Building Questions

What's good architecture?

pauly • 2014

What's good architecture to you? Is there even such thing as good architecture? Does architecture have a bigger role to play in society than the one it is currently playing?

Good architecture is always a judgment relative to the priorities and background of whoever is judging it. I don't really see a point to making an absolute determination of good architecture, and I don't use architecture to mean buildings of a superior quality relative to ordinary ones. 1 More Answer

Architectural Visualization

pauly • 2014

I'm planning on applying to graduate school for the upcoming academic school year (Fall 2016). I was just wondering if there were any programs out there that specialized only in Architectural Visualization? Whether it be a graduate program or even certificate progra... Read More

The University of Kent has an Arch Viz programme which is excellent in the UK 1 More Answer

Start a new career in Dubai

pauly • 2014

I'm currently considering to move over and get a job in Dubai. I've been working in the field for 2 years by now. Can anyone provide tips on expected salary to pick up a junior position? Also, cost of living and living culture in Dubai. Thanks!

I spent three weeks in the UAE and i've worked on some projects over there. If I had to live anywhere in the Arabian Peninsula as an architect, i'd probably choose the UAE. The pay seemed to be generally decent for experienced expats, but I can't say if this is true for junior level positions. Either way, I would say it's a place to work temp... 1 More Answer

Abusive Faculty

pauly • 2014

Good afternoon everyone. I am writing today to take survey of people's opinions, experiences and suggestions for dealing with a faculty member who fails to uphold a level professionalism in the academic arena. I am currently dealing with an instructor who regularly... Read More

Bobby, Architect

Document everything, write down specific phrases and actions as they happen. Go to your student counseling office and make an appointment with a therapist, most schools offer a certain number of free sessions for each student. A therapist can help you determine a course of action via student services, if needed. After you've made and kept tha... 1 More Answer

The Midwest

pauly • 2014

If given a job offer in the Midwest, would you move to the Midwest? Also why? (To your yes / no answers). If you already live in the Midwest - do you love it or hate it? And why.

Bobby, Architect

Depends where. Chicago? St. Louis? Indianapolis? Cincinnati? There are some great schools out there. Job market is more stable and consistent. 1 More Answer

Opening my own business.

pauly • 2014

Registered in different States. Has a stable job for last 15 years though salary sucks. Has solid design and construction experience in healthcare industry. Tired of working for other people. Should I take risk to go for my own firm?

Bobby, Architect

Who would your target client be, exactly? Hospitals/ Med Centers? Tough to imagine a small startup firm breaking in there. Or would you be consulting to larger HC-oriented firms you've already been working for? That seems a bit likelier. Better yet might be going after developers of med office buildings. 1 More Answer

Run for Council?

pauly • 2014

I've been asked by several influential people in our community to run for council. Its a small town, but very active community, above average wealth, development/growth pressure, etc. I also own a business in the same community. Anyone ran for town council or other... Read More

An architect ran for mayor last term. I know little about the inner workings of local govt, but I'm pretty active in community discussion. I'm also about ten years junior the next youngest council person. I don't want to do it at all, but I'm being told I should take one for the team. We'll see. I agree though careers I also wish more archite... 1 More Answer

You got a firm? Are ya makin

pauly • 2014

Here's my question: You have a firm, small practice, maybe a partner or two...Besides the hard work, long hours, spending more time than your though on admin and billing, where is the next job coming from...are ya comfortable financially? I am not talking big bucks... Read More

Yup! five staff and lots of work, mostly turning down work we don't like or want. Early years were tough as we were raising three kids ( they still are young ) so i make sure I balance my schedule and don't work weekends or late at night. But I could be working harder to make more but for what .... more stress and management of staff. I love... 1 More Answer

Is my job legit?

pauly • 2014

I am working at a firm in Miami full time on a 1099, the entire firm is employed on 1099's, even the people who have been there for years. ( firm size 10 people including the boss) I graduated from a top ten arch program right when the recession hit and was unable t... Read More

Bobby, Architect

whatever you think you are worth, double it, cause that is how much you will pay in taxes at the end of the year...I would get on a quarterly payment schedule, with the IRS otherwise you are going to be hurting around tax time. 1 More Answer

Name that Architect and Buil

pauly • 2014

To encourage exploration of various architects and buildings, I will post an image of a new building on a weekly basis, so we may all play "Name that Architect and Building!!!". Sorry to be lame, but I'm sort of tired of hearing how wonderful Rem is or how everyone... Read More

Bobby, Architect

try this: and i know who it is, but not because i'm some scholar, i just stumbled onto it by mistake. someone else can field this one. plus, it ain't like this guy is some nobody. 1 More Answer

Laser Cut Burn Marks on Acry

pauly • 2014

Hi, I have tried to laser cut 1/16" acrylic and the edges have some burn marks. I left the paper on when laser cutting. Some areas cut cleanly and at some places the laser cutter didn't cut all the way through. If I increase the power, I just end up with more burn m... Read More

Raise the power, cut with chipboard on top. Expensive, but it works sometimes. 1 More Answer

Looking to grow Design Build

pauly • 2014

I am a licensed architect and general contractor andI am trying to grow our design build business, by growing our architectural side of the business. We have primarily been doing residential work, as that was the lowest threshold / bar to entry. However, I would lik... Read More

Very interesting points Carrera. 1 More Answer

European Architecture School

pauly • 2014

Hey guys, My name is Jason and I am a grade 11 high school student in Canada. I have a true passion for architecture and would like to attend an architecture school after graduation. I am an academically high-achieving student with an excellent artistic talent. Whil... Read More

Portfolio is key to any top school since grades are only used to cull the pack. With that said, Mcgill and Waterloo are top-notch schools and you should not ignore them when applying. I'd place (most of) their graduates in line with the "ivies" of the US any day. 1 More Answer

Use of Digital Design Tools

pauly • 2014

Hello, I am a student of architecture from School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi I am doing a Dissertation on How design process has changed post digital revolution. And how digital design tools effect the outcome of the design. So i want to have view on At wha... Read More

Bobby, Architect

Read anything by Robert Aish. 1 More Answer

Markets hungry for all level

pauly • 2014

OK, so we all know about the "architect shortage". But it only seems to apply to project architects and only in select markets. So, does anybody have information on which markets are really desperate for architects? ALL levels of archiects. I ask for myself, of cour... Read More

Bobby, Architect

I got a call from a head hunter yesterday about project architect with 7-10 years experience in institutional / educational / hospital work. Midwest. 1 More Answer

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