Ask a Mentor: Project Management & Design
The LEED Certified Project Manager interviewed below has been a Mentoring Connections mentor since January 2009. He has six years of design and project management experience with corporate, educational and institutional clients and four years of experience with residential projects from private houses and high-end condominiums to public housing.
(Q) In your experience, what are some of the knowledge gaps of foreign-trained architects looking to practice in BC?
(A) One of the knowledge gaps is with regards to business communication, both verbal and written. For example, knowing how one interacts with clients, consultants and supervisors in the BC workplace is an important skill to learn.
New immigrants may also be unfamiliar with BC building codes, by-laws and regulations, and construction knowledge specific to our Canadian climate. For example, it’s important to be familiar with woodframe construction, building envelope (exterior), waterproofing and thermal insulation.
(Q) What tips would you give to newly-arrived immigrants to help them prepare for assessment of their education and architectural experience by RAIC and AIBC, and for entrance to the internship program?
(A) Be sure to contact the associations right away, and find out which documents are required. Have them ready ahead of time! For example, find out whether diplomas, certificates or licenses from other countries need to be translated into English and notarized. I would recommend starting the evaluation process with AIBC as soon as possible, as all the paperwork and assessment will take time.
(Q) Current market conditions are challenging for architects in BC. What are some interim or entry-level job targets an immigrant architect could consider while undergoing accreditation and/or training in Canada (to use transferable skills or gain contacts or experience). Please suggest possible jobs and some of the qualifications for each job.
(A) A drafting position is often a good way to get your foot in the door, however this could be challenging with the excess of draftspeople at the moment. Any construction-related work experience would be valuable, as it will help you learn Canadian architectural terminology. Some examples are working as a part of a construction crew, as a retail associate at a hardware store or with specification writing. You could also consider any position that would improve your business communication skills, whether it be verbal communication and oral presentations, or business writing such as letters, memos and emails.
(Q) What other industry trends have you noticed?
(A) There is definitely a trend towards green design and sustainability. In terms of software, some firms are starting to use Revit instead of AutoCAD, and are also taking advantage of the free modelling software Sketchup.
(Q) Professional credentials are beginning to be recognized inter-provincially. What is the current situation for architects, and how do you see this changing in the future?
(A) Currently the attitude in BC is still very protective of its local market. Firms here are still not used to hiring new immigrants, particularly if they are foreign trained, compared to other regions in North America like California or New York. However, more and more firms are slowly starting to realize the advantages of hiring well-educated and highly qualified new immigrants in BC. Local architectural practices are beginning to recognize the contribution of such a diverse workforce.*
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Coming Soon- Ask a Mentor: Midwifery…
