4th Year Architecture

Module: Realising Built Projects

Lecture: Starting Out

Dr Áine Nic an Ríogh

B Arch, Dip Pr Mgmt, PhD

UCD College of Engineering Coláiste na hInnealtóireachta

& Architecture Agus na hAiltireachta
School of Architecture Scoil na hAiltireachta
Where to start?...

1. Start from the basics: resume and portfolio

2. Have realistic expectations
3. Get out of your comfort zone
4. Use your imagination
5. Do your homework
6. Improve your online profile
7. Start networking, meet new people
8. Keep writing
9. Create business cards
10. Be confident, be yourself
From Beginning Your Career in Architecture: Candid Advice for
Emerging Professionals - Kevin J. Singh

1. Get started on your career path.

You can start gaining experience immediately after graduating. (minimum of 2 years
work experience)

2. Don’t get “caught up” in old-guard firms.

The youth are the future. Firms need to embrace the ideas, energy and enthusiasm
of young people. Be observant as to what the millennials in the office are doing.
Make sure emerging professionals are valued in the firms you are interviewing with
for full-time employment. Pay attention to the firms you are interviewing with! It is a
two-way street — you should like the firm just as much as they like you — which
means they need to value you as a young emerging professional.

3. Networking = the key to advancement.

Get to know everyone in the Architecture community and allied fields (all ages and
experience levels). Don’t underestimate the value of RIAI/AAI/IAF/EI membership
and networking opportunities.
4. Don’t burn bridges.
The construction industry is way too small. Your actions and decisions will be remembered. If
you make a job change and leave on bad terms, more firms than just your old one will hear
about it. If you do something crazy or make a really poor decision, word will spread. There
are definitely times when a job change is necessary for your career. Just make sure you
handle it in an appropriate, professional manner.

5. Look out for #1.

It is your career and yours alone. Make sure you are getting the appropriate experience,
opportunities and compensation. If you aren’t, ask for it. If the firm isn’t willing to address
your needs, MOVE ON!!!

6. Voice your opinions.

The best ideas are never incorporated into projects unless they are heard, presented and
defended. Many processes in firms and details on projects can be improved if you simply
point out a better solution to decision-makers. An improvement is always appreciated by
principals and clients.
7. You must design your career and position.
All of us are unique. Continually reflect on your experiences to determine what you really
want to do. Make career decisions to attain this position. Each of us has different talents,
skills, interests and passions. You will enjoy your career and be better at your job if you are
passionate about it. This means figuring out what you want to do.

8. Differentiate yourself.
Develop your unique skills and abilities. Demonstrate how they make you a better employee
and contributor. Potentially utilize these skills to go out on your own.

9. Don’t confuse an internship with full-time employment.

An internship introduces you to how a firm and projects work. Full-time employment
mandates responsibility for your work and productivity (deadlines). Full-time employment =
STRESS!!!
10. Technology will lead the way.
You must stay at the forefront of technology. Volunteer to learn new software and lead firm
implementation. Learn BIM (Revit/ArchiCAD/MicroStation/Vectorworks) and become
proficient while in school.

11. You need to be a champion of sustainably built buildings and environments.

If you endeavor to learn a lot about sustainability while in school, you will be able to share
your knowledge with current practitioners and become peers. Take the sustainability lead
within your firm. Become a LEED Green Associate while in school. You must educate
EVERYONE about sustainability. Future clients will be the result.

12. Build community.

Only two percent can afford the services of an Architect. What are you doing to help the
other 98 percent? Get involved in your community.
13. Save the profession.
Architects aren’t compensated fairly because the general public doesn’t value (or know) what
we do. Teach-Share-Show-Demonstrate to others how we improve the world. Our profession
is very undervalued. You’ll discover this as you continue your career. Get involved in your
community and do what you can to help people understand our profession. Also, get
registered/chartered! That is your personal way of showing that you value the profession and
the title “Architect” or “Engineer”— by actually becoming one!

14. Education doesn’t end in school.

You must continually learn to stay at the forefront of materials, systems, codes and
technology. Don’t let the world pass you by.

15. Mentor.
Help teach the next generation. A two-way street (look up, look back). You will learn
something in the process and be reminded why you joined this profession.
16. Never get grumpy.
Continually be inspired by the next generation and harness their optimism and energy. Be a
positive and optimistic employee. One of the best things you can do is to be someone that
everyone likes to work with; that means being an optimistic, pleasant, hard worker. If no one
wants to work with you, you will quickly find yourself facing a big problem. Being that new,
positive “young blood” in the office can be inspiring to everyone. Keep that excitement and
energy you have when you leave school alive in your work and your firm.

17. Don’t get upset with clients who think they know everything about architecture.
Be patient. Educate and show multiple options (divergent thought processes) to open up
thinking. Be a professional. Remember that you were educated as an ARCHITECT (not
him/her). Don’t be offended by a client and definitely don’t offend a client. Some people just
have the personality that they think they know a lot. Be patient and professional with these
people. If you aren’t sure how to act or handle situations with clients like this, shadow
someone more experienced that does. Some of the most valuable learning experiences can
be sitting in client meetings to see how an experienced Project Architect handles and speaks
to consultants and clients.
18. Fix something.
The world is full of problems. Choose one or two things and fix them.

19. Complete the task.

You set out to become an architect/engineer … so take your chartership exams and become
one. Keep your eyes on the prize!!!

20. Keep appreciating the impact of design.

The easiest building to design is a box, but architects don’t design dumb boxes. Architecture
is about serving others through the design of the built environment. Make sure your work is
the best it can be through its service to others and contribution to a more sustainably built
world.

21. Define your own success.

You determine your success in the profession.
Challenges??
Knowledge?
Experience?
Familiarity with the team/workplace environment?
Administration, Structure, Filing…
Responsibility?
Technical Ability? • Shadowing
Client Interface? • Mentor
• Work with someone – (check
calculations, offer advice)
• Get involved in all aspects of the
business
• Find your niche
• Registration/Chartership
Site Visits
When?
What?
How to record?
Variations?
Substandard Works?
When?
Inspection Stages – (Financial Institution, BCAR, Site Meetings, Progress)

Financial Institutions Building Control

• Substructure
• First Floor Level
• Wall Plate Level
• Roof Completion
• 1st Fix
• 2nd Fix
• Completion
 What?
Subject to the appropriate professional judgement and risk
assessment, and recognising that it is not practicable to examine
every item of work to which the requirements of the Building
Regulations relate, inspection arrangements should normally make
provision for inspection of:
(a) elements and components, the failure of which would, in the
opinion of the certifier, be significant;
(b) works which, in the opinion of the certifier, constitute unusual
designs or methods of construction;
(c) work relating to fire safety;
(d) types of work, construction, equipment or material which
could, if not verified, cause defects which would, in the opinion of
the certifier or designated inspector, be seriously detrimental to
the fundamental purposes of the Building Regulations; and
(e) additional areas of work necessary for the subsequent issue of
a certificate at completion.
How to Record
Do you have a site visit record sheet?
Notebook/Diary?

Make comments on:

• Progress
• Discussions on Site
• Variations
• Instructions
• Quality of work
• Details Needed
• Any remedial work to be carried out

Take Photos, and save them to the job folder by date/stage

Variations
Is there a contract in place? If so, what clause(s) relates to variations and
what are the procedures?

RIAI Clause 13

Have you given a written instruction?

If not, follow up with a written instruction

How much will the variation cost? (Time??)

Has the client approved the variation?
Substandard Work
Substandard or Dangerous – is there a risk to health and safety?

Stop work on site

Inform the client
Make detailed notes of the defective work, and its extent

Can it be remediated? If so what can be done?

Will the Assigned Certifier (& Building Control) be satisfied?
If it can’t does the defective work need to be removed or demolished?
What are the costs associated with this?
Is it reasonable to expect the work to be redone?
Who will bear these costs?

Enforcement Notices?
 Suggested Reading

Beginning Your Career in Architecture: Candid Advice for Emerging Professionals

- Kevin J. Singh

Code of Practice for Inspecting and Certifying Buildings and Works - Building
Control Regulations 1997 to 2015 (September, 2016)