She Draws

She Was Beat

2010-08-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

When I first arrived on campus in 2000 as an Architecture student, we were greeted by the professors of the College of Design. Mostly men, all Caucasian. They stood before the class and advised us that this wasn't going to be easy. We weren't going to have a normal college student life. We would spend most of our lives in the studio. One guy in particular scared the crap out of me. He said,

"if you have a boyfriend or girlfriend break up with them, if you have a job quit, if you have anything going on other than your curriculum in Architecture you will not make it. Don't even make plans to get married or have kids for the next 5 years. Look around the room, most of you people will not be here by the end of the first semester"

He was right, I didn't see a lot of people after the first semester. And two years later I too was gone. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to be an architecture student. I worked two jobs to be able to pay my bills and pay for supplies for my projects. I didn't get much sleep and on many occasions I worked on projects from the time sun went down until it came up. I even took naps in my car in between classes.

After we got our welcome talk, if that's what you want to call it. A very tall slim well dressed lady walked in with spiked heels. She was one of the only female professors...or was she a counselor?I know she was also an Architect. I can't remember. But she was very smart, very professional and very stylish. When I laid eyes on her I could see that being me. The fashion, the whit, the career. I don't remember her name but I do remember she was beat. It's crazy many years from now she's still somewhat of an inspiration.

I'm Back!

2010-08-09T22:39:00.000-07:00

It's been over a month since I've posted on this blog. My apologies.....
I hope to start school March 28th so that means I have six months to get a portfolio together,apply and be ready to start this journey.

I'd been away a while trying to make sure I do want to go back into this industry. My second career choice was Finance in the area of investments. Well Architecture won.

I hope to be relocating by the end of the year to the city where I plan to attend school. I'm nervous and excited all into one. I've both heard and read it can take years to build your reputation as a great Architect but I'm open to many careers under this field,especially education. Professor.Doesn't that sound great.

I'm going to email the college to see what they would expect from me in a portfolio to be admitted into their college of Design. A short goal list will be necessary for this to flow smoothly.

Pay a debt to my old University so I can gain access to my transcripts
Prepare a Portfolio
Apply to the University (and be accepted)
Have my drafting table shipped to me (currently in my hometown at a friends house who isn't talking to me....sighs)
Re-up on my drafting, model making, and drawing supplies.
Check out a book on a Career in Architecture.
Research Grant opportunities for Architecture students.
Locate my jump drive that has plenty of old projects and drafted floor plans, blueprints etc.
Relocate to the L.A area.
Find a job that offers tuition reimbursement.
Find a job.
Tap into it

I'm finally at a point in my life where I can make this finally happen. I have no distractions. No kids, no husband.

Comments and Suggestions below...This is going to be fun.

Sincerely,

Wood, Glass and Class-Something In Common

2009-09-30T00:15:00.000-07:00

Manhattan Beach, California Home by Lean Arch

Storage Systems

Diego Dolcini Closed Toe Slip-On's

Museum of Nature & Science plans for Dallas

2009-09-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

Talk about a dramatic design for the Museum of Nature & Science in Dallas. Thom Mayne is the name behind this $185 million Perot Museum of Nature and Science at the Victory Park in Dallas! The exciting news is the project is expected to get kicked off this Autumn.

What is being described as a " living educational tool featuring architecture inspired by nature and science" will showcase 180,000 sq ft of "display and archive space" not too far from downtown Dallas! Sweet!

A surprising 80% of the building will be open to the public in which visitors will have access to "10 exhibition galleries, including a children’s museum and outdoor playspace/courtyard; an expansive glass-enclosed lobby and adjacent outdoor terrace with a downtown view; state of the art exhibition gallery designated to host world-class travelling exhibitions; an education wing; large-format, multi-media digital cinema with seating for 300; flexible-space auditorium; public café; retail store; visible exhibit workshops; and offices" For more info..

I would definitely like to add this to my 1000 great Architectural Creations to see! And you?

What would you CR(e)ATE ?

2009-09-28T21:56:00.000-07:00

I've relocated to CA to a house full of kids. With kids come items purchased in bulk! As if they were cooking for a cafeteria full of students. For the past month or so I've been eyeing the egg crate trying to think of something I would like to do with them. They've been known to be used to sound proof rooms for music artist. But in the eye of the artist anything goes...

Jewelry (Dana-BerKovich Bracelet)

Home Decor (Lantern by Inhabit)

Paintings

Wall Art

And...Spontaneous Architecture(by Architecture Students Joshua Skarf, Yisca Katz and Rebecca David)

(courtesy of BabelArchitectures.blogspot.com)

I think I would place my thoughts more along the line of wall art or furniture. Art is in the eye of the beholder! What would you CR(e)ATE?

Concrete Stained Floors are Fab

2009-09-28T19:47:00.001-07:00

I have always been a fan of concrete stained floors, also known as acid stained floors. They are an elegant look for an inexpensive application! Before I would see them used more in Commercial construction than Residential. But these fabulous floors have made their way in! Here are a few more shots of the acid stained floors!

Some people are using the acid stain on counter tops too but I am not yet sold on that! What do you think?

Ciao!

Los Angeles Art Museum: What a come Back

2009-09-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

It's wonderful to see a come back for a museum that suffured "deep layoffs" during this recession. They announced Thursday that they'd raised close to $60 million within the last nine months.

Thanks to Eli Broad who plegded half of those monies. He's known as "Los Angeles's leadng cultural patron. Thank goodness he was there to bail the museum out! He didn't do it alone so I must give credit where credit is due. Charles E. Young (the chief executive of the museum, reported to the Los Angeles Times that the institution 's trustees had contributed another $16.4 million and the the total for the individual patrons were about $3 million.

"I think it means we've come a long way, and we've got a long way to go"-Charles E. Young

I think the museum will do okay! As long as Young doesn't crack under pressure like our boy Jeremy Strick, who reportedly resigned under pressure!

Here are a few pieces from their current exhibitions!

Feathered Edge: A New Installation by Ball-Nogues Studio Exhibit Dates:7/26/09-11/15/09

Öyvind Fahlström Africa Banner 1966 Exhibit Date: Until 9/28/09

A CHANGING RATIO: PAINTING AND SCULPTURE FROM THE COLLECTION Exhibit Dates:3/1/09-9/28/09

Support the Arts! For more information on visiting MOCA: The Museum of Contemporary Arts Please visit their website!

Becoming an Architect : To Do List

2009-09-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

By me continuing the process of Becoming an Architect as opposed to being a New Student and Living in California, my first steps may be a little different from yours! But with any career it is wise to document what all you must do to become successful in that field. Once you've listed what it is that you need to do you can begin to tackle your to do list!

(Cast Architecture Glenageary Addition)

First I would like to apologize for not giving this blog as much attention as I probably should. It's just that it's kinda hard to get things moving without a JOB! LOL. This is the first to-do list I've put together in becoming a Licensed Architect by the age of 34!

-8 years post -secondary education and or work/experience

I have about 1 more year of education to go and I'll be qualified in this area.

-Work for 1 year under a licensed Architect.

-Complete the comprehensive Intern Development Program.

I was excited to find out there were some firms in my area that participates in IDP program! Yes, I can't wait to contact them about open oppurtunities with their firms. But as I stated before it'll be another year before I can apply for that!

Christopher McFadden Architect
Smith Consulting Architects
WWCOT/Mills Architects

-Take and pass the ARE.
Whom's prices are go going up up up from $170 to $210 per division,in which there are seven.

On 1 October 2009 the new rate of $210 per division will take effect. Candidates can schedule future exam appointments through 31 December 2009 at the current rate of $170 per division

Programming, Practice & Practice
Site Planning & Design
Building Design & Construction Systems
Schematic Designs
Structural Systems
Building Systems
Construction Documents & Services

(If you are in the field of Architecture what books do you recommend would be helpful in studying for the ARE)

-Take and pass the CSE.

I'm not sure what all that is yet! But I'll get back with you on it!

As you can probably tell there are some really big steps I'm going to have to take before I can become an licensed Architect in the State of California! In the meantime I'm going to start my NCARB record (a database that keeps track of your educational and work experience that qualifies you for ARE testing). Like with anything there are fees ($285/$100 for students upfront or recent graduated within 6 months) associated with this process!

I can't wait to start tackling my To-Do list. In fact I feel better already!

Sincerely,

Aspiring Architect

All that schooling....

2009-08-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

I was excited to find that all of that schooling I did may actually pay off. Although I did not complete my 5 years at LSU in the Architecture Program I have done 2 years in Architecture, 2 years in Construction Managment, about 3 months under NSCR, 2.5 years at a technical college for drafting, and had my own construction company (that flopped) for about 3 years registered. I think that is enough to get me in the door to take the ARE.

California is the only state that allows you to take the ARE based on education and experience. You do not have to have your B.A. Wouldn't it be grand if I could reach my goal of becoming a licensed Architect before the age of 34?

I still need to brush up on my technical drawings, CAD, and model making but when I ran across this information it brought joy to my heart. So my first step is getting my transcripts from these colleges! Wish me luck!

"The Board requires a total of five years of educational and/or work experience credit. This requirement can be met in any of the following ways:

By obtaining a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB)*
By a combination of a non-accredited degree in architecture or other discipline plus work experience under the direct supervision of a licensed architect
Solely by work experience under the direct supervision of a licensed architect
*Note that unlike many other states, California does NOT require an accredited degree in architecture for examination and licensure. The NAAB-accredited degree is the most common path and helps tremendously if you wish to practice in other states.

Satisfying the Education Requirement

To be eligible to begin the examination and licensure process in California you must provide verification of at least five years of education and/or architectural work experience.

You can satisfy this five-year requirement in various ways:

Provide verification of a three-year, five-year or six-year professional degree in architecture from a program that is accredited by NAAB or CACB, or
Provide verification of at least five years of educational equivalents:
You will receive a maximum of four years of credits for a professional architecture degree from a non-accredited program (e.g., not accredited by NAAB or CACB).
The Board grants varying amounts of credit for other degrees and for units earned toward degrees. This might include an undergraduate degree in architecture, a degree in a field related to architecture or in another field, and (to a limited extent) units earned toward some degrees, and/or
The Board-approved work experience under the direct supervision of a licensed architect"-

If you too are aspiring to be an Architect I hope this information was helpful if you need more information check out the links to the left! And for a treat check out the worlds smallest house?

Smooches,

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