Can I promote my firm with jobs I did for my previous practice?

2010-01-13T15:31:09Z

Another common question from new architects moving firms - or going it alone

I am setting up my own practice. What should I do if I use information from jobs I designed in the practices I used to work for as promotional material for my new practice?

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Parametric Design

2010-01-31T23:12:45Z

I'm a part one student who is really interested in finding out about parametric design. I am trying to find out what programmes are used in offices. Is it Rhino, GC or something else. It seems like an invaluable skill to have in the future

Ideally what Building Contract should be used for a one off house

2010-03-22T17:03:42Z

After a while of unemployment I recently received a private commission to detail and administer the building of a 5 bedroom house, (including obtaining Building Regs approval),contract value £200,000.00. Can anybody advise should I be using the JCT Intermediate form of contract or will the Small works contract suffice?

Reclamation,craft, sustainability and technology - how do you combine these when devloping your career? (Part 1)

2010-02-13T11:32:55Z

Hi,

I am in my third year, a mature student and am wondering about how to progress in all these different fields within architecture. My interests lie in environmentally responsible design (to avoid the word sustainable, now becoming vague). By environmentally responsible I mean both in terms of respecting the natural environment and promoting social/individual health.

My instinct is to try to find a way not to do everything at once!

At uni I find that the there tends to be a split between digitally presented and handrawn designs, not only in the technique of presentation but in the design style aswell. Those with more arts/crafts and sustainability interests tend to do handdrawn work and those with interest in technology and structure or in modernism tend to use digital methods.

I'd like to somehow merge the two and become profficient in use of digital media and 3D modelling, as well as develop my understanding more of traditional building techniques and crafts. I feel there is a lack of technical skills in the arts and crafts field so going onto this wouldn't allow me to develop those skills. These are just my impressions however, so please correct me if I'm wrong! Also environmentally conscious design seems to have progressed more in the style of digitally presented architecture and I feel there is my more scope for it to develop a cultural language.

So would a good approach be to try to gain experience in a practise specialising in design through reclamation/use of traditional techniques and then do short courses along side in digital medelling or perhaps the other way round - try to develop my digital skills through practise and do a course in tradtional craft/design on the side.

Of course ideally I wouldn't be spending money on courses so maybe better just to try to get different kinds of work experience? I am aware finding any work experience isn't easy and most companies expect part 1 students to have skills in digital presentation already therefore perhaps time would be better spent simply trying to gain any experience in a practise that I am enthusiastic about in some way?

Any thoughts would be of grat help! Thank you!

Alex

Why do architects earn less than other professionals?

2010-01-13T15:45:49Z

Why do architects earn so much less than surveyors and project managers, let alone lawyers and doctors?

Construction Law

2010-02-04T19:31:50Z

What are the available routes I can take to get into Construction Law? I'm about to complete my Part 3 but I don't think I want to practice full-time and exclusively. Should I do a law degree or just do a Masters in ? And what are the prospects?

Copyright of drawings held by local planning department

2010-05-21T11:14:57Z

Is a local authority planning department in breach of copyright etc if they offer to give you reproductions of drawings for planning applications for a charge?

UK (RIBA P.2) Diploma Unit Resources

2011-01-16T16:51:19Z

Hey,

I want to apply for a diploma unit starting in the next academic year. One which is concerned with researching how elements like ecology, agriculture or water will and do influence the urban fabric. I have found four unit's this morning; UEL Unit 7, AA Unit 16 & 18, Bartlett Unit 22. I've had to trall through the internet to look for these unit's and it occurred to me that maybe someone on here is aware of a single resource for diploma unit information.

So if anyone knows any diploma unit's in the UK which are relative or a resource which could assist I would very much appreciate it.

Cheers,

Tender sum turned out to be lower than expected. Can the client ask us to reduce our fee?

2010-05-04T11:40:58Z

Tender sum we received turned out to be £1m lower than estimated. At the outset of the project, we agreed percentage fee based. I am a bit worried that the client would come back to us for reducing the professional fees for the service that we prepared. Can you tell me what sort of action that I need to take for this? I found the following article from the RIBA published book called RIBA fee management but it is not really clear which RIBA standard conditions they are referring to. I looked SFA/99 and the latest standard agreement as well but didn't come across the clause either. Please tell me where I can find this.

Deﬂation Predetermined fees – percentages or lump sums – are based on the assumption that the fee will cover the cost of providing the Services. But in times of deﬂation, interim estimates or tender prices may be lower than predicted, although the input required does not change. Only time charges escape this trap. To cover this situation, RIBA Standard Conditions provide at clause 5.8.2: [The Basic Fee] shall not be adjusted for any reduction of the Construction Cost arising solely from deﬂationary market conditions not prevailing at the Effective Date. The Basic Fee shall continue to be based on the Construction Cost current prior to the date of such reduction.

Seeking a part 1 placement

2010-03-04T22:48:36Z

I must have sent out over 500 cvs in the last couple of months searching for a placement.98% of the replies that I have got is that they are not looking for part 1 candidates now. Even the interviews that I have been to and got an offer from, cannot give me an absolute start date due to the uncertainty of the industry.

While I understand that this must be what a lot of students are experiencing now, I am really worried about the fact that I am not gaining any work experience while waiting to get back to university.

Is there any advice on what I should do next?

I have been using the RIBA directory to search for Architecture practices' details (which I then contact to ask for a placement). However, is there a way to get the contact details of the practices that haven't registered to the RIBA?

Thesis advice: Pressure Differential Systems?

2011-02-02T19:40:00Z

Bs9999 Section 4.2 The guidance on means of escape in Section 5 permits variations to be made to travel distances and door and/or stair widths on the basis that the level of risk can be reduced by the provision of additional fire protection measures. Such measures include an increased level of management of fire safety, the provision of an automatic sprinkler system, the provision of a smoke management system or the provision of an additional level of automatic fire detection. Equally, the guidance on designing the building structure in Section 7 permits certain variations when such measures as an automatic sprinkler system are provided.

I am doing a thesis on pressure differential system. Can you make variations to minimum standards when a PDS is installed, do you also need a sprinkler system. The above statement is the only reference to the smoke management system being used to allow variations later on in bs 9999 it dosent mention it being used to allow variations to minimum standards.

If anyone has any information regarding this i would greatly appriciate any help.

How to become an architect

2011-02-19T12:48:16Z

I am 16 and want to be an architect in the future. I would like try and start a project. Could anybody advise me on which, software to use and how to start a new project . thanks alot

what are the dimensions,plans and front elevations of at least ten windows and doors?

2011-03-15T16:45:41Z

what are the dimensions,plans and front elevations of at least ten windows and doors

To stay or to go - that is the question?

2010-04-30T17:25:10Z

I'm looking for some advice about my Part 1 position from someone with a little bit more experience... I graduated last summer and have been working now for almost a year as a Part 1 in a reasonably large office in central London and definitely want to work for another year before returning to university to do my Part 2. I took the job on the basis that I would only work on one project which means I've really been able to get into it, understand the complexities of a large mixed use redevelopment and often undertake work that Part 2 students would normally do.

Career wise, at my level, would one consider getting as much varied experience as possible more valuable than remaining on the same project for 2 years? i.e. in the long run, is it best that I stay put and work on more technical aspects of a project or call it a day and look for an alternative office to do the more varied work that most Part 1 students would do.

Any advice would be most appreciated!

Part 2 Architect, Can I advertise under 'Architects' in Yellow pages etc?

2010-09-17T11:57:04Z

I have recently set up a architectural service company with a friend. We are both Part 2's. We want to advertise, but each publication has an 'Architects' section and an 'Architectural Services' section. I'm quite sure that no one will search for the latter. Is there anything stopping me adverting in the Architects section?

Many thanks,

Part 1 dissertation.

2010-11-08T12:05:53Z

Hi, I've recently been given my dissertation to start thinking about, and i'm struggling to come up with a topic. I want to go down the sustainability route, and was thinking about container architecture. I would really appreciate your thoughts and any other topic suggestions.

Thanks Matt

Books for Part 3

2010-09-07T09:23:20Z

What is the most useful book for Part 3 examinations that people have found?

I know this will not be a single answer but I am interested to see what the top recommendations are, especially from recent candidates.

Indemnity Insurance and retention of Title

2010-03-08T16:09:40Z

I am trying to assess the level of PI I need,if at all.

I am a registered architect, and proud to retain the title,though I have long since moved out of working as an Architect.To date I have not needed to get PII as I was either covered by an employer or I was not working in the field of achitecture.

I am currently investigating setting up a small home/office management service that would offer a range of practical services (eg repairs or relocation management)including design guidance to save space/use it more effectively.

My question is what level of insurances should I get to be reasonably protected,and is what level of insurance is required to meet the ARB codes. I am clear I do not intend to use the title of architect or architecture to describe the service.

Insurance for a technician

2009-11-02T12:06:34Z

I am an architectural technician and plan to go self-employed and advertise my architectural services via a website. I intend to only produce drawings for planning and building regulations approval. Will I need professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance?

Working in New York

2010-10-29T12:31:28Z

Hi,

Having recently graduated in June gaining Part 2 RIBA exemption, I am keen to go and work abroad to broaden my horizons and understanding of the world etc... and I am really interested in going to in New York.

From what I can muster from PEDR, in order for my experience towards Part3 to count, it has to be 12 months of UK based experience, which is all fine and well. But what if I don't want this time in New York to count towards my Part3? I dont envisage myself going for part3 for the next 2-3 years anyway, regardless of working in the UK or not.

I suppose what im asking is, has anyone got any experience in this specific situation? Is there anything stopping me (apart from all the legal VISA/Green Card things which are a given) from just going out there maybe with some pre-organised interviews etc... and 'getting a job' like you'd expect to in the UK, i,e; apply, get interview, get job, start...hopefully enjoy! I am concerned with the fact I am 'graduated' but not qualified, so do people at my level get taken on my firms in New York/USA?

What would be the best way of going about approaching architects in New York? I feel, hypothetically speaking, if I worked for Nick Grimshaw in London, I could achieve a possible transfer to their New York office... or any other firms more accessible to me in the UK who have links to New York.

I can't be the only person who has tried to do this so there must be a way, so please, any help and advice would be great.

Cheers

can i use the word studio in my company name

2010-09-01T16:44:17Z

I am a CAD technician providing an architectural services. Can I use the word STUDIO in my company name in the drawings?

How can I reduce my insurance premiums?

2010-01-13T14:41:19Z

Following a claim against my PI Insurance, my premiums have gone through the roof. What can I do to convince my Insurers I’m not “high risk”?

I have a masters degree in Architecture, what can I do now?

2011-01-09T23:53:58Z

I have completed part II and have gained a full Masters degree. I have posted my CV to every company around and not having any luck with the current climate out there.

I am currently looking into providing independent architectural services work. Whats are the main concerns with this not being in a practise environment?

Also my other concerns is liability. How far can I take a job before the possibility of getting sued arises? Is it advised to work under a fully RIBA regiestered Architect to do private work?

Would indemnity insurance be available to someone who isn’t a chartered architect? And how is this sought?

If someone could give me some words of wisdom and even links to other helpful sites it would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Should I be paid for work under contract?

2011-02-03T20:54:54Z

I was Commissioned to design a 5 bed dwelling from conception to completion RIBA stages A-L.. I developed the designs gained planning and building regs.

The tenders were obtained and the contractor was due to start. My written agreement and fee included contract administration however the client wrote a letter stating that he no longer required my services I got paid up to stage H nevertheless I was deliberating on whether taking action to recover the cost of my agreement the remaining fees for the administration.

Am I right in thinking that damages are awarded to put a plaintiff or injured party as nearly as possible into the same position as he would have been if the contract had not been breached? Is this true that I have a claim whether I performed the work or not, for example if I had not carried out my duties and stated I no longer wish to do the administration, then he would have a claim whether he paid me or not. Think of it as a mobile phone contract!!

What would a summary note on hyperbolic and parabolic roof be?

2011-03-16T20:33:04Z

I need a brief note on a hyperbolic and parabolic roof. Can anybody help?

How do I start my own Architectural company with only BA (Hons)?

2011-04-05T15:53:18Z

Hi all,

I graduated from architecture 2 years ago (Ba Hons) and since then I have worked for a well known architectural practice for one year and have been freelancing on and off...I am not interested in doing my part 2 as I do not wish to become an architect any more.

This is my plan, please, any criticisms or tips would help:

1) To build up client base by doing Plannning Permissions. Once planning permissions are obtained I will pass the drawings over to a structural engineer to do his structural work and produce building control drawings.

2) I'm very good in graphic design, photography and 3d work which my company will provide in addition to Planning Permissions.

3) I'm not sure whether to be Sole Trader or start a Limited Company- if anyone here has done what I'm going to do (which im sure SOMEONE here must have), what have you done to start being self employed?

4) Will I need Professional Indemnity Insurance even though I'm not a fully qualified architect and not dealing with building control drawings?

Advice needed on reinforced cold applied liquid polymer resin waterproofing products

2011-02-24T12:18:13Z

What reinforced cold applied liquid polymer resin waterproofing alternatives are there to Kemperol v210?

Internship Advice

2010-05-06T14:29:18Z

I'm a Part 1 graduate, still on the job hunt and with little success so far. I have been contacting firms directly, and applying for the few Part 1 vacancies that crop up now and then, but I am thinking of trying some new strategies.

I was wondering whether anybody knew of any trustworthy International Internship programs or websites for architecture students, that could even perhaps provide accomodation, or some level of travel expenses, whilst still remaining essentially unpaid?

I've had friends who've done such internships in the US in other other fields of work who've really enjoyed it, though is this kind of scheme suitable/possible for Architecture students?

Part II experience

2010-06-04T11:20:03Z

I am a recent Pt II graduate with 10+ experience in an office ( i am 32 and studied part time)

also i am now freelancing in what looks to be a pretty regular position.

does this count as PEDR experience or do i need to be an employee of a company to qualify?

does the mode of employment even matter and if so am i best off keeping mum about the whole thing?

cheers

How are staff cuts worked out?

2010-09-28T10:41:52Z

I have been put into a situation whereby I have been put at risk by my architectural practice, after half of all our work had been put on halt indefinitely. Apart from the company assessments on an individuals ability to meet company objectives, I am curious to know how staff cuts are determined if a salary based criteria is used.

Would gross salary be crudely used to make cuts? or perhaps charge out rates per person be used to calculate this? If anybody can enlighten me on this that would great.

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