Architectural Assistant Career Training Guide

Question: What profession can I work with an architectural degree other than becoming an architect? I am going to get an architectural degree, and looking forwad to work as an architect(ural) assistant, but wonder if there's any other options available if I decide to work for something else in the future.

Answer: Unfortunately, I never heard of any. The professional is not versatile.

Question: Architectural Technologist working abroad? Can anyone give me any help or guidance on setting up an Architectural practice outside the UK. I am a freelance Architectural Technologist and have been self employed in the UK for the last 22 years (age 52) my wife who is my architectural assistant and I are thinking of living and working abroad probably in Spain and ideally would like to know of anybody else who has tried this or is doing this.I see our customer/client base as being English Ex pats who have bought their own homes and want them extending, remodelling etc. and deal with an English speaking Architectural person rather than a foreign speaking person as there are sure to be understanding difficulties. We are going to take Spanish lessons at the start of the new term. Any tips do,s and don'ts would be very much appriciated. Maybe some contract work would be worth considering.

Answer: I think that's a great idea, BUT, I think you need to get networking over there, and really do your homework on how the spanish system works. I'm sure the Spanish have complex rules/regs/permissions re building works/design. You'll also have to establish links, not to mention trust with local builders/specialists. This can only come over time. It would make sense to me to move there first. You'll also pick up the language a lot quicker, than if you have classes in the UK. Good luck!

Question: what is the process to be an architect in canada? I am an Architect from Bangladesh. Currently i am working in UK as architectural assistant. I am doing Part time Ma in Urban design as well. Can I apply for canadian architect registration? what is the process for me? i have got PR of canada.

Answer: If you only want to work in an architectural firm, it should be straight forward. But if you want to use the title "Architect" then the process is just a 'bit' long and tedious. Just like RN, teachers or physicians, if you want to use the title "Architect" then it is up to the provincial or territorial licensing authorities. There is no federal or nationwide licensing authority. Thus, first thing first: plan where you want to move within Canada because the regulation will be different from one province to another. There are several steps involved in the process. Look up this website: http://www.architectstocanada.raic.org/Intro_E.html Hope that helps and best of luck, ============================ http://www.GradProgramsCanada.com http://ScholarshipsCanada.Blogspot.com

Question: How to get in to Architectural Design ? ? Can anyone give me tips on how I can get started in loft conversions & extensions? I would like to get into designing these and want to know how I can learn. At the moment I am working as an assistant building surveyor and doing my second year of HNC Building studdies- but neither the course or my work is covering this area. Appreciate replies.

Answer: Just for a starting note. The title Building Surveyor is not protected, it is not illegal for anyone to call themseves a building surveyor. Titles like Architect and Doctor are. Basically you need to draw up your plans of the existing building, detail anything that you think is significant. For example: if you are doing a loft conversion and you want to put a dormer in, you will need to detail the roof structure and how you will construct the dormer. That's the simple bit, the reason a person will call a Building Surveyor in to do a simple thing like an extension is because they don't want the builder to construct the project how it is convenient to them. You have to produce a detailed specification to satisfy your clients needs, any idiot can knock up some plans and pass them to a builder and say make this. You need to tell the builder exactly what to make, this ensure that the builder will make exactly what the client wants and also will ensure that the client is getting what they pay for. Other things you must do: Apply for planning permision on behalf of your client, Inform building control of what you are doing and get it passed by them, find your client some builders that can carry out the works for them, Inspect all works and when finished you should snag the works, You should take the money from the client pay the builders fees and your own. Don't be a cowboy, you can produce just plans for people if you want to just make a little bit of money, but why not try and go the extra mile, It will help you along with your studies and in your career.

Question: How much money would i need when living & Studying at Atrathclyde university, glasgow ,scotland? Hi there, I am assistant lecturer at the architectural dept in my country, lately I had an opportunity for completing my PhD work in Strathclyde University in Scotland in channeled program scholarship. The fund expected to be paid by my government for living in Scotland will be around 706 Pound per month (if I was Single) , or 1,000 pound per month (If I had my wife and 2 kids with me) . Does this covers our living and household during our stay or not

Answer: £ 700 per month for one person is enough to live in Scotland. But, not quite sure about £1000. I think even for 2 adults £1000 are not enough. So, come alone and enjoy your time in Glasgow.

Question: How does my work experience look on resume? I am looking for a job in office/administrative assistant and here's what I wrote under experience on my resume: Work Experience: 2+years experience as an Archivist in an architectural photography agency carefully organizing and filed photos and separated photo batches assigning locations for filing. I have learned to work independently and as a teammate, efficient, well organized and detail oriented. Then under this I have: Here is the name of previous job city/state 3/2006-6/2009 Archivist

Answer: Consider using more KEY WORDS in your resume. %Key words are words / ideals / functions that are common to the position you are seeking. "ORGANIZING DATA, FILING RECORDS, EFFICIENT TIME MANAGEMENT, WORKS WELL INDEPENDENTLY AND IN GROUP SETTINGS, DETAIL ORIENTED" are common catch-words in most successful resumes.

Question: How do I get the following jobs? How do I get to be 1. an Architectural Photographer? 2. a Host /Assistant/ Cameraperson to a travel show?

Answer: 1. Get a job to pay the bills and build up a portfolio in your spare time. To show your committment, you could get a degree in either Fine Arts (specialize in photography) or Architecture. 2. For this, you definitely need a degree in Applied Communications.

Question: Need advice--going back to finish college--should I change jobs? I'm 26 and want to go back to college to finish my music ed. degree. My issue is this...I went to one of the CUNY schools and received 119 credit thus far but didn't finish due to deaths of my parents. Thus, I needed to stop and work. I've since changed jobs once and the job I have now pays nicely for me as an architectural office assistant. Plus, the benefits are great. In order for me to finish my degree starting in the spring, (which would take me at least three semesters total), I would need to change jobs. (To what job, I have no idea because my degree is nill so far.) However, I have nice experience doing what I'm doing and feel I could get a couple of part time jobs doing that or two of different things. (Whatever pays the bills is my view). Anyhow, I'm scared to change jobs just to be able to take classes that are only given during the day. I mean, what if it doesn't work out? I have no career yet. What would I do? I can transfer to a school within the CUNY system that offers night courses. However, it would be extremely hard getting up at 6:30 in the morning and getting home 10 at night for four nights a week. What's my best bet? Change jobs and fit in a schedule around school? Or, try and transfer to a school (I'm already re-enrolled in my regular college) and don't even know if I would get in. However, I could keep my regular job. OR, should I try to get into an online college like University of Pheonix and do a totally different major?(This I really wouldn't like as much because I love music.) What's my best bet?

Answer: Work in your school's music dept. AND work other school job(s) nights and weekends that won't conflict with classes. Sounds like you also have enough experience to be able to tutor other students at your school and maybe in secondary schools in your area. If you stick with your current job and keep convincing yourself of excuses why you "CAN'T" finish, you probably won't finish.

Question: how will i get job as assistant fassion photographer? i m a digital photographer & havig 2 yr exp in digital photographer & at present I m assisitng a freelance digital photographer & know to operate D200, D100, D70, Photoshop also & Havig architectural photo

Answer: try going to a city which will have broad options and apply for internships..

Question: should you go to college even if you dont know what you want to do? i have been looking and looking at courses but i cant make up my mind and i dont know to just pick one and go to college or wait until i do make up my mind i graduated in june and i decided to take a year off but its driving me nuts trying to firgure out what i want to do. I was looking at community college courses like office adminstartion, graphic design, architectural drafting, and medical assistant. i was also looking at a college for massage therapy but i dont know if i would like rubbing peoples bodies for a form of healt treatment. I know i would like hands on jobs or an office job, and i would like a job that i could work 5 days a week from mon - fri like 8-5 everyday but most jobs you have to work weekends and i like to make at least 15$ an hour. so which do you think would be a better career and a good choice? and do you think i should go to school this year or take another off until i make up my mind??

Answer: It is always harder to go back to school once you've been out for a year. You could always get into a college and take general studies that way you can have some time to decide what you want to do for your major. I knew a bunch of people who took GS until they were juniors.

Question: need some advice in choosing courses? Hello everyone I want to learn architecture and become an architect. I don't know how to go for it. I am thinking to join polytechnic college. And should I have to choose the "architectural assistant ship" course ? Please advice me and tell me about the total years it take to finish the whole architecture course. And the salary that nowadays architects earn. Thank you

Answer: since you wanted to be an architect, go for it! or you'll spend the rest of your life regretting it...

Question: How common is this with part-time work? During the past three months, I have been doing some part-tim work as a personal assistant for an architect, who had a small architectural company which only had one other employee. My main responsibilities were personal errands and doing research for a textbook. Most of the time, I worked out of his home and occassionally worked from the main office when he was out of town. when I helping the office get settled into new office space, I heard the office assistant talking to my boss, who was out of town, about finding another personal assistant. About a week after I finished the work for the Office, the woman there told me that my boss was supposed to contact me when he was back in town. Two months later, I haven't heard from my boss or the office and attempts to contact them haven't been returned. It seems like this job was some sort of scam that he has to avoid paying taxes or benefits. I never filled out any forms, such as a W2 or I9, I was paid off the books and I never received a 1099 from him. How common is this? Is it legal and If it's not how do even report this ?

Answer: Report him to the IRS. He's probably done this before and you will get 10% of what the IRS gets out of him.

Question: What am I doing wrong? I'm qualified but always get rejected.? The positions I'm looking for are in CAD drafting (primary preference) or admin/clerical. I have 5 yrs experience 2D and 3D drafting in AutoCAD + an additional 4 yrs providing tech support. Extensive computer expertise from upgrading/maintaining my own computers for the past 15 years and 4 yrs experience putting this knowledge to work in my most recent position. Intermediate proficiency in MS Office 2000-2007. Typing 45wpm with 98% accuracy. My most recent position was as an Administrative Assistant for 4 yrs where I also maintained the computers and provided AutoCAD tech support. Prior to that position I was an Architectural Drafter for 5 years. I have an Honors Assoc of Applied Science degree, 3.9 GPA majoring in Computer Aided Drafting Technology. Well educated in Mechanical, Architectural, Civil, Structural, Electronics, and Piping drafting. Anyone have any ideas what the problem is? Do I no longer qualify for drafting positions since I was in a secretarial role for the past 4 years? Is my typing speed way too slow? In the few interviews I've had I am always professional but friendly, enthusiastic about the job and my accomplishments. The primary problems I have are that I'm severely overweight and because of that I don't have a suit since they are not made in my size. Is the lack of a suit killing all my chances? Getting one custom made isn't an option because I can't afford the $300+ price tag a seamstress would charge. ...so I've been wearing a nice blouse, matching slacks (dark color), and black flats. Please don't get on my case about my weight. I know it's a problem and I'm busting my arse to get healthier and lose the weight. Thank you Susan. It's nice to know that there are others out there who understand what its like. Anyway, I've lost 65 pounds since the March '09 layoff and still working at it. Not about to give up. My most recent interview was for a position that combined CAD drafting and order entry which is more admin/clerical in nature. For this position I was rejected, told I wasn't qualified. MetalQueen: You have NO right to judge me or make assumptions about me. You don't know me, my life, and have not walked a mile in my shoes. IMO, you are a judgmental, prejudiced, shrew. Maybe one of these days you'll learn not to be judgmental of others.

Answer: My guess would be it is the weight. I used to work for a corporation and was passed over at LEAST 8 times for a promotion. Each time, a new person would come in, and "I" would be responsible for training them, and in time, they would be promoted before me. Once I lost 86-1/2 pounds, I got a DOUBLE-JUMP promotion! I will never forget one of the VPs secretaries (who was a little overweight herself) who pulled me aside and told me my promotion was LONG OVERDUE. I told her I figured it was because of my weight. She said she agreed, but that the company would NEVER admit to it! It seems that some companies prefer to have their "ornaments" sitting at desks and looking good rather than brains to do the job. Overweight people are judged as being fat and lazy by those who don't understand anything about obesity--or don't care. If more people would start CARING about obese people instead of shunning them and judging them, this world would be a MUCH BETTER place for all! Hopefully, you will find a job at a place that respects you and appreciates your skills instead of judging you by your outer appearance. {{{{{BIG HUGS to you!}}}}}

Question: Right all advice welcome. I feel i am underpaid and have been told by others i should be earning a lot more.? If this is your job, what do you think you should be earning. I live in the UK. I am the Office Manager/Pa to the Director: is a busy Architectural Practice, with five employees, my role within the company was to be Personal Assistant to the Director and to also provide secretarial assistance for the technical staff. I have also gained experience in recruitment. I have undertaken interviews for administration staff and compiled reports in order to shortlist suitable candidates. My more recent duties have involved the supervision of Junior staff in the office. Setting out their daily tasks for each week, and overseeing their work. My main duties are: Typing of all correspondence to clients and statutory bodies Responding to all emails on behalf of the Director Managing the Directors Diary, which includes liaising with all clients and professional bodies to arrange meetings both within the office and on site. Meeting and Greeting clients General Reception duties Book keeping duties, updating Cheque ledger, compiling quarterly Vat returns, compiling client fees and also monthly fee reminders, Compiling Year End Accounts Booking flights and arranging hotel accommodation for Director via the internet General supervision of junior staff General Adhoc duties, filing, photocopying i work from 8:45 to 6pm 5 days per week. Well I work in Belfast and earn 16k and thats after asking for a payrise, i started on 14,500. My employer does not believe i should be earning so much. He thinks i am joking that i am underpaid. I am the only office person. My boss pays all the architectural staff really well. I have 8 years experience in administration. I was hired to be the PA/ Office Manager, and the rest was fired on me, because well as i said no one else works in the main admin office. there are 5 architects and technicians plus the director I have been looking around at other jobs doing the stuff i have experience in and see i could potentially earn a lot more. Michael, I am not comparing myself to the architectural staff what i am saying is he pays them over and above what anyone else would, so why does he not look after his admin staff, someone who does so much for him!!! In the past 8 years he has had 8 Secretaries, that is including me being here for nearly two years and a year gap where he struggled to do the work himself. no one stays but he does not see that if he paid better they wouldnt leave

Answer: i'm in belfast too and everybody is being ripped off including myself. i had to get hard seeing how they only pay me what they view as my worth i only do whats needed and no more. jobs are really scarce at the minute so i let an agency make money from the sweat of my brow and skills that have taken 20 years to learn. but at the end of the day i'm my own boss. if they wont give you a raise then cut your work output just do whats needed no overtime or weekends. i've been taking sneaky pics on site of all the work i've been doing to prove i deserve a raise

Question: Please help with grammar and sentence structure (part 2)? Writing is not my strong point. I am trying to edit my paper. Throughout the night, I will be asking for help about the grammar and sentence structure of my sentences. Please help me. 1. I majored in Math and Computer Science as an undergraduate because throughout elementary and high school numbers, theories and data collection, have been my strong points. 2. Upon graduating, eventually, I found a job as an administrative assistant in a major corporation, and though I was also writing that “great American� novel, I knew that I could somehow be doing more that would directly benefit the community. 3. I am predominantly interested in urban revitalization projects that are deigned to create functional, safe, harmonious and sustainable communities while preserving as much of it’s cultural and architectural identity as possible. 4. I am eager to learn the theories and politics involved in bringing jobs and money into a community, restoring homes and buildings, improving race relations. Last sentence should read: 4. I am predominantly interested in urban revitalization projects that are designed to create functional, safe, harmonious and sustainable communities while preserving as much of its cultural and architectural identity as possible. I am eager to learn the theories and politics involved in bringing jobs and money into a community, restoring homes and buildings, improving race relations and getting residents actively involved the conservation of their neighborhood.

Answer: I majored in Math(ematics) and Computer Science as an undergraduate because(,) throughout elementary (school) and high school(,) numbers, theories and data collection(X) have been my strong points. 2. Upon graduating, eventually(X) I found a job as an administrative assistant in a major corporation, and though I was also writing that “great American(X) novel(“), I knew that I could somehow be doing more that would directly benefit the community. 4. I am predominantly interested in urban revitalization projects that are designed to create functional, safe, harmonious and sustainable communities while preserving as much of (their) cultural and architectural identity as possible. I am eager to learn the theories and politics involved in bringing jobs and money into a community, restoring homes and buildings, improving race relations and getting residents actively involved (in) the conservation of their neighborhood.

Question: Democrats and the Ground Zero Mosque? Democrats constantly attack Republicans for their opposition to the Cordoba House-funded mosque in the old Burlington Building. They also manage to make it seem like it's only Republicans, and racists, who are against the building of the mosque. Yet have you ever seen them mention how the DC-locations Center for Islam Pluralism is against the mosque because it violates their tenets of simplicity of faith and sensitivity to others, in addition to being "grossly insensitive?" Have you ever seen them mention the Muslim Canadian Congress, with a chief member quoted as saying "We Muslims know the ... mosque is meant to be a deliberate provocation, to thumb our noses at the infidel. The proposal has been made in bad faith, ... as 'Fitna,' meaning 'mischief-making' that is clearly forbidden in the Koran.... As Muslims we are dismayed that our co-religionists have such little consideration for their fellow citizens, and wish to rub salt in their wounds and pretend they are applying a balm to sooth the pain." What about the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, whose founder said "For us, a mosque was always a place to pray...—not a way to make an ostentatious architectural statement. Ground Zero shouldn’t be about promoting Islam. It’s the place where war was declared on us as Americans." Neda Bolourchi, a Muslim whose mother died in 9/11, said: 'I fear it would become a symbol of victory for militant Muslims around the world.'" Here is a quote from a Term Assistant Professor of Asian and Middle Eastern Cultures at Barnard College of Columbia University - "After all, it was 19 Egyptian and Saudi Arabian thugs calling themselves Muslims who perpetrated this heinous crime on September 11th. They want to send a message of friendship, but building a mosque where there wasn't one before, is not the most nuanced way of doing that." And finally, a quote from the Chair of Islamic Studies at American University - "I don't think the Muslim leadership has fully appreciated the impact of 9/11 on America. They assume Americans have forgotten 9/11 and even, in a profound way, forgiven 9/11, and that has not happened. The wounds remain largely open [...] and when wounds are raw, an episode like constructing a house of worship—even one protected by the Constitution, protected by law—becomes like salt in the wounds" Why don't Democrats ever mention these Islamic groups that also oppose the building of the mosque? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Park51#Muslims Jay: You're right. Freedom of Religion, like Freedom of Speech, applies to everyone. And not a single person has proposed banning the assorted Islamic religions from the United States, which would indeed violate the Freedom of Religion. Yet, I don't seem to recall the First Amendment, which guarantees Freedom of Religion in addition to Freedom of Speech, Press, and Assembly, mentioned anywhere about "Freedom of Religion wherever and whenever you want." We cannot, and should not, and hopefully never will, persecute a people based only on their religion preference. But I see no reason to build a mosque two blocks from Ground Zero when there are over 100 other mosques in New York City.

Answer: Jay, above, sort of has it right. He stopped short of saying this is not about religion. It's about rubbing salt into a wound. Democrats claim to love the country, but yet their actions in supporting this bullshit are proving their own words wrong. If Muslims had any tact at all, they'd locate their new mosque elsewhere. Five miles down the road. If Democrats had any love for the country, they'd see what this issue is doing to it and just, for Christ's sake, STOP.

Question: Is university right for me? This summer I have just completed a HND in Architectural Design ( got a merit overall ).. Before I did this I completed my alevels in Graphic Design ( got a E) and a certificate in Financial Studies ( got a D in ).. I also have all my GCSE's including maths ( grade D) and english (grade C).. all my other gcse's were D''s and E's.. I have also passed a Free standing maths qualification, i.t. level 2 key skills and a GNVQ intermediate Business Studiess ( got a merit in). Right at the moment im at uni on my first year studying ba architecture, but am finding the course difficult, not just that ut im way behind with the work.. I was thinking of changing to the real estate degree.. but am not too sure.. my interests are in architecture, cars, different types of property developments- like high rise office buildings, casinos, hotels, property managing etc.. below I came up with a couple of different job/industry ideas.. which one would I best be suited to? Architect Architect Assistant Property Developer Property Management Designer Finance/Banks General Construction Builder ... thanks

Answer: For the sake of anybody with whom you have to deal I hope you give better answers than you ever have on here. You'll suddenly find that in the REAL world, answers like "Dunno", "Might be - not sure" just will NOT do.