hope it stays this way – seen much of the crisis in our office. At home we haven’t really felt it either.

Does thinking about your pension keep you up at night?

Considering that the average architect retires at 71, not yet. Nevertheless, we do have a pension savings.

What do you hate spending money on?

On gadgets.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Depending on how much I won, I’d make sure my family – not only my direct family, but also my parents and brothers – were financially secure, I’d directly finance a good cause (for example, water security or education in a developing country), I’d do a big trip with my family, and if there is still something left I’d buy my dream car. But my currently lifestyle wouldn’t change much.