What are some viable alternate careers for an Architect?

October 3rd, 2009
IndyArkitekt asked:


I’m an architect with almost 6 years experience and is beginning to take the licensing exam. However, I’m questioning if this is really the field I want to remain in. I’m looking for something creative that has solid earning potential without being extremely high stress. It may be a pipe dream but I want to explore alternate careers.

Rose

Find a Good Church Architect for Unique Church Design Ideas

October 3rd, 2009
Groshan Fabiola asked:


The local church is a very important place for each community of believers. The church design and construction process bears great importance, as a good church architecture that is representative of a certain community and their faith is the best way to bring God closer to believers. Aside from expressing purpose and faith, church architecture can make a powerful invitation to those who want to express their faith and repent of their sins.

Church architecture has experienced tremendous changes over the past decades. With churchgoers looking for different kinds of ministry, new church design ideas have emerged. These new forms of expression include both functionality (such as allowing access for people with disabilities) and symbolism. There are many aspects to be taken into account when considering church design and construction. Whatever your church plans may be, the insight of a good architect who has a wealth of experience in church architecture is extremely valuable. A good church architect can give you some excellent church design ideas and help you turn your church into a place that is both welcoming and inviting, as well as very representative of your individual values and theology.

The number one question that all the people involved in church design and construction ask themselves is how to find a good church architect. The market is abundant with architects whose background and expertise is extremely varied. It would be wrong to assume that an architect who has not handled a church design and construction project before would not be able to complete such as task successfully. However, an architect with considerable experience in church design is more likely to be able to provide valuable church design ideas that are most appropriate to your specific needs and requirements, as well as to your individual theology and values. Many architects have their specific design style, which may not match your ideas and intentions. Furthermore, your church plans may include specific style and size, as well as a certain budget limitation. Good architects can generally meet such specific requirements, but they don’t always manage to express your individual nuance of worship style and denomination. Therefore, it is highly advisable that you use the services of an experienced church architect who is already familiar with all the specific aspects of designing and constructing a church. As has been said before, an experienced church architect can provide some unique church design ideas, which will add value to the architecture of your church and make it a special place for your congregation.

If you are asking yourselves how to find a church architect, you should look no further. There are quite a few aspects to take into consideration when looking for an architect for your church plans, but I daresay that a church architect who has handled numerous projects of the kind is by far your best choice. His insight and unique church design ideas will prove extremely valuable whatever your church plans may include. An experienced architect’s church design ideas and expertise are all the more valuable when you want to build a new church from the ground, expand your church or convert warehouses into church facilities. These, and many other projects concerning church design and construction, are best completed with the help of a good church architect.

For more resources about Church design ideas or even about how to find a church architect please review this web page http://marshillstudio.com



Beverly

Digital Architect Packages : Didier Grossemy

September 30th, 2009
didier grossemy asked:


X2 World is the result of Didier Grossemy past experience. Didier Grossemy has been involved in Advertising and Marketing for the last 25 years and launched his first Internet company some 15 years ago.

Didier Grossemy takes entrepreneurship to the next level and is specialised in Start-up and growth strategy solutions. Didier Grossemy says “I enjoy the challenge of building, and believe that unless you are excited about your vision and you are willing to invest 300% of yourself there is no point” says Didier. I do that for all my clients by immersing myself in their business and becoming most of the time an integrated part of their growth.

Didier Grossemy expertise has strategically guided some of the largest companies in the world to the Internet space. From publicly listed Telecommunication companies, Shopping centres, Fashion designers, Insurance groups to launching 140 content managed websites for the “Le Meridien” five stars hotel group to implementing the first interactive environment for Columbia Tristar Films. There is a science to engineering complex database CRM to easy to use system for brands like Ferrari or launching powerful e-stores for the likes of the Oroton group.

Didier Grossemy Consulting projects includes building the first multi vendor English/Chinese online store “Haiwaibao” offering top Australian brands to sell to the Chinese Market and helping Virgin Money to manage their online communication with state of the art content management.

Didier Grossemy says that the success of Digital Marketing is guided through Vision and smart communication engineering, like a business architect Didier articulate the ultimate solution and execute the strategy with a professional team of creative and engineers.

As the CEO of X2 World, Didier Grossemy role in the company is to create the ultimate Digital Service Provider while growing a global production team and a network of distributors across the globe.

Didier Grossemy focus is on packaging complex services including Digital marketing, technology and design into a ready to use solution so that almost anyone in a consulting, advertising, creative position can immediately leverage from.



Article written by: Didier Grossemy



Charles

Gold Cost Architects Specialized in Corporate Commercial and Multi-Residential Buildings

September 30th, 2009
search rankpros asked:


Architects fulfill different needs for their clients. All clients do not demand for the same design or for the same architecture and it is not necessary they demand for the commercial building, office, residential or for the retail architectural designs. Clients’ requirement differs as per their choice and as per their requirement.

It is very important for you to choose the right architect for your design. Because an architect is not only concerned with planning, they also involved in designing of a building whether it is for commercial or for the residential purpose. There are many architects available in the Gold Coast area that is specialized in corporate commercial, multi-residential, retail and in the green architecture.

Gold Coast architects have more than 30 years of experience and they understand their clients need. They portray their clients need in the form of design in the physical form. There are various fields among architecture like building, office, park, residential, landscape, and land development. It is very difficult to specialize in all the areas of architecture. It is very rare to find that a single architecture company fulfills the requirement of their client at one place. Architects have to obtain licenses to practice architecture as their designs will ensure the safety and security of the public.

There are many geographical areas in which architects need specialization and their scope restricts to those areas. Although they may excel in architecture and the particular areas, this does not ensure that they will be able to deliver equivalent results in the area of the project’s requirement. Thus, this aspect should also be kept in mind.

Now days the concept of green architecture has come into the picture. So, you may also have to consider whether the architect provides the eco-friendly green architecture or not. Green Architecture has created buzz word in the world of design and the architecture. Green architecture basically uses the resources like water, minerals, energy while reducing the building impacts on human health and the environment.

Green Architecture is designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by –

-     Architects efficiently use energy, water and other resources

-    Green Architecture protects from occupational health disease and improves employee productivity.

-    It reduces waste, pollution and environmental degradation.

A good architect is the key to any architectural designs. Once we built a good relationship with the established Gold Coast architects, the entire process of idea generation, conceptualization through to final construction becomes simpler and satisfying. Thus, it is absolutely necessary to choose the right architect – one who is aware, experienced and reputable.



Bonnie

Landscape Architects – A Great Career Option

September 29th, 2009
Peter Finch asked:


Landscape architecture involves the planning, design, management, preservation and rehabilitation of the land and constructions. To put it simply, the people who perform all the above duties are called landscape architects.

Nature of Work

The design of landscapes involves multiple disciplines like mathematics, science, engineering, art, technology, social sciences, politics, history and philosophy. Landscape architects are responsible for various duties like creating public parks, planning corporate offices, planning highways and bridges, creating forests, tourist and historic landscapes, management and reclamation of the degraded landscapes like mines etc. Their job involves all minor and major tasks. They are the brains behind the various types of construction. They are also responsible for supervising the contracts of construction work and preparing applications for capital or revenue funding grants.

Landscape architects often work with different architects, surveyors and engineers to determine the best plans for roads and buildings. They are also required to work with environmental scientists, foresters and other professionals to find various methods of conserving the natural resources. Once the conclusions are drawn, the landscape architects create a new plan including the new topography, vegetation, walkways, decorative features etc.

They spend most of their time in offices in preparing models, designs, plans and cost estimates. The rest of their time is spent either attending meetings with clients or at the site. However, undoubtedly they need to be creatively inclined.

Requirements

The major requirement is that they need to be nature lovers. People who have no interest in enjoying the beauty of nature may not do well as landscape architects. Needless to say, they must have strong analytical skills, a creative vision and artistic talent. Good communication and presentation skills are a must. They must also possess excellent writing skills and an articulate way of expressing their thoughts. The knowledge of CAD software is also essential.

Some prefer to take up some residential work while others stick to individual homeowners. Residential design projects do not provide huge incomes like those of commercial or multiunit residential projects. They may either be self employed or employed by government agencies or landscape architectural firms. Those employed by government or architectural firms work for fixed timings while self-employed work as per the demands.

Qualifications

- The main requirement for entry-level jobs as a landscape architect is a bachelors degree or a masters degree in landscape architecture. A bachelors degree takes around 4 to 5 years for completion. There are two types of masters degrees. One is a 3-year professional program designed for people with an undergraduate degree in other discipline. The other is a 2 year program for students having completed undergraduate degrees in landscape architecture. Some employers prefer applicants who have completed their internship.

- There is a growing demand for landscape architects for integrating natural elements into manmade constructions. Most are employed in urban and sub-urban areas. Few are employed in rural areas. When they gain sufficient experience become construction supervisors, land or environmental planners, project managers and landscape consultants.



Ashley

What’s the difference between a landscape designer and a landscape architect?

September 24th, 2009
John M asked:


What’s the difference between a landscape designer and a landscape architect? Also, how do you become a landscape architect/landscape designer?

Benjamin

Architects Now Designing Homes for Mortals

September 21st, 2009
Nicholas Marr asked:


The concept of owning a home designed by a well known architect is something most of would only dream of. Times are changing and so are the marketing plans of many property developers who are increasingly using well known architects to sell their homes

It is true that international property investors have a huge choice of luxury resorts from around the world to choose from. With so much competition attracting the most desirable customers is becoming increasingly difficult. One way in which some resort developers have decided to attract potential buyers is by using high-profile architects on their projects.

Shigery Ban, who designed the Pompidou Centre in Metz, Zaha Hadid, Piero Lissoni, Chad Oppenheim and Japan’s Kengo Kuma are all well-known architects and designers and they are all being employed to design luxury hotels and resorts. What’s even more astounding is that this group of celebrity architects is currently working on one resort – Dellis Cay. This private island is part of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean.

Dellis Cay is being developed by Turkish tourism magnate Dr. Cem Kinay. Piero Lissini is designing the main hotel and a set of villas in his typically modern, bold and simple style. In a recent interview in The Independent, Dr. Kinay notes that “The architects are our biggest selling point.” One bedroom apartments on Dellis Cay start at £835,000.

Another new development that is making use of well-known architects is Portugal’s Bom Sucesso, north of Lisbon on the Silver Coast. There are more than 20 popular European architects that are working on different designs and buildings for Bom Sucesso, including Alcino Soutinho, Goncalo Byrne, Alvaro Siza Vieira and even England’s award-winning David Chipperfield. The architects adhered to a set of rules that provide the formal unity of the project, but which simultaneously enabled them to follow their own original and specific objectives. Most important among these rules and vital for the originality of the resort, was that all rooftops should be covered in greenery and any walls should either be covered in greenery or else simply not exist at all.

Other resorts around the world are using architects to get a leg up on the competition. Melvin Villarroel is working on a community in Marbella, Spain called Lomas Club. Homes at this development are also being designed by Angel Taborda and Victoria Guana, and Villarroel is also working on several other new resorts in Spain.

Matteo Thun is designing a new set of fascinating apartments in the Austrian resort of Katschberg called Edel:Weiss. Sir Norman Foster is working on several projects; one is in Egypt called Serrenia and there is also Corniche Bay resort in Mauritius. These villas will only cost £1.7 million.



Cory

Why Should You Use an Architect?

September 13th, 2009
Christopher Timm asked:


If you are planning a project that involves new construction or significant building work (i.e. moving or removing walls) you are probably wondering whether to find an architect to help you. A registered professional architect will have over seven years of training, which covers all aspects of the creation or alteration of a building. When this is combined with the experience they have gained during professional practice, you end up with a lot of knowledge at your disposal!

The cost of using an architect can be significant, but done well you should recoup all or more of that cost by the savings you can make in other areas.

Saving Money:

Your architect will have an awareness of, and experience with, the latest construction techniques and materials, meaning build costs for your project can be significantly reduced by using economical design.

Your architect will have an existing network of contacts within the construction industry – landscape architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, interior designers, builders etc. and because they provide a consistent source of work for these trades, they are able to engage them at preferential rates.

Your architect will also be able to save you considerable time and therefore money by managing the project, and those specialist consultants.

Finally, a well designed building can have an immediate impact in reducing utility bills.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes:

Architects are trained to identify potential problems in the concept or design phase of a project, and can solve those problems creatively, before they become costly mistakes.

Of course surprises do happen and problems do arise, but a your architect will be able to call on his or he training and experience to overcome them creatively and cost effectively, often providing a range of possible solutions.

The architect will handle the planning application process on your behalf and get it right first time!

However, don’t be tempted to use an architect for planning and then hand over the drawings to a builder for construction. Planning application drawings are different from detailed construction drawings. Don’t cut the corner and hope for the best – you’ll end up paying in the long run.

Adding Value:

A good architect can design flexible buildings that can adapt with the changing needs of your life or business, maximising both space and light. Also, an attractive and distinctive design can increase the long term value of the building.

Of course, all of this relies on you finding the right architect, as it is largely the relationship between you and your architect that will get the best results out of them.



Danny

Houston Landscape Architects

September 7th, 2009
Jeff Halper asked:


Houston landscape architects are much more than gardeners and lawn maintenance professionals. They are degreed professionals whose training includes botany, irrigation science, construction, and outdoor lighting techniques. These multi-specialists often spend up to seven years in undergraduate and graduate studies to master these disciplines, and the expertise they develop in the process enables them to introduce sophisticated designs and structures to properties that magnify the aesthetics of Nature and unify human architecture with topography and vegetation.

To best serve their clients, Houston landscape architects begin every project with an in-depth consultation with the client. Understanding the expectations of the homeowner is necessary prior to initiating any work on the property. Some people are looking to simply improve the appearance of the front and back yard, and consequently have a strong preference for gardens, natural pools, fountains, and ornamental sculptures. Others are looking to create outdoor entertainment space that offers comfort and amenities equivalent to those found indoors. Still others are looking to create special play areas for their children. It is the duty of the landscape professional to ask as many specific questions as possible to get a clear picture not only of what the ultimate purpose of the design is going to be, but also what details will be most suitable to that homeowner’s particular tastes and lifestyle.

What next when hiring a Houston Landscape Architect

The next step in the design process is a walk-through of the property where a thorough analysis is made of the terrain. Topography can vary significantly in different parts of Houston. Landscape architects often work on properties that lie close to flood plains and bayous that present significant challenges to water drainage. Devising effective methods of managing water runoff without diminishing the property’s aesthetic is one of the many nuances of this science that can only be learned after years of disciplined training and experience. Sunlight is also a major factor that landscape architects study in detail before proposing a preliminary design. The amount of shade versus light, and the amount of time each day that certain areas receive light, will play a major role in determining what plant species can be added to the landscape. Designers also have to take into account how the overall design will look in comparison to adjacent properties. If neighboring homes, buildings, or yards are too blatantly visible from a client’s locations, steps will have to be taken to create a more self-contained aesthetic that provides the homeowner with a more unique and personal experience.

The ultimate purpose of this analysis is to develop a strategy for shaping the terrain to meet the objectives of the Houston homeowner. The true Houston landscape architect works with Nature, not against it, by looking at the many elements that constitute the big picture of the landscape and seeing where they can be developed according to the desires of the clients. Areas that are shaded by trees can often be developed into summer gathering areas. Places near the backs of yards, or tucked away in the corners of the lot, and play host to a patio that overlooks a quiet fountain. Some areas, such as the places along fence lines and areas adjacent to the house itself, are highly suitable to ornamental gardens planted in any number of styles. Open spaces should be utilized as play areas for children and building areas for arbors, outdoor kitchens, and swimming pools.

Because of Houston’s temperate climate, it is possible to plant almost any kind of vegetation here. Landscape architects can offer their clients a wide range of choices when it comes to garden species, shrubbery, hedges, and trees. Professional landscapers need to remind their clients, however, that the actual choices in vegetation should be based on the goal of complimenting the architecture of the home and fully developing the greenery of grasses and indigenous tree species. Both the size and type of vegetation can play a significant role in how a home looks to visitors. Garden styles like Italian, French, Zen, and Modern all add very distinctive elements to a landscape that are more suitable to some architectural styles than others.

Last but not least, one of the most important benefits that Houston landscape architects offer to their clients is an entirely litany of specialized services subcontracted from professionals who specialize in certain forms of masonry and construction. Swimming pools, outdoor buildings, special walkways, and landscape lighting represent very unique niche disciplines that must be carefully integrated into a comprehensive landscaping plan in order to truly serve the best interest of the homeowner. It is best to let a professional manage these services because contractors tend to be more comfortable working in partnership with other contractors. More effective communication is ensured in this manner, and a more harmonious blend of individual parts to the whole will result.



Hector

Is it possible to be an architect without having exceptional math and art skills?

September 5th, 2009
1bookie@sbcglobal.net asked:


I really want to be an architect when I’m older (home design). I’ve already made a few designs, but I’m worried that since I’m not like a math genius or really artistic, I’ll have trouble. Do you think its still possible to be an architect?

Gordon