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!
