AboutJohn Henry Architect AIA Expertise I am interested in the artistic and theoretical aspects of architecture and urban design/planning. I can discuss the progression of classical to modern architecture, the general stylistic and technical development, the formation of towns and cities, the background and training of architects. Ask any question relating to the profession, working with an architect, background information, etc.
Experience Custom Luxury Residential design is my specialty. We also have a variety of commercial projects: Hospitality, Resort/Themed Communities, Urban Design, Medical and Office buildings. We accept very few remodeling projects.
http://www.DreamHomeDesignUSA.com Residential Design
http://www.FloridArchitect.com Commercial Architecture
http://www.EuroDesignVIP.com Urban Design
Organizations American Institute of Architects
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
Publications Wall Street Journal, Builder Magazine, Professional Builder, Florida Home Builder, Sun Coast Architect, Southeast Home Builder, Orlando Sentinel, Florida Design, Naples Daily, Luxury Homes, Custom Builder, Orlando Magazine
Education/Credentials Bachelor, Environmental Design, Texas A&M University
Master, Architecture, Texas A&M University
Awards and Honors Regional Awards: Central Florida Parade of Homes, Street of Dreams Golden Aurora
Past/Present Clients Business/Service Professionals, Sports Celebrities, Saudi Royalty, International developers, Medical Doctors
I'm in year 10 in Adealide, Australia, and am keen to get into the career as an architect. I'm great at most subjects, maths, design, computers, science.. and recieve decent grades (A's 95% of the time), so i'm not too worried about being too dumb to become an architect. Of course i'll work hard but i'm just wondering whether or not i'm on the right track with my subjects. I'm going to do specialists maths, physics, design and computer programs. I also read that you need 2 years of practical experience to recieve a job as an architect. I was wondering how you got yours, when in your studies did you do it and what you did. I would also appreciate what your day to day job is like, eg. early mornings? late nights? deadlines? is it interesting or do you wake up everyday dreading what has to be done?
Thanks for your time
Sincerely, Alex
Answer Hi Alex,
How you prepare now is based on what you want to do later. You may wish to start your own business after internship or work in a corporate setting. Business basics, believe it or not, are very important in establishing a viable practice. A great architect you may be but the competition is astounding and you have to know how to market services, interact with clients, etc.
Here are some of the opportunities in a corporate setting, although you have to be a bit of all of these to run your own firm: Lead designer, specifications writer, draftsperson, marketing/ developing contracts, construction administration, field observation or construction management, interior design.
I followed the typical process: college degree, pass the licensing exam, internship, work for others, start my own business.
I actually did not know this was going to be my final occupation as I went through several majors in college until 'settling' on architecture. It is exciting and different every day. I am a sole proprietor with a small staff and do boutique luxury home primarily but also have commercial capabilities: www.floridarchitect.com
Your first few years are a learning curve. When on your own you will definitely do all nighters (as in college) to make project deadlines, then projects should come to you on a regular basis where normality sets in!
Some dread: quality of work, completeness of drawings and details, client expectations, etc.
I lived overseas in Europe for many of my younger years and love the old cities, ancient ruins, and classical buildings. Develop your skills and you should do well.
Send me an email to this address and I will forward more related info: johnhenry@cfl.rr.com
