This was a short week as I was away for 3 days. I just got back and Jenna and I headed off to the building for more measuring again…this time we were quicker and we got more done, this comes with experience.
In the office we carried on with the measuring drawings and I quickly went back to amend my past projects so as to end this week on a clean. As I spoke about this new challenge of contour lines, I went back to the lastest domestic project for elevations because I wanted to learn and understand this new concept. I did my best but I still need more practice as there is no room for drastic mistakes in the professional work place.
CHHHEEERRS...
Sunday, June 3, 2012
WEEK 10 @ HZA
This week Jenna and I started off on the most tired some job. We went to measure up a building from the 1st floor- 6th floor as we were unable to get plans of the building. This was measuring up each room which mainly were fairly different, measuring up the passages, bathrooms, offices, etc. while from this long job, I understood the need to have a rational knowledge and understanding of size, scale and proportion, also just a basic architectural common sense, if I may call it that.
I am still carrying on with the door and window schedules from the previous week, though I am clueless about what is really going on with this house. Yet it is good to go ahead and do things so that there is something to be correct from, rather than doing nothing.
After the first day (there is still more to come) of measuring up the building, we started on the base drawings (measuring drawings). The owner managed to give us a box filled with plans, which had to be search through, only to find basically nothing that could help us. Jenna has been battling with a very difficult client who just wants the best picture perfect house in her neighbourhood. Well, I say the client is always right, give her what she wants but always stick to your job and do it extremely well then so that you are clean at the end of the project.
I had an educational site visit with my boss Heidi this week. Heidi designed the twin houses but now there seems to be some problems which could be constructional, maintenance of even design problems, which is why we were called in to investigate and protect our side of the deal.
What did I learn: it is important to analysis your design but also understand that you will not always be perfect, thus we have to always learn.
Having a contract is for my own protection as an architect in every case.
I need to help solve problems not just see problems and blame someone for them but to bring solutions.
I also saw and explore some interesting building techniques/construction methods.
Well my week ended off where it began, measuring up…funny!
C U !
I am still carrying on with the door and window schedules from the previous week, though I am clueless about what is really going on with this house. Yet it is good to go ahead and do things so that there is something to be correct from, rather than doing nothing.
After the first day (there is still more to come) of measuring up the building, we started on the base drawings (measuring drawings). The owner managed to give us a box filled with plans, which had to be search through, only to find basically nothing that could help us. Jenna has been battling with a very difficult client who just wants the best picture perfect house in her neighbourhood. Well, I say the client is always right, give her what she wants but always stick to your job and do it extremely well then so that you are clean at the end of the project.
I had an educational site visit with my boss Heidi this week. Heidi designed the twin houses but now there seems to be some problems which could be constructional, maintenance of even design problems, which is why we were called in to investigate and protect our side of the deal.
What did I learn: it is important to analysis your design but also understand that you will not always be perfect, thus we have to always learn.
Having a contract is for my own protection as an architect in every case.
I need to help solve problems not just see problems and blame someone for them but to bring solutions.
I also saw and explore some interesting building techniques/construction methods.
Well my week ended off where it began, measuring up…funny!
C U !
WEEK 9 @ HZA
Well, my huge 3D model of the centre has come to an end now as I have finalized it.
I got onto a new project, helping my boss with the outdoor layout and spaces for the new house. I even got into adding a bit of landscape to the plan. I moved to the elevations, which was challenging as the site has a slope and from this start I finally got a lesson on how to work with contour lines- it’s exciting, and I need to practice more.
This week we received news from Council of the new requirements for submission of plans, which are basically related to energy calculations and similar calculations, but I need to read my NBR and their notes to understand these.
I visited Council in search of plans for a building we are about to measure up. My boss filled in the necessary forms and the owner wrote a letter giving me permission to view and copy the plans of their property-this is what we need in order to receive copies of plans. This though was a long and unsuccessful visit as they did not have the plans that I needed.
In brief this week, I quickly jumped into an Estate project just to add the renovations of the courtyard to the overall plan for filing. Next I draw up 3 options for possible spaces within the Estate just by merely alternating the rooms.
At the end of the week I was in barking on the door and window schedules for the lastest project. This new home is very luxurious, each window is different, each door is different and the house is rounded up by doors and windows, making this more motivating for me.
CHEERS!
I got onto a new project, helping my boss with the outdoor layout and spaces for the new house. I even got into adding a bit of landscape to the plan. I moved to the elevations, which was challenging as the site has a slope and from this start I finally got a lesson on how to work with contour lines- it’s exciting, and I need to practice more.
This week we received news from Council of the new requirements for submission of plans, which are basically related to energy calculations and similar calculations, but I need to read my NBR and their notes to understand these.
I visited Council in search of plans for a building we are about to measure up. My boss filled in the necessary forms and the owner wrote a letter giving me permission to view and copy the plans of their property-this is what we need in order to receive copies of plans. This though was a long and unsuccessful visit as they did not have the plans that I needed.
In brief this week, I quickly jumped into an Estate project just to add the renovations of the courtyard to the overall plan for filing. Next I draw up 3 options for possible spaces within the Estate just by merely alternating the rooms.
At the end of the week I was in barking on the door and window schedules for the lastest project. This new home is very luxurious, each window is different, each door is different and the house is rounded up by doors and windows, making this more motivating for me.
CHEERS!
WEEK 8 @ HZA
This first week of May took off at a slow pace. Monday, I just hid away, not speaking and just doing my own thing. From this I realized the power of speaking out and interacting with others. We live together and work together. For those of you who are out spoken, you are lucky, if you are not start practising as in this profession, we need to have strength.
I received a huge project at work though this week. I was only madding amendments, but they too were a challenge in ways such as, fitting in my work with that of the office style, understanding texts and styles, be able to rationalize on the overall layout and more. I finally plotted and printed on A1 paper, even use transparent paper at that- felt as though I had accomplished much(even the client was impressed with my work).
Mid week- I was thrown into the deep end. I started on a sketch-up 3D model. This building is larger than 1000 meters squared, its complex, sits on a sloped site, what a joyful headache. I also sat in on a short meeting with a Lava representative-she came in to show us some bathroom equipment which the client would be interested in as they have worked with her before. From this meeting I grasped the necessity of understanding materials, finishes, details of things and overall harmony of the space through the materials.
I learnt how to fold plans this week…hahaha, I just love the architectural profession, it is detailed and organized. I am still working on the 3D model though- I am doing it my way and it is working out, though I am not very familiar with sketch-up 8- it is too much of a problem I think.
BYE...BYE
I received a huge project at work though this week. I was only madding amendments, but they too were a challenge in ways such as, fitting in my work with that of the office style, understanding texts and styles, be able to rationalize on the overall layout and more. I finally plotted and printed on A1 paper, even use transparent paper at that- felt as though I had accomplished much(even the client was impressed with my work).
Mid week- I was thrown into the deep end. I started on a sketch-up 3D model. This building is larger than 1000 meters squared, its complex, sits on a sloped site, what a joyful headache. I also sat in on a short meeting with a Lava representative-she came in to show us some bathroom equipment which the client would be interested in as they have worked with her before. From this meeting I grasped the necessity of understanding materials, finishes, details of things and overall harmony of the space through the materials.
I learnt how to fold plans this week…hahaha, I just love the architectural profession, it is detailed and organized. I am still working on the 3D model though- I am doing it my way and it is working out, though I am not very familiar with sketch-up 8- it is too much of a problem I think.
BYE...BYE
WEEK 7 @ HZA
These long weekends have made me so lazy. Yet another short week, I worked on a door schedule for the Hall project. On this project my boss, sent out the PDF of the renovation plan which she also cc’d me and the clients responded very soon as I was also able to added the changes they needed on the plans in time.
More admin came my way this week, which was fees/payment side of things. This week, my new challenge was the Alster Avenue Council Submission plans. I felt like a headless chicken, but Jenna gave me guidelines from the NBR/SAN and a booklet from the Council. It went by fairly quickly, but now I am awaiting more information to add to the drawing.
My favourite high school subject popped in, I had to design Tuscan columns to proportion for a project. I thought it would be a nightmare, only to finish everything in less than a day, my boss was pretty impressed, and the columns fitted in proportionally with the design/structure. I went through problem solving, mathematics and investigating on-line.
I am getting more involved in my projects now. Still have much to learn about AutoCAD though, seems as every week there is something to crasp. This has been a short and sweet week; wish every week was as short and productive as this one!!!(Yes I do).
MORE TO COME....SOON...
More admin came my way this week, which was fees/payment side of things. This week, my new challenge was the Alster Avenue Council Submission plans. I felt like a headless chicken, but Jenna gave me guidelines from the NBR/SAN and a booklet from the Council. It went by fairly quickly, but now I am awaiting more information to add to the drawing.
My favourite high school subject popped in, I had to design Tuscan columns to proportion for a project. I thought it would be a nightmare, only to finish everything in less than a day, my boss was pretty impressed, and the columns fitted in proportionally with the design/structure. I went through problem solving, mathematics and investigating on-line.
I am getting more involved in my projects now. Still have much to learn about AutoCAD though, seems as every week there is something to crasp. This has been a short and sweet week; wish every week was as short and productive as this one!!!(Yes I do).
MORE TO COME....SOON...
WEEK 6 @ HZA
This was a short week yet again, which went by rapidly. As I was working on the 3D sketch up model for the domestic project renovations, I started creating my own bathroom and kitchen, my own style etc. I then was advice that this was for presentation and I need to impress the client, yet seen the client has not given specific finishes, I have to create a neutral aesthetics. Too much colour for the first presentation (with no information from the client) is a big mistake. Thus I started toning my design down, I find more pressure in this latest model, and it is for a basic design effect.
This week I realized how much of a great boss Heidi is (not that I didn’t before), she is always enthusiastic, open minded, fun and concerned. After finishing the 3D model, I added the backyard pergola and headed for the joinery details of the designed cupboards. This I achieved, by working from previous examples. It’s helpful to have examples, but one should not forget to add their own personal drawing style.
I now value the function of crits, I disliked them and often avoided them as I felt that the lecturers was enforcing their ideas on us, in the office, I am critted on my work as it is important to get other’s eyes to see what I cannot see, as we do not always find amendments in our own work. Amendments may not be the perfect work, maybe I should say, “Find better solutions”.
This week we went to Franschhoek for a meeting/presentation with the Franschhoek council. We needed them to approve drawings (proposed building), yet this is complicated, as Franschhoek is a tourist town, with much heritage which needs to be preserved, not copied. On our way Heidi and I spoke about certain, important items that one as an architect needs to know extremely well, such as Zone Scheme, title deeds and the list goes on, I have to start collecting info on these.
I also took the time to observe the vernacular architecture of Franschhoek, there are a few outstanding structures on that side of the province, yet many are a typical copy of the old.
In the presentation, I took down notes (need to work on my note taking), my boss was confident, and one has to honestly know their design and be able to analysis it and explain it. Every drawing has a purpose.
I started a small little project this week of a hall renovation, which basically replacement of spaces to an existing structure. Heidi gave me only one day, I stressed, I panicked but I got it done.
I was introduced to a bit more administration work, simply sorting out, making copies and filing in correct folders on the system. This gave me an overall structural idea of the office administration.
While working Hall, I had visual aid (photographs) of the existing building, which turned out to be of much help.
This week we were so tied up in work that we left late on Thursday, what a week.
PPEEEAACCCEEEEE!
This week I realized how much of a great boss Heidi is (not that I didn’t before), she is always enthusiastic, open minded, fun and concerned. After finishing the 3D model, I added the backyard pergola and headed for the joinery details of the designed cupboards. This I achieved, by working from previous examples. It’s helpful to have examples, but one should not forget to add their own personal drawing style.
I now value the function of crits, I disliked them and often avoided them as I felt that the lecturers was enforcing their ideas on us, in the office, I am critted on my work as it is important to get other’s eyes to see what I cannot see, as we do not always find amendments in our own work. Amendments may not be the perfect work, maybe I should say, “Find better solutions”.
This week we went to Franschhoek for a meeting/presentation with the Franschhoek council. We needed them to approve drawings (proposed building), yet this is complicated, as Franschhoek is a tourist town, with much heritage which needs to be preserved, not copied. On our way Heidi and I spoke about certain, important items that one as an architect needs to know extremely well, such as Zone Scheme, title deeds and the list goes on, I have to start collecting info on these.
I also took the time to observe the vernacular architecture of Franschhoek, there are a few outstanding structures on that side of the province, yet many are a typical copy of the old.
In the presentation, I took down notes (need to work on my note taking), my boss was confident, and one has to honestly know their design and be able to analysis it and explain it. Every drawing has a purpose.
I started a small little project this week of a hall renovation, which basically replacement of spaces to an existing structure. Heidi gave me only one day, I stressed, I panicked but I got it done.
I was introduced to a bit more administration work, simply sorting out, making copies and filing in correct folders on the system. This gave me an overall structural idea of the office administration.
While working Hall, I had visual aid (photographs) of the existing building, which turned out to be of much help.
This week we were so tied up in work that we left late on Thursday, what a week.
PPEEEAACCCEEEEE!
WEEK 5 AT HZA
Wooow! What an interesting week! This week has been an experiential week, learning new aspects of the profession in small yet significant ways.
This week I finally finished my set of working drawings for the proposed new spa layout. It was checked and given a thumb up!
Every day is a new day on AutoCAD, it takes practice to know and use the new techniques effectively. I went to collect plans at the Council this week and they were unfortunately not approved. This trip allowed me to know more about the Council Submission process. I learnt about the letter which they proved stating were the amendments needed to be made in accordance to the NBR. Last week I spoke about a sketch up model of the bathroom and toilet for the domestic project, this week I added the kitchen and have been exploring different finishes to impress the client. It is a huge responsibility though, as I do not know what the client wants but I have to give them something to work from. This project gave me the chance to create my own little tablet or palette of finishes, by going through different precedent and thus creating my own design.
I got a bit carried away and stressed with this project as I wanted it to be perfect and Heidi spoke to me about focusing on the important issues/details as this is the professional world, clients do not see things necessarily as we do.
I have decided to start reading more to improve my architectural discourse and Heidi advised me to read journals, magazines and articles of different projects. I took my first journal home this weekend; the projects seem extremely fantastic, also found the article from Mr Jake De Villiers.
On Thursday Heidi and I went to the Council in Khayelitsha to collect plans , only to find out that they too have not been approved- which was only due to the fact that the client sent the incorrect plans.( always do this yourself). On our way we spoke about the importance of basic knowledge of the NBR and have a checklist before submitting any plans to council. We chatted about the difference between qualified and unqualified, yet experienced architects. This came down to the willingness to always learn and do more, even when you do not know. There after we went for a site visit. The building has been completed and Heidi and I did a snag of it. This was interesting as I made the list and when the contractor came, I did the snag with him, when I got back to the office, I draw up the completion list, learning the admin side of things. My burglar bars design was up and I was thrilled to see it. One important note: every time we sent work to anyone, sent it as a PDF so that they cannot change it as it is a legal document.
TILL n e x t TIME.... :-)
This week I finally finished my set of working drawings for the proposed new spa layout. It was checked and given a thumb up!
Every day is a new day on AutoCAD, it takes practice to know and use the new techniques effectively. I went to collect plans at the Council this week and they were unfortunately not approved. This trip allowed me to know more about the Council Submission process. I learnt about the letter which they proved stating were the amendments needed to be made in accordance to the NBR. Last week I spoke about a sketch up model of the bathroom and toilet for the domestic project, this week I added the kitchen and have been exploring different finishes to impress the client. It is a huge responsibility though, as I do not know what the client wants but I have to give them something to work from. This project gave me the chance to create my own little tablet or palette of finishes, by going through different precedent and thus creating my own design.
I got a bit carried away and stressed with this project as I wanted it to be perfect and Heidi spoke to me about focusing on the important issues/details as this is the professional world, clients do not see things necessarily as we do.
I have decided to start reading more to improve my architectural discourse and Heidi advised me to read journals, magazines and articles of different projects. I took my first journal home this weekend; the projects seem extremely fantastic, also found the article from Mr Jake De Villiers.
On Thursday Heidi and I went to the Council in Khayelitsha to collect plans , only to find out that they too have not been approved- which was only due to the fact that the client sent the incorrect plans.( always do this yourself). On our way we spoke about the importance of basic knowledge of the NBR and have a checklist before submitting any plans to council. We chatted about the difference between qualified and unqualified, yet experienced architects. This came down to the willingness to always learn and do more, even when you do not know. There after we went for a site visit. The building has been completed and Heidi and I did a snag of it. This was interesting as I made the list and when the contractor came, I did the snag with him, when I got back to the office, I draw up the completion list, learning the admin side of things. My burglar bars design was up and I was thrilled to see it. One important note: every time we sent work to anyone, sent it as a PDF so that they cannot change it as it is a legal document.
TILL n e x t TIME.... :-)
week 4 at HZA
Hi guys!
This was a short week, and this made me very lazy, as I am still longing for a longer weekend. Yet that is not a good thing as then I will not learn anything worthwhile for my career.
This week I discovered Auto spec= for specifications on details/finishes. It is a site with a list of companies involved in the built environment. On this site I explored my ability to specify and determine finishes for different surfaces and areas/spaces. I continued with my set of drawings for the proposed new spa, I finally got into the dreadful sections, only to realize it was not that horrible. Every week I am learning new AutoCAD tricks and ways to scale, print and work with layers.
In between this week, I helped Jenna with a domestic project in District Six. I took her existing plan and drew up a demolition plan, construction plan and furniture plan for the renovations.
For presentation, I developed a sketch up model drawing of the bathroom and toilet of the flat, yet we are still waiting on the client for the finishes and other components. The client’s choice is always important, but we should help them choice.
Oh! Have you guys heard of 3D Warehouse, this is another site for us to find sketch up components for anything, why draw it when you can just download it? Lol
We had an excellent presentation from CleareVu Security Projection Company, who came in to show us their latest security fence, which is an excellent product as it is extremely safe/secure and aesthetically pleasing.
C h E e R s !
This was a short week, and this made me very lazy, as I am still longing for a longer weekend. Yet that is not a good thing as then I will not learn anything worthwhile for my career.
This week I discovered Auto spec= for specifications on details/finishes. It is a site with a list of companies involved in the built environment. On this site I explored my ability to specify and determine finishes for different surfaces and areas/spaces. I continued with my set of drawings for the proposed new spa, I finally got into the dreadful sections, only to realize it was not that horrible. Every week I am learning new AutoCAD tricks and ways to scale, print and work with layers.
In between this week, I helped Jenna with a domestic project in District Six. I took her existing plan and drew up a demolition plan, construction plan and furniture plan for the renovations.
For presentation, I developed a sketch up model drawing of the bathroom and toilet of the flat, yet we are still waiting on the client for the finishes and other components. The client’s choice is always important, but we should help them choice.
Oh! Have you guys heard of 3D Warehouse, this is another site for us to find sketch up components for anything, why draw it when you can just download it? Lol
We had an excellent presentation from CleareVu Security Projection Company, who came in to show us their latest security fence, which is an excellent product as it is extremely safe/secure and aesthetically pleasing.
C h E e R s !
Week 2 - 3 at the office
On the first days of the second week, my boss (Heidi) and I went to the Media City building to see the property division. Heidi is currently working on an extension of a building which is been liaised out by the government.
From this outing I understood the amount of paperwork/admin that goes into different projects. One has to know the terms and processes before the designing can even begin or go into production. Also I have learnt that architects by renovating or designing a new structure, add value and increase the value of the building/structure and even the surrounding environment, thus their service is worth far more than I may have thought.
During the second week I did a small yet challenging sketch up model of burglar bars, I am so proud of myself, yet I have to work on my productivity(my time). Just to brag: my email address at work is: architect@zarch.co.za, I’m loving the word architect, cause that is what I will be in the future.
I have been learning some interesting AutoCAD tricks from Jenna (she is a big help). I have realized from Jenna that our minds are too great; we can teach ourselves new things if we take the time and are determined. She studied interior design, yet she does everything- she is intelligent and dedicated.
One of my main problems at work is speaking up, wow! I am too shy, I hate it. Any tips guys?
During these weeks, Heidi gave me a set of drawings to draw up for me to have worked to submit in my portfolio. I am doing a set of working drawings for the proposed new spa layout
We had a short meeting with the partners, whereby Heidi presented the new spa layout. I learnt the importance of confidence, and clear knowledge of your design. Also on has to be practical when it comes to the professional world, yes we want to impress clients, yet doing too much in the beginning is a waste of time and money, yet to provide visuals for a client is much needed. The hotel is luxurious and very up market and stylish I must say, yet for some reason I would never stay there, or should I say in the rooms, Jenna feels the same way.
With regards to my working drawings, I am grasping the skills of line weight and linking drawings to each other. Yet my productivity is still lacking.
Oh! I found a new tool to use for presentations, co peg markers- they are suitable for getting the idea across to the client, showing depth, volume and realism to the idea. But I have to develop my own style.
Ok, I do not understand myself, I need to have more confidence in myself and just learn to relax. I had to show Heidi my work on the plans thus far and I was so nervous and scared, this is so not on. I felt a bit bad after but I got over it and I should stop working myself up. From my set of drawings, I investigated ironmongery finishes, specifications and basic construction details/ specifications.
In the third week Jenna and I went to the Media City building to submit drawings. As this was my first official council submission, Jenna explained the process one has to go through at the council. The most important thing the council requires is for the building/design to comply with the NBR/National Building Regulations, which never stays the same really.
While working on my specifications, Heidi told me about a very helpful site called: Auto spec- check it out!
From this outing I understood the amount of paperwork/admin that goes into different projects. One has to know the terms and processes before the designing can even begin or go into production. Also I have learnt that architects by renovating or designing a new structure, add value and increase the value of the building/structure and even the surrounding environment, thus their service is worth far more than I may have thought.
During the second week I did a small yet challenging sketch up model of burglar bars, I am so proud of myself, yet I have to work on my productivity(my time). Just to brag: my email address at work is: architect@zarch.co.za, I’m loving the word architect, cause that is what I will be in the future.
I have been learning some interesting AutoCAD tricks from Jenna (she is a big help). I have realized from Jenna that our minds are too great; we can teach ourselves new things if we take the time and are determined. She studied interior design, yet she does everything- she is intelligent and dedicated.
One of my main problems at work is speaking up, wow! I am too shy, I hate it. Any tips guys?
During these weeks, Heidi gave me a set of drawings to draw up for me to have worked to submit in my portfolio. I am doing a set of working drawings for the proposed new spa layout
We had a short meeting with the partners, whereby Heidi presented the new spa layout. I learnt the importance of confidence, and clear knowledge of your design. Also on has to be practical when it comes to the professional world, yes we want to impress clients, yet doing too much in the beginning is a waste of time and money, yet to provide visuals for a client is much needed. The hotel is luxurious and very up market and stylish I must say, yet for some reason I would never stay there, or should I say in the rooms, Jenna feels the same way.
With regards to my working drawings, I am grasping the skills of line weight and linking drawings to each other. Yet my productivity is still lacking.
Oh! I found a new tool to use for presentations, co peg markers- they are suitable for getting the idea across to the client, showing depth, volume and realism to the idea. But I have to develop my own style.
Ok, I do not understand myself, I need to have more confidence in myself and just learn to relax. I had to show Heidi my work on the plans thus far and I was so nervous and scared, this is so not on. I felt a bit bad after but I got over it and I should stop working myself up. From my set of drawings, I investigated ironmongery finishes, specifications and basic construction details/ specifications.
In the third week Jenna and I went to the Media City building to submit drawings. As this was my first official council submission, Jenna explained the process one has to go through at the council. The most important thing the council requires is for the building/design to comply with the NBR/National Building Regulations, which never stays the same really.
While working on my specifications, Heidi told me about a very helpful site called: Auto spec- check it out!
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