Qualifications?

[tommyjj]

Hello folks,

 

I've been working in visualisation for about 18 months. the last 5 months of which have been for one architect. I'm fairly happy here but have been wondering whether i should be thinking about doing some formal architecture/computer arts qualifications. I've always got work thru recommendation or face to face so the fact that my degree is in Economics has not proved to be a problem. However, I'm getting to the stage now where i'm thinking about moving to a bigger architects firm or visualisation specialist.

 

How much is the lack of relevant qualifications going to matter?

 

If it will cause me problems... what kind of quals should I be thinking about? My instinct tells me that computer arts/graphic design would be pointless since everybody is doing courses in these subjects.

 

I also think it would be silly to go back to uni for 5 years to get an architecture degree.

 

any comments will be most welcome

 

thanks

 

TOm

[STRAT]

However, I'm getting to the stage now where i'm thinking about moving to a bigger architects firm or visualisation specialist.

 

How much is the lack of relevant qualifications going to matter?

 

not one little bit. what counts is your experience and quality of work.

[chuck]

I graduated last year with a 4 year degree in architecture. I spent a lot of time improving my 3D work outside of class and that's what eventually got me a job, not the degree. The degree has given me the ability to do more at my firm than just visualizations though, I'm designing which is important to me. If you are interested in designing, you'll need a degree, if not you could probably get by. That said, I think any firm in my area would take a graduate over a non graduate given the same level of 3D skills.

 

Chuck

[Tommy L]

The most important selling point you have is your portfolio. Work on that first. Some people like to get qualified for the sake of it, some people like being at college. In the uk there are no formal qualifications for architectural rendering so theres nothing to stop you getting into an interview. One thing i would recommend is knowing standard sizes of things (doors windows etc). That helps, but as i say, the portfolio is your showcase.

[STRAT]

agreed. a basic archi quallification is always looked nicely upon, as it tells your boss you have a decent grounding in the business, but if you have a good few years in the trade behind you, with a mighty impressive portfolio, then that will always speak volumes more than a quallification.

When i interview in my firm i only wonder about their qualifications as a last resort.

[bully712]

I have a Computer Animation/ Multimedia degree. I knew nothing about Architecture and only knew how to make pretty pictures. I gained my knowledge of Architecture thru work experience. It was a little slow at the beginning, but it's working out great for me. Like everyone said above, it's your skills and experience that gets you in. My current employer looked at my portfolio and a minute later asked me when I could start. I don't even think they looked at my resume. What you could do is instead of going thru a 4 year college, you could take a class or two in specific areas. Then you could put on your resume that you were trained in such and such.

[tommyjj]

Thanks for the response guys...

 

It's certainly a relief to hear that an architecture degree isn't essential, as i've really had it with being a student!

 

TommyL: I actually do quite a lot of designing and autocad at my current firm, which includes loads of site visits etc, so I've got a pretty good knowledge of sizes, materials, standards etc (plus i've got the Metric Handbook!). But do you think an interviewer is going to belive (or care) that i've been doing such work? seeing as i'm not really qualified to be doing it independently...

[deanomagino]

im looking to head into arch viz and im wondering which way to head?

as in what size company actually uses vizualisations. there are architectural companys all over the country but im guessing only the larger ones would need a vizualiser???

 

im only starting out so my instinct would tell me to go small then work my way up????

but from what it seems i gotta aim at the top first????