Archinect - Forum

Job opportunities abroad post-graduation? Italy to be specific....

2024-10-31T17:50:00-04:00

I've read extensively about the challenges of finding architecture employment in Italy after graduation. As a non-EU citizen with a U.S. B.Arch degree, I’m aware that securing a work visa could be difficult, especially in a job market that may be saturated with recent Italian graduates.

Currently, I'm employed post-graduation, but I'm interested in hearing from anyone who’s made this transition. If you're willing to share your experiences and any challenges you faced, I’d love to learn more, as it’s something I’d like to pursue in the near future.

My portfolio: https://issuu.com/nathanhbach/...

Portfolio Review: not sure if I’ve included the right projects

2024-10-21T14:56:17-04:00

Would anyone be willing to review my portfolio? I’m a masters student looking for work for my coop, and feel like I really need a different set of eyes on this

https://issuu.com/davisnoah/docs/noah_davis_-_portfolio

I’m trying to show a diversity of projects, rather than just school project, after school project, after school project, if that makes sense. So I have my two largest, “best” school projects, then another project (the pavilion thing) that in terms of design is very basic, but illustrates me hobby in urban activism (plus, it is technically something I designed that we then built. Employers would appreciate that, right?) then a competition (that I didn’t win) showing my interest in housing and mixed use design, and then work I did in my last (only) architecture job. Is this a good collection? Or should I omit maybe the third project and instead just include another school project?

I’m using this to apply to both local firms (in the city where the 3rd project was done) and i...

Is it realistic to aim for an international entry level remote job

2024-10-16T17:42:00-04:00

Hello! I’m an architecture student in my final year (took a break this semester). Right now, I’m freelancing by helping other architecture students with their projects, and while the income is quite good (much better to what an intern does), I feel stuck because I should be progressing professionally.

I’ve been using Revit for four years and have developed some solid skills in architectural modeling. I also been focusing on Dynamo lately, and it’s becoming a bit of a specialization for me. This is why I’ve started looking for entry-level jobs, particularly with companies that work remotely and use Revit, as I feel that’s where I have the best chance of getting hired.

I’m looking for opportunities internationally because the job market in my country is very informal and the pay is LOW (worked on a building management company for a some months and oof). Additionally, I have a parent who'll need an expensive medical treatment in a few months, which has motivated me to explore jobs in c...

Tips to move to the United States

2024-10-13T12:23:19-04:00

Hi everyone,

Due to personal reasons, I will be moving to DC in about a year. I am currently working in Switzerland as a project manager (multi-family residential, competitions) in a well-respected local firm, and I have a total of 7 years of post-graduate experience, one of which was in a highly reputed firm in the United States.

I am aware that I am trying to break into a market where there are plenty of competitive candidates, and at my level of experience any other architect will have a great deal of local knowledge. I would like to know if anyone has any tips on what I could do during this year to make myself a more interesting cadidate. For the time being, I'm studying to get the LEED GA qualification, and researching local codes, the architectural culture, etc. All of which seems like not enough from my perspective.

If anybody here has any tips or pointers I would be extremely grateful, as I would really like to use this year to get ahead and find an opportunity in a similar rol...

Seeking Architecture Job Opportunities in the US

2024-10-02T15:32:16-04:00

Hi everyone,

I just graduated with a degree in architecture and am looking for job opportunities in the US. The job market in my country is tough (tunisia) , and I need advice on finding jobs, networking, and salary expectations in the US.

Any tips or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Salary Survey

2024-09-27T23:09:33-04:00

I got an email the other day from a UK London based recruitment agency, I'm not an architect, only a Graphic Designer whom might know what to do so I'll chime in with previous salaries compared to BoE inflation:

Sheppard Robson (2005-2008)

£23,500-£29,500 with a decent pension and bonus scheme BoE in 2024 = £40,391-£48,425

Zaha Hadid Architects (2014-2015)

£36,000 = £48,000

What's that wage in 2024? Architects get paid poorly as does anyone else involved.

It's not really working is it?

Permitted development

2024-09-04T12:23:00-04:00

Hi Folk

I have a project, I need to demolish the existing extension and expand its garden, so which application should I make from the planning portal?

Ede

When to hire more employees

2024-08-28T17:25:00-04:00

Hello, I am visiting from the Landscape Architecture world. I am wondering if there is an industry metric or KPI that indicates when to hire more staff, backed by data? For instance, is there a best practice of "when staff utilization exceeds XX%, you should consider hiring"?

What does your firm use as a metric? Do you wait until everyone feels too busy to hire, or do you wait until a big contract comes in?

Roles that don't require drawing

2024-08-27T11:21:00-04:00

I am reaching out to the more experienced professionals in this forum to ask for some insight.

I am in graduate school with 2-3 years work experience behind me and currently trying to determine the right role after graduating.

At all jobs I worked so far I was in a production role where I had to produce graphics, drawings and models in a fast pace either for front end, technical design or construction issue.

However, the case is that I have autism and OCD, so I struggled a lot with producing to deadlines because of my obsession to make drawings look really perfect and highly accurate. As a result I was really a slow and unproductive employee compared to industry standards. I wasn't a slacker, instead I made an effort, but worked very slowly. However, project managers were shouting at me and I ended up losing jobs.

I don't want to have that experience again and I have come to the realization that jobs which require using software to produce drawings to deadlines are not suitable ...

Seeking Advice on Highlighting Revit Skills and Job Search Strategies

2024-08-23T03:14:17-04:00

Hey everyone,

I recently completed my Master’s program and am currently seeking job opportunities in the US market. With nearly 3 years of experience in India, including internships and full-time work, I have extensive experience with Rhino, AutoCAD, and SketchUp for drafting and modeling.

I recently had an interview, but I was not hired due to my lack of professional experience with Revit. I understand that Revit is now a key industry standard. I’ve been actively learning Revit through YouTube tutorials and advice from colleagues, and I’m working to build my skills in this area.

What would be the best way to convey this? The Indian market did not use Revit and now it's dragging me down when I apply for jobs in the US.

Would appreciate any tips or advice! Appreciate your help.

Internship vs. Junior position | European Job Market

2024-08-21T12:34:00-04:00

Hello,

I found a lot of useful information over this forum but I still don’t know what to do in my situation.

I’m about to finish my Masters, currently studying in Portugal (not a top tier university but still with a good reputation in Europe). I want to move out from Portugal, as I don’t see any job prospects in the country. Top of my list would be moving to Switzerland, Netherlands or Germany, however I’ll be willing to move anywhere in Europe that I land a fair position (not expecting anything more than minimum wage as I know how’s the job market).

From your experience, how hard is to find an entry level position in these countries if I don’t speak their language, my better shot would be an internship then? I speak Portuguese, English, Italian and have a basic French that could be improved to conversational after 4 months effort, but in case of Dutch or German it would take me up to 2 years to reach the same level.

My background is a Bachelors from Brazil, three relevant internship...

Portfolio templates

2024-08-13T23:39:50-04:00

Hey, I’m working on updating my portfolio and wanted to see if anyone has a resource to good portfolio templates that I could use to save time ? Also any tips?

Thank you

Advice before applying for jobs.

2024-08-13T19:17:00-04:00

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone could help offer me a bit of advice. I recently graduated with my bachelor’s degree, and before applying to jobs I need to complete putting together my portfolio.

However, there’s a couple I really need to redo and I know this needs some time. I am wondering if anyone has any ideas on how I can still have some connection to the field during this time eg through volunteering or courses I can do, or really any way to keep learning/ have some experience before I start applying. I really want to use this time productively aside from redoing the projects.

Thank you so much.

Just got laid off - suggestions needed!

2024-08-12T23:57:00-04:00

I got laid off last week after working at a firm for 6yrs. I’m working on my portfolio to update it and will start applying soon but this recession is making me think..should I invest in getting certifications that will help my resume? Please suggest if CDT/LEEDs is worth it.

Also what else can I do to make myself stand out

Thank you

AA Emtech Msc. After a 5 year BEng in Architectural Engineering and Urban Planning

2024-08-10T19:08:00-04:00

Hello,

As the Title says, I graduated from the German University in Cairo, Egypt with a BEng in Architecture Engineering and Urban Planning, it’s a five year degree which I suppose would qualify me for the RIBA Part II exam.

I accepted an offer for Msc. in Emtech at AA, my question is, would this qualify me to work in the UK after graduating? or would I have to take the RIBA exams first before being considered for jobs in Architectural Firms since my BEng is not accredited as Part I in the UK.

Any advice would be highly appreciated:)

Informational Interview Request

2024-08-07T13:56:51-04:00

Hi!

I'm a graduate student coming into my last year of study. I'm in New York for a month and I was interested in setting up informational interviews with a couple of firms I admire/that I would be interested in working for post-grad. While I have reviewed a couple of previous forums regarding informational interviews, I was curious about the etiquette around requesting one. I'm confident in my email draft, but my question is ... should I attach my portfolio and/or resume in the initial email? I have done informational interviews before but they came more naturally that this wasn't necessary. Will firms use the portfolio/resume to consider whether it is worth their time to host me? Or should I avoid the added materials and work to draft a longer email about why I admire their company and would like to converse with them? I don't want to attach the materials if it seems 'too forward' or something. But of course, this is standard then I will do so.

Any insight either way?

Thanks in ...

Sector Choices: Transportation, Education or Healthcare

2024-08-02T02:22:18-04:00

I'm at final stages of interviews for several employers, and wanted to gather information ahead so I can make decisions quickly once (and if) the offer arrives.

Salary is about the same for all, but education is a tad higher. My highest personal interest is in transportation, healthcare, then education.

The dream is to work on an aviation project one day. However, if this is too niche I would gladly accept any warning to stay away.

What I would like to know is, which of these 3 would yield the most job security/highest pay for my senior career?

Thanks!

Salary Insights

2024-07-30T13:03:00-04:00

Hi Everyone -- looking for insights on salary for unlicensed professionals with 6-8 years experience. Currently job searching and would like some recent salaries of people who have recently transitioned jobs (or even current salary at a long standing job with this experience range). I know I can look at the AIA salary calculator and there is also a salary survey posted on archinect but I'm looking for up to date, recent realistic salaries/experiences with the current job market.

For context, I'm in the south east United States mid-sized metro area with a moderate cost of living. I currently make 70k. Have worked in commercial as well as residential firms. Is it realistic to ask for 75-80k with my experience as the AIA salary calculator suggests? Any insights appreciated!

Changing firms when you have experience?

2024-07-22T14:26:00-04:00

In the past, the site has had a lot of discussion about team members change firms. These team members typically have low to mid level of experience (ten years or so max).

I'm wondering what more people experienced have encountered when looking to change firms. I'm thinking it would be a lot like getting back into dating after having been in a loooong term relationship. You know what you're doing but are kind of at a loss regarding the current process / culture.

People with 15+ years experience, any insight on this? Changing firms, not the dating. ;)

Finding work in the UK / EU as a US citizen

2024-07-19T16:49:31-04:00

I am a young US citizen who has recently graduated with a non-professional bachelor's degree in architecture, planning to apply to graduate schools in London, Helsinki, Berlin, and Copenhagen this upcoming application cycle. I am interested in eventually becoming a permanent citizen either in the UK or EU (most attracted to London and Berlin), and would love to hear about the experiences other designers / architects have had moving abroad.

I'm particularly wondering about: ease of finding a job, sponsorships or visa requirements, unexpected challenges, benefits + holidays, professional growth opportunities, pay, pathway to citizenship, finding your community / network, differences from the US, etc. Is there anything you wish you knew or had done during the immigration process? Was there a difference in your professional life before and after becoming an official citizen?

Any perspective not specific to Europe or gaining citizenship is welcome. Thank you.

Path to Licensure- Canada or USA?

2024-07-19T11:17:46-04:00

I live in a border city in Ontario and am currently in the Internship in Architecture Program (IAP) to become a licensed architect in Ontario. I've always wanted the option to work in the USA (mostly because of the better pay), but would like the option to work in either country. Given this, should I consider working towards getting licensed through NCARB instead or continue through the OAA? Is there a way to be licensed in both countries? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

What is a work sample?

2024-07-10T14:30:00-04:00

I've been in architecture for quite a while, but I'm still not sure what a "work sample" is when applying for an architectural position. It seems like it would be distinct from a portfolio, especially since sometimes a position posting/application requests submission of both work samples and a portfolio to apply. The name "work sample" suggests the actual product of one's work, such as construction drawings, renderings, sketches, and the like. But I also get the sense that "work sample" can often just mean "portfolio". So how do other people understand this term?

By the way, I have worked only as a (non-design) project architect with no rendering work, so my portfolio for the most part does not show my design experience or renderings. It consists of images of projects I've worked on to give a sense of the type of work I've been involved in. I feel that working drawings don't make sense in a portfolio like that. Details I've done might fit in if they're "aesthetic" enough, but...

CV / Resume for Young Professionals

2024-07-06T18:47:00-04:00

I've been meaning to update my CV and was wondering if the Archinect Community would have any good examples of CV and resumes for young professionals (2 - 5+ years experience). Obviously, this should not read like a recent grad CV so I was curious.

Aside from education and employment, what other items should be included? I assume publications and a list of previous projects.

Open to any thoughts and suggestions! Thanks!

Does anyone regret getting into architecture?

2024-06-27T02:43:00-04:00

After more than a decade in architecture, my desire to change careers has grown increasingly strong, particularly after working for several corporate firms. Many large companies encourage employees to obtain their licenses. However, once licensed, there is often no corresponding reward or promotion.

The path to becoming a principal in architecture firms is arduous, requiring years of experience to reach a level of substantial salary and influence. Companies expect you to bring in projects, yet business is not part of an architect’s formal education. Architects are trained to be excellent designers, not business people. However, being adept in business is crucial for sustaining a company.

When large firms acquire new projects, they tend to hire more staff. Conversely, during lean periods, they lay off employees, making one feel like a disposable resource. This cyclical nature of employment adds to the growing disillusionment with the profession.

No matter how hard we work as licensed...

3Y exp Architect: Looking to apply to my dream firm

2024-06-05T07:31:51-04:00

hi,

I hope everyone is doing well. I've been working as an architect for three years now, and I have a conundrum I hope the ever-helpful community here can assist me with. I am planning to look for a new job and have come across some of my dream firms that are hiring. The issue is that within my three years of work experience, I have not worked on any projects that can be shown to these firms, as the type of projects I've done are completely different from what these firms focus on. For example, my work usually involved designing mid-range villas of about 400-600 sqm—nothing fancy. I am confused about whether I should showcase these works or add some conceptual/dummy projects to demonstrate the kind of projects these firms are more interested in. I would greatly appreciate your help.

tl;dr I want to apply to my dream firm but i don't have any relatable projects in my closet.

Thoughts on moving from a small firm to global firm?

2024-05-30T21:19:45-04:00

Contemplating a move from a small firm (0-15 people) to a global corporate firm (100+ people). The job title will be the same and I'll still be working within my niche market so my work wouldn't be too different. Any thoughts on whether it's worth the headache to make the switch?

Pros: Potential growth opportunity, looks great on resume, ability to network with more people in the industry, potential higher pay

Cons: Might be pigeonholed, a "cog" in the machine and less "family feel', more rigidity and formality

Job opportunities as a US citizen with a B.arch degree from India

2024-05-30T14:10:32-04:00

I am a US citizen of American nationality. I have recently graduated with B.arch, a five year course from India. I also have a working experience of one year back in India. I wanted help in understanding the employment opportunities as well as jobs for me as an entry-level architectural designer.

What are the difficulties of returning to architecture after a career change?

2024-05-30T08:58:09-04:00

The short version of this post is that I've been offered a job through a friend as a PM for a structural steel fab shop. The upside is that I'll be doubling my salary, the hours are much better, I get a company truck, and there's room for growth and exploring smaller scale fabrication opportunities. The downside is that I feel like if I take this job I'm giving up on architecture and may have a hard time returning if this new role really isn't for me.

I have become less enamored with the profession over the last few years years based on the jobs/roles that I've held, especially the work/life balance in relation to how little I'm paid. I enjoy what's at stake within the profession and have a love for design, but having worked on everything from interior renovations to high-rise design during the last 7-8 years, nothing has quite held my attention. I've had the opportunity to teach undergraduate design studios and really enjoyed that, but it has almost moved me to believe that I need ...

Do years of experience count if they were abroad?

2024-05-08T17:21:58-04:00

Hi all!

I am an architect from Latin America living in the U.S. I have roughly 8 years of architecture experience in Latin America and I am curious whether the typical U.S. architecture firm values this experience and whether it would “count” toward the required years of experience for particular jobs. While I feel my experience is relevant, I recognize that my background doesn’t offer a lot of U.S. nuance (e.g., U.S. building code). How much does the country in which I’ve worked as an architect matter to architecture firms looking for job candidates?

Appreciate the feedback! Thanks.

Do years of experience count if they were abroad?

2024-05-08T14:30:00-04:00

Hi all!

Appreciate the feedback! Thanks.

Archinect - Forum

Job opportunities abroad post-graduation? Italy to be specific....

Portfolio Review: not sure if I’ve included the right projects

Is it realistic to aim for an international entry level remote job

Tips to move to the United States

Seeking Architecture Job Opportunities in the US

Salary Survey

Permitted development

When to hire more employees

Roles that don't require drawing

Seeking Advice on Highlighting Revit Skills and Job Search Strategies

Internship vs. Junior position | European Job Market

Portfolio templates

Advice before applying for jobs.

Just got laid off - suggestions needed!

AA Emtech Msc. After a 5 year BEng in Architectural Engineering and Urban Planning

Informational Interview Request

Sector Choices: Transportation, Education or Healthcare

Salary Insights

Changing firms when you have experience?

Finding work in the UK / EU as a US citizen

​Path to Licensure- Canada or USA?​

What is a work sample?

CV / Resume for Young Professionals

Does anyone regret getting into architecture?

3Y exp Architect: Looking to apply to my dream firm

Thoughts on moving from a small firm to global firm?

Job opportunities as a US citizen with a B.arch degree from India

What are the difficulties of returning to architecture after a career change?

Do years of experience count if they were abroad?

Do years of experience count if they were abroad?

Path to Licensure- Canada or USA?