2nd Last week of work..

I'm sad and happy that we are finishing work next weer. I have enjoyed this year very much and feel it has showed me what to expect when I finish after Btech. It has also helped me to understand architecture to a large extent. I think working for a friendly and vibrant firm has helped me to approach architecture differently. My boss has given me work with responsibilities I never thought I would be offered and only dreamed of getting this year.

I was fortunate enough to get a private job which went incredibly well, I had meetings with the client and  formulated the brief with him, I drafted, designed and measured up during this project. I had also done a fair amount of research for my specifications. My boss was kind enough to guide me through the project and even complimented me on my works.

During the construction phase I walked through the plans with the builder to ensure that he has covered and highlighted the necessary sections. Seeing my very own design being built is one of the most uplifting feelings. It has given me more confidence in what I am studying and I have surprised myself in all this too.

You can do whatever you put your mind to..

Almost holidays

This week and last has been great although I'm getting a bit tired of doing rider plans... Next week we are measuring up again for another renovation. I am very pleased with the amount of work I have managed to do this year and how much I have learnt along the way.

The design-build project is something to forever remember and I share it with all the people around me.
Having second year as prac year is the best! Not only is it a "break" from the studies but I have a good understanding of what the real world is all about. I have enjoyed it so much and I am tempted to stay another year!

Ciao

Good week

This week has been good so far! My boss took me to a site meeting to formulate the brief with the clients. I learnt a few things on that trip and enjoyed interacting with the clients. I have realised again that doing renovations for a client or designing a new house from scratch can be quite intense! Anyhoo.. I saw a renovation that I drafted a few months ago which looks great! It's pretty awesome seeing something built after designing it.

I had so much fun last week with our design build project and has encouraged me to go beyond the mere design and study technologies with regards to sustainability more than ever.

gtg, bye!

This is going to be a LOOOOONG week!

I'm staying in late each day so that I can work in some of my hours while I'm off on block 3.

I have lots to study although I have already started and am up to date with all my work..

let me get back to work :)

ciao!

deadlines deadlines!

This week has been quite busy as my boss was off for a few days, sick. She's had a lot of catching up to do and so I've had to work extra fast to keep a good pace! I have been to council twice this week and last week I was there 3 times! The staff at council catch me there during their lunch breaks and ask me if I love being at council haha... Well no!

At least they have some sense of humor :)

I'm really looking forward to the building of one of my boss' project that will only be going up next year. I'm sure I will get to see the final product and I'm crossing thumbs and hoping that this house will go in the top billing program!

Back to lunch so I can finish my tech work!

xx

long week...

This week felt really long, with lots of work to get through! My boss has been sick and it's quiet without her. Hopefully she's healthy and back on monday!

Today i did the usual council drill and bumped into Kenneth :)
Was quite strange seeing a tech buddy during working hours. In that respect I'm looking forward to being with my friends everyday.. pretty much.

At the moment I'm having a debate with the technologist about what radio station is best and well... he's been here longer than me so he gets preference :p ahhhh!

Anyway I'm really excited for the MIP coming up and joining the rest of the crew this weekend to design :) woohoo!

Oh and perhaps I will be going to a lecture by Heinrich Wolff next week monday :) that's gona be a gooooood monday! yeah :p

ciao!

GREEEEEEN!

Today Enrica took me to council and there we had a meeting with one of the council staff with regards to some queries on a departure. Basically it all lead to talk on Green design and when are the documents going to be applicibale and apply to us? This has not yet been confirmed but we left there a little more confused than anything else haha

anyway gtg

mid week

It feels like this week is going to be long for some reason.. with the MIP project, the ball coming up and of course work it's gona be a tough one.

My boss has been sick the past few days and is still here! what a legend haha
she never gives up!

gtg

see you!

Slow....

This week I have had quite a load of work to get through and for some reason I have been working pretty slow. Perhaps it's due to the fact that the design changes every so often.. I'm not too sure.

During the holidays I am most definitely going to teach myself revit as I am prone to mistakes when changing something on plan I forget to change the amendment on elevation and visa versa.

Over the weekend I drove to PE with some friends to go to a ball. I met so many people and one of which was a girl studying architecture in PE. I'm so keen to go to Archi congress after speaking to her but I've left it for too late... next time!

Also, I have started reading a book called "the Fountainhead"(to do with architecture of course..), so far so good! will keep you updated on that one.

ciao!

New Plotter

This week we got a new printer as the one at work was getting old and troublesome.

I went to council twice that week and to do other errands. I have quite a few projects to draft and admin to follow up on!

Late blog update

Last week was a pretty busy week, I went to council 3 days in a row. I'm feeling more comfortable going to council as I know who to speak to about what and I understand the jargon used there. All seems to be a lot clearer to me in the industry now days.

Yesterday I received my marks for my hub presentation and I'm not happy with my progress but will try again for the next hand-in. I think I took on too much this year and haven't managed my tech work too well, also I have become too rational in my designs and thought process.... It's going to be difficult to get over it but I will.

Gtg

last week

last week block 2, I had a great time and learnt new things about architecture, different technologies, concepts and had a good response with regards to my presentation..

I thought Andy Horne was AMAZING! his talk was different and had my attention throughout the whole period. He is inspirational!

I have learnt from black 2 to be more risk taking and free with my work.. need to use my right side of my brain a little more and the left side a little less. Also, to come up with some strategies on how to design environmentally friendly buildings... 

gtg get to work

ciao!

oh! this morning I got to work and my boss had left a gift on my table for my birthday while I was away :p she's a great boss!

crunch time

So next week is Tech hand-ins and I have so much work to finish at the office...

Today I went to council in both Town and Milnerton to ask a few questions with regards to zoning, heritage etc. Also what I did was collect 2 sets of plans and inquired old house plans for a client. I did foget to follow up on a SDP hand in which has been in council for over 6 months!!! that's soooooo long it's unbelievable how long such a simple thing can take.

Anyway I enjoyed my time spent at the town muni, the people there are witty and weird but cool!

Back to work! woohoo

design

Today my boss and I had a long meeting, sketching up some desings and sorting out admin.

Admin is such a nightmare with small projects.. so much to file, email, people to call etc.

Council has been such a pain the past few days and still hasn't found a set of old house plans I inquired for a few weeks ago. It's a mssion following up with them.

Else I'm very busy and have loooooooooots of work to do!

Ciao

SICK LEAVE...

This week I have been off sick since Tuesday and it's horrible!!!

I think I'll go back tomorrow... I got work from Enrica to do at home for the mean time so I'm not missing out on too much.

Anyhoo

ciao!

Oh dear..

Today I got the photocopier jammed.. well not really, wasn't my fault it stopped working! Anyway my boss is pleased with my work so far, she emailed me from her trip away. I am bust with drafting some plans and contacting clients, engineers, council.. the usual. I sometimes wonder if there's ever going to be one 'chilled' day.. no I don't think so.

Gota get back to some work!

See you

WEEKEND PLEASE HURRY!

I'm so tired.. been feeling a bit sick the past few days but I seem to be on top of things with my work.
Enrica is on holiday for 2 weeks.. I have lots of work to finish off. Yesterday I was making an appointment for the engineer to meet with me on site Friday afternoon, should be interesting as I'm pretty much dealing with this project via email to the client and Enrica. She is impressed with the work I have done so far which is great!

Gota go

ciao!

LAST WEEK AND THIS WEEK...

Lat week was eventful! I went to council 3 times. I had a meeting with one of the clients as well as run around doing some errands with my boss. Was interesting driving around with an architect... almost crashing into the robots as well as driving up a one way by accident!! all due to the fact that we were staring and commenting on all the different styles of architecture in century city haha.

This week and the next my boss is away and i get to come in later which is great! i can now do some extra tech work. I have lots to do in so little time. Just so happens that the fashion show I'm organising is in the same week of block 2!!! Ahhhh that's going to be a stressful week.

Anyway gtg

Ciao!

MONDAYZZZZ....

Today started off with one loooooooooooooong meeting! My boss is going away next week and is preparing us with loads of work. I have pages full on notes and print outs all admin and drafting oh and council submissions. We are still so busy it's crazy!

Gota go finish some work now ciao!

WORK WORK WORK

This week has been very productive, I went to council twice this week thus far and have submitted plans for a building in watersedge. I have to add that my boss did an amazing job and I truely admire her works, she's very creative and doesn't ever hesitate when coming up with an idea. The free flow (open plan) is very evident in this structure and I can't wait to see it once it has been built!

I helped chose some of the finishes and get qotes, I didn't work entirely on this project.
I have finished up a few BBBC enclosed balconies this week which have gone to the HOA for approval.
They are quick easy jobs :)
I have a lot to draft as we measured up 3 factories last week as well as a house in Sunset Links and offices in Table View. It's amazing how much work we have!

Anyway gota get back to work :)
ciao! 

short week!

Last week i was off sick for two days and had the thursday off as it was a public holiday.
On the friday I went to town to collect some plans that were submited to K M H for review.
We found that having done those plans and taken them to the review committee a waste of time as the clients would like to add to the project, I'm waiting for confirmation on what to do next.

Yesterday we went to measure up a house in Flamingo Vlei which was built over 20 years ago and very modern given the period it was built. The house is very cold and damp in some areas but has great potential.

I'm going to be redrafting that house sometime from next week. At the moment I'm busy with the design stage on  a house in Blouberg, Shell road. This house is small, given the amount of bedrooms. Enrica and I have discussed different options and will be sent off to the client by the end of the week, once I have finished with a council drawing for a house in Arum Rd, Table View.

gtg see you! 

Fresh week!

This week seems to be going slowly but I'm working much faster and more efficiently. I think I've have most defiantly got into the swing of things. Yesterday I prepared some plans which my boss had not yet told me to do and when she came back from the meeting she asked me to do that specific task and well.. I had already done it :) I think my boss is pretty impressed with my work even though sometimes I slip in the admin side of things.

See ya!

AGAIN...

Today I went to council twice! Ah three times already in one week is toooo much for me :p

I have completed quite a large sum of work today as well as answering all the calls as the receptionist is off sick today oh and yesterday.

Anyway gota get bk to some work!

What a day...

So today I dropped off 3 set of plans at the Home Owner's Association that I recently drew up for Big Bay Beach club (minor alterations). After that I went to council for about 1 - 2 hours. I waited for so long in the line as the man standing in front had council lose his submissions which were close to complete so you can imagine it was quite a scene. oh! and he didn't want to fill in the new council forms which he shouldn't have anyway because his plans were submitted in Feb already which was long before the new council forms were complete.

Then.... I get to town planning to have the 2 sets of plans stamped and thank goodness no departures were give, phew! BUT I stood there for ages as there was another man arguing with the person in charge who had to sign off our plans.. ahhhh!

Anyway while waiting in the line there was some guy who needed help and so.. I helped him. He is a builder and wanted to find out the procedures of submitting plans and getting the rules and regs all sorted. He wanted to get a family member to draw it all up but they are inexperienced and well I'm not too sure how that's all going to go.. He's got a lot of learning to do.

Anyway I got to work and my boss had my signed monthly form with the marks on my desk, well I have such a good response! I'm so happy to see she is noticing my progress :)

ciao!

Last week

Last week was good as far as I can remember, I went to council to submit some drawings I produced this year. The new council forms are a waste of paper and all those pages are so unnecessary! Anyway my boss bought cake to work that week and we went to two site visits which was great. We measured up two houses, one in melkbos and the other in Frenaye. The house in Fresnaye is an old house which is most likely going to have to go through heritage for departure and the house in melkbos had a thatch roof.. I'm going to be redrafting both these drawings with no reference to any plans as there are none, yoooh!

Got to get back to the studies now,

See you!

CRUNCH TIME!

This week and last have been yet again very busy. I'm drawing up plans on caddie, designing in some cases, taking care of admin, going to council, calling clients and the list goes on...
I have tons to get through today and I'm hoping I'll find some time to breathe throughout the course of today..
Else all is good! We have a lot of laughs here at the office although last week I forgot to take a cheque with one of the drawings to council.. as you would have guessed, my boss wasn't too happy. I have a check list to ensure I now have all I need every time I go to council (not some place you want to visit twice for no reason)

Preparation:

1. Print 4 sets of plans (5 if part of an estate - get plans signed by HOA)
2. Get the architect to sign the plans
3. Make sure council submission forms are filled in correctly (architect and owner to sign)
4. Title deed copy
5. Cheque or cash for scrutiny fees

At Council:

1. Get scrutiny fees invoice from "submission: building plans"
2. Get stamps from "Town Planning Department" and "Heritage Department"
3. Pay Plans scrutiny fees at the "cash office"
4. Submit plans to "submissions: building plans"

So now you know what to do for council submissions and hope that you don't get your plans back for amendments!

RUSH RUSH RUSH!

Hello!

I have been so busy the past two weeks which have been great as I'm getting lots of fun and interesting work at the office but my tech work is falling behind as I don't have a minute to spare during my office hours. My cap ran out and changing from CADDIE to AUTOCAD has been a challenge but I'm getting there.

I'm getting so much work handed to me! I have the same amount and at most times, more work than the technologist. Last week I went to measure up, go to storm and water and to council to drop off some plans.. PHEW!

Anyway I have to go! I will update my blog with my experience at DECOREX next :) It was great!

Chat soon!

What's been happening?

In the past week the firm has been really busy, new council forms, new projects coming in, calls, drawing, designing, the works! I'm glad I have been very busy and not bored, also I have been given interesting work to do. My boss has beeen kind enough in sharing her design process with me! I'm so lucky..

Today I'm busy with 3 out of the 5 projects, it's been hectic trying to keep my head above the  water but I like the challenge.

I have been discussing my hub project with the technologist that I work with and he quite likes my idea so I'm happy about that.

Last week friday it was one of the staff member's birthday and there was so much cake and food I didn't even eat my lunch mmmmmmm.

Got to go, chat soon!

Design Porcess

Follow my PSS tab for design process info!

This year.... The best!

Hello!!!

I am enjoying this year so much despite the minor challenges!

That's all I have to say for today :)

Ciao!

Hello!

I'm so tired and they day feels like it's never going to end..
Anyway I'm not complaining :) I have really nice projects lined up and I'm busy with 5 at the moment.
The one site lets call it House A, is placed at a strange angle on the site but it's a nice challenge.
Re drafting can be interesting when you match up the existing to the original house plans. Often some walls are far off or some things don't even exist!

Anyway I have to go finish off some more work.

Ciao!

4th April*

Today I'm feeling really tired... Monday Blues haha

I am working on 3 projects at the moment and have been very busy trying to follow up with council on projects handed in and their amendments etc.

My reason for not uploading my office work on the blog is that my boss does not approve of this idea and if I were her it would possibly be the same. Her worry is that contractors and other developers in the area may see her work and all her work is confidential.

Anyway let me get back to my work!
ciao! :)

OFFICE WORK with Enrica van der Linden

HOT CHOCOLATE

Yes today my boss made me hot chocolate!was a nice I was very happy about that and it was a lovely reward after a long morning. I'm still busy with the design of the one project and keeps changing as the next door neigbours never agree to anything! it can be so annoying.... Anyway it's starting to look really good and I am impressed with Enrica's approach on things. She is very open to trying new things and what's best is that she actually takes my opinion in to consideration. She's great to work for and helps me with a lot.

To be continued :) 

Short Week at work

This week has gone by very fast, possibly because Monday was a public holiday. I enjoyed my day off although during that time I caught up on work, sleep, admin work for HSA and meetings. The HSA (Hellenic Student Association) for those of you who are not familiar, the HSA is an organisation which raises funds for bursaries as well as creating bonds with Greek students. We are governed by NAHYSOSA which controls the funds as well as making sure all the committees work up to their standards. This week Friday we are sailing off on the Jolly Roger and YES! I am dressing up haha

Anyway, work is going well and is so busy.

to be continued...

14 MARCH

Last week was one busy week! Hence I did not publish my weekly post on Friday.

Last week I was given the task to redraft a house which was drawn up by a local architect but the plans did not reach the construction stage as the clients were not happy with the architects design. As a result the clients approached my boss and asked her to alter the plans.

I was to redraft this non existent house and later print it out for my boss to re design certain aspects of this house. The site is located in Bay View and has the most spectacular view of the sea and table mountain. 

I was ready and had everything printed to present to my boss, Enrica van der Linden, last week Tuesday. During our meeting we were looking at the plans and continuing with the new design. I was given the privilege to draw up some designs of my own and to combine my thoughts with hers.

Today we are to discuss the final designs and hopefully she chooses some of mine.

I will update my blog with the next phase of this assignment

To be continued..... 

WICKED!! *Toronto Museum

*ONE OF MY FAVOURITE - guggenheim museum, bilbao

STRANGE BUILDINGS

Taipei Performing Arts Center by NL Architects

*1 MARCH

Last week the heat really tired me out and working was difficult even though we had the air-con!
No measuring up took place during that week but I did go to council a few times. The people there take forever to assist, I must recommend the council in town they are the best so far.

My boss  is still pleased with the work I'm producing and I have to add that she's a pleasure to work for, she helps me a lot when I'm stuck or if I have any questions to ask.

I'm excited to see the next renovation or building go up as one of them I would have redrafted and given a bit of in put here or there.

Today I bought biscuits to work and it's now one o'clock... they are pretty much gone :) haha

Anyway I have lots of work to do and to catch up on.
Until next time.....

ARCHITECT SEAN LOGIE*

Here's his website. it's worth looking at! :)

http://logiearchitect.co.za/

Architect Andrew Nimmo*

Hey Guys check out this blog!

http://nimmoarchitect.blogspot.com/

*FRIDAY 18 FEB

This week was quite HECTIC!! I went to site with my boss on Wednesday.

The brief for this project is to add a study area, extend the garage, dress room and cover the patio by the braai area. It took us a whole morning to measure up and take notes. The house is located in Sunset Links which overlooks the beautiful ocean. I was fortunate enough to be part of the meeting with the clients and my boss.

Today we measured up an entire house as there were no plans for reference. This project is another renovation which will be interesting as it's a big house with a breath taking view and has a lot of potential for further alterations. The interiors and finishes I must say are not my taste! everything is brown and nothing matches. I took not on the spiral stair case, it's roughly 840mm in width which is far too narrow, I also did not like the window and door frames as they were metal frames but not nicely finished. I'm a timber person through and through!

Anyway there is more to follow!

To be continued... 

*11 & 14 FEB

Last week Friday left me with soooo much admin to do this Monday but slowly slowly the mountain of papers fade. I discovered a whole cupboard full of stationary this week as I had to go to coucil with all the right equipment! :) That day I had to go to council (town) and to KMH Architects to submit and collect. One of which I drew up myself. We drove around for a while as the bld no. of KMH was hidden.

Today (Monday) my boss bought in some amazing choc chip muffins... lucky for us :).
About work! I started editing the rider plan on a house of 1007sqm - HUGE.

to be continued....

*GROUP 1

MEETING 1

PROJECT LINE UP

GROUP MEMBERS:

1.        ALEXIA

2.        KENNETH

3.        MICHAEL

4.        TRUTTER

5.        EMANUEL

6.        HENDRIK

7.        CARIEN

8.        TEBUO

9.        ALFRED

10.     KYLE

11.     FRANCIOS

12.     YUSUF

13.     HERMAN

…DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE…

EVERYONE IS TO PARTICIPATE SOME WAY OR ANOTHER, IF NOT YOU WILL BE PENALISED AS I AM TO WRITE UP A REPORT ON WHO DID WHAT. IF ANYONE IS MISSING FROM THE GROUUP LIST PLEASE INFORM ME.

DATE DUE:                          TASK:                                                                                                                                       

18 FEB                                   AIM: COMPLETE BASE DRWGS FOR DUE DATE. THIS INCLUDES; THE EXISTING SITE DIAGRAM, PLAN, SECTION (x2 if needed), ELEVATION(x3).

…ALLOCATED TAKS… NB: READ!!!

THIS WILL ONLY WORK IF EVERYONE DOES WHAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO AND MEETS THEIR GIVEN DUE DATE. THE WORK WILL BE PASSED ALONG VIA EMAIL UNLESS THE WORK MAY BE DROPPED OFF FROM ONE TO THE OTHER. PASS THE INFO. VIA EMAIL ON AUTOCAD AND PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR DRAWINGS ARE NEAT AND LEGIBLE.

DATE DUE:                          TASK:                                                                                                                                   

18 FEB                                   ALL GROUP MEMBERS   - EVERYONE GIVE ME PICTURES OR ANY OTHER

                                                VALUBLE INFO.  THAT WAS GATHERED ON SITE, SKECHES WILL BE GREAT!!

                                                READ THE ABOVE TO UNDERSTAND THE FOLLOWING!!!

                                                If external elevations are not possible, draw up as an internal elevation. PASS INFO FROM 1 TO 7.NB!!! SEND THROUGH YOUR WORK THE MORNING OF THE DUE DATE.

                                               

START - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Due dates: 14th                     1. KENNETH & TRUTTER – WORK ON THE PLAN TOGETHER

15th                                       2. MICHAEL – SITE DIAGRAM

16th                                       3. HERMAN – CROSS SECTION A-A, HENDRIK – HORIZONTAL SECTION B-B

18th                                       4. EMANUEL – NORTH ELEVATION & SOUTH (if do-able),

     KYLE – EAST ELEVATION, FRANCIOS - WEST ELEVATION

------------------------------------------SEND CAD/ CADDIE DRAWINGS TO ME---------------------------------------

15th                                       5. CARIEN – PHOTOS!!! AND INTERVIEW NOTES

16th                                       6. ALFRED – DOCUMENTATION. ZONING, ERF, TITLE DEEDS(if possible)

END - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -                7. SEND EVERYTHING TO ME! (ALEXIA)   

*TEBUO – THANK YOU FOR THE EMAIL WITH THE SKETCH UP MODEL!!!

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU DO THE GIVEN TASKS AND READ EVERYTHING, HIGHLIGHT IF YOU MUST!

THANKS, ALEXIA* (CONTACT INFO BELOW)      

*OFFICE WORK - Feb 9th

So far so good. The day feels so much longer when I don't go to site or go to council.
I'm busy with 3 projects at the moment adding the finishing touches.
I'm happy to say I haven't felt lost and overloaded with minor work, all is good.

This week I finished two projects both of which were re drafts and additions. My boss is satisfied with the work that I've produced and I'm relieved that she's happy.

I have learnt this week that the best way to market your firm is by word of mouth therefore you have to always leave people with a good impression. I'm lucky Enrica shares this information with me. Another thing she said to me this week is that one should never turn away anything if you can do it. For example when she first started her own firm she did a very small renovation involving an outside cover for a pool area, the client was very satisfied with what she had done. Soon after the completion of that small project, the client phoned back to ask her if she could do a housing complex for a family friend of his. That project landed up being one of the largest project she did on her own. There were approximately 70 houses in that complex. In conclusion never turn away a small project because it just might lead you to something bigger! :)

My first week at work*

During my first week at work I was required to learn a new program called Caddie. It took my one morning to learn Caddie which was great as my boss was very pleased with my fast pace. That same day I was handed a project which was a re draft of an existing house in Sunset Links.

The technologist is very easy to work with and gives me guidance from time to time. Enrica, the architect, is also very helpful and welcoming. I enjoy working with her as she is eager to teach me new and valuable things about office work and meeting clients.

The other day I was to take notes during the meeting, type them up and print them. I have done very little admin at the firm but I'm sure I will be given far more to do. I am also busy with another project which requires some additions to the house, once I have re drafted the existing building I am required to draw up the additions.

All is good so far and I'm looking forward to the bigger tasks.

Block 1: Introduction to my personal experience*

Block 1 was very eventful! I learnt a lot about different approaches one can take on design and CONCEPT. The guest speakers were AMAZING! They were inspirational and will influence myself as a designer. I find that in my designs I HAVE to seek inspirational and precedent, it plays a big role in my design process.. so I'm glad I was introduces to these architects.

.... What amazes me the most about architects is that they are all so different in their approaches to design and of course their designs are all unique and different. To me a great architect is one whom can umm its in my head I can't explain it but WILL get back to it!....

I LOVE symbolism in architecture and innovation in the use of space. I am always intrigued at how space is formulated by concept & function and how form is created by function :)  I hate box like plans that represent no conceptual idea!

I found the Mac Daddy inspirational as they made use of Alien Vegetation as their structure base - helping our natural environment and at the same time providing shelter :)

to be continued..........