Expert: Nazim Nice - 3/24/2011

Question
Hello,
 I'm doing a school project about architects, and was hoping you could answer a few questions.
Are there any High-school courses that you would recommend for students interested in architecture? What are the levels of architecture firms (master, apprentice, intern, etc...)? What do you spend most of your time doing? Do you work with others, and if so how often? How long were you in college, and what is you degree in? How many days a week do you usually work, and how long are these days? How many days of paid vacation do you receive?

  Thank you for your time,
        Nathan

Answer
Hi Nate,

Q: Are there any High-school courses that you would recommend for students interested in architecture?

A: I think art classes are the most important. Learning how to draw and express ideas through drawing is very important. Sculpture, wood working, or anything that involves building things is useful too. Architects assemble a lot of different components to make buildings. Learning how to do this in an artistic way is helpful. Classes on 3D computer modeling, or graphic design may be helpful too. In terms of classes specific to architecture (for example drafting), this can be useful, but you will learn this through doing work in college and later internships. Getting an early start on drawing is what I would say would be most hopeful.

Q: What are the levels of architecture firms (master, apprentice, intern, etc...)?

A: Levels of employees in architecture firms may vary from firm to firm but typically you will find a structure something like this, starting from the bottom going up: 1)Summer Intern 2)Full time Intern 3)Designer-someone who has finished an internship but not passed all their architect exams 4a)Associate (this is usually a term given when someone is promoted from within a company) 4b)Architect (registered) 5)Principal (sometimes there are steps between Associate and Principal, like Senior Associate and Vice President) 6)Partner

Q: What do you spend most of your time doing?

A: I personally spend the most time communicating to others. Phone calls and emails to clients, contractors, consultants, subcontractors, etc. I spend a lot of time assembling information and then I have help in the office to assemble this into drawings sets and specifications. I also spend a lot of time designing, sketching, and then some time modeling projects in 3D, or producing drawings to explain ideas to my clients.

Q: Do you work with others, and if so how often?

A: Yes, every job includes working with consultants, contractors, clients, and my office staff. Architecture is very collaborative.

Q: How long were you in college, and what is you degree in?

A: Five years with a BArch from Carnegie Mellon University. You can also get a MArch, which typically takes 6 years. It is best to have a professional degree (one of the two listed above) instead of something like a Bachelors of Arts or something like that. If you don't have a professional degree you have to typically spend longer as an intern before you can get licensed as an architect.

Q: How many days a week do you usually work, and how long are these days?

A: At least 5 days a week and I start work at 7:00 AM and finish work around 6 PM most days. On the weekends I will usually answer emails and sometimes do some work, but usually from home.

Q: Typically the amount is 2 weeks of paid vacation (10 working days) and then if you get promoted it typically is increased to 3 weeks+.

Good luck with your education! My advice is to try and get into the best College you can. Getting a good education is what will open doors for you.


Nazim Nice
Principal / Architect
http://www.motion-space.com
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