Archinect - News

Peter Zumthor details LACMA’s design inspiration in new interview

2024-10-08T11:02:00-04:00

This must do something to the city—like the Pan Am Building in New York—but somehow today the courage is lost. It must mean something to the city that there is a shape that is hard to understand crossing the road. The owner’s representative in charge of our project recently said to me, “Peter, I’ve now started to understand what this building is doing on all sides.”

LACMA recently pushed back the opening of Zumthor's David Geffen Galleries to 2026 as Christopher Knight quoted an unnamed museum source in the LA Times as saying the project's budget (which had been an initial hurdle to clear) is now in excess of $835 million.

"In about a year, one end will open," Zumthor said, speaking of a public viewing period that could begin once the temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) is obtained next May. "Some curators were critical of the spatial concept of the layout of the museum. But now since they can go and see the space for the first time, they start to like it. And they see the beauty of the handmade concrete body of the building—so I am told."

Shigeru Ban on design, ethics, and constraints

2024-07-02T12:03:00-04:00

Q: Is there a design ethic? A: I just hate wasting material, time, and energy. When I started developing structures with humble, recycled, reusable material in the middle of the ’80s, no one—including myself—was considering any ecological and environmental problems. I just do not waste anything.

The Eames Institute's Kazam! Magazine in conversation with Shigeru Ban.

Meet Office Of:, an evolution of LA-Más. Your next employer?

2023-10-02T16:11:00-04:00

Following last week’s visit to New York City-based Field Operations, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series to Los Angeles this week, where we meet Office Of.

Founded in 2021, the non-profit works nationally with a focus on supporting the Los Angeles region with public realm improvement projects, storefront remodels, and affordable housing projects. The team of six holds backgrounds in planning, policy, advocacy, architecture, and design, which in their words, "allows us to flexibly and thoughtfully collaborate with our partners (and each other) on projects, programs, and initiatives."

Over on Archinect Jobs, the firm is currently hiring for an Operations Associate. For candidates interested in applying for a position, or anybody interested in learning more about life at an architecture studio, we spoke with the Office Of: team and its founder Elizabeth Timme for a behind-the-scenes look at the firm.

48 ADU Prototype. Image credit: Stephen Schauer

How did Office Of: get st...

'I Would Prefer Not To' looks at refused commissions, the decisions behind them, and their impact on architecture

2023-08-30T17:38:00-04:00

The second season of The Architectural League of New York’s new interview series I Would Prefer Not To is gaining popularity thanks to its ability to shed light on an overlooked area of architectural practice.

A cross-collaboration between the League and MIT's Critical Broadcasting Lab, the series explores the topic of commissioning and the refusal of architects to work with a particular client.

Guests, including Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, speak in detail about the nature of refusals, which The Architectural League argues constitutes a permanent part of architectural history. The stories they share touch on key aspects such as ethics and professional practice, decision-making, business development, the tug-of-war over visions for a project, clashes of creativity, and more.

“Decisions to refuse a commission, or withdraw from one, by definition, stay hidden from public scrutiny, and thus also hidden from architectural history,” The Architectural League notes. “Withdrawals of thi...

Meet the socially-engaged Kadre Architects: Your Next Employer?

2023-06-19T08:00:00-04:00

Following last week's visit to New York-based Snarkitecture, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series to Los Angeles this week where we meet Kadre Architects.

Founded by Nerin Kadribegovic, the firm describes itself as "emerging as a nucleus for interdisciplinary collaborations focused on solving critical issues facing metropolitan urban centers around the world; cities gripped by displaced populations and environmental and/or socio-economic crises." As part of this mission, the firm is designing several long-term housing projects for people experiencing homelessness across Los Angeles and California.

Over on Archinect Jobs, the firm is currently hiring for several positions. For candidates interested in applying for a position, or anybody interested in learning more about life at an architecture studio, we spoke with Kadribegovic for a behind-the-scenes look at the firm.

Kadre's team. Image credit: Kadre Architects

How did Kadre Architects get started?

After 20 years of part...

Meet Paul McClean, LA’s 'megamansion king': Your Next Employer?

2023-04-24T10:52:00-04:00

Following last week’s visit to New York-based Float Studio, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series to Orange, California this week, where we meet McClean Design.

Founded by Paul McClean in 2000, the firm has since grown to 15 architects, designers, and administration staff, specializing in the design of contemporary homes. The firm describes its ethos as “innovate; sophisticate; simplify,” while The Irish Times in 2021 described Dublin-born Paul McClean as LA’s “megamansion king” for the firm’s design of multi-million dollar homes such as The One, Bel Air.

Over on Archinect Jobs, the firm is currently hiring for an Intermediate Architect / 3D Visualization Artist. For candidates interested in applying for a position, or anybody interested in learning more about life at an architecture studio, we spoke with the team at McClean Design for a behind-the-scenes look at the firm.

Laurel Way II by McClean Design. Image credit: Manolo Langis

How did McClean Design get started?

Aft...

Get to know collaborative Manhattan studio Workshop/APD: Your Next Employer?

2023-03-13T12:03:00-04:00

Following last week’s visit to Santa Barbara-based AB design studio, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series to New York City this week where we meet Workshop/APD.

From its studio in the Garment District, Midtown Manhattan has grown into a 100-person-strong firm since its founding in 1999 with additional offices in Minneapolis, South Florida, Greenwich, and Nantucket. While working across several typologies, the firm specializes in residential projects, exemplified recently by their interior design role on MVRDV’s colorful Radio Hotel and Tower in upper Manhattan.

Over on Archinect Jobs, the firm is currently hiring for several positions across their New York City studio. For candidates interested in applying for a position, or anybody interested in learning more about life at an architecture studio, we spoke with the team at Workshop/APD for a behind-the-scenes look at the firm.

AutoCamp Catskills. Image credit: Matt Kisiday

How did Workshop/APD get started?

Andrew Kotchen ...

Meet Boston studio Peter Rose + Partners: Your Next Employer?

2022-12-05T10:23:00-05:00

Following last week’s visit to New York City-based Marvel, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series to Boston this week, where we meet Peter Rose + Partners.

From their studio in Boston’s South End, where they have been based since 1991, the firm operates along a philosophy grounded in research, sustainability, and collaboration. In 2020 alone, this approach saw the firm gain three AIA awards in architecture and interior design for their Bare Hill Residence, More Than Words Bookstore renovation, and Island Residence.

Over on Archinect Jobs, the firm is currently hiring for a Studio Manager and Executive Assistant. For candidates interested in applying for a position, or anybody interested in learning more about life at an architecture studio, we spoke with the team at Peter Rose + Partners for a behind-the-scenes look at the firm.

Island Residence by Peter Rose + Partners, located in Edgartown, MA. Image: Peter Vanderwarker.

How did Peter Rose + Partners get started?

Peter R...

Meet curiosity-driven LA studio EYRC: Your Next Employer?

2022-11-30T11:03:00-05:00

Following last week’s visit to New York City-based Marvel, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series to Los Angeles this week, where we meet Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney (EYRC) Architects.

Since its founding in 1979, the firm has grown from its LA residential roots to encompass institutional, creative workplaces, and civic works projects in addition to high-end residential. Last month, for example, we reported on EYRC's repurposing of a former LA Times print facility into flexible office spaces, while the firm's major LA Arts District tower also came a step closer to fruition earlier in November.

Over on Archinect Jobs, the firm is currently hiring for several positions across their California offices. For candidates interested in applying for a position, or anybody interested in learning more about life at an architecture studio, we spoke with the EYRC team for a behind-the-scenes look at the firm.

EYRC Architects studio. Photo credit: EYRC Architects

How did EYRC get started?

...

Meet Tribeca all-rounders Marvel: Your Next Employer?

2022-11-14T08:43:00-05:00

Following last week’s visit to Los Angeles-based RIOS, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series to New York City this week, where we meet multi-disciplinary studio Marvel.

From their studios in New York City, Richmond, Virginia, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, the firm has produced several projects previously featured on our editorial. Last month, we covered Marvel's $26 million renovation project at The Bronx Museum of the Arts, while in September, we reported on the firm's housing prototypes for hurricane resilience. 2022 has also seen Marvel offer an update on their new Brooklyn Public Library, which was designed in collaboration with Gensler.

Over on Archinect Jobs, the firm is currently hiring for several positions in their New York City office. For candidates interested in applying for a position, or anybody interested in learning more about life at an architecture studio, we spoke with Marvel associate in urban planning Ishita Gaur for a behind-the-scenes look at the firm....

Meet the ‘audacious, joyful’ RIOS collective: Your Next Employer?

2022-11-04T13:06:00-04:00

Following last week’s visit to Atlanta-based Houser Walker, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series to Los Angeles this week to meet the international design collective RIOS.

Founded by Mark Rios in 1985, the collective has evolved from its architectural and landscape architecture routes to occupy offices across LA, Austin, Boulder, and Portland, as well as international offices in London and Singapore. Among the studio’s ongoing work is a $600 million Hollywood media studio project which we reported on last month.

Over on Archinect Jobs, the collective is currently hiring for several positions in their Los Angeles office. For candidates interested in applying for a position, or anybody interested in learning more about life at an architecture studio, we spoke with the RIOS team for a behind-the-scenes look at the firm.

Harlow at Sunset Las Palmas Studios by RIOS. Image credit: Hunter Kerhart

How did RIOS get started?

RIOS was founded in Los Angeles in 1985 by Mark Rios. For...

Meet all-round boutique studio Houser Walker: Your Next Employer?

2022-10-31T12:08:00-04:00

Following last week’s visit to Portland-based Skylab Architecture, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series to Atlanta, GA this week to meet multidisciplinary boutique studio House Walker.

Led by Hank Houser and Gregory Walker, the firm has expanded from its 2004 founding to encompass a wide portfolio, including residential, academic, commercial, and civic projects. Walker was also previously a guest on Archinect Sessions back in 2016 in an episode titled ‘Due Protest.’

From their office in Atlanta, the firm is currently hiring for several positions on Archinect Jobs. For candidates interested in applying for a position, or anybody interested in learning more about life at an architecture studio, we spoke with the Houser Walker team for a behind-the-scenes look at the firm.

The Houser Walker team

How did Houser Walker get started?

Both Hank (Houser) and Gregory (Walker) met while working at another large firm that was doing a lot of institutional work. We wanted to found ou...

Meet ‘band of makers’ Skylab Architecture: Your Next Employer?

2022-10-24T11:52:00-04:00

Following last week’s visit to Los Angeles-based LAUN, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series to Portland, OR this week to meet self-described “band of makers” Skylab Architecture.

Since its founding two decades ago, the firm has grown into a 30-strong team of architects and designers working on a mixed-use portfolio including residential, retail, and workplaces. Most recently, our editorial featured the firm’s Serena Williams-themed office building located at Nike’s World Headquarters in Oregon.

From their office in Portland, the firm is currently hiring for several positions on Archinect Jobs. For candidates interested in applying for a position, or anybody interested in learning more about life at an architecture studio, we spoke with Skylab principal Robin Wilcox for a behind-the-scenes look at the firm.

Snow Peak USA Flagship and Headquarters by Skylab

How did Skylab get started?

Skylab began with a spec house, 1680 Montgomery, before rolling the profits into the ne...

Milwaukee's Ascent tower developer on its instant impact and the future of mass timber

2022-10-19T17:24:00-04:00

“We keep amassing this incredible pool of knowledge. It would be crazy to do all of that research and development and not scale it.”

New Land Enterprises (the developers behind Korb + Associates' record-setting Ascent tower design) managing director Tim Gokhman sat down recently to discuss the bellwether project with the Urban Land Institute (ULI). He told Milwaukee native Alby Gallun that the selection of the materials was driven perhaps unsurprisingly by aesthetics and marketing considerations, but that its ability to reduce on-site labor costs and the speed of the construction timeline were also deciding factors along with its proven sustainability and performance metrics.

Gokham said he thinks the burgeoning material can eventually be used up to a height of "30 to 40 stories" and stated that its biggest obstacle (at least for now) is insurance rates driven by the misconstrued risk of fire and water damage. “It is temporary,” he said finally, inferencing the need for further research into its structural capabilities. “The only reason I think why the insurance rates are high is because there aren’t enough data ...

Meet LA architecture and furniture designers LAUN: Your Next Employer?

2022-10-17T11:00:00-04:00

Following last week’s visit to Fearon Hay, we are keeping our Meet Your Next Employer series in Los Angeles this week to meet architecture, interiors, and furniture designers LAUN.

Founded in 2018 by friends Rachel Bullock and Molly Purnell, the studio has grown from its bespoke furniture roots to operate a team of four people delivering architecture and interior projects through a design process grounded in “curiosity and exploration.”

From their new office and showroom in Downtown LA, the firm is currently hiring over on Archinect Jobs. For candidates interested in applying for a position, or anybody interested in learning more about life at an architecture studio, we spoke with LAUN founding partner Molly Purnell for a behind-the-scenes look at the firm.

LAUN's showroom and office in Los Angeles. Photo by Ye Rin Mok

How did LAUN get started?

Rachel and I both grew up in colder climates (Michigan and Colorado) and we love the indoor-outdoor lifestyle of Los Angeles. We noticed ther...

Meet LA-to-Auckland studio Fearon Hay Architects: Your Next Employer?

2022-10-04T12:02:00-04:00

Following last week’s visit to the Design Trust for Public Space in New York City, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series back to Los Angeles this week where we meet Fearon Hay Architects.

Founded in 1998 by Tim Hay and Jeff Fearon, the practice has since grown to operate studios in Los Angeles and Auckland, New Zealand. The firm’s projects, which span the globe, are united by what the studio calls a "commitment to design excellence, a thoughtful consideration of site and place, and a sensitive creativity."

From their studio in Venice Beach, the firm is currently hiring for several positions over on Archinect Jobs. For candidates interested in applying for a position, or anybody interested in learning more about life at an architecture studio, we spoke with the Fearon Hay team for a behind-the-scenes look at their firm.

Fearon Hay's studio in Los Angeles. Image courtesy of Fearon Hay Architects

How did Fearon Hay get started?

Fearon Hay architects is a design-led studio und...

Meet NYC's Design Trust for Public Space: Your Next Employer?

2022-09-26T14:30:00-04:00

Following last week’s visit to precision craftspeople XTEN, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series back to New York City this week, where we meet the Design Trust for Public Space.

Founded in 1995 to champion and unlock the potential of New York City’s public and shared spaces, the group collaborates with architects, urbanists, city officials, and the general public on a variety of projects related to public space.

Archinect readers may already be familiar with the Design Trust. In May, the organization partnered with former Meet Your Next Employer subjects SITU on an architectural kit-of-parts for public cultural venues in New York City. The Design Trust has also previously sought architectural input on their “Public for All: Rethinking Shared Space in NYC” initiative.

From their base in Tribeca, the Design Trust is currently hiring for several positions over on Archinect Jobs. For candidates interested in applying for a position, or anybody interested in learning more ...

Meet architects, researchers, and fabricators SITU: Your Next Employer?

2022-09-13T09:04:00-04:00

Following last week’s visit to residential specialists DAHLIN, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series to Brooklyn, NY this week, where we meet the self-described “unconventional architecture practice” SITU.

Founded in 2005 by four friends studying architecture at The Cooper Union, SITU has since grown to a studio of 38 people practicing a multi-disciplinary style including design, research, and fabrication.

The firm is already familiar with our editorial, having recently collaborated with the Design Trust for Public Space on an initiative that aims to transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, accessible venues for arts and culture. Back during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm also collaborated with Gensler, WXY and others on a 100-page guide for safe social distancing in schools.

From their base at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the firm is currently hiring over on Archinect Jobs. For candidates interested in applying for a position, or anybody interested in lear...

Meet all-round housing leaders DAHLIN: Your Next Employer?

2022-09-06T12:28:00-04:00

Following last week’s visit to California-based SmithGroup, we are keeping our Meet Your Next Employer series partly on the west coast this week to meet residential specialists DAHLIN.

The 180-strong firm, whose nine offices span California, Washington, Utah, Montana, and Texas, and internationally in China, have emerged from their founding in 1976 to build a residential-led portfolio complimented by commercial, institutional and civic projects.

Over on Archinect Jobs, the firm is hiring for a wide variety of positions and locations, from multifamily project managers in Texas to commercial job captains in California. For candidates interested in applying for a position, or anybody interested in learning more about life at the firm, we spoke with the DAHLIN team for a behind-the-scenes look at their studio.

DAHLIN's studio at Pleasanton, California. Image © DAHLIN

How did DAHLIN get started?

Doug Dahlin started out on his own in the small coastal California community of Bolinas bef...

Meet community engagement champions CIVIC: Your Next Employer?

2022-08-15T09:00:00-04:00

Following last week’s visit to Los Angeles-based OPEN OFFICE, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series east to Providence, Rhode Island, where we find CIVIC.

Founded by architect Manuel Cordero, and based in Providence’s Innovation District, CIVIC’s work is defined by an inclusive vision of the built environment, and in particular, the public realm. Their portfolio has thus developed to include a collaboration with Arup on a masterplan for public spaces across Providence, as well as ongoing educational and community projects.

The firm now seeks to expand by advertising for a multidisciplinary designer role on Archinect Jobs. For candidates interested in applying for the position, or anybody interested in learning more about life as an architect, we spoke with CIVIC founder Manuel Cordero for a behind-the-scenes look at the studio.

CIVIC's workspace is in CIC Innovation Campus in Providence. Image via CIVIC

How did CIVIC get started?

I am a licensed architect, but have alway...

Meet nimble architectural all-rounders OPEN OFFICE: Your Next Employer?

2022-08-08T09:00:00-04:00

Following last week’s visit to New York-based Morris Adjmi Architects, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series west to Los Angeles, where we find OPEN OFFICE.

Recently founded by friends and colleagues Edward Cronin and Reed Webster, the firm has just moved into an office at the architecturally-acclaimed, SelgasCano-designed coworking complex Second Home Hollywood. From there, OPEN OFFICE is building a nimble, collaborative operation to tackle upcoming projects including affordable housing, multifamily, high-end residential, and kit home commissions.

The firm now seeks to expand by advertising for several roles on Archinect Jobs. For candidates interested in applying for a position, or anybody interested in learning more about life as an architect, we spoke with the team at OPEN OFFICE for a behind-the-scenes look at their studio.

OPEN OFFICE's new space at Second Home Hollywood. Image by Drew Rosas

How did OPEN OFFICE get started?

OPEN OFFICE was formed by longtime friend...

Meet urban revitalization experts Morris Adjmi Architects: Your Next Employer?

2022-08-01T11:40:00-04:00

Following last week’s visit to New York-based ODA Architecture, this week’s edition of our Meet Your Next Employer series remains partly in NYC where we meet Morris Adjmi Architects (MA).

Established in New York City in 1997 by Morris Adjmi following his 13-year-long collaboration with Aldo Rossi, MA has since expanded from its NYC base to open a second office in New Orleans.

The firm describes itself as a “leader in the revitalization of post-industrial neighborhoods and historic districts,” exemplified by a broad portfolio spanning a renovated brick warehouse in Tribeca to a contemporary glass tower built on an existing art deco building along the High Line.

The firm now seeks to expand by advertising for several roles in NYC and New Orleans on the Archinect Job board. For candidates interested in applying for a role, or anybody interested in learning more about life as an architect, we spoke with the team at MA for a behind-the-scenes look at their studio.

837 Washington in LP...

Meet international influencers ODA Architecture: Your Next Employer?

2022-07-25T12:24:00-04:00

Following last week’s visit to Los Angeles-based Stayner Architects, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series east to New York City, where we find ODA Architecture.

Founded in 2007, the studio has developed an international reputation for delivering what it describes as “imaginative and mold-breaking designs.” ODA’s team composition spanning architecture, interiors, landscaping, and master planning has allowed for the development of a diverse portfolio, with recent examples from our editorial including mixed-use towers in Fort Lauderdale, the transformation of a historic Rotterdam post office, and a proposal for zoning regulation changes to expand public spaces in New York.

Archinect Feature: Beyond the Street: ODA Proposes a Zoning Regulation To Expand the Public Space in New York

The firm is now seeking to expand by advertising over on Archinect Jobs for several roles in architecture, landscape design, and interiors. For candidates interested in applying for the role, a...

Where the RIBA presidential candidates stand on key issues

2022-07-19T12:13:00-04:00

On July 26th, voting closes for the election of the next RIBA president. When the winner commences their two-year term as president on September 1st, 2023, they will be confronted with a list of burning issues across the UK’s architectural profession; and will be expected to publicly lead a response.

Some issues are specific to the UK context: a turbulent national political landscape, the soaring cost of indemnity insurance, and the implementation of new or upcoming UK laws on planning, construction, and emissions, to name a few. Other issues are specific to RIBA itself: an institution which has seemingly lurched from crisis to crisis in recent times, be it on accusations of inadequate diversity, election rule changes, or just this week, questions over a “buried” internal report on bullying.

These UK-specific issues aside, many of the challenges facing the UK professi...

Meet inventive LA practice TOLO Architecture: Your Next Employer?

2022-06-27T11:15:00-04:00

Following last week’s visit to Toronto’s Yabu Pushelberg, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series to Los Angeles where we find TOLO Architecture.

Founded in 1998 by Peter Tolkin, the firm was renamed TOLO in 2018 after Sarah Lorenzen joined as a principal. Throughout its history, the practice has won acclaim for its inventive approach to projects across a diverse portfolio. Archinect has previously included the firm’s work in several of our architectural roundups, including facades, bathroom designs, interiors, and houses.

Previously on Archinect: Next Up Arroyo Seco Weekend - Sarah Lorenzen & Peter Tokin

The firm is now seeking to expand by advertising over on Archinect Jobs for an Intermediate Designer. For candidates interested in applying for the role, and anybody interested in learning more about life as an architect, we spoke with Peter and Sarah for a behind-the-scenes look at TOLO Architecture.

Meet Your Next Employer is one of a number of ongoing weekly series sh...

Frank Gehry: enjoying architecture at 92

2021-04-13T13:40:00-04:00

It was midafternoon on a Monday and the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry — despite having just turned 92 in a pandemic, completed the top floor of his building in the Grand Avenue development, and prepared for a show of new sculpture at the Gagosian Gallery — had little interest in sitting back to reflect on this potentially meaningful moment in his life and career.

Frank Gehry in conversation with NYT culture reporter Robin Pogrebin. Touring the acclaimed architect's Los Angeles studio, passing models of small residential projects as well as enormous urban developments, the exchange touches on several completed and ongoing Gehry projects that have also made news on Archinect: the soon-to-open LUMA Arles art complex and renovated Philadelphia Museum of Art, the recently-topped-out The Grand project in Downtown Los Angeles, the newly unveiled King Street West towers in his native Toronto, the Los Angeles River revitalization project, the Second Century Project for Warner Bros. in Burbank, the 8150 Sunset project, the $20 million Children's Center in LA's Watts neighborhood, a mixed-use complex in Santa Monica, and, why not, this extravagant bottle design for French cognac maker Hennessy X.O.'s 150th anniversary.

When asked if he saw himself scaling back in the future, Gehry — who had just turned 92 — told Pogrebin: "What would I do? I enjoy this...

Renzo Piano on light, water, and gravity

2021-03-24T18:35:00-04:00

“All my buildings fly, which when you think about it makes perfect sense because an architect spends his life fighting against the force of gravity,” he says. “By levitating a building, it does not take from the city and its people – it gives something back.”

Renzo Piano in conversation with the Financial Times.

Related on Archinect: Construction completes on Renzo Piano's long-awaited Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in LA. Photo by Josh White, JWPictures © Academy Museum Foundation

3 ways to rehearse for your job interview

2020-11-12T13:02:00-05:00

Job interviews are a crucial part of the hiring process. Usually, it means your application was well received, and so now, it's time for both parties to get to know each other in a deeper way. But, how does one prepare for the interview? Surprisingly, I've found that many people do not prepare beforehand, simply winging it, and hoping things go well. I've written on the importance of researching the employer and on some of the intricacies of interviews, so here I'll focus on some ideas that I think aren't typically offered.

Previously on Archinect: Archinect Tips: Employment Edition

Research the people you will be meeting with

Yes, researching the firm is important, but researching the specific people you will be meeting with is just as important, perhaps even more so. In Tools of the Job Hunt: Understanding the Employer, I wrote:

"Say you’re meeting with the design principal and the managing principal of a prospective firm. Do you approach each of them the same way? They are two di...

We've interviewed them, now go work for them! 11 of the most talented architecture firms in Los Angeles are hiring

2020-01-16T12:00:00-05:00

Continuing with our regional Spotlight on Los Angeles, we've selected 9 Los Angeles firms that are currently searching for the right candidate to join their team.

During any job search, learning about your future employer and the culture of the offices they run is key. For this week's selection of curated job picks, we have also included interviews, podcasts, and studio visits with the leaders of these firms. Collectively, they discuss their respective practice's histories, studio cultures, and projects.

Opened in 2003, Gehry also designed LA Phil's iconic home on Grand Avenue, the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Photo: Giuseppe Milo/Flickr

Gehry Partners, LLP Seeks a Job Captain/Intermediate Architect, Senior Project Architect, Revit Content Specialist, and Project Architect/Senior Job Captain
Frank Gehry established his practice in Los Angeles, California in 1962. The Gehry partnership, Gehry Partners LLP, was formed in 2002 and currently supports a staff of over 130 persons engaged in...

Interview tip: What to wear

2019-10-24T14:01:00-04:00

A common question when preparing for an interview is on what to wear. A tie? A blazer? Is a dress okay or pants? Are sneakers too casual?How does one determine what's appropriate and what's over the top?

First, it's important to understand that dress is only one factor when it comes to making a first impression. There's also your personality, grooming, how you talk, your body language, your portfolio and resume. It's a long list of things that contribute to another person's overall perception of you. Remember the interview scene in The Pursuit of Happiness? Chris Gardner (portrayed by Will Smith) shows up to his interview in dirty clothes that he had been painting in. The executives are visibly disturbed by his appearance, but in the end his reputation and his personality win them over. These made a greater impact to their impression of him than his lack of appropriate attire.

Nevertheless, when it comes to clothes, it's never universal. Every place of work is unique. What do the p...