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Architect Career Interview
Chris Dawson has been an architect for 15 years, and he currently is the sole proprietor of the Chris Dawson Architect firm in Pennsylvania. He has designed a number of projects that have been recognized by The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Architect Career Path
From an early age, Chris was inspired by architecture and knew that field was the one for him.
“When I was very young,” he recalls, “I would ride my bike to soccer practice. On the way, I always saw this unusual synagogue, which was designed by the dean at Syracuse University at that time, and I was amazed by it. I ended up getting my degree at Syracuse.”
Architect Experiences
Chris earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University in New York, gaining experience wherever he could.
“I did internships for professors and professionals at home over the summer when I could get them,” he says.
Chris has worked in several architecture firms in his 15 years of experience, including Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects and Hammel Associates Architects. He currently is the sole proprietor of Chris Dawson Architect located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
He is affiliated with a number of architecture organizations, and he is the current president and board member of the Central Pennsylvania American Institute of Architects (AIA) Chapter.
Architect Degree Programs
To obtain any kind of architecture job, you need at least a Bachelor’s of Architecture, known as a B. Arch, which is different than a Bachelor’s of Art or Science degree. (A B. Arch requires five years of study as opposed to the traditional four-year degree. ) In addition, aspiring architects then need to complete a three-year apprenticeship period.
To succeed, students need plenty of experience to become recognized in the field and to help them stand out against stiff competition competition.
Architect Job Description
Chris is the sole proprietor of Chris Dawson Architect. He has designed many projects there, eight of which have been recognized by the AIA as Design Excellence Award Winners.
Architect Daily Routine
“There is no such thing as a normal day for architects,” Chris explains. “One of the great things about architecture is that every day is different because each is dependent on the types of project you’re working on and at what stage of development they are at.”
In summary, architects’ daily responsibilities entail leading construction projects.
“We need to go about marketing ourselves to land projects,” says Chris. “Once we land a project, we start by understanding the project site, context, and requirements (codes, budget, schedule, etc.), and then develop a conceptual design solution(s), typically in concert with the owner.”
“You then develop a preferred schematic design and a design development package,” he continues, “which starts to paint the picture of all that the project will entail. The next step would be to make construction documents which flesh out the project in its entirety and entails preparing a comprehensive set of drawings and specifications for a contractor to then build.”
“There would typically be a bidding and negotiating period with multiple contractors before the owner selects a contractor. The architect is then typically a representative for the owner during construction, ensuring that the construction is in line with the design intent and built to the appropriate standards.”
This is the normal route of an architect’s work, but the process can change depending on where and with whom the architect works.
“The architect is constantly coordinating with other parties to see a design through,” Chris adds. “such as civil engineers, structural engineers, specialty engineers, and contractors.”
Architect: Steps to Success
“A successful architect needs passion for his craft, and I think that goes for anything,” says Chris. “There are many different roles a successful architect can fill in the design and construction industry, so the specific personality traits vary.”
“If you want to be a design architect (as I am), you need to be strong creatively, persistent, patient, and a strong leader.”
“You could be an architect that has more of a specialty like focusing on construction administration or code issues or production drawings or an expert in curtain walls, and I think that each of those have a different set of traits.”
“The common thread through all of them might be a deep-seeded concern for the built environment,” he adds.
Architect Job Opportunities
Due to the level of competition and the many years of work that go into earning a degree, architecture is a field that takes patience to break into.
“It is a challenging profession,” Chris explains. “Even when I was in school, my freshman class started at about 120, and by the time I graduated, there were about 30 of us.”
Economic crises can also make the job market unpredictable, as building and remodeling plans can be put on hold until conditions improve.
Architect Career Favorite Aspect
“Designing,” says Chris. “I love designing something to solve a client’s problem, and I strive to always exceed my client’s expectations.”
Architect’s Future Ambitions
Chris plans on continuing to grow his successful architectural practice.
Architect Advice
“If you’re interested in pursuing architecture, dig into it,” Chris advises. “Go to an intro to architecture summer program (I went to Cornell’s as a high school junior) or enroll in a local ACE program (Architecture, Construction, & Engineering).
