Life lessons from construction projects

  • Don’t be afraid of bureaucracy. Just dive in, don’t try to understand everything, find somebody you trust to help you move forward step by step. Be patient and curious.
  • Don’t forget to enjoy the process! Have an espresso on the square. Get to know your neighbors, the cafes and shops around your property, and even the family of the people you work with. You don’t just invest your money, also invest your time and energy in the local community.
  • No matter how much you design, plan, discuss, draw, and try to control, things will turn out differently from your plans. Instead of focusing on what you intended and being frustrated when it doesn’t look exactly the same, try to focus on what there is and make the best of it. It will save you so much stress.