Archinect - Forum

Going out on your own.

2024-04-24T15:46:20-04:00

For those of you who started your own firm:

What made you decide to step out on your own?

Any advice for those thinking about doing the same?

Just to be clear - I am NOT thinking about doing this. I'm just curious to hear the stories and experience of others.

Pro-bono work and liability

2024-04-22T11:30:27-04:00

Wondering what the community's thoughts were about doing pro-bono work but NOT stamping. I know this topic's been discussed before and the consensus was mixed: sketches was the line for some while drawings w/o stamp for the line for others. Technically, every document we produce is our instrument of service and the liability is solely on the professional so what would liability mean w/ or w/o stamp in this case? I know none of us are lawyers but maybe there are some helpful anecdotes here.

Where to find the drafters for shop drawings

2024-04-19T09:52:38-04:00

I have a project need find a drafter for the shop drawings of a floating stair. My structural engineer can review and sign the drawing, but he is can't draft. Where can I find a drafter?

I also want to know, in general, where can we find drafter even for architectural drawings. I am a licensed architect, sometimes I do need find someone draw for me to speed things up. Thanks.

General Conditions Limits

2024-04-18T18:00:00-04:00

I'm seeking a clearer definition of General Conditions that I can hang my hat on. I am an architect drafting an AIA B133 agreement, The state and federal funding organizations have strict restrictions on the construction manager's Profit (6%), Overhead (2%), and General Conditions (6%). They don't though define what they consider GC's to be. I need to , delineate what falls under General Conditions and what merits a separate line item in the construction cost (schedule of values). This poses a significant challenge. Simply including everything listed under GCs in the AIA A201 would easily exceed the allowable percentage 2-3 times fold.

Certain elements like management personnel, field office expenses, project safety measures, on-site communication infrastructure, and office supplies undeniably fall under the umbrella of General Conditions.

However, items such as permitting, bonding (given their variability from project to project), builders risk insurance, staking surveying, renta...

How would you build a sculpture like this?

2024-04-18T00:05:00-04:00

See picture

Architect License Hold Harmless Agreement

2024-04-17T14:57:50-04:00

I'm an architect looking to join a firm which would like to use my license to stamp drawings. I'm looking for some kind of legally binding document which will hold me not liable for any claims brought against projects which use my license. The owner of the firm has liability insurance and the agent has stated in an email that I won’t be held liable ever. What should I do?

UpCodes

2024-04-17T13:14:04-04:00

Curious to know people's opinion on using Upcodes rather than the free ICC version of the applicable codes for your jurisdiction.

I can understand the benefits of using Upcodes, but am not comfortable with trusting anything but the source for code information. Thoughts?

Master of Architecture: University of Michigan vs University of Tennessee

2024-04-17T12:25:00-04:00

My daughter has narrowed down her choices, but is having a hard time deciding between University of Michigan and University of Tennessee to pursue her Master of Architecture degree in the fall. She is graduating in a couple of weeks from Central Michigan University, after 4 years of being a track & field athlete, with her Bachelor of Interior Design and Real Estate Development & Finance. Does anyone have any recommendations on which school would be better for her to get her Architecture Masters degree from? She fell in love the the campus at University of Tennessee, but keeps going back and forth because of the school rankings, etc. It's hard to tell what is true to read online. She wants to choose where she will be able to get the best education and then best job. Any suggestions would be appreciated. My husband and I are both pharmacists and know nothing about architecture. Thank you.

Has architectural school always been difficult?

2024-04-17T05:34:50-04:00

What was architectural school before the advent of computers? What has changed since then? And what is its future?

How can I land my first commercial job with only residential experience?

2024-04-16T13:33:00-04:00

This is technically an *interior* architect question, but I've been having trouble finding many forums just for that field. Hoping someone may be able to help me here.

I graduated in 2019 in the US with a BFA in interior architecture, but have forgotten a lot of the technical skills/software/building code info I learned in college. I've spent the last 5 years working at a boutique residential design firm and feel really stuck. There's no upward trajectory here and it never feels like I'm doing meaningful work. It's the only job I've ever had since graduating, so my experience is really limited.

I'd love to be able to get a job as a junior/entry-level designer at a larger commercial firm, somewhere where they can support your career development alongside the job, enter competitions, sponsorship for NCIDQ exams, etc. But my portfolio needs a major revamp and I have no commercial experience. The most technical real-life construction experience I have is kitchen/bath renovations and cus...

Best way to transition to an architecture career from an interior design background while also immigrating?

2024-04-16T12:44:00-04:00

Hi everyone!

I got my interior design (specializing in urban environments) from an Australian university about a decade ago. Since then, I have been working in my home country (east asia) as an interior designer in multiple firms where I worked closely with architects and designers alike. I would like to pivot my career to the architectural realm. I really feel confident that I have the skills to do so.

Thing is, I now have a green card (through lottery :)) and want to immigrate to the US too. I have close to 0 idea how the architecture industry works in US; but from the little i gathered, we need to pass the Board exam, and to be eligible for the exam I need an accredited degree in architecture.

I have looked into online architectural programs such as Arizona, Lawrence Technological University, etc. These are pretty expensive and will take 3 years.

My 1st question: will such an online degree be worth it; as in, is a degree from an architectural program the ONLY way for me to become...

Result application KADK

2024-04-15T11:51:00-04:00

Hi,

Has anyone received the result of the master’s admission of KADK yet? I haven’t received any messages from them :)

M.Arch at Yale or UVa?

2024-04-15T00:07:42-04:00

I was just accepted off of the waitlist at Yale University. Prior to the offer, I was prepared to attend University of Virginia.

Which school should I pick?? Yale or UVa?

I attended the admitted students day at UVa and fell in love with pretty much every aspect of the program and community. I was able to get a comprehensive view and it felt "right". The environment seemed very collaborative, supportive, and healthy- I could see myself being very happy there. I got a quick tour of Yale SoA and I was not apposed to anything about it but I didn't have the same "right" feeling. At the time I was still waitlisted and didn't have the opportunity to get the same comprehensive view I had at UVa (plus it was also a very grey cold day). I am hoping to visit again before making my decision and spend more time with students to see if I feel the same healthy/happy environment I experienced at UVa.

I don't know if I would prefer living in New Haven or Charlottesville. I am from the northeast and I...

M.Arch direction and help

2024-04-12T22:56:00-04:00

Hi I graduated from UVA's B.S program in 2017 and have since been working but finding myself wanting to go back to school and study to get an m.arch to then work professionally at a higher level and produce research on sustainability and technology in the profession because I find it lacking and not well implemented.

I have a 3.4 in my major and am interested in going to Sci-Arc UCLA UC Berkeley and other places but I am not sure what I should do besides returning to my portfolio and improving it amongst other things.

Are the schools I have in mind good ideas or should I look elsewhere? Ideally I would like to stay in California.

UT Austin or Penn

2024-04-11T23:30:00-04:00

hi all, I’m down to two schools for M.Arch and have just a couple of days left to decide. I have merit scholarships at both, making them both affordable and about the same cost.

I am leaning toward UT because of the work they are doing, they have a strong program, I have been to Austin and think it would be a great place to spend a few years and just because… I for whatever reason like the idea of UT.

However, I recognize Penn is one of the top-ranked programs in the world and I am concerned not choosing it would be a mistake. Would it?! I know they are well-known for helping students end up with very impressive portfolios and they have a wide alumni network. Additionally, People keep talking about it being an Ivy and prestige and I get that but.. I don’t really care about that. I do care about my future career trajectory though.

I would probably like to end up in Chicago long-term (though not certain) so one doesn’t have a location advantage over the other there

Would I walkin...

What am I supposed to get out of design studio?

2024-04-10T21:34:24-04:00

First year, second semester B.Arch student here. I feel like studio is preoccupied with iterating for the sake of iterating, with little grounding in reality. It doesn't feel like I'm being taught HOW to design, and school treats beauty arbitrarily compared to whatever explanation you can tie to a made-up concept in a model. Sometimes it feels like professors are giving feedback just making things needlessly complicated, without much logical reason to back it up. I've been told to "de-archituralize my thinking" and to "create less practically." Makes designing architecture very frustrating. All this said, I feel like the only thing I'm gaining out of studio is learning software knowledge and soft skills, like presenting or researching. What is something that design studio has taught you?

Taylor Swift Keynote Speaker

2024-04-10T11:09:00-04:00

Re Taylor Swift speaking at that Architect’s Conference — I checked out her song titles and came to realize how relevant she could be:

Shake It Off - regarding earthquake structural design.

Don’t Blame Me - on Architect’s liability insurance

Blank Space - for the minimalist in all Architects.

I Knew You Were Trouble - on how to screen potentially difficult clients

Wildest Dreams - for Frank Gehry enthusiasts

Daylight - Sponsored by Roof Window Mfgs.

Is It Over Now - For GCs with liquidated damages contracts

Look What You Made Me Do - for those of us frustrated with our Clients' design acumen, or lack thereof.

Style - ’nuff said…

I mean - she’s a sure HIT !!!

Oh yes, and we checked out the publication date of the article… 4/1/2024. (Snookered…)

James Calhoun, Architect

QS Rankings by Subject 2024 are out

2024-04-10T10:08:57-04:00

If anyone was interested: https://www.topuniversities.co...

In-house counsel / lawyer

2024-04-09T17:37:36-04:00

As the title says, I'm curious if anybody here has in-house counsel to review contracts, insurance, etc, and if so, any details you feel like sharing, such as firm size, typical project types and/or budgets, and geographical area. Feel free to keep it as vague as you wish, and many thanks to those who do share.

I'll start - we don't have this, but several years ago we were named in a lawsuit (thrown out) and as our contracts and work typologies get more complex by the day, I'm starting to wonder if it might be worth it (not that we can afford it yet). We're about 30 people and do lots of work in healthcare...

Thanks

Columbia MSAAD vs UPENN MSDAAD

2024-04-09T12:49:00-04:00

Hello I am an international applicant and I got admission offer from Columbia MSAAD and UPENN MSDAAD for this year.

I am currently looking having trouble deciding which school to accept the offer from. Both schools and program are very satisfying for me at this point but MSDAAD seems like a better fit for my architectural taste and focus.

I guess the trouble deciding a school is due to lack of information about two programs in the states. The reputation, how people in the field view thses school, and so on.

Would love to hear advice from anyone with similar experience or any thoughts. Thanks

Just signed Foster+Partners

2024-04-09T11:26:00-04:00

Hi!

I just signed my first afetr graduation job offer for Architectural assistant part 2 in London UK at F+P. Just wanted to know if anyone here have some insights that could be useful for me before I start?

Thanks!

Portfolio Medium for Interviews

2024-04-09T02:32:00-04:00

I'm a young student scheduled to interview in-person for an architectural internship position in a few weeks after only ever interviewing virtually. I would appreciate advice regarding the medium of the portfolio (keep it virtual? print through a service? stapled, booklet, or binder? size and finish? number of copies? is there a professional standard at all?).

What is your approach to presenting your portfolio, and if you are an employer, what do you like to see interviewees bring to the meeting? Thanks in advance.

Salary Inqury

2024-04-08T19:54:00-04:00

What do you think an appropriate salary for a licensed architect working for a developer should be? I oversee a group of five designers, review and sign and seal 100-150 permit sets a year. They are primarily tenant fit outs for light industrial flex buildings. The company pays my errors and omissions insurance. This is in a high cost of living area.

The OMA Legacy: Offshoots and where they are now. Are they any better? Different?

2024-04-08T12:53:00-04:00

Curious to hear feedback from those who have worked or know someone who has worked at these celebrated architects who got their start at OMA. Obvs marketing is mostly what we happen to see on outside but each of these pretend to be something very different. I'm thinking of BIG, Rex, MVRDV, Gang, Buro Ole Schereen, etc.

Do they each live up to the marketing? What's the vibe? Nepotism still a thing? Big $ developer projects vs celebrated 'architecture' projects?

Ideas to cover interior Steel Ibeam window header in concrete wall?

2024-04-08T00:51:53-04:00

Concrete walls. Deep.. 12" Thick. Want to have an exposed steel i/h beam on the exterior only.

Trying to reduce thermal bridging energy loss from the interior to exterior. Can insulate the INTERIOR of the steel beam with 6" of mineral wool. Any ideas on how to trim this out/cover it? No wood framing for this project or drywall. Trying to stick with all steel or concrete or perhaps a thick timber.. Ideas?

A 2x4 soffit with drywall would be an easy solution, but trying to get a bit more creative here. Could do a giant angle iron look with a flat steel plate from ibeam flange, then the end could be flat plate steel to the ceiling. Connection at the flange would present a very long thermal bridge, but allows for insulation..

Example photo below: This project is one story. There's no glazing above the steel beam; just a 1' thick section of concrete resting above the above.

Deciding Architecture Program

2024-04-07T20:57:00-04:00

So I'm a prospective architecture student and i recently went on a college tour that mentioned that getting your architecture license wasn't necessary to practice if you're working in a firm with a licensed architect. Is this true?

I also got into two IPAL programs and am mostly deciding between the two as they will probably give me the best head-start.

I kinda dont want to spend 15 years getting my license which is why im considering the IPAL program

But is it recommended to do the Integrative Path to Architectural Licensure or is it a waste of time and money

Alexandre Petitot

2024-04-06T00:50:36-04:00

Ennemond Alexandre Petitot >>>series of engravings called “Greek Masquerade”.

favorite pen + notebook combinations

2024-04-05T18:35:32-04:00

I’m making a big blick order and I’m curious as to what everyones favorites are… my go-to is a softcover moleskine with a 0.3 hybrid technica

Planning on pursuing preservation architecture, but confused

2024-04-05T17:02:00-04:00

Hello,

I am early in my undergrad education at University of Illinois and majoring in architecture. I really want to be a preservation architect, but I have been shifting interests towards archeology. I think preservation architect is such a broad term and I specifically want to work with more ancient buildings and monuments. I have this one professor who used to be a preservation architect (until he shifted towards academia) and he tells me that I should go to field school in the summers to work on archeological sights, which I am planning on.

The thing that I am confused about when I do research online is that there seems to be no cross-over within the fields of archeology and architecture, which is very strange to me. According to the internet, it looks like I am going to have to pick one or the other, but this professor of mine has done both. I am curious if anyone else out there has a similar career. I have also found this masters program that I am dying to do; it’s cal...

Does undergrad major impact grad school?

2024-04-04T23:06:56-04:00

I am a current high school senior choosing between a couple different schools right now. I was hoping to major in architecture in undergrad, but my top choice school (UMich) accepted me under a different major. Would not majoring in architecture in undergrad hurt my chances of studying it in grad school?