Bryan Gatzlaff
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Major: Architecture
Years in the Field: 31
Additional Education: Professional Continuing Education
Current Job Title: Senior Associate / Project Manager
Organization: RSP Architects
How did you find this job?
A fellow graduate of the University recommended me to the firm and suggested that I interview.
Marketing - pursuing new projects, meeting with prospective clients
Hiring - reviewing resumes, conducting interviews
Managing - staff, budgets, and schedules
Reviewing - design, work quality
Checking on construction - progress, pricing, quality of work, schedule
The biggest misconception is that architects are creatively involved every day in the design of buildings. A limited few are involved in the conceptualization of design. A greater number are involved in the execution of that design. And there usually is a significant time period between design opportunities. The biggest surprise I had in entering the field was to discover how little I actually could apply from my education to the workplace. Although I received a great education, I had a lot more to learn. Also, most of the graphic and construction techniques have changed so dramatically since my undergraduate experience that their application is no longer valid.
Focus your undergraduate education on an area of interest. If you have a passion for a specific market sector or discipline within architecture, use your time in school to research and understand the needs of that area (healthcare, green architecture, structures, sculpture, office buildings, interiors, exterior enclosures, graphic software, 3D software). It is not enough to be a generalist—you need specific knowledge to compete in the marketplace. What will make you desirable to an employer? What do you know/understand that places you above all the other graduates?