Category: Case Study #1

My proposal for the final is to discuss what our dream job is but expand on it. For those who want to have their own business, we can expand on what type of business we want, what we will be doing and for who are we giving our services to. We can create a presentation on the advantages and disadvantages on having a business. If we have the opportunity, we can also have one or two interviews with business owners that have similar business that we desire to have in a future. For those who want to work within an existing firm can talk about the type of firms they would want to work in and if possible, schedule an interview with a current employee that works in that specific firm/company and discuss with them their daily duties. My overall final proposal is basically to expand and do more research on what it will be once working in the architect field. This way we all have the opportunity to write either a paper or make a presentation based on our own desires and what we find important for our future as architects.

For my final project, I would like to focus on a career in facade work and the prerequisites one would need to have in order to qualify for the job. I am currently in a class being taught Phillip Anzalone and I’m curtly excited with the opportunity in getting to learn more of the inner workings of facade work. 

• So the final project would detail how one would go about entering the field of facade work .
• Seeking out a  professional for Guidance to get a real life perspective of what the job is all about . 
• Find out what it is that only people who specialize in the field would know.

For my final project I want to explore the ins and outs of residential architecture; how it’s practiced and how to enter into this sector of architecture. With this topic, I want to attain a better understanding of the inner workings of residential architecture.

Research questions

How can someone enter this area of architecture? What skills and experience are desired for somebody just starting their career in this field?

How can working in this field be different than work on commercial spaces?

How does working on multi-unit residential build differ than working on a single family home?

How does working in residential architecture differ domestically and abroad?

What are some issues that can occur while working on this type of project? And how do they vary from project to project?

To get this information, I’d like to interview architect(s) with experience of the proposed topic, and with what I wish to explore.

For my final project, I would want to focus on introducing architecture to younger students. As in understanding what are the possibilities in pursuing architecture and finding the beauty behind it. I would want to focus on creating an area for the youth or even adults to create projects and explore the creativity they have. I also believe that this would help introduce the idea of knowing that there are endless possibilities in creating something.

What do you need to create a design studio?
What is the best way to allow people to express their creativity?

What are the benefits of…
Understanding the language architect students use
Understanding the history of architecture

For my Final Project, I would like to explore a career in Urban Planning and the requirements one should have in order to be qualified for the job. I also Interested in Traveling, in order to work and travel I may have to work at a big firm so I would also like to research big Architecture firms that have Urban Planning departments.

Research Questions for Urban Planning Requirements:
-What level of education is needed?
-What courses do you need to be an urban Planner?
-If going for your masters, what do you need to specialize in?
-Do you need work experience, If so how many years and for what?
_Are there any exams needed for this job position?

Researching Firms that have Urban Planning:
_What big firms have urban planning Departments?
_Where are they located?
Do they allow you to travel?
_What are the Sub-Departments in Your career choice(Urban Planning)?

With this, I would also like to Research other career options that may align with my Interest in Problem-solving and Detailing.

Research questions for career options:
_What Careers can you have with a Bachelors in Architecture?
_Whatt other Carrer Part Aligns with Architecture?

(still brainstorming questions)
Feel free to comment any other research question or ideas.

Scrolling through social media is how I came to find this ad called “The Indoor Generation”, which is basically shedding a light on how  people are being more device centered and spending more time indoor, alone, instead of being out in nature like they should be. Which I knew was a real problem as I was watching it on my Phone. There is no doubt that with all these technological innovations, we are being more chained and stiff, spending most of our days indoors. Even having enough time under sunlight which is crucial for a healthy life, has become a luxury; or torture for some, should I say.

If this pandemic had taught me anything at all, it is the necessity of the touch of nature to be introduced in our living space; the most important part of architecture to everyone which we experience on a daily basis. No one should ever feel like they are imprisoned in their own house. And that hit me when I got extremely emotional seeing just a simple tree on the street when I first got out of my house after 2 months. 

Introducing nature to architecture is going to be the topic for my final project. And even if I didn’t have to do it for this class, I was going to research about this topic anyway for my own interest. I think, not only introducing and involving nature more with living spaces is important, but also keeping sustainability in mind is an absolute necessity. 

I am also interested to research more about the effect of architecture on our mental health. And keeping in mind that not everyone has the luxury of living in a big house, or spacious place, people who live in small apartments should not feel caged. How an architect solves this problem is the question and I want to dig more to find the answer.

As I mentioned about “The Indoor Generation” ad earlier, it was by this company called VELUX, which works with manufacturing of skylights and roof windows, and their goal is to provide a healthier indoor environment for people, which is crucial. My goal is to research more about them and finding out other companies and organizations who are working for a healthier indoor experience, and improving mental health through architecture. Not only I want to research about them, but I am also interested in working with a company as such to be able to be a part of it.

For the final project, I am introducing two topics that I presume they are completing one another. The first topic would be about starting my global architectural company that introduces renewable energy in our design. Intrnatolanly I will be focusing on sites that got destroyed by a natural catastrophe, war, and help design affordable residences for survivors. I included that topic for my research because of my background. I grew up in different countries as a kid, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Each place has its own artwork, history, and manners. Maybe it did not mean much to me when I was a kid, but I learned it means a lot as it makes me curious about other nations around the world.

Moreover, it came to my attention that in America, we have insurance for everything, even professions. So maybe architects will need insurance to start their company. So I decided to have a good perception of insurance for Architects. Some questions that I will answer in my research.

• What exactly is Professional Liability Insurance for Architects?
• What is the difference between architect professional liability insurance and general liability?
• What will your architect professional liability insurance cover and what is not?
• How much will you pay for architect professional insurance?

I will do my research, and I will have an interview with the insurance agent to answer my questions.

I’m considering the topic of trying to determine “How Can I strive in the field of Architecture”.

My approach would entail:-

– Introspection – Understanding my genuine likes and dislikes, ie. what excites me daily in an Architecture firm, where I would like to be when I’m at the retirement stage.
– Spend more time to research my interests – Detailing and Restoration, in addition to low income Development.
– Networking – reaching out using social platforms and attending meetings/ Seminars Architecturally focussed.
– Seek professional Guidance from someone who genuinely understands life and the pursuit of happiness while doing Architecture – I would need just one committed Individual. (currently in the process of seeking out a candidate who is worthy of my time, and me theirs).
– Determine the guidelines of how to Master the art of compartmentalizing Work to be done ,from Personal life.
– Then the next stage would be evolving the the topic stated above.

At this moment going forward, my personal concerns are that of my mental and emotional health while delving into the art of practicing Architecture, the business of it all and its applications.

For my final project i would like to focus on opening an international architectural company. Because i always wanted to have different type of clients, with diverse cultures and traditions and from different regions. In this topic i will research and discover all the major aspects that need to be done.

The research will include:

1. Is there an international license that allows me to have clients all over the world?
2. American and European licences – do i need both in order to have projects here and there? How do i get them?
3. Where to set the main office?
4. What is the minimal budget to open such a company?
5. Do i need a partner? If so, how many?
6. How to know the total price of the project? Who gives the price? How the amount distributed among all involved? How architect’s profit calculated?
7. How to find good creative employees and how many do i need for start?
8. What are the major occupations i should have?
9. Business plan
10. Where do i pay taxes? In the country i leave, or in the country where business is?
11. Research similar companies: what kind of projects, where located, how many people working, their salaries, insurances, benefits.. etc

I believe these steps will help me to understand better the whole business idea and help me to move forward toward my dream job more faster and wisely.

For the final project, I have to say that I am interested in two topics. The first topic would be about starting your own business. In my “Dream Career” essay, I said that I would like to open my own company. So, evaluating the steps I would have to take to eventually reach that goal would be interesting. The second topic would be about diversity in Architecture. This topic has always interested me just because as a woman who is visibly Muslim, I do expect people to doubt and judge me based on my looks. Even though I shouldn’t have to worry about something like that happening because if I can do the job then looks shouldn’t matter. These two topics interest me the most just because I feel like I can learn from both and improve in knowledge about both.  

When I think about opening a business, I think about all the steps that I would have to take to get there. My approach to this topic would be to ask myself and research what goes into starting a business from scratch? Would I need an Architect’s license to open my own company? How much money and time I will have to put into it to get it open? What about the people that will be joining my company? How will I expand and reach out to others? I feel like there should be a plan and certain steps you must put into place to start your own company. Then to get it started and making actual money takes time. It is known that the first five years of a business are the most difficult. Taking on this topic would be interesting to help explain and maybe plan out something for any of our classmates that do want to open a business as well.  

Diversity in Architecture is a topic that interests me because there are so many people from different backgrounds joining this career. They add more to our community rather than lessen it. When Professor Mishara showed us the photo of the NCARB, I honestly was not shocked that they were all white males. But I just felt sad because other people of different backgrounds could add more knowledge and perspective to this very important organization. I understand that tradition is important but sometimes change, can allow that organization to grow. So, my approach to this topic would be to research what happens when you go for a job interview. What factors matter and what do not? Do firms follow the rule of “we do not discriminate against any person of color or ethnicity”? We should be promoting different ethnicities, sexes, religions, etc. in the workplace while sharing our love for Architecture.