INTRODUCTION
If you reached your point of interning at an architecture firm, but you’re conflicted on what to go for? Ask yourself a few questions before you make a decision: What do I want to learn (affordable housing, senior housing, landscape, etc.)? What is the firm culture like? What if I’m curious about the firm itself? Do not limit yourself with asking more questions especially when you know someone who works for a firm that you’re interested in. Always ask questions with your architecture peers including teachers.
BIG ARCHITECTURE FIRMS
Big firms consist of about 50-200+ people.
Accounted but not limited to: HR team, Finance team, I.T team, Building Maintenance, Senior principals, Principals, Senior Associates, Associates, Architecture Designers, Interior Designer, Construction Management, ETC.
PROS-
- FIRM CULTURE: Internal Firm Events – One of the best things about large firms is there are internal events. There are many things that are happening with the help of the Human Resources (HR) team. Usually, the HR team or so, will set up events to ensure well-being for the firm is constant. There are firms that may set up group Lunch & Learns (L & L), health sessions (yoga,massage,etc.), events in celebration of a holiday, etc. These events are a good way to meet new people within your large firm.
- FIRM CULTURE: You will meet a good set of people – While working for a large firm, people would usually gravitate to a group. When you first intern, normally you would stick to people who interning the same time as you. Who ever you comfortable go with, stick to them, and keep connecting with them. There will be people who come from different schools, or experience so it’s really refreshing to meet people aside from the people you meet within school.
- WORK: Amount of resources – In large firms, they have the money to invest in needed programs for the firm which include drafting, 3D Programs, Adobe products, or rendering products. The graphic presentations for large firms never disappoint!
CONS-
- WORK: You will be integrated in a part of a project, not the whole scope – When starting you may be focusing on a small part of the project. You could be setting up elevations, fixing casework, illustrator diagrams, and maps. There can be different reasons it could be testing your ability and your supervisor getting a feel of your ability. If you want to get the most of your initial experience, especially if you’re an intern is to ask your point of contact what you want to get into. Though, before you ask this, make sure you have the skill set for it. For instance, you want more hours in the Construction Documents phase, though you do not know how to simply sync or make a local file.
- WORK/FIRM CULTURE: You will be seeing your peers working late – At first this this may be off putting, to see your peers staying late or hear stories of them pulling all-nighters. It feels like your just back in studio right? How about their family? There are some firms in and outside of the U.S. that consider staying late as normal, especially when there is a deadline coming soon. Though, you should keep note of this. If you do intern and it is necessary for you to stay to help your team one day – please ask before-hand, if the firm stipends for a cab or uber ride. Again, do not resort to staying late, ONLY if necessary. Always think about your own well-being.
MEDIUM ARCHITECTURE FIRMS
Medium Firms consist of about 15-40+.
Accounted for: Principal, Senior Associates, Associates, Architecture Designers.
PROS-
- WORK: Involvement (may depend)– Every employee can be involved in each phases of the project. Compared to a large firm, you would still get to see the phase of design for a project. Though for some medium firms, the amount of work can be out-weighed, meaning that the Associate you’re working for will handle a large part of delegating the work to their designers (see Cons).
- WORK/FIRM CULTURE: Connections – You would still have the chance to connect with the senior associate and sometimes (the principal), for your project. Also, you would likely get a chance to connect with seniors or principals in internal work events.
CONS-
- WORK: Chances to coordinating a project is slim – Yes, the senior associate would most likely be in charge of the coordination. This is unless you are serious about taking your position to another level, and being a licensed Architect instead.
- WORK: Design contribution is slim – The chances for you to design a project may be slim. Most of the design work might be dedicated for the Associate or Principal to go over. Though, it doesn’t bit if you ask your supervisor what you want to get into, especially if you need the hours schematic design for architecture experience.
SMALL ARCHITECTURE FIRMS
Small firms – 1-10+ people. Accounted for:
Accounted for (but not limited to): Principal, Project
Manager, Designer
PROS–
- WORK: You will learn a lot – From the Pre-liminary Phase to the Construction Administration phase, you will learn through the whole process of the project. If you are in the designer position, you will play a big role in the conceptual and schematic design side. You’ll also be helping a lot with the design development
- WORK: You will work closely with the principal of the firm – Yes, that’s right you will be communicating with the big boss often. The principal will be the one’s to get the jobs to keep the firm running Compared to working in a large firm, it is rare to see or speak to the principal.
CONS-
- WORK: Flexibility. You will be stressed at times by the amount of work, or sometimes the number of projects you will have to split your time on. The best solution to overcome this is to manage your time wisely and write down the task that you have to do.
- WORK/FIRM CULTURE: Comparison among peers. You will come to a point comparing the amount of work you do compared to another person. Yes, it’s ok to feel that way. There will be that one noisy co-worker asking questions about your pay, how you interact with the boss, etc. Though, just keep in mind that this is a small firm, there are better people to talk to and learn from. The way that you can try to overcome this is to keep asking questions within the firm, with your close studio friends, or your peers. Also, be a better version of yourself, and focus on yourself improvement.
- WORK: The amount of resources. There are programs that the firm may be limited to, as the firm has to decide which program will be the most utilize. This should be considered to help with the firm’s work management.