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A good point about builders. We don't work FOR builders either with maybe one exception. Most everytime we have worked closely with builders they have done nothing but try to manipulate us and screw us and it is absolutely not worth the trouble. On the other hand I have one good relationship with a builder that has been great both for referrals and as a source of info for carpentry, plumbing and other stuff I know nothing about. I also know at least one pretty succesful LA who got thier start and has continued to get a lot of work annually for a long time from one high-end builder. They are definately to be dealt with cautiously but a good relationship with a good one can be a huge asset. Architects are probably the people most trusted by the client so they are obviously hugely valuable.
This may be more true here than in other places, as there is a pretty high pretentiousness value, but it seems that most folks don't know any better and consistently hire some of the worst designers for some of the biggest projects. It is not unlike the art world where there is an assumption that if it's expensive and everyone else is doing it then it must be good.
I think that talent and hard work can get you a living but it might not be a great one. Luck, business and sales savvy or even blind, naive hubris can get you contacts and contacts are 90% of the game.
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