TIPS FOR THE YOUNG ONES IN ARCHITECTURE

[architech]

What tips would some of the season architects here give newbies entering the tough world of architecture?

[randomnewb]

bump, i would also like to know.

[VERYCIVILDRAFTER]

I'm not trying to be snarky, just something i noticed for those people using feet and inches.

When an architect receives a drawing from a civil or surveyor, that drawing is going to be 1/12 the scale you're going to use it in.

Scale it x12 and your all set.

[architech]

Ya know when i started this thread 3years ago....
I was still in my 1st architectural job....

And i thought i knew all ... and just wanted to hear some confirmations....

But looking back now... nah... i didnt know...

Now in my 3rd architectural job as i climb the ranks... and gained more knowledge i think i can offer some wisdom and answer my own post from long ago...

[architech]

so my 1st advice to the young bucks... in arch...
yes...
knowing CAD better than the older guys barking out orders... will get you far...

and later... when its your time to move up... in another company...
you will be a better leader b/c you will be able to check the work of the guys underneath you - where your current supervisor cant do the same with you....

[architech]

CHECKLISTS...
I cant stress enough to start making checklists...

a checklist of drawings and details ... each job/project you do has in common... from job to job...

most old timers wont and do NOT this...
but as a young buck...

having this list and executing it from job to job and proving your list works...
Will help you in the future when its your time to lead a job - trust me - you'll be happy with the list... and you'll impress your future boss with the knowledge with how to develop a drawing list & plan for a project.

[architech]

800 NUMBERS!

Collect all 800numbers for all the products you use on your project...
Manufacturers for roofing products, flashing, precast concrete, etc...
all having 800 numbers for technical support - technical support which tell you how to use their product... and free details... and even sometimes live demostrations at your office...

And when dealing with a new detail and product and you're not sure... how to put it together...

Look for that 800 number... and call it...

B/c at the end of the day....
You better believe the old timers are doing the same thing... day in and day out...




And google...
most manufacturers have websites with info and details on their website...
Something most old timers will not do .... b/c they're use to just dailing the 800 number.... and just refuse to move with the times... called the Internet...

I personally google 3 to 6 times a day - every day- 5 days a week - related to work...
from looking up specs, to details, to 800 numbers to tech support, to spelling, to whatever...

[architech]

teamwork...

team player....

as corny as that sounds...
being on top o being lead means you need to play to the crowd...
To a certain extent....

as a cad draftman... it is easy to alienate the world... and just enclose yourself in your cube and say F'em all....

but leading a group means...
those days are gone...
so unless you want a short career being a leader...

you gotta play nice...
and find ways to working with all the people you have on your team...

from the mentally challenge to the perfect worker... and all in between...
LOL

[architech]

And if you want to compete with the older guys with 3times your experience...

The best equalizer is the "Building Code"... and construction cost estimating...

Know how to read the "Building Code"...
know how to classify a building in its "Construction Class"
know how to classify its "Use Group"...
kwow the travel distance allowed per "Use Groups" ... some allow 250 feet... other may be 150 feet...

Know what to do when you fall short.... (Add a fire rated corridor/ area of refuge)

Know how to open the RS MEANS books for cost estimating...
and know how to google construction materials when you cant find it in the book.... and then need to figure out how (for example)... much a gallon of paint will cover a wall in sq.ft. then know how to break that cost into unit price per sq.ft... etc... etc ....etc...


Know how to do this....
and realize that 12 years or more years of experience... just got shorter next you....