How to Be a Professional Building Designer
On the face, a building designer is responsible for the creative and efficient planning of buildings. The task is both an art-where your creativity is needed, and science where you have rules to follow. You have the chance to draw iconic structures and others that will be voted as the worst designs. Get help from the best assignment writing service and begin the journey towards one of the most lucrative careers in the world today.
It takes time, passion, training, and experience to become a building designer. Your creativity and passion must be sanctioned through certification. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to be a professional building designer.
Learn more about the industry
The building industry is wide. It accommodates numerous professionals, each playing a unique role that complements that of another. Before choosing to be a building designer, know what it will entail and the people you will be working with. You must also know what to expect in your work environment. For instance, you could be expecting to work in an office only to realize that most of your time will be spent in the field.
Researching the industry helps you to pinpoint your area of interest. For instance, you could be interested in architecture but have no idea of the sleepless nights the designers spend even on the smallest projects. Read magazines, talk to tutors in the department, and visit designers at their place of work. By the time you choose the design profession, you will be sure that it is the industry you want to work in.
Enroll in a building design college
Buildings are designed following a set of principles. It has to adhere to particular spacing, lighting, drainage, and functionalities, among other aspects. You learn about them in college. It is, therefore, paramount to enroll in a building design course in college.
Choose a college that offers the best architectural design training. The quality of your skills will depend on the kind of training you get. You could consider evaluating the building design professionals who have graduated from the school. The achievements of the alumni list will give you an idea of the quality of training that happens in a school. The college experience also molds the early stages of your building design career.
Network with professionals in the building industry
Start interacting with building design professionals as early as the first day upon enrolling in college. Networking opportunities give you an idea of how the industry works. It helps you to make the right decisions on joining the profession and especially map your path.
Networking events are organized by professional bodies. They bring together designers who are already working in the industry. These are your future employers. Alumni organizations also host networking events, giving you a chance to meet professionals you will be working with within the industry. Make friends and learn everything possible about the industry.
Start working in the industry before graduation
Use semester and year break to start working as a building designer. You may even take the option of attachment or internship a few hours a week working under a qualified building designer. Such opportunities help to sharpen your understanding of the building design industry.
Building design requires personal initiative. Employers will rarely look at your papers because the industry is self-driven. Build a portfolio by designing without an order. You practice the principles learned in class but also build a portfolio that you will use to grab the attention of potential employers.
Identify a mentor
Which company offers the best Architectural engineering services and is within reach? Do you have a designer whose work is captivating? Visit such professionals and request their mentorship. Seniors and alumni in your department also offer mentorship services.
Mentors help you to learn the industry faster. They are already in the industry and will guide you on how to be the best designer. Through their experience and networks, they will help you to secure a job or even sub-contract the minor projects coming through their pipeline.
Pass your exams
While building design is more practical than theoretical, you must pass the exams. There are various levels of study, including certificate, diploma, and bachelor’s degree. Since certification depends on your performance in class, you must target to attain top grades.
Among the tricks to help you pass exams is to practice what you learn in class. For instance, begin drawing simple buildings in your first year. Waiting until graduation to begin means that you will be an amateur despite possessing certificates. Pass your exams to qualify for certification and also give your employer confidence that you know what designing buildings require.
Pursue certification
Upon attaining your certificate, diploma, or degree, it is time to be a certified building designer. Certification is done by professional bodies. You have to pass your college exams then work under a qualified designer during the assessment period. Students who start networking early have an easy time with certification.
Certification allows you to work in the industry. It gives your customers confidence that you belong to a professional body. The accompanying training will also help you to be more practical in your approach as opposed to the theory you learn in class. You are required to take continuous training classes to update your knowledge about the industry.
Work under an experienced professional Building Designer
While building designers can work alone, it is advisable to team up with a seasoned designer who will guide you on how to penetrate the industry. You work on minor and major projects together, helping you to understand processes. You can only acquire some of the building design tricks when working on actual projects. Utilize the experience of professionals already working in the industry to learn. You can carry the same experience to go forth and start your firm.
The best professional building designers are driven by passion. They go to class to enhance their creativity and master the basic principles. Start working on minor projects as soon as you enroll in a college course. Work with seasoned designers to learn more about the industry before venturing into a solo career path.
In case you need any assistance feel free to contact us!
—
Author Bio:
Adrian is a content writer and homework assistant at domyhomework123.com. He has also taken interest in guiding students to do better in their careers. He emphasizes building a more comprehensive college experience for easier transition upon graduation