Expert: Paul S. Brown, AIA - 6/27/2005

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi Paul

I am a  student in architecture, i know Vector works and Autocad very well.
I do not have my bachelor degree yet but i need money.
I would like to know if it is posible to work online for people or firms and make the designs for them eventhough i am not involve in the conception.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH PAUL

Answer -
Claude:
Hi.
Yes, absolutely you can.  You should not try to be responsible for doing a structure yourself; but you can certainly do drafting for other licensed designers.
Do you know 'craigslist'? (try Google)  why not do a posting there under 'services' category, offerring to draft up plans for other architects?  you could also just make tons of calls to architecture firms, and ask if they want any freelance help.
If you are fast and good, you ought to be able to get about $20 per hour in an urban area.
You could also do preliminary house design plans for private clients, as long as they understand that your work is just preliminary and they need to finish up with a licensed designer.
Good luck,
PB

Hi Paul

I want to think you for your quick answer.
I have visited craigslist, but it seems that most of the opportunities are for U.S citizens.
I did not mention that i am living in the dominican republic, my bad.
I was wondering if i could be able to work online for firms that are in other countries.
If you know another wetwork, please let me know.

THANK YOU  

Answer
Hi Claude:
I don't think that being in the D.R. should prevent you from doing this sort of work; (of course, I am not an attorney and don't have any expertise in matters of international labor regulations).
Other network sites:  "angie's List" is one; I don't know if they list professional services or just trade work; again you can get to this  site through 'Google'.
But, if I were you, I would seek out individual architects via on-line websites, and send them a polite email via their listed on-line contact information, telling them what you would like to do.  If you use "Craig's List", you would do best to post notices in the 'services offered' section of some of the major U.S. City lists; like New York, Miami, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, etc.
Again, I think you should ask another 'expert' about any potential legal concerns regarding U.S./D.R. labor regulations, before proceeding.
Good Luck; hope this  helps,
PB