I'm curious as to how we Archinecters are of service in our professional capacity as architects and design specialists. Typical examples are sitting in on studio reviews, or serving on an architectural review board... but I know there are many other forms of service out there.
Here's my very informal survey, for anyone interested in telling us how they volunteer their expertise for free. (Unpaid internships don't really fit here, though you have my sympathies.) In as much or as little detail as you like...
Capacity/ Role (Guest critic or juror? Speaker? Public commissioner? Other?)
Occurence (Once? Occasionally? On a regular basis?)
Duration (An hour? A half-day? Evening? More?)
Satisfaction (none? little? some? lots?)
Thanks in advance for the information!
Miles Jaffe
Apr 15, 13 6:09 pm
File this one under "No good deed goes unpunished":
1. Community advisor
2. Local Public Library
3. Architectural Design Review
4, 5. Over 2 year period
6. Zero. They ignored all input and spent $6 million on a "green" expansion, ending up with 3 stories of north facing glass, a geothermal heating system that doesn't and costs $3,000 a month to run, a lower level that is prone to flooding AND less shelf space than the original building had.
FYI The library is micromanaged by an inbred board that wouldn't even accept input from the employees who worked there. They got one (1) design schematic and refused to even ask for other options despite a veritable laundry list of problems.
citizen
Apr 15, 13 6:46 pm
The idea for this thread came to me as I remembered my commitments over the next three weeks or so. And I know I'm not the only one.
1. Guest juror x 2; Comp exam grader
2. Undergrad studio; Local APA awards; Masters in Planning program
4-5. half a day here and there, a few times a year, typically; this month probably about 4-5 days in total
6. typically, anywhere from low to high satisfaction, depending on the work, and on whichever colleagues I'm teamed with (personally, I like nice, smart and fun). Overall, I believe that professional service is very important, even if it's sometimes a drag.
CrazyHouseCat
Apr 15, 13 7:19 pm
1. Hosted / taught an ARE workshop to 50+ would-be-architects
2. Local group of unlicensed professionals
3. Presentation on studying material, test content, walk ppl through the graphic mock exam, tips and tricks
4. Once or twice a year
5. prep takes a couple of weekends, actual presentation is 3-hrs
6. Super satisfying to help other professionals gain a sense of confidence to concur the AREs
s=r*(theta)
Apr 15, 13 9:30 pm
@citizen
if i can volunteer my check set eyes, you misspelled Occurence (lol)
im not sure if this counts but
Capacity - Team Leader Beneficiary - Habitat for humanity Tasks - typ. managing volunteers w/ zero construction experience, otherwise whatever needs to be done Occurrence - about 4-5 times during summer months Duration - Typ. half day Satisfaction - Totally :D
citizen
Apr 16, 13 1:46 am
So I did, timston2. I've struggled with that word for decades now. Nice work with H4H...
will galloway
Apr 16, 13 2:25 am
Capacity/ Role Co-Director afh Tokyo
Beneficiary Communities in tohoku, the area destroyed by tsunami in 2011. In future hope to have impact on comminities in Tokyo
Tasks Fundraising. Design was by others
Occurence Ongoing
Duration Ongoing. Time spent is dependent on the projects
Satisfaction Good. But frustrated.
If I can add a comment section to your list, a difficult issue with volunteeringas an architect is that it is very hard to see a way to scale the effects of our work. That means we are making only small difference and that is frustrating when the size of the issues involves 100000 people. Of course small things are worth doing but more would be better.
Coming to terms with that as a long term activity is a bit hard, which makes institutional approach essential. It is hard to manage and maintain and really requires a driven person, like Cameron Sinclair for instance, to carry on.
It may also mean working as problem solvers instead of as pure architects. In our case we are now looking for ways to do preventative work instead of being reactionary. That means building capacity in neighborhoods instead of shelters. In which case the emphasis tends toward policy rather than construction. Finding architects who are interested in that kind of effort are uncommon. Which makes the first issue of scaling our effects even more challenging.
will galloway
Apr 16, 13 2:25 am
Capacity/ Role Co-Director afh Tokyo
Beneficiary Communities in tohoku, the area destroyed by tsunami in 2011. In future hope to have impact on comminities in Tokyo
Tasks Fundraising. Design was by others
Occurence Ongoing
Duration Ongoing. Time spent is dependent on the projects
Satisfaction Good. But frustrated.
If I can add a comment section to your list, a difficult issue with volunteeringas an architect is that it is very hard to see a way to scale the effects of our work. That means we are making only small difference and that is frustrating when the size of the issues involves 100000 people. Of course small things are worth doing but more would be better.
Coming to terms with that as a long term activity is a bit hard, which makes institutional approach essential. It is hard to manage and maintain and really requires a driven person, like Cameron Sinclair for instance, to carry on.
It may also mean working as problem solvers instead of as pure architects. In our case we are now looking for ways to do preventative work instead of being reactionary. That means building capacity in neighborhoods instead of shelters. In which case the emphasis tends toward policy rather than construction. Finding architects who are interested in that kind of effort are uncommon. Which makes the first issue of scaling our effects even more challenging.
Donna Sink
Apr 16, 13 8:25 am
Will I think you've hit on one of the big frustrations with architect-volunteering: frequently the problem needs to be solved not by a building bug by a policy change. Which frequently means dealing with politicians, which frequently means a soul-crushing encounter with just how mouth-droppingly stupid most elected officials truly are.
Now that that's out if the way:
1. Project architect, more or less
2. For local neighborhood association in somewhat abandoned inner ring neighborhood
3. Designed it, coordinated engineers and contractors, helped with permit process, met with finding organization. Basically did most of what one does for a typical project.
4. This was one project, but done in my role as board member for the non-profit i'm involved with, so...
5. I spent about 70 hours on the one project, plus another 40 hours per year on my regular board involvement
6. Very pleased and proud of my effort, tempered with small constant fear of liability repercussions, but! no risk, no reward.
citizen
Apr 16, 13 11:53 am
@ Donna... Sounds interesting! But what's the "it" you refer to? House renovation? Something else? Is the nabe association the owner? I'm just curious...
Donna Sink
Apr 16, 13 12:26 pm
It's this, the Highland Community Greenspace shade canopy, made with recycled roof fabric from the demolished RCA dome.
citizen
Apr 16, 13 12:32 pm
Nice!
Miles Jaffe
Apr 16, 13 1:13 pm
Here's one to balance the scale, (fabrication, not architecture):
1. Mentor.
2. High school students.
3. Project guidance and basic training in metalwork.
4. Once.
5. 100 hours.
6. Enormous.
The project was fabrication of a WWI tank model in sheet metal at about 1/6 size (1 meter long). Guiding two students through the fabrication process in my shop was a fantastic experience, largely due to their motivation and dedication to the project.
citizen
Apr 16, 13 1:26 pm
Beautiful!
snooker-doodle-dandy
Apr 16, 13 5:42 pm
There was once a famous model building shop in Beantown that was contracted to build scaled models of tanks as gifts to Millitary Generals and such. I think theirs cost a lot more than yours.
snooker-doodle-dandy
Apr 16, 13 5:57 pm
1. I'm up to my neck in an effort to save an, "American Icon" Skeesdiner.org 1920's
O 'Mahony diner.
2.Working as a volunteer with Preservation Trust Non Profit.
3. Documentation of existing conditions, physical demolition labor, Paper pusher, designer, fund raiser, work coordinator.
4. It took us five days spread over 5 weeks time to prepare and move this diner from her current location to a safe location where she can be restored. How long it takes from here is an unknown as we are sailing in uncharted waters. Goal is to put her back in to service, as a diner.
5. There is a ton of satisfaction, knowing we are part of something important. You know you don't get to Fly a Diner every day. take a look at the video. Everyone Volunteered their skill set to get us this far.
-------
Apr 16, 13 8:40 pm
1. Construction volunteer.
2. Habitat for Humanity.
3. Basic construction tasks, occasionally I help with volunteer supervision.
4. Weekly, when we're actively building.
5. Four hours.
6. A great deal! I've also learned a great deal.
@ snooker-doodle-dandy
The diner is interesting! I checked out the website yesterday. My college had a couple of diners that had been moved, rehabbed, and put to use as eateries for the students and community.
Skee's appears to be very narrow. Will you have to address accessibility?
snooker-doodle-dandy
Apr 17, 13 7:44 am
jw468,
Yes we will address accessibility. In fact at one point in time there were three stools removed so a booth could be put in place. It was at a point in time that owners of diners struggled with the fact that women did not want to sit on stools. The later diners were made wider so booths could be installed along with the stools. Then they grew into the large stainless steel diners of later years.
med.
Apr 17, 13 11:43 am
I don't do work unless I'm paid.
square
Apr 17, 13 1:07 pm
I haven't volunteered in the way of a professional architect lending services on the side, but after I graduated with a B.S. in Arch I decided to volunteer through AmeriCorps for a couple of years in New Orleans rebuilding damaged homes and building new affordable housing. Now I'm getting ready to enter a MArch program for the fall, and I'm confident these past three years will strongly impact my next three years, as well as the rest of my career.
-------
Apr 17, 13 4:56 pm
snooker-doodle-dandy,
Thanks for answering my question. That's less involved than I thought it would be.
will galloway
Apr 17, 13 7:03 pm
very cool work donna
gabbarsingh
Jul 24, 16 5:00 pm
Wokring as a Freelance Agency Dubai has many advantages in career.
I'm curious as to how we Archinecters are of service in our professional capacity as architects and design specialists. Typical examples are sitting in on studio reviews, or serving on an architectural review board... but I know there are many other forms of service out there.
Here's my very informal survey, for anyone interested in telling us how they volunteer their expertise for free. (Unpaid internships don't really fit here, though you have my sympathies.) In as much or as little detail as you like...
Thanks in advance for the information!
File this one under "No good deed goes unpunished":
1. Community advisor
2. Local Public Library
3. Architectural Design Review
4, 5. Over 2 year period
6. Zero. They ignored all input and spent $6 million on a "green" expansion, ending up with 3 stories of north facing glass, a geothermal heating system that doesn't and costs $3,000 a month to run, a lower level that is prone to flooding AND less shelf space than the original building had.
FYI The library is micromanaged by an inbred board that wouldn't even accept input from the employees who worked there. They got one (1) design schematic and refused to even ask for other options despite a veritable laundry list of problems.
The idea for this thread came to me as I remembered my commitments over the next three weeks or so. And I know I'm not the only one.
1. Guest juror x 2; Comp exam grader
2. Undergrad studio; Local APA awards; Masters in Planning program
3. review, comment, recommend; read, evaluate, grade written & oral comp exams
4-5. half a day here and there, a few times a year, typically; this month probably about 4-5 days in total
6. typically, anywhere from low to high satisfaction, depending on the work, and on whichever colleagues I'm teamed with (personally, I like nice, smart and fun). Overall, I believe that professional service is very important, even if it's sometimes a drag.
1. Hosted / taught an ARE workshop to 50+ would-be-architects
2. Local group of unlicensed professionals
3. Presentation on studying material, test content, walk ppl through the graphic mock exam, tips and tricks
4. Once or twice a year
5. prep takes a couple of weekends, actual presentation is 3-hrs
6. Super satisfying to help other professionals gain a sense of confidence to concur the AREs
@citizen
if i can volunteer my check set eyes, you misspelled Occurence (lol)
im not sure if this counts but
Capacity - Team Leader
Beneficiary - Habitat for humanity
Tasks - typ. managing volunteers w/ zero construction experience, otherwise whatever needs to be done
Occurrence - about 4-5 times during summer months
Duration - Typ. half day
Satisfaction - Totally :D
So I did, timston2. I've struggled with that word for decades now. Nice work with H4H...
Capacity/ Role Co-Director afh Tokyo
Beneficiary Communities in tohoku, the area destroyed by tsunami in 2011. In future hope to have impact on comminities in Tokyo
Tasks Fundraising. Design was by others
Occurence Ongoing
Duration Ongoing. Time spent is dependent on the projects
Satisfaction Good. But frustrated.
If I can add a comment section to your list, a difficult issue with volunteeringas an architect is that it is very hard to see a way to scale the effects of our work. That means we are making only small difference and that is frustrating when the size of the issues involves 100000 people. Of course small things are worth doing but more would be better.
Coming to terms with that as a long term activity is a bit hard, which makes institutional approach essential. It is hard to manage and maintain and really requires a driven person, like Cameron Sinclair for instance, to carry on.
It may also mean working as problem solvers instead of as pure architects. In our case we are now looking for ways to do preventative work instead of being reactionary. That means building capacity in neighborhoods instead of shelters. In which case the emphasis tends toward policy rather than construction. Finding architects who are interested in that kind of effort are uncommon. Which makes the first issue of scaling our effects even more challenging.
Capacity/ Role Co-Director afh Tokyo
Beneficiary Communities in tohoku, the area destroyed by tsunami in 2011. In future hope to have impact on comminities in Tokyo
Tasks Fundraising. Design was by others
Occurence Ongoing
Duration Ongoing. Time spent is dependent on the projects
Satisfaction Good. But frustrated.
If I can add a comment section to your list, a difficult issue with volunteeringas an architect is that it is very hard to see a way to scale the effects of our work. That means we are making only small difference and that is frustrating when the size of the issues involves 100000 people. Of course small things are worth doing but more would be better.
Coming to terms with that as a long term activity is a bit hard, which makes institutional approach essential. It is hard to manage and maintain and really requires a driven person, like Cameron Sinclair for instance, to carry on.
It may also mean working as problem solvers instead of as pure architects. In our case we are now looking for ways to do preventative work instead of being reactionary. That means building capacity in neighborhoods instead of shelters. In which case the emphasis tends toward policy rather than construction. Finding architects who are interested in that kind of effort are uncommon. Which makes the first issue of scaling our effects even more challenging.
Will I think you've hit on one of the big frustrations with architect-volunteering: frequently the problem needs to be solved not by a building bug by a policy change. Which frequently means dealing with politicians, which frequently means a soul-crushing encounter with just how mouth-droppingly stupid most elected officials truly are.
Now that that's out if the way:
1. Project architect, more or less
2. For local neighborhood association in somewhat abandoned inner ring neighborhood
3. Designed it, coordinated engineers and contractors, helped with permit process, met with finding organization. Basically did most of what one does for a typical project.
4. This was one project, but done in my role as board member for the non-profit i'm involved with, so...
5. I spent about 70 hours on the one project, plus another 40 hours per year on my regular board involvement
6. Very pleased and proud of my effort, tempered with small constant fear of liability repercussions, but! no risk, no reward.
@ Donna... Sounds interesting! But what's the "it" you refer to? House renovation? Something else? Is the nabe association the owner? I'm just curious...
It's this, the Highland Community Greenspace shade canopy, made with recycled roof fabric from the demolished RCA dome.
Nice!
Here's one to balance the scale, (fabrication, not architecture):
1. Mentor.
2. High school students.
3. Project guidance and basic training in metalwork.
4. Once.
5. 100 hours.
6. Enormous.
The project was fabrication of a WWI tank model in sheet metal at about 1/6 size (1 meter long). Guiding two students through the fabrication process in my shop was a fantastic experience, largely due to their motivation and dedication to the project.
Beautiful!
There was once a famous model building shop in Beantown that was contracted to build scaled models of tanks as gifts to Millitary Generals and such. I think theirs cost a lot more than yours.
1. I'm up to my neck in an effort to save an, "American Icon" Skeesdiner.org 1920's
O 'Mahony diner.
2.Working as a volunteer with Preservation Trust Non Profit.
3. Documentation of existing conditions, physical demolition labor, Paper pusher, designer, fund raiser, work coordinator.
4. It took us five days spread over 5 weeks time to prepare and move this diner from her current location to a safe location where she can be restored. How long it takes from here is an unknown as we are sailing in uncharted waters. Goal is to put her back in to service, as a diner.
5. There is a ton of satisfaction, knowing we are part of something important. You know you don't get to Fly a Diner every day. take a look at the video. Everyone Volunteered their skill set to get us this far.
1. Construction volunteer.
2. Habitat for Humanity.
3. Basic construction tasks, occasionally I help with volunteer supervision.
4. Weekly, when we're actively building.
5. Four hours.
6. A great deal! I've also learned a great deal.
@ snooker-doodle-dandy
The diner is interesting! I checked out the website yesterday. My college had a couple of diners that had been moved, rehabbed, and put to use as eateries for the students and community.
Skee's appears to be very narrow. Will you have to address accessibility?
jw468,
Yes we will address accessibility. In fact at one point in time there were three stools removed so a booth could be put in place. It was at a point in time that owners of diners struggled with the fact that women did not want to sit on stools. The later diners were made wider so booths could be installed along with the stools. Then they grew into the large stainless steel diners of later years.
I don't do work unless I'm paid.
I haven't volunteered in the way of a professional architect lending services on the side, but after I graduated with a B.S. in Arch I decided to volunteer through AmeriCorps for a couple of years in New Orleans rebuilding damaged homes and building new affordable housing. Now I'm getting ready to enter a MArch program for the fall, and I'm confident these past three years will strongly impact my next three years, as well as the rest of my career.
snooker-doodle-dandy,
Thanks for answering my question. That's less involved than I thought it would be.
very cool work donna
Wokring as a Freelance Agency Dubai has many advantages in career.
https://freelank.com/freelance-agency-dubai/