Life as a Graduate of Architecture

We asked Naomi Swotwa about life as a Graduate of Architecture, take a read.

I’m now a few years into life as a graduate architect and to put it simply nothing about this journey is linear, some may say it’s more like a rollercoaster ride blindfolded, never knowing when you’ll drop. Maybe that’s an exaggeration but nonetheless it’s still been one fun and crazy ride. If architecture school was a controlled chaos of models, pin ups, deadlines, and critiques, post graduate life is a new kind of chaos: translating theory you should have paid more attention to into practice while learning the unspoken language of professionalism. 

Shifting from conceptual thinking to real world constraints was one of the biggest challenges. From designing ambitious spaces that not only pushed boundaries but also R-codes and local council regulations to learning how to balance vision with regulation, budgets, clients expectations, and most humbling of all structural feasibility. If I actually went through some of my old designs I bet 80% would not be structurally sound as I would not have accounted for any accuracy.

Another learning curve was that I was no longer just working on my own design, everything started being collaborative which has been both grounding and exciting. Learning the importance of constant collaboration and communication within a team to keep projects running efficiently and smoothly has been a very eye opening experience. Knowing that I am a small piece of a bigger puzzle that brings a project together has been a very surprising experience going from working solo to a collaborative design. Understanding that I’m part of a team that not only includes architects both senior and highly experienced but also, designers, draftspersons, consultants, suppliers, builders, contractors and clients all working together to bring a project to life.

There’s a steep learning curve no one really prepares you for. Archicad models need to be precise as Julian has been so nice to drill into me constantly. I’ve learnt the hard way that inaccurate modeling can be the difference between a job taking a few hours or a few days. A mistake I have vowed to make less off. Building codes aren’t suggestions, they are strict guidelines that build the framework of most designs. Time management isn’t about all nighters anymore, it’s about deliverables, meetings, and deadlines that affect the entire team. As I have learnt the hard way, a lack of time management not only affects me it affects the project and the team who potentially have to help rectify my own mistakes. It takes a lot of learning and ownership to improve and get better at something that seems so simple yet takes a lot of patience to become an ingrained behaviour.

I’ve made plenty of mistakes. I’ve labeled files with the wrong name, forgotten to send important emails and had poor time management which has led to a project running behind schedule. I’ve had to ask what felt like obvious or simple questions. But I’ve also picked up and learned a lot and I’ve started to realise that being a graduate architect doesn’t mean pretending to know everything, it means being eager to learn and make mistakes. Listening to those around me who are experienced and willing to observe and learn through helping with various things like documentation has been very crucial in my role as a graduate. 

There’s a quiet pride in seeing your work contribute to something real and beautiful. Whether it’s documenting part of a drawing set that gets approved, rendering a model for a drawing package, or just being part of the design process has been incredibly rewarding. I recently went on my fourth site visit and finally seeing the details I’ve drawn in real life was surreal. Finally being able to recognise them and see how they come together in real life was a nice full circle moment. I’m excited to see what the future holds, hoping to continue learning because as I’ve learnt there are a lot more details to learn but I’m excited to continue learning and working on more gorgeous homes.

Architecture is a long game. From sketching to building models with pasta, to finally designing and modelling in 3D, the skills to be a good architect doesn’t happen overnight. But every day I learn a little more, contribute a little more, and feel a bit more like the architect I’ve always wanted to become.

This chapter has just begun and I’m excited to see where it leads.

Naomi