In a recent article, we shared that construction work is a great opportunity that can differentiate you from other candidates when you’re applying for grad school or a job, but what exactly are some key benefits to them? Besides having a guaranteed workout routine, you begin to understand how a building is designed, put together, understand construction documents, etc. As the end of the semester creeps around the corner and if you are without an internship locked in, try considering a summer construction job!
For landscape students, employers find it extremely valuable when you have landscape construction/maintenance, nursery experience, etc. too!
Remember, architecture is the culmination of subjects and a collaborative space requiring a general understanding of other professionals’ responsibilities. So don’t be afraid to dip your toes in other waters. Let’s discuss why having experience in construction will benefit you!
Reality of Design
At times, there can be a large disconnect in the education world versus the practicality of what architecture actually is. Schools shift between technical and abstract curriculums which can leave students in a bind when entering the professional environment and work on buildings to be constructed. This is why having a construction job for one summer can greatly bolster critical thinking of design and on-the-job knowledge! However, there is an important question to be asked,
Do you consider construction and design having a close relationship?
If so, you are of the same mindset as hundreds of firms like Bohlin Cywinski Jackson (BCJ), which emphasizes the construction of their projects, from the overall design to fine details creating a compelling space by understanding the relationship between materials and construction. Of course, some variables affect this, but BCJ is only one of the hundreds of firms that embodies this philosophy. I’m not expressing that students will learn the full scope of buildings just from a construction job, but it can increase one’s awareness of their own design and make them a better designer. In fact, many projects can deal with constantly changing requirements and site conditions, which is very common in the AEC industry, as a result, sometimes it requires out-of-the-box solutions.
The same ideology can extend to landscape designers, too, who are unaware of the relationship between plants, land, building, or even plant to people! Learning on the job will never stop, and you’ll find that there’s always more than what meets the eyes.
Design-Build Opportunities
Design-Build is a fun and unique combination of construction and design that, if you are given an opportunity, we’d highly recommend it! Most design-build projects are small pavilions and/or temporary, which will prompt you to explore more experimental, conceptual building techniques versus conventional practices. As designers, it’s within our power to creatively solve problems, so what better way to flex it than combining both!
Another benefit to design-builds is that you begin to understand the limitations of the built environment, like accounting for material tolerances, which will ultimately make you a better architect and creative problem-solver. In professional environments, students tend to stay around for short-terms and work on quick feasibility studies as they cannot stay long enough to see projects through its life cycle. Therefore, having a built work experience is rare, and design-build can be an invaluable opportunity!
AXP or IDP Hours
Depending on where you are from, fieldwork can count towards your path to licensure. We always hear that internships are great for gaining experience and a good opportunity to work towards your AXP hours, but did you know that construction work applies too? Internships at firms typically fall under Setting A. Still, they have other ways to count towards your hours under Setting O. Setting O includes other experience opportunities that can be performed outside an architecture firm, and in this case, a summer construction job!
- Design or Construction Related Employment can go up to 320 hours
- Site Visit with a Mentor can go up to 40 hours
- Construction Work can go up to 320 hours
This is a big incentive that makes construction jobs just as competitive as internships on your CV!
Getting to Know Yourself
What type of designer will you become? If this is your first job within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, then it’ll be a chance to distinguish paths that you might consider! A residential designer, a sustainability wizard, or even construction management, there are endless paths in the AEC industry, so it’ll give a better sense of what you might enjoy doing long-term.
It’s the same with internships too! It’s best to know first-hand what you might be doing versus just thinking about what you might enjoy doing within architecture.
Don’t worry if you weren’t able to secure an internship this summer; many opportunities, like construction, can have aspects that can prepare you to become a well-rounded designer! Getting an even tan and a good routine are some added benefits! However, we’d still encourage and hope you strive to get supplementary education through both a construction job and internship. This will put the cherry on top of your application when employers find that you have both experiences on your CV!
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