Archinect - Forum

m.arch thesis dilemma

2013-06-19T00:48:00-04:00

option 1.

pick your dream office to work in, doesn't matter which one.

do you tailor your thesis in such a way that it would increase your chances to be hired there? *note, the thesis will be personally interesting to you as well.

option 2.

do something completely different from option 1 that is provocative and could also be valuable to an organization or company (and is personally interesting to you), but not necessarily something that appears to be of use or interest to the dream office in option 1.

and of course...why did you choose option 1 or 2?

thanks.

Finding summer internship opportunities after first year M.Arch 1

2013-06-18T22:20:04-04:00

Hey guys,

So I've been wondering for some time now how difficult it might be to obtain a summer internship after just one year in an M.Arch 1 program (non-arch background). I've spoken to several people, and the impression I'm getting is that a 1st year M.Arch student isn't such a hot commodity...

But of course, without any prior experience in a firm, it would be difficult to find that first bit of work experience under your belt anywhere. So what can one expect after one year? Should I begin expressing my interest now to the professors teaching me in how much I want to begin a summer internship in their firm? Will that be worthwhile in expressing? And is it really THAT competitive to land an internship at a widely well-regarded firm like OMA?

I understand that in the scale of things, I'd be competing with other M.Arch students, both at the 1st year level, along with senior students, and the odds don't work in my favour when it comes to experience; that much I get. B...

UCLA housing

2013-06-18T22:07:00-04:00

Seems like a few schools have already begun this.

Is anyone attending UCLA this coming fall that is also figuring out housing? I'm trying to figure out a place for ~$500/month (off campus). If anyone is in the same boat as me, please reply.

Mapedia: Architecure Map

2013-06-18T17:07:00-04:00

Hey, I and a friend have been working on a WIKI based map called Mapedia, our website can be found at..

Mapedia

Mapedia has a strong focus on History and Heritage, though we will entertain ANY kind of map with some kind of educational dimension to them. We have developed a pretty cool classification system, meaning we can create Maps with themes (Architecture!) and then allow users to filter the map based on certain criteria.

To get the ball rolling, we have linked into Wikipedia's Articles (many of which have locations...), and we have created a map of Architecture, focusing on English speaking nations. The aim is to cover all periods, from Prehistory, to 21st current developments.

The map is not intended to be purely created by us, it IS a WIKI map, so locations can be added by users and in future we hope the Wikipedia sources to locations are added to (in a big way) by users of Mapedia.

So, right now we are putting the finishing touches to our Options system, and w...

Anyone try the new SimCity?

2013-06-18T12:24:11-04:00

I just got a chance to play it as I've always been a big fan of the series.

I had high hopes for it but I must say after trying it over the last couple weeks, I think it's complete garbage. The architecture is even more attrocious.

Should be called Sim-Ex-urbia. Or maybe Sim-Tyson's Corner.

Who on Archinet could you work in an office w/ or collaborate?

2013-06-18T12:22:16-04:00

post says it all!

>>>wazza archi****sh experience

2013-06-18T10:52:35-04:00

>>> v*asari wazza + deep sea pumas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtBgxtEqlbA

looking for some help to find a job in CA

2013-06-18T09:42:00-04:00

Hi everybody!
I'm a German architct, who is working since 5.5 years in Switzerland.
I'm looking fo a new challenge in my live, now. And so I would like to work in California for a couple of years. I already send my application to several firms, but I got no positive results.

Could someone help me please?

Some ideas or advices would be wonderful!

Thanks Franziska

how to collect some plans & elevations for veer tower

2013-06-18T00:16:31-04:00

Hi, all,

I am trying to find at least floor plans for veer tower designed by Jahn architect, but there is no luck so far. I tried skyscrapperpage.com, but couldn't locate it there neither. Does anyone know where to find?

Portfolio+extra activity > grades? [Europe / Germany]

2013-06-17T12:20:00-04:00

Next year I will get my BA degree in architecture and I am willing to apply for MA to some other school. I was thinking UDK in Berlin.

The thing is, my grades are very average, and I had one year break as I had to retake an exam from one subject. But during this year I took part in many workshops, competitions and I was an organiser of some worshop for students myself. The workshops i took part in were not only architecture but also art/new media/design related.

Could you recommend an architecture school in Europe that cares more about portfolio and what you do outside university, than about grades?

Also maybe someone knows how entrance exams in UDK look like?

And maybe would Bauhaus Universitat Weimar be what i am looking for?

Portfolio Draft

2013-06-17T12:20:00-04:00

http://issuu.com/dewaynewebb/docs/dewayne_webb_portfolio_update?workerAddress=ec2-184-73-3-32.compute-1.amazonaws.com

Hey guys, working on my portfolio. Would really like some feedback on it. Planning to have it finished within the week but would appreciate some criticism before going any farther.

Question about Urban Design programs

2013-06-17T12:19:00-04:00

Hi all,

I am wondering if anyone knows anything about MArch Urban Design program in Bartlett UK? I mean obviously I've been reading the website and everything but I don't know what to make of it. I can't even tell how many years the program is..

I am studying a BA in architecture in a liberal arts college, Wellesley College. It's not a technical school and so I am beginning to think what could be the next "affordable" step for me. I am very passionate about urban design and was wondering if anyone could give me good advice about urban design programs around the world that one could pursue with a liberal arts degree in architecture.

I would appreciate the help.

Sunny

SD / DD / CD

2013-06-17T12:18:00-04:00

So we are having an office discussion of where the different phases of services overlap and occur out of sequence. For example when a client makes a change once CDs are well underway... What are some of the forum members opinions on what exactly can be classified as schematic design, design development and then obviously the end product of the CDs... what milestones, triggers., etc are there to determine you have began to transition to DD or CD phases...any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I am Having a Hard Time Studying for SS Exam... any Advice?

2013-06-17T10:25:43-04:00

This is my last darn exam, and I feel I wont be able to get my license because of one exam! Been studying for 2 months now, and feel like I am not retaining anything. I am getting a few concepts, but get lost in the super complex formulas of Trusses, Wind... and many other things as well. I can do free body diagrams, I can solve reactions... but I am just not feeling ready to take this exam! I am not feeling the Kaplan study guide and overwhelmed by Mitalkshi online classes... I feel like its preparing you for a PE exam. I don't know what to do anymore and reaching out on archinect for help from those that have passed this one!! I heard something about this guy called Thaddeus, he has online and live seminars... I don't know if this is the way to go?

Work as Part II in UK

2013-06-16T23:47:00-04:00

Hi guys,

A bit of dillema here. I have graduated as Bachelor of Architecture (4 years) in Lithuania and postgraduate degree in Manchester School of Architecture (1 year, MA Architecture and Urbanism). Can I work in UK as Part II or only Part I?

What would you advise me to do: study Masters in Lithuania which would probably give me Part II equivalent, study in UK which would give me Part I or just work UK/Lithuania? Is it easier to study and get Part II or via pracice based route?

I appreciate your opinions.

What about software side after architecture?

2013-06-16T23:46:00-04:00

Hi i am perusing my 5th yr in Architecture. I am trying for Construction Management in USA ... Due to H1 visa problem in USA i am also interested in doing some of the courses in IT (during my masters degree) & shift to it if i didn't get a work permit in BCM... i know this is the most common that being done in USA ... But i need your feedback regarding this thing.

Thank you.

Regards

Tarun. M

How did you go from Design Arch. to Project Arch. ?

2013-06-16T20:45:00-04:00

I had a summer internship after my second year if undergraduate and spent the whole summer doing 3D model and renderings, things I already know.

Now I'm done my bachelor and the new office I'm working at still makes me do 3D and graphic stuff, because they know I good in those aspects. However, these are the last things I see myself doing in 3 or 5 years.

I would like to LEARN about how a project gets carried out, gets approved. How does it get managed with suppliers, contractor. How to do a construction plan. How does the budgeting gets discussed. How to solve conflicts between different parties of a project, etc.

Obviously, most people running their office will hire you to make you do what you're good at and NOT give you unfamiliar situations for you to LEARN FROM.

That being said, how then, do you leave the Designer Architect career path and merge towards a Project Architect direction?

Did any of you senior architects face this situation?

How would you go on to di...

Which one to choose in Denmark

2013-06-15T16:36:00-04:00

Hi!

I study architecture in Budapest University of Technology and Economics and I am thinking about getting a transfer to Denmark and finish my studies there. Which University is the best to attend? I don't really find universities, there's more college, school and academy in this field. How do they accept college and academy BA degrees after? Can I go to a good MA programme with these diplomas?

What do you know about KEA, VIA Horsens/Aarhus, UCN Aalborg?

Thank you for your help!

i need to take architect license

2013-06-15T11:07:00-04:00

Hi, i am an architect from past 5 years but i studied diploma in electrical and electronics engg but after collage i joined architectural company then my interest got into this field now i am doing my own projects how can i take license or how can i be a legal architect? can anybody suggest something...

Los Angeles

2013-06-14T22:03:53-04:00

Hi Everyone

I'm currently an M. Arch I Candidate at Syracuse University and will be finding myself in Los Angeles from July 5-30. While there I would love to meet some firms in an office visit/shadow/extern capacity. I have never been to LA before so I am not very familiar with the architecture scene there. I know about the big dogs (Morphosis, Gehry, etc) but am cloudy on some of the lesser known practices. I would love to hear some feedback as to what firms might be good to visit and/or open to hosting a student for a few hours, a day or two, or even a week. Also if you are currently practicing in Los Angeles and would like to meet up for coffee or a beer I am more than open to that as well! Looking forward to some responses!

Plotter-Cutter vs Laser Cutter

2013-06-14T14:20:26-04:00

I'm looking for any of you out there who have thought at all about this choice..

I work at a Limestone fabricator (archy bkgd), and we do a lot of pattern cutting on 1mm polystyrene sheets, which are used by the guys in the mill for making sure the stone is cut to proper size and detail. We currently (antiquatedly) print on paper, staple the paper print and polystyrene down, and cut them by hand, as well as use marker to mark up various details and info on them. A plotter-cutter could theoretically do both the printing and cutting, but I don't have any experience with them, and I don't believe they can handle the 1mm thick plastic we use. A laser cutter could definitely handle the material, but would have to "toast" the plastic surface for the drawn on info...

Anyone have any experience that can lead to a good comparison here?

Architect as Developer

2013-06-14T13:28:04-04:00

I am looking to join the architecture as developer parade. I need a program that can take a business savvy, entrepreneurial urban planner and turn them into a successful architect / developer.

What are the best programs out there combining architecture and development?

Which programs actually teach one how to design, build, manage, fiance and marketing? Not just based off the syllabus but exposes and trains you to understand that shit and how it works.

Can you mention Woodbury MArch + MRED in the same sentence as say UPenn or Columbia?

Woodbury seems very professional and real world focused...it's also much less than the others.

Any thoughts?

Advice for Young Architects: What do you think?

2013-06-14T12:27:51-04:00

Any thoughts on this video? There were some parts that I really disagreed with and others that I felt would truly help me. What do you guys think of it?

http://vimeo.com/68089095

Applying for an innovative architecture internship

2013-06-14T12:06:00-04:00

Hey All

I am currently pursuing my 3rd year in Bachelor Of Architecture, and have my academic internship streamed line for the next year.

As I am more inclined towards innovative break through and sustainable design, the place I decided on to go forth for the internship is Singapore.

It would be great if I could get a detailed outlook on how do I go about the entire application procedure, starting from how do I filter the firms where i need to apply, from the infinite options available to the experience in would gain and the salary.

Also, a bit light on the portfolio preparation would be great !!!

Thanks in advance for the advice and suggestions.

Regards

Simran

Urban Design program in GSAPP

2013-06-14T10:30:00-04:00

Why Urban Design program in GSAPP is not in the Top Twenty Urban Design and Planning Schools and Colleges in US? I am looking at http://education-portal.com/articles/List_of_Top_Urban_Design_and_Planning_Schools_and_Colleges.html

Does anyone know why?

Portfolio Print Outs

2013-06-14T00:20:13-04:00

hi,

i would just like to ask on where do you mostly print out your portfolio printouts? do you print it on your own printer (what type of printer & paper since i only have a HP deskjet 1050 printer) or you just send the file on some printing office and pay them to send those printed images to you?. also when you're going for an interview, where does your portfolio placed in? is it place in a clear folder with clear plastic fillers?

My Situation:

since im a new grad from foreign country, is it ok that the only sample of works that i have is the same with what i sent and with what I will provide at the interview (which is composed only of Computer Aided Drawings related to my thesis, my visualization contribution to my colleagues, my personal project:renovation of my relative's house and the drawings i've done as an intern). Since my plates/works from 1st to 4th year is drawn and rendered manually which become a property of the school to display for it's annual exhibition. an...

Developing countries/economies of the world & architecture.

2013-06-13T15:51:57-04:00

Hello Archinect I was wondering of what everyones idea/possibilities are for developing cities/economies of the world are located? I ask because obviously here in the states most cities are developed now. And many countries have bottomed out and now beginning a renaissance or many are already experiencing rapid growth like Brazil, Colombia. Location wise where should Architects go to for work? Can they work in the countries?

I am starting to wonder if when I get my M.Arch degree I would be more employable out of country and make more?

How do Architecture firms view Construction experience?

2013-06-13T14:47:20-04:00

So a quick background. I have a Bachelors of Architecture I receive in 2006. Things were going well after graduation as I worked with a civil engineer for about 8 months, then an architecture firm for about 1.5 years. Then I was laid off and spent the next three years struggling to find work.

Last year I finally found a job working for a construction company as a project assistant doing shop drawings, estimates and schedules. At this point in my life I feel like sticking to this and work my way to being a project manager.

I just turned 30, and part of me still wants to be an architect. If 2-3 years down the line I decide to get back into architecture, how would my experience be viewed? Would it limit me to doing construction work as opposed to design work?

Entrance Portfolio for College

2013-06-13T13:45:37-04:00

I'm an advocate that sometimes, I know I haven't even started educating yet, the materials determine the form; just as function also determines it. Instead of drawing structures and uneducated(underlined) plans of things such as, say, an art studio or a 3 bedroom house, I'd rather go the route of showing what different materials or purposes can do i.e. a building or a house that's earthquake resistant or a house's shapes made of re-enforced concrete. So I guess my question is what book should I start with? Is there a book that talks about (probably basically) structures, materials and methods, seismic, ect.?
I just think drawing houses without anyone's actual directions, or buildings will be uninteresting...if anyone wants to act as an imaginary client giving needs of their building that'd be cool but I don't think I would want to post the end result. :\

Accompanying the B.Arch - increasing chances of employment

2013-06-13T03:39:29-04:00

I'm currently pursuing my BArch and wondering if any of you took another course to supplement the B.Arch? I understand the market for architecture jobs is quite bad and was wondering if it's worth taking anything else to make myself more 'employable' in the future? A summer school is maybe a business degree or those part time degrees? Or should I just immerse myself in interning for firms?

Any opinion or experience on this matter would be highly appreciated. Thanks!