I am wondering if you as an architectural firm would outsource jobs to an outsourcing company that its principal architect has worked in the US (California & Ohio)?
Non Sequitur
Jul 11, 19 8:57 pm
no.
next question.
Orig.Arch.
Jul 11, 19 9:08 pm
Thank you for your reply. Yes the next question is why?. What are the reasons that make you not to outsource jobs to a professional architect?
Non Sequitur
Jul 11, 19 9:21 pm
Quality and liability control are big. Sense of ownership is another plus response time is much easier (read: client management) when you're producing the work in house.
Orig.Arch.
Jul 11, 19 9:35 pm
I got your point, But I mentioned an experienced professional that has been working in the states for multiple firms. That means quality is not an issue. Work in-house will be faster. Outsourcing cheaper with same quality. I honestly can't imagine sending work overseas to an outsourcing firm that know nothing about codes and regulations, specs, contracts, details, imperial system, etc... will be a nightmare. But sending it to an architectural professional who has the same experience in the same country will make things different. Let me know your thoughts.
Non Sequitur
Jul 11, 19 10:43 pm
Quality is always sub-par, at best, when outsourced. There is a reason why it's cheaper and the outsourced staff does not have the same responsibilities as if they were full-time in-house employees.
Orig.Arch.
Jul 11, 19 11:07 pm
Thank you for your input. It is cheaper because cost of living is cheaper, thats all. I really thank you for your input. I hope to get input from everyone.
Orig.Arch.
Jul 11, 19 11:10 pm
but I am not following, why quality will be a sub-par from a licensed architect?
b3tadine[sutures]
Jul 12, 19 5:05 pm
What makes you think that because this person is licensed, quality is a forgone conclusion? A monkey can be trained to do what we do.
bowling_ball
Dec 17, 20 10:01 am
Seriously. I'm licensed and if I did somebody else's (or even my own!) drawings, they would be unusable and would be months or years over schedule.
midlander
Jul 12, 19 8:22 am
I once worked in a large corporate firm that had an outsourcing center in Manilla. It took a few years (!) to get them up to speed with our company's rather middling standards, and required a few full time principals stationed there overseeing things. They would also fly the Manila staff out to stay in a local office and work with the team after a major project kicked off. I have no idea if this was cost effective; there were other reasons it was being done.
They actually were very helpful for getting revit models built in a rush, but only on projects where we were not AOR and didn't care at all about how the models would grow with the project development. Sometimes it we were just feeding them busy work because managing real work remotely with people unfamiliar to the team was too much overhead to deal with. We had a quota of labor required to assign to them... sometimes that labor was just rename all the sheets.
I would never recommend it for anyone looking for one-off help. There are rather few tasks in architecture that can be neatly separated from the team's labor and developed independently.
Orig.Arch.
Jul 12, 19 9:37 am
Thank you for your explanation
Wilma Buttfit
Jul 12, 19 8:43 am
How much is it?
Orig.Arch.
Jul 12, 19 9:44 am
It depends on the scope of work.
archi_dude
Jul 12, 19 9:02 am
Every comment you’ve made has grammatical and spelling errors. So clearly quality would fall and there would be costly communication errors.
Orig.Arch.
Jul 12, 19 9:41 am
I am not sure where are the spelling errors, but it's ok. Thank you for your input. I want to ask you about the quality, why would a licensed architect give you bad quality drawings?
kjdt
Jul 12, 19 10:05 am
Is the licensed architect who has worked in the US the one who is going to be doing all of the work? Or is he just going to be assigning it to others, and supposedly supervising them? In my past experiences with outsourcing to foreign companies, it became clear that some of them who claim superior qualifications are actually just middlemen who will then outsource to other companies. How do we ensure that 100% of the work is done by the US-experienced architect and no one else?
Orig.Arch.
Jul 12, 19 11:54 am
Thank you for your comment. He will be assigning work to others and supervise them - make corrections, sketch details, code research, etc... How to ensure the quality? Simply an architect equals reputation. Why would an owner of an outsourcing firm (the US Architect) risk his reputation in the market? he will make sure that everything goes under the firm's standards.
Gloominati
Jul 12, 19 10:00 am
Tell us about the specific experience of the firm's principal who has worked in the US. For how many years did that person work in the US? For how many different firms, and for how long at each? What were the specialties of those firms? What was that person's role in those firms?
It's possible that we would outsource to an overseas firm, especially in times like these where we can't always fill production positions very quickly with qualified local people. But we'd need to know all these things in order to evaluate whether this overseas firm would have enough of a base understanding of our needs and US construction norms to be useful.
Orig.Arch.
Jul 12, 19 11:57 am
The firm's principal worked in the US for 5 years, with a total of 9 years of experience. Currently perusing his license. He has been working for 3 firms.
Role: Job Captain and Architectural Project Manager
Type of projects: Healthcare, Residential, Tenant Improvement (Retail/Hospitality), Commercial
People who already know you will surely be better leads than just trying to advertise for clients on forums like this one (which is clearly what you're doing, by posting your email address in this context.) If you are going to keep trying to do it this way, you need to find someone with a better grasp of English to proofread your posts. They're a poor advertisement for you, because they have a lot of errors, so anybody who reads these posts is going to think that either you don't have good attention to detail, or that you aren't fluent enough to do accurate notes and specifications.
Also I would hesitate because now I know you're not actually licensed yet, your previous experience was all at a level where you would still have had a lot of supervision, and you've bounced around without staying at any one firm for very long. It's not a very reassuring profile. Maybe once you start to get some independent projects through your previous employers they'll be able to serve as good references, and perhaps refer other leads to you.
Non Sequitur
Jul 12, 19 3:38 pm
5 years experience in US and no license? Wow... why not bet on such a sure thing?
Orig.Arch.
Jul 12, 19 4:02 pm
Thank you. Yes I am not licensed yet, almost there. The main reason for this post is to know more about the market of outsourcing architecture work, I do not have a company yet to make proposals and get projects. I need to know if architectural firms are open to outsource jobs or no.
English is my second language, doing my best improve it. When it comes to advertisement, I will hire someone professional in advertising.
Non Sequitur: I am not sure why you are so sarcastic. I am just asking to know more the market. Yes 5 years f experience in the US and no license yet, I had things more important than to get my license at that time.
Non Sequitur
Jul 13, 19 8:02 am
You had more important things than competing a license? Sure man, whatever, but then don’t complain when we’re suspicious about quality.
Orig.Arch.
Jul 13, 19 11:31 am
Family? Illness? I am not sure why are you trying to judge me. It is very disrespectful
!
Non Sequitur
Jul 13, 19 12:19 pm
Cool story bro, we judge based on what info you’ve given us. Still doesn’t give much confidence in quality.
Orig.Arch.
Jul 13, 19 12:27 pm
Yea, the thing is that you do not have the right to judge, you just say your opinion and that's it.
Non Sequitur
Jul 13, 19 12:32 pm
I absolutely have that right.
Orig.Arch.
Jul 13, 19 1:04 pm
Unfortunately, you do not have the right to judge others, you have the right to judge yourself, to be a respectful and better person but not others!.
Non Sequitur
Jul 13, 19 2:22 pm
Thank you king Jesus.
archi_dude
Jul 13, 19 6:01 pm
Unfortunately when people are deciding whether or not to trust you with work, they will be judging you. It’s their right to choose who to work with. 5 years experience as a junior staff member, not actually licensed yet, bounced around multiple jobs so possibly couldn’t handle the heat when given more responsibilities or made errors so wasn’t given new responsibilities, plus poor grasp of the English. This has confirmed our judgements of outsourcing = low quality, difficult communication and vague idea of who you are actually working with.
Orig.Arch.
Jul 13, 19 6:32 pm
Sir, the aim of this thread is to know the opinion of people whether it will workout or not. Some people took it as judging me, I am not sure why you are doing so. When it comes to judge me for professional work, you should see my work first (which I believe it is the most important part). I already knew your opinion. Thank you
bowling_ball
Dec 17, 20 10:07 am
Orig.Arch., please understand that we get somebody like you posting here every couple of months. Though no fault of your own, you very clearly don't have a grasp of north American culture or communications styles, and turn defensive the very moment somebody asks any questions or points out flaws (legitimate or not). You're bordering on dishonesty (you aren't licensed and have very, very little practical experience), and it's no wonder people have questions about the validity of your claims. Good luck but be careful. I hope you have excellent insurance.
Liz_Lf
Jul 12, 19 10:55 am
I believe, although I work with a rendering company and not an architecture firm, outsourcing is a difficult choice for some architecture firms because they want to make sure that the exchange they are doing (Quality assured and stands met in house) will be worth the exchange of (lower prices and possible quicker turn around time for outsourced products or services).
A lot of time communication can be an issue, time difference, or they just prefer the label of in house work always being done. Like most cases things are not black and white though; some firms may find the exchange worth it if you meet enough of their standards, especially being a licensed Architect and having worked in the US already, but some may find it would not be worth the risk. It is definitely a case by case situation.
Orig.Arch.
Jul 12, 19 12:04 pm
I totally agree with you! As I mentioned in one of my comments, it could be a nightmare to outsource an architectural work, that's why I think they key is to outsource to someone that has the same experience and knows how to put a set of drawings that can be permitted.
midlander
Jul 12, 19 11:24 am
OP: trying to be more helpful, if you've got solid experience in the US, contact some of your old firms and ask them if they have work you could help them with as a freelance employee. Being cheap is much less valuable than being effective and competent - what you need to do is find people who trust you to get work done well even if they aren't able to check in on you every day.
Orig.Arch.
Jul 12, 19 12:08 pm
You are correct! the key is not the price that I will be cheaper, the key is that I help this firm to get more projects and get bigger by providing DD and CD which take the most time in a project schedule. Yes I have contacted my previous firms and they are welcoming the idea! that's
why I am posting here to collect people's opinion
Wilma Buttfit
Jul 12, 19 9:40 pm
Isn't this illegal anyways?
Orig.Arch.
Jul 12, 19 9:53 pm
Really? Why??
Non Sequitur
Jul 13, 19 8:01 am
It’s illegal in my area. All construction docs must be completed under the direct supervision of the office whose stamp is used. At best, I could see outsourcing custom BIM families but never DD and CD. Why hand off control of the most important parts to some mysterious wanker?
Wilma Buttfit
Jul 13, 19 10:51 am
You would know why if you are actually studying for getting your license.
Orig.Arch.
Jul 13, 19 11:37 am
Guys, whoever will sign and stamp the CDs will revise all the drawings and make corrections as necessary, so it is under his supervision. I am not sure what are you guys trying to say!
Non Sequitur
Jul 13, 19 12:14 pm
We’re saying it’s not as simple as you’re claiming it to be. If it was, everyone and their neighbor would do it.
x-jla
Jul 13, 19 12:21 pm
We are trying to say that it’s not a good idea. Not an efficient or effective way to work for firms, and probably not too profitable for you.
Orig.Arch.
Jul 13, 19 12:28 pm
Thank you guys for your opinions :)
rcz1001
Jun 12, 21 5:48 am
Non Sequitur, if you are working on projects outside Canada, then you are not under the sovereign jurisdiction of Canada. Their laws like any country ends at the border because what you do in another country including even murder is subject to the jurisdiction of the laws of the country in which you do the work including murder. Murder would obviously be an issue of international controversy and matters of treaties and whether you would be extradited for any crimes you may commit. Now, I am not saying you committed any crime but the point of law on the international realm. This is why even in the U.S., we can not convict someone of crimes committed in another country. The U.S. is not the world's court nor is Canada. A point highlighted surprisingly true in the movie "Shooter". The thing you can't do is use any stamp or seal that you may have been issued in Canada. The licensing board may discipline you for using your Canadian architect stamp/seal (if there is one... I don't know) outside the jurisdiction of the Province/Territory of Canada that issued the license. However, if you design and provide architectural services outside Canada, then you are subject to the laws of the country and political authorities having jurisdiction within that country NOT Canada. It is not necessarily illegal. You are free to choose not accept such projects like that presented here for any reason including distrust in the arrangements and uncertainty as to the legal issues and not wanting to take unnecessary risks. I would be hesitant to the kinds of arrangements given in this thread but it isn't necessarily illegal. It ma be suspicious and legal clarity might not be clear because of lack of familiarity of the legal matters which you may run into if you were to accept such arrangements which is entirely acceptable reasons to be hesitant, suspicious, and distrustful.
rcz1001
Jun 12, 21 5:50 am
tintt, maybe.... maybe not. The laws of jurisdiction isn't necessarily the laws of your country but the laws of the country where the project is located. You don't know and it would be something you can choose to take a pass or evaluate the legal matters more thoroughly.
I may be unclear as to the post you are replying to but if you are a U.S. based firm, it might be problematic legally when it comes to outsourcing.
x-jla
Jul 12, 19 11:45 pm
so you are just looking to be a freelance independent contractor? I’m not understanding?
Orig.Arch.
Jul 13, 19 12:03 am
Correct, but overseas and make business visits as necessary.
x-jla
Jul 13, 19 11:27 am
The pay would barely cover the plane tickets.
x-jla
Jul 13, 19 11:28 am
Terrible idea
Orig.Arch.
Jul 13, 19 11:39 am
It depends on the flow of projects. Thanks
x-jla
Jul 13, 19 12:26 pm
I outsourced a render once because I was in a crunch. I spent more time trying to explain what I needed than I would have spent doing it in my own. Never again. Spent same amount of time + money and 10X the headache.
Orig.Arch.
Jul 13, 19 1:07 pm
Yea, totally agree with you. Thats why I thought if you outsource a job to someone that has same experience (US experience) will be easier and more efficient, but looks like I am wrong based on people's opinions.
Orig.Arch.
Jul 13, 19 11:43 am
Thank you all for giving me feedback. It looks like it is not a good idea to outsource overseas even to a US experienced professional. But would you outsource work to a US based company?
midlander
Jul 13, 19 7:16 pm
no. the problem is that outsourcing adds a level of management work while reducing the quality of coordination.
Orig.Arch.
Jul 13, 19 7:50 pm
Thanks
2020aditic
Jul 22, 19 8:19 am
You guys need to do a little research.
It has been 2 years working with a US based architecture firm that outsources work to my country. We guys are very well aware about the construction codes, design standards and material usage. We are hired based on our performance in probation period only.
I work on residential projects and there has never been a single day where i haven't communicated / discussed my daily task performance. Whatever work i do from India (Preparing CDs, DDs, etc) is the same work my fellow teammates do in the US. We are a team of 6 people working under a principal architect, project manager and job captain. I am the only one who is working from India. So, there is no questioning on "poor quality of work", or "we are not aware about international building codes".
There is a reason why we exist for more than a decade.
@Non Sequitur - I really appreciate your effort in replying each and every question, but please be polite to strangers on this forum. :) We are here to help each other and we can do it without hurting anyone, right? :)
Thanks.
Non Sequitur
Jul 22, 19 8:21 am
Hey, thanks for the shout-out. My responses to this wanker were beyond respectful.
sandrameleka
Dec 17, 20 7:56 am
You are very disrespectful
Non Sequitur
Dec 17, 20 7:58 am
Well then darling, fuuuuuuuuul you too.
monosierra
Dec 17, 20 10:49 am
This forum really needs to moderate business solitications more rigorously.
Non Sequitur
Dec 17, 20 11:04 am
what, and ruin our fun?
zevacevedo
Jun 11, 21 2:58 pm
I AM A FILIPINO ARCHITECT, BASED IN BAHRAIN. I NEED A COMPANY THAT NEEDS AN OUTSOURCING JOB, I AM HERE TO HELP. JUST CONTACT ME!
rcz1001
Jun 12, 21 6:00 am
In response to the original poster, the issue may be illegal especially in the United States with the various states often requiring direct control and supervision where such an outsourcing might not meet the professional standards when such cases are evaluated by their respective licensing boards and may deem such practice in violation of the rules and therefore levy disciplinary action.
On the other hand, it may be legal in the laws of another country where a firm maybe located. It may also be legal in countries for foreign firms to outsource to U.S. architects to work on projects in their country. This is because their laws are different. The U.S. architect will likely not be allowed to use their stamp/seal but that doesn't necessarily mean they can't serve as contracted consultant involved in various stages of the design process.
zevacevedo
Jun 12, 21 8:24 am
I am working with some other companies in US with regards to architectural drafting. so if ever your company is in need of an outsource team to work with, I am willing to reach out.
Hello there!
I am wondering if you as an architectural firm would outsource jobs to an outsourcing company that its principal architect has worked in the US (California & Ohio)?
no.
next question.
Thank you for your reply. Yes the next question is why?. What are the reasons that make you not to outsource jobs to a professional architect?
Quality and liability control are big. Sense of ownership is another plus response time is much easier (read: client management) when you're producing the work in house.
I got your point, But I mentioned an experienced professional that has been working in the states for multiple firms. That means quality is not an issue. Work in-house will be faster. Outsourcing cheaper with same quality. I honestly can't imagine sending work overseas to an outsourcing firm that know nothing about codes and regulations, specs, contracts, details, imperial system, etc... will be a nightmare. But sending it to an architectural professional who has the same experience in the same country will make things different. Let me know your thoughts.
Quality is always sub-par, at best, when outsourced. There is a reason why it's cheaper and the outsourced staff does not have the same responsibilities as if they were full-time in-house employees.
Thank you for your input. It is cheaper because cost of living is cheaper, thats all. I really thank you for your input. I hope to get input from everyone.
but I am not following, why quality will be a sub-par from a licensed architect?
What makes you think that because this person is licensed, quality is a forgone conclusion? A monkey can be trained to do what we do.
Seriously. I'm licensed and if I did somebody else's (or even my own!) drawings, they would be unusable and would be months or years over schedule.
I once worked in a large corporate firm that had an outsourcing center in Manilla. It took a few years (!) to get them up to speed with our company's rather middling standards, and required a few full time principals stationed there overseeing things. They would also fly the Manila staff out to stay in a local office and work with the team after a major project kicked off. I have no idea if this was cost effective; there were other reasons it was being done.
They actually were very helpful for getting revit models built in a rush, but only on projects where we were not AOR and didn't care at all about how the models would grow with the project development. Sometimes it we were just feeding them busy work because managing real work remotely with people unfamiliar to the team was too much overhead to deal with. We had a quota of labor required to assign to them... sometimes that labor was just rename all the sheets.
I would never recommend it for anyone looking for one-off help. There are rather few tasks in architecture that can be neatly separated from the team's labor and developed independently.
Thank you for your explanation
How much is it?
It depends on the scope of work.
Every comment you’ve made has grammatical and spelling errors. So clearly quality would fall and there would be costly communication errors.
I am not sure where are the spelling errors, but it's ok. Thank you for your input. I want to ask you about the quality, why would a licensed architect give you bad quality drawings?
Is the licensed architect who has worked in the US the one who is going to be doing all of the work? Or is he just going to be assigning it to others, and supposedly supervising them? In my past experiences with outsourcing to foreign companies, it became clear that some of them who claim superior qualifications are actually just middlemen who will then outsource to other companies. How do we ensure that 100% of the work is done by the US-experienced architect and no one else?
Thank you for your comment. He will be assigning work to others and supervise them - make corrections, sketch details, code research, etc... How to ensure the quality? Simply an architect equals reputation. Why would an owner of an outsourcing firm (the US Architect) risk his reputation in the market? he will make sure that everything goes under the firm's standards.
Tell us about the specific experience of the firm's principal who has worked in the US. For how many years did that person work in the US? For how many different firms, and for how long at each? What were the specialties of those firms? What was that person's role in those firms?
It's possible that we would outsource to an overseas firm, especially in times like these where we can't always fill production positions very quickly with qualified local people. But we'd need to know all these things in order to evaluate whether this overseas firm would have enough of a base understanding of our needs and US construction norms to be useful.
The firm's principal worked in the US for 5 years, with a total of 9 years of experience. Currently perusing his license. He has been working for 3 firms.
Role: Job Captain and Architectural Project Manager
Type of projects: Healthcare, Residential, Tenant Improvement (Retail/Hospitality), Commercial
Please feel free to email me at Andrew.Y.Naam@gmail.com
People who already know you will surely be better leads than just trying to advertise for clients on forums like this one (which is clearly what you're doing, by posting your email address in this context.) If you are going to keep trying to do it this way, you need to find someone with a better grasp of English to proofread your posts. They're a poor advertisement for you, because they have a lot of errors, so anybody who reads these posts is going to think that either you don't have good attention to detail, or that you aren't fluent enough to do accurate notes and specifications.
Also I would hesitate because now I know you're not actually licensed yet, your previous experience was all at a level where you would still have had a lot of supervision, and you've bounced around without staying at any one firm for very long. It's not a very reassuring profile. Maybe once you start to get some independent projects through your previous employers they'll be able to serve as good references, and perhaps refer other leads to you.
5 years experience in US and no license? Wow... why not bet on such a sure thing?
Thank you. Yes I am not licensed yet, almost there. The main reason for this post is to know more about the market of outsourcing architecture work, I do not have a company yet to make proposals and get projects. I need to know if architectural firms are open to outsource jobs or no.
English is my second language, doing my best improve it. When it comes to advertisement, I will hire someone professional in advertising.
Non Sequitur: I am not sure why you are so sarcastic. I am just asking to know more the market. Yes 5 years f experience in the US and no license yet, I had things more important than to get my license at that time.
You had more important things than competing a license? Sure man, whatever, but then don’t complain when we’re suspicious about quality.
Family? Illness? I am not sure why are you trying to judge me. It is very disrespectful
!
Cool story bro, we judge based on what info you’ve given us. Still doesn’t give much confidence in quality.
Yea, the thing is that you do not have the right to judge, you just say your opinion and that's it.
I absolutely have that right.
Unfortunately, you do not have the right to judge others, you have the right to judge yourself, to be a respectful and better person but not others!.
Thank you king Jesus.
Unfortunately when people are deciding whether or not to trust you with work, they will be judging you. It’s their right to choose who to work with. 5 years experience as a junior staff member, not actually licensed yet, bounced around multiple jobs so possibly couldn’t handle the heat when given more responsibilities or made errors so wasn’t given new responsibilities, plus poor grasp of the English. This has confirmed our judgements of outsourcing = low quality, difficult communication and vague idea of who you are actually working with.
Sir, the aim of this thread is to know the opinion of people whether it will workout or not. Some people took it as judging me, I am not sure why you are doing so. When it comes to judge me for professional work, you should see my work first (which I believe it is the most important part). I already knew your opinion. Thank you
Orig.Arch., please understand that we get somebody like you posting here every couple of months. Though no fault of your own, you very clearly don't have a grasp of north American culture or communications styles, and turn defensive the very moment somebody asks any questions or points out flaws (legitimate or not). You're bordering on dishonesty (you aren't licensed and have very, very little practical experience), and it's no wonder people have questions about the validity of your claims. Good luck but be careful. I hope you have excellent insurance.
I believe, although I work with a rendering company and not an architecture firm, outsourcing is a difficult choice for some architecture firms because they want to make sure that the exchange they are doing (Quality assured and stands met in house) will be worth the exchange of (lower prices and possible quicker turn around time for outsourced products or services).
A lot of time communication can be an issue, time difference, or they just prefer the label of in house work always being done. Like most cases things are not black and white though; some firms may find the exchange worth it if you meet enough of their standards, especially being a licensed Architect and having worked in the US already, but some may find it would not be worth the risk. It is definitely a case by case situation.
I totally agree with you! As I mentioned in one of my comments, it could be a nightmare to outsource an architectural work, that's why I think they key is to outsource to someone that has the same experience and knows how to put a set of drawings that can be permitted.
OP: trying to be more helpful, if you've got solid experience in the US, contact some of your old firms and ask them if they have work you could help them with as a freelance employee. Being cheap is much less valuable than being effective and competent - what you need to do is find people who trust you to get work done well even if they aren't able to check in on you every day.
You are correct! the key is not the price that I will be cheaper, the key is that I help this firm to get more projects and get bigger by providing DD and CD which take the most time in a project schedule. Yes I have contacted my previous firms and they are welcoming the idea! that's why I am posting here to collect people's opinion
Isn't this illegal anyways?
Really? Why??
It’s illegal in my area. All construction docs must be completed under the direct supervision of the office whose stamp is used. At best, I could see outsourcing custom BIM families but never DD and CD. Why hand off control of the most important parts to some mysterious wanker?
You would know why if you are actually studying for getting your license.
Guys, whoever will sign and stamp the CDs will revise all the drawings and make corrections as necessary, so it is under his supervision. I am not sure what are you guys trying to say!
We’re saying it’s not as simple as you’re claiming it to be. If it was, everyone and their neighbor would do it.
We are trying to say that it’s not a good idea. Not an efficient or effective way to work for firms, and probably not too profitable for you.
Thank you guys for your opinions :)
Non Sequitur, if you are working on projects outside Canada, then you are not under the sovereign jurisdiction of Canada. Their laws like any country ends at the border because what you do in another country including even murder is subject to the jurisdiction of the laws of the country in which you do the work including murder. Murder would obviously be an issue of international controversy and matters of treaties and whether you would be extradited for any crimes you may commit. Now, I am not saying you committed any crime but the point of law on the international realm. This is why even in the U.S., we can not convict someone of crimes committed in another country. The U.S. is not the world's court nor is Canada. A point highlighted surprisingly true in the movie "Shooter". The thing you can't do is use any stamp or seal that you may have been issued in Canada. The licensing board may discipline you for using your Canadian architect stamp/seal (if there is one... I don't know) outside the jurisdiction of the Province/Territory of Canada that issued the license. However, if you design and provide architectural services outside Canada, then you are subject to the laws of the country and political authorities having jurisdiction within that country NOT Canada. It is not necessarily illegal. You are free to choose not accept such projects like that presented here for any reason including distrust in the arrangements and uncertainty as to the legal issues and not wanting to take unnecessary risks. I would be hesitant to the kinds of arrangements given in this thread but it isn't necessarily illegal. It ma be suspicious and legal clarity might not be clear because of lack of familiarity of the legal matters which you may run into if you were to accept such arrangements which is entirely acceptable reasons to be hesitant, suspicious, and distrustful.
tintt, maybe.... maybe not. The laws of jurisdiction isn't necessarily the laws of your country but the laws of the country where the project is located. You don't know and it would be something you can choose to take a pass or evaluate the legal matters more thoroughly.
I may be unclear as to the post you are replying to but if you are a U.S. based firm, it might be problematic legally when it comes to outsourcing.
so you are just looking to be a freelance independent contractor? I’m not understanding?
Correct, but overseas and make business visits as necessary.
The pay would barely cover the plane tickets.
Terrible idea
It depends on the flow of projects. Thanks
I outsourced a render once because I was in a crunch. I spent more time trying to explain what I needed than I would have spent doing it in my own. Never again. Spent same amount of time + money and 10X the headache.
Yea, totally agree with you. Thats why I thought if you outsource a job to someone that has same experience (US experience) will be easier and more efficient, but looks like I am wrong based on people's opinions.
Thank you all for giving me feedback. It looks like it is not a good idea to outsource overseas even to a US experienced professional. But would you outsource work to a US based company?
no. the problem is that outsourcing adds a level of management work while reducing the quality of coordination.
Thanks
You guys need to do a little research.
It has been 2 years working with a US based architecture firm that outsources work to my country. We guys are very well aware about the construction codes, design standards and material usage. We are hired based on our performance in probation period only.
I work on residential projects and there has never been a single day where i haven't communicated / discussed my daily task performance. Whatever work i do from India (Preparing CDs, DDs, etc) is the same work my fellow teammates do in the US. We are a team of 6 people working under a principal architect, project manager and job captain. I am the only one who is working from India. So, there is no questioning on "poor quality of work", or "we are not aware about international building codes".
There is a reason why we exist for more than a decade.
@Non Sequitur - I really appreciate your effort in replying each and every question, but please be polite to strangers on this forum. :) We are here to help each other and we can do it without hurting anyone, right? :)
Thanks.
Hey, thanks for the shout-out. My responses to this wanker were beyond respectful.
You are very disrespectful
Well then darling, fuuuuuuuuul you too.
This forum really needs to moderate business solitications more rigorously.
what, and ruin our fun?
I AM A FILIPINO ARCHITECT, BASED IN BAHRAIN. I NEED A COMPANY THAT NEEDS AN OUTSOURCING JOB, I AM HERE TO HELP. JUST CONTACT ME!
In response to the original poster, the issue may be illegal especially in the United States with the various states often requiring direct control and supervision where such an outsourcing might not meet the professional standards when such cases are evaluated by their respective licensing boards and may deem such practice in violation of the rules and therefore levy disciplinary action.
On the other hand, it may be legal in the laws of another country where a firm maybe located. It may also be legal in countries for foreign firms to outsource to U.S. architects to work on projects in their country. This is because their laws are different. The U.S. architect will likely not be allowed to use their stamp/seal but that doesn't necessarily mean they can't serve as contracted consultant involved in various stages of the design process.
I am working with some other companies in US with regards to architectural drafting. so if ever your company is in need of an outsource team to work with, I am willing to reach out.