I have 10 years experience total, 1 year ago I completed licensure, and for 2 years I have been working in a mid-range firm that is "just ok". More of an "executive architect" firm. My goal is to get into a more well-known design firm. But the project I work on now gives me great experience and knowledge, I am basically Project architect for a fairly well-know building that is 1 year into construction. Not so well know for the design, but the location (to New Yorkers). It still has 2 years until it's complete. My question is, would it be better to go for the design firm sooner or later? Would they like seeing my experience in construction if I completed the building, or would they not like to see that I haven't worked in a design firm for so long?
The last firm I worked for was really only high-end residential renovation projects, but the design was good. Thanks for your help.
I would stick around and complete the project. I think the knowledge you gain in the building process through completion is invaluable. I do believe architecture is a craft, and it takes time and years of experience to perfect, so I do think you also need exposure to a good design firm.
Personally, I jumped firms every 2.5 years or so, getting good experience on technical ability, construction, design and management. I think I have gotten a well rounded experience and I see myself as a well rounded architect. I worked for unknown firms as well as well known design firms.
Be a sponge, absorb the good of every firm, get as much completed projects as you can and hopefully you land in a firm that makes you happy and stick around until better and bigger things come along.
Nov 30, 15 8:38 am ·
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Architect Career Advice
I have 10 years experience total, 1 year ago I completed licensure, and for 2 years I have been working in a mid-range firm that is "just ok". More of an "executive architect" firm. My goal is to get into a more well-known design firm. But the project I work on now gives me great experience and knowledge, I am basically Project architect for a fairly well-know building that is 1 year into construction. Not so well know for the design, but the location (to New Yorkers). It still has 2 years until it's complete. My question is, would it be better to go for the design firm sooner or later? Would they like seeing my experience in construction if I completed the building, or would they not like to see that I haven't worked in a design firm for so long?
The last firm I worked for was really only high-end residential renovation projects, but the design was good. Thanks for your help.
I would stick around and complete the project. I think the knowledge you gain in the building process through completion is invaluable. I do believe architecture is a craft, and it takes time and years of experience to perfect, so I do think you also need exposure to a good design firm.
Personally, I jumped firms every 2.5 years or so, getting good experience on technical ability, construction, design and management. I think I have gotten a well rounded experience and I see myself as a well rounded architect. I worked for unknown firms as well as well known design firms.
Be a sponge, absorb the good of every firm, get as much completed projects as you can and hopefully you land in a firm that makes you happy and stick around until better and bigger things come along.
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