My First Day on Vocal!

Hello everyone! My name is Azlan Shah, and I am thrilled to welcome you to my Vocal page. Today marks the beginning of a new journey where I aim to blend my experiences in architecture, writing, and business to share valuable insights with you.

The primary purpose of my writing is to learn about each step I make as an individual. Sometimes, from what I have experienced, we tend to forget what we learned and what mistakes we made, which is how I can see things clearly on my journey.

My background is in architecture, and I have also ventured into local online media and freelancing. With a deep passion for business, I am excited to connect with you and share my journey, learnings, and aspirations.

Let me introduce myself first as well as my business. Here is the list:

• Upwork profile: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/azlanshah
• Architecture Firm: https://www.fatiharchstudio.com/
• Local Online Media: https://www.gemasumatra.com/

1 - My Upwork Freelancing Experience

Freelancing on Upwork has been an incredible journey for me. When I first started, I was looking for a platform that would allow me to leverage my skills in architecture and writing while providing flexibility and the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients.

Upwork was the perfect fit.

My profile on Upwork showcases my expertise and experiences, offering clients a glimpse into my professional background and the services I provide.

Over time, I have built a reputation as a reliable and skilled freelancer, opening doors to numerous exciting projects and collaborations.

Overview of the Types of Projects and Clients I Work With

On Upwork, I have had the privilege of working on various projects. These range from architectural design and consulting to content creation and SEO optimisation. Each project brings challenges and learning experiences, allowing me to continuously grow and refine my skills.

My clients come from various industries, including real estate, construction, media, and tech startups. This diversity keeps my work dynamic and engaging as I adapt to different client needs and project requirements. The ability to work with international clients has also broadened my perspective and enriched my professional network.

Key Skills and Services Offered Through Upwork

Through my Upwork profile, I offer a range of services that capitalise on my background in architecture and writing. Some of the key services include:

• Architectural Design and Consulting: Providing innovative and sustainable design solutions for residential and commercial projects.
• Content Creation and Copywriting: Crafting compelling articles, blog posts, and marketing materials that resonate with audiences.
• SEO Optimization: Enhancing online content to improve search engine rankings and drive organic traffic.
• Project Management: Overseeing project timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure successful outcomes.

These services are tailored to meet each client's specific needs, ensuring that they receive the highest-quality work and achieve their project goals.

Notable Successes and Challenges Faced in Freelancing

Freelancing comes with its share of successes and challenges. One of my notable successes on Upwork was a project where I collaborated with a tech startup to design their office space. This project showcased my architectural skills and allowed me to integrate modern technology and sustainability principles into the design.

However, freelancing also presents challenges, such as managing multiple deadlines and balancing client expectations. One of the key lessons I've learned is the importance of clear communication and setting realistic expectations from the outset. This helps build strong client relationships and ensures that projects run smoothly.

Here is the general overview of my Upwork Journey: Illumination Publication.

How Freelancing Complements My Architectural and Media Endeavors

Freelancing on Upwork complements my architectural practice and media ventures in several ways. It allows me to stay connected with industry trends and innovations, which I can apply to my architectural projects. The diverse writing assignments enhance my communication skills, enabling me to convey architectural concepts and ideas effectively.

Moreover, freelancing provides a steady stream of income and opportunities for professional growth. It keeps me engaged and motivated, driving me to improve and expand my skill set continually. The flexibility of freelancing also allows me to balance my various pursuits, ensuring that I can dedicate time and energy to my architecture firm and local media platform.

2 - My Architectural Practice

My journey in architecture has been a deeply fulfilling, leading me to establish my firm, Fatih Architecture Studio. Our firm is dedicated to creating innovative and sustainable design solutions that meet each client’s needs. We pride ourselves on blending aesthetic appeal with functional design, ensuring that every project we undertake enhances the lives of those who use the spaces we create.

You can learn more about our work and projects on our website: Fatih Architecture Studio.

Background and Mission of the Firm

Fatih Architecture Studio was born out of a desire to push the boundaries of conventional design and explore new possibilities in architecture.

Our mission is to deliver high-quality architectural solutions that are both environmentally responsible and visually stunning. We believe in the power of architecture to transform communities and improve the quality of life, and this belief drives every project we undertake.

Highlighting Significant Projects and Achievements

Over the years, we have had the privilege of working on various exciting and challenging projects. One of the most notable is the Mediterranean villa in Gili Trawangan.

This project was a unique opportunity to integrate traditional Mediterranean design elements with the local Indonesian context, creating a harmonious blend of cultures and styles. The villa has been widely praised for its innovative use of space and sustainable design features.

Another significant achievement was designing and constructing a sustainable office building, incorporating green technologies such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient materials. This project showcased our commitment to sustainability and set a benchmark for future regional developments.

Another landmark of sustainability was designing a house in South Carolina. You can read the article on Medium here.

Insights into the Architectural Process and Design Philosophy

At Fatih Architecture Studio, we approach each project with a comprehensive design philosophy emphasising creativity, functionality, and sustainability. Our process begins with thoroughly understanding the client's needs and vision. We then conduct extensive research and site analysis to inform our design decisions.

Creativity is at the heart of our work, and we strive to push the envelope with every project. Whether through innovative materials, cutting-edge technology, or unique design concepts, we always look for ways to enhance our designs.

Functionality is equally important.

We believe that good design should look beautiful and serve its intended purpose effectively. We pay close attention to the practical aspects of our designs, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of usability and comfort.

Sustainability is a core value at our firm. We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our projects through thoughtful design and the use of eco-friendly materials and technologies.

Our goal is to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible.

The Role of Architecture in My Professional and Personal Life

Architecture has played a central role in shaping my professional and personal life. It has taught me the importance of attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and collaboration. The satisfaction of seeing a project come to life from a conceptual sketch to a finished building is unparalleled and drives my passion for this field.

On a personal level, architecture has enriched my life by allowing me to travel, experience different cultures, and connect with people from diverse backgrounds. It has also provided me with a unique lens through which I view the world, always considering how design impacts our daily lives.

3 - The Impact of Local Online Media

In addition to my work in architecture and freelancing, I have ventured into local online media by creating Gema Sumatra. This platform aims to provide a space for local news, stories, and events, fostering community and engagement among our readers.

You can explore our content and learn more about Gema Sumatra at our website: Gema Sumatra.

Inspiration Behind Starting the Media Platform

My passion for storytelling and desire to give back to the community inspired me to start Gema Sumatra. I recognised a need for a localised platform that could highlight our region's unique stories, achievements, and issues. By creating Gema Sumatra, I aimed to bridge the gap between the community and the information that matters most to them.

Overview of the Types of Content and Audience Engagement

Gema Sumatra covers many topics, including local news, cultural events, business stories, and personal profiles. Our goal is to provide relevant, informative, and engaging content for our readers.

We strive to highlight the positive aspects of our community while also addressing important issues that need attention.

Audience engagement is a key focus for us. We encourage our readers to share their stories, provide feedback, and participate in discussions. We aim to create a vibrant and inclusive online community through social media and interactive features on our website.

Challenges and Milestones in Building the Media Presence

Building a local online media platform from the ground up has its challenges. Some initial hurdles we faced included securing funding, attracting talented writers, and establishing a strong online presence. However, we overcame these challenges with persistence and dedication and achieved several important milestones.

One of our proudest achievements was reaching a significant readership milestone within our first year. This was a testament to our team’s hard work, commitment, and strong support from our community. Additionally, we have received positive feedback and recognition from various local organisations, further validating our efforts.

The Role of Local Media in Community Engagement and Its Impact

Local media fosters community engagement and promotes a sense of belonging. By providing a platform for local voices and stories, Gema Sumatra has helped to strengthen the bonds within our community. Our coverage of local events and issues has informed residents and inspired them to take action and get involved.

Above is an interview with a local business about how Gema Sumatra can impact its reach. We hope that we can start enabling small businesses to thrive in its industry.

The impact of our work extends beyond just providing news; it contributes to building a more connected and informed community. This positive impact drives us to continue our efforts and strive for excellence in everything we do.

I am excited to share my experiences, insights, and aspirations with you in this new journey with Vocal audiences. From freelancing on Upwork to running an architecture firm and a local online media platform, these pursuits have shaped who I am today and continue to drive my passion and creativity.

I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire you to follow your passions and strive for success in all your endeavours. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to connecting with you through this platform.