Starting @ the Bottom

Although I applied to study Interior Design with several Universities. My first priority was always Interior Architecture, at the University of New South Wales. As it was a relatively new course at the time, and I felt there may be an advantage in  gaining more architectural understanding.  

When I finally did get into my chosen course, I was absolutely exstatic. Since I was already into working part-time, my mother  encouraged me to start looking for work within the field, in order to get an edge when I graduate. During the summer, I did my research and sent out application letters to 30 architecture firms.

I was very lucky that one company replied, and that was all I needed! Coincidentally, I started work in architecture on the same week that I started my course as well. I was employed as a junior at an architecture firm of about 10 experienced architects focused on Aged Care Facilities. 

My role was to assist the architects with basically anything they needed help with. I spent days using the large plan copier, preparing A0 drawing sets and colouring in plans with colour pencils for Council DA submissions, and learnt to organise and manage the architectural library.

There was a lot of repetition, enduring countless paper cuts on my hands, but I was happy to have the opportunity to learn more about it all. For some reason, I have always been very interested in the inner workings and the operations of a firm.

I also  had the opportunity to make a site visit to a nursing home to conduct a site measure with one of the architects. And I will never forget what it was really like inside a nursing home. :O

Besides that, I really believe that I did get a head start in understanding the reality of architecture. Practice structure, practical processes, architectural suppliers, and administration. Which was quite different from the luxury of Theory and Creativity focused side that we got to enjoy at University.

I also remember that some of the older architects used to hand draw the large plans as well. And not to mention, how many cups of coffee architects can drink in a day! 

Thanks for reading,                                                                                                     Please visit us to learn more about what we do @ Interior Arc https://www.facebook.com/InteriorArc/     www.interior-arc.com.au