Posts
Thinking about a career in architecture or interior design? You've picked the right time to do so. According to some Bermudian design/consulting companies, there is a shortage of local talent on the island.
We spoke with several students pursuing careers in this field as well as one of OBM's top interior designers, Michelle Smith, to see how to get involved in this ever-growing industry.
OBM is an international interior design, master planning and architecture firm that began life in Bermuda more than 75 years ago.
This year, in a bid to get young Bermudians involved in the business, they have hired three summer students.
"We encourage students going into the field to make an effort to work in local Bermudian firms early," Ms Smith said.
"If you work somewhere else in the summer you might not have the connections later on."
This year's summer students are kept busy archiving files, site-surveying and preparing drawings - to name a few things.
Ms Smith said that the kind of students they look to take on are those who work well in a team, and those who are not "scared to ask questions."
Also, she said it helps if they are somewhat business-minded.
"Understanding how business works is important," she said.
"You can be as creative as you want but if you can't be business savvy you are only half the way there."
OBM offers advice to their students on where to go to school, how long they will be in school for, and what they can expect after they graduate.
"Many students ask us about doing online courses," she said. "These are okay if you want to do decorating, for example. But work in architecture firm you need a degree."
In fact, it takes four years to get an interior design degree while architects should expect no less than six years at university.
"There is a shortage," Ms Smith explained. "It's hard to find good qualified people."
Vanessa Bean, 22, is one of their summer students and will be attending Savannah College of Art and Design in September. She has worked as a full-time intern for OBM since February.
"Since working at OBM I've found what I like to do, and I know what my strengths are," she said.
"I wanted to be here for years. I was so eager to work here that I started out just wanting to be a volunteer - even if it was just cleaning the library! I just wanted to be in the environment."
Brandon Scott, 20, is at Ryerson University in Toronto and is going into his third year of architecture.
"I don't like it when stuff is repetitive," he said - fresh in the office from a morning of site-surveying at Devonshire Bay.
"That's what I like about this job where each day is different. I like going to sites, getting information, starting with no plans and then suddenly having plans.
"The best part is that you are able to look over the archives through 80 years' worth of projects and history of Bermudian architecture," she said.
Korie Minors, 18, will be going into his second year of his architecture and planning at the University of West England this September. This is his second summer at OGM.
He said: "The best part of the experience is working with people in the field. Going to different job sites and meeting the owners of properties - it really puts your foot in the door."
As for advice he has for anyone thinking about pursuing a career in architect, he said: "Make sure it's what you want to do. The road is long and hard. It's a good profession but you have got to be dedicated."
Link: http://www.bermudasun.org/main.asp?SectionID=72&SubSectionID=205&ArticleID=38515
No comments:
Post a Comment