Articles and News for Architectural Professionals --- Issue 2 • July 2008
In this Issue: |
Virtual Roundtable |
Rich Weinman is a consultant with Kimmel & Associates specializing in executive search in Architecture in the Southeast. Rich’s interest in the direction that Architecture is taking led him to assemble a “Virtual Roundtable” for a discussion of trends in the market and the shape that education is taking to prepare students to be effective contributors to and leaders in the field. Panelists: Rich Weinman: I’m excited about this panel. We have leaders and a future leader. We have the President of the AIA for North Carolina, a business executive who charts his company’s way forward, a specialist in Green Building, and someone on the cutting edge of BIM & Revit technology. So, let’s get started. To the three of you who are more experienced and have spent a career managing a company, hiring the right people, and training new employees, what is the outlook right now for finding the next generation of talent? Is the shortage of students in Architecture and Design a legitimate concern? Bob Naegele: Recruitment and Retention are hot topics with Cline Design Associates right now. We are actually in the process of creating a documented plan detailing how we as a firm intend to Recruit, Retain and Mentor. Rich Weinman: I hate to interrupt, Bob, but two questions come to mind. One is … what does Cline Design Associates do to recruit talent? And the other comes from that phrasing you just used: interesting. Two of the three words you used refer to keeping people you already have, not merely finding them. Bob Naegele: As far as recruiting goes, our firm has been very fortunate to attract top talent. I believe that one reason we are successful in recruitment is that we not only sell our firm, but promote the lifestyle of Raleigh/Durham as one of the best places to live in the country. Additionally, the diversity of our project types (large urban, mixed use prototypes) attracts top talent because these are dynamic and challenging types of projects to work on. Retention is just as critical. We are constantly re-evaluating our benefits, perks, environment and culture to make sure it is targeting the true needs personally and professionally of all our people. Rich Weinman: That’s a provocative term: “top talent.” What qualifies as top talent? Wayne, when you’re recruiting new talent, how do you distinguish a star from someone who may not be ready to excel? Wayne Camas: There are always fluid circumstances that can change this answer, but there are also tangible markers that I want to see from a prospective employee. If someone wants to work for my firm, I need to see him or her taking the following steps, showing the requisite initiative. If the first contact we see from the candidate is a letter expressing interest, as it often is, I want evidence in that letter that the candidate researched my firm and knows what work we do. Is our emphasis compatible with his goals and accomplishments? Did the candidate research to whom she was sending the letter. Find the name of the appropriate person – writing “Dear Sir or Madam” doesn’t cut it in this Age of Information. A candidate cannot send a carelessly composed letter and hope to fare well: the message of a letter filled with errors is that the candidate doesn’t care how she represents herself, and that person cannot represent my company. This preparedness or lack thereof also comes to light in an initial interview. We hire people who want to work on the types of projects we tackle, so read up on us, and come only if our focus will excite and motivate you. And, one small point: school is out; you are dealing with real projects now, with real budgets and deadlines. If you cannot pay proper attention to yourself, will you in turn suddenly pay attention to your work responsibilities? Rich Weinman: So, high school grammar does matter. What other tangibles do you look for to consider a candidate for employment? Wayne Camas: A candidate’s portfolio reveals a great deal about her. A portfolio presents more than someone’s accumulated work: it presents where someone is in her development. I can always make allowances for someone who is still learning and developing, but does the portfolio give evidence that work is presented in a thoughtful and cohesive way now. If that means reformatting a project to show it to its’ best advantage, then so be it. The entire Portfolio should have a flow to it, clear descriptions and titling. Please do not make me guess what the project is and when it was done. One tip: put your last work first: assume your audience has little time to peruse your work, and show your last, best work first. It shows that you respect my time and offers a confident introduction of your abilities. Paul Kapp: I like what Wayne said about giving license to someone who wants to learn and develop. Let me expand. Someone told me long ago that the education of a real architect takes at least 20 years; first are the years in school and then the fifteen or so years in the school of hard knocks. This is most likely true; students typically come out of school knowing very little about construction and even less about architectural practice. Rich Weinman: Is that a sobering thing for a current student and future candidate to hear? Paul Kapp: No, because we’ve all been there. If they are lucky, the candidate attended a school with a strong theoretical education focus - and here's where the advantage in going to architectural school comes into play. Architectural schools cannot teach everything that a future architect needs to know. There is simply not enough time. But what it can do is provide the theoretical foundation for an architectural education of a lifetime to be built upon. Rich Weinman: What I find interesting is that even though you all acknowledge that the available talent – graduates, new candidates - is decreasing, you haven’t lowered your standards. You require education, ambition, skill, and pride in the way in which candidates present themselves and their work. How do you guard against compromising the quality of the work you produce? Paul Kapp: There are two pieces of advice that I give architecture students while they are in school; first, learn how to sketch, anyone can learn CAD but sketching is both a God given talent and learned craft. Sketching communicates your ideas faster than anything else and everyone likes a good sketch. Second, learn how to solve problems; you are not expected to solve problems alone but an architect is expected to begin the problem solving process. Architectural firms will always appreciate those two attributes in an intern architect and these attributes really can only be learned in school. Rich Weinman: So, technology may leap forward, but a candidate still has to have a basic love of the art of Architecture, and a skillset that includes dreaming up ideas and drawing them well? Paul Kapp: I have a dear friend that became an architect without going to architecture school; he did it the hard way by working years on construction sites and then years in an architect's office. He is a terrific architect but he does lack the perspective on architecture that can only be gained through a formal architectural education in an architecture school. Again, there is a definite advantage to going to college, to marrying talent and passion with training and technology. Rich Weinman: To follow-up my own question from a moment ago, what is your organization doing to compensate for an increased workload and a static or even declining level of talent to do the work? Wayne Camas: We offer flexible schedules, and floggings have ceased. But we work hard to draw new people to us. We publish our work and trumpet our awards: that is an aphrodisiac to young talent: ambitious, energetic people want to be somewhere that is doing ambitious, top-drawer work. We have a program that leads them to Licensure. Rich Weinman: Do the students who are graduating from Architectural schools have the requisite skills, knowledge and understanding of Architectural practices that you need, or is your organization requiring a significant ramp up time to get interns to the necessary skill level to work on company projects? Bob Naegele: That question definitely leads us to a discussion of BIM (Building Information Modeling) and Revit. Rich Weinman: That seemed inevitable, given who the panelists are today. How do you see the implementation of BIM & Revit changing the business worlds of Architectural Firms, Developers and Construction companies”. Bob Naegele: I view the implementation of Revit as the industry standard for design and construction professionals as a very positive development. There has not been a change in our industry such as this since CAD was adopted as the most efficient way to produce construction documents in the mid 1980’s. The impact of CAD then was “adapt or die.” Revit is in many ways like this and is such a unique way to design and construct buildings that many of us are starting over in our total approach to designing. Basically, the key difference of using Revit is that we, as architects, now build a three dimensional model of our building(s) rather than try to represent a three dimensional building(s) with two dimensional graphics. The auto and airline industries have been using similar software for years, and it is just now gaining precedent in our industry. Architects will be able to turn their BIM models over to the contractor where they can view everything on their computer and do access its ability to quantify the amounts of material needed to construct the project. Rich Weinman: A good place, I think, for us to hear from the panelist who most recently joined the workforce. Josh, you know all about BIM and Revit, eh? Josh Siddle: Building Information Modeling (BIM) allows us to provide a faster, more accurate, and more thorough delivery package to the contractor and our clients. BIM software, such as Autodesk’s Revit, facilitates interoperability in the building industry by leveraging IFC (Industry Foundation Classes), a common language data model that can be used across disciplines to transfer information. The ability to bridge the gap of how software speaks to each other prevents the redundancy involved in documenting the building. BIM also makes it easier to synthesize the design of building systems and to recognize potential conflicts between them. Paul Kapp: From a facilities management point of view, BIM and "Integrated Practice" has the potential to completely change how business is done. If these new technologies and practices reach their potential, Owners will have a virtual model of their facility to manage and assess. This will take the idea of "as-built" or "record" documents to a whole new level. Imagine the benefits for energy managers, space planners, staff MEP engineers and conditions assessment specialists of having a three dimensional accurate model at their finger tips. The benefits of BIM in this area could result in greater efficiency in the management of buildings. Rich Weinman: Paul, that explains the benefit to the Owners. How does it affect your business? How does it change the role of the Architect? Paul Kapp: For builders, developers, and architects, it will be a great communication tool once the issues of liability and copyright law are worked out. The flow of ideas and issues will go faster and this could result in faster construction, which may - or may not - be a good thing. Rich Weinman: Any caveats? Nothing is without some drawback, right? Paul Kapp: The down side of BIM, in my view, is that it is a technology that is only as good as its users. If the information being plugged into the model or design by the user is wrong, then the model will be useless and errors and omissions will occur in the construction of the building. Secondly, BIM - and especially Revit - have the potential to stifle craft in architecture; this already can be seen in "Sketch-Up" software where designers tend to pick ready made components from the software and design using only them. The result often can be described as real world video game and not a work of thoughtful building design. Rich Weinman: In other words, that love of sketching, the art form of Architecture, could be lost. BIM seems to be the wave of the future, though. Are there other advantages then? Josh Siddle: The Freelon Group, where I work, recognizes the value of BIM not only as a tool to enhance our design visualization and aid in solving complex construction problems, but also as a means to enhance our project delivery. The accuracy and cost saving benefits of utilizing BIM software are passed on to the contractor and owner (developer) by reducing the time between the production of construction documents and building occupancy. For example, construction companies will be able to pull precise information directly from the model database for estimating and ordering, and fabricating. The architect can also offer the BIM package to building owners as an effective tool to monitor and service their building. If firms can market the value of the building information model to both construction companies and developers, it can provide us the opportunity to generate additional revenue while delivering superior service. Rich Weinman: With this being such a crucial new technology, are you finding enough men and women with this skill? Are there others out there as articulate as Josh? Bob Naegele: There is a shortage of Revit trained technicians currently; therefore, firms looking to bring on Revit into their firm are spending money to retrain their staff. However, it is expected to replace Autocad as the industry standard software within the next three to five years. Wayne Camas: The acceleration of change for the profession that BIM, among other factors, is bringing about is unprecedented. BIM will render the profession unrecognizable to many nearing retirement. The profession has long encouraged academia to move with the times and take a more practical stance towards their curriculum. Rich Weinman: Does everyone – outside of the four of you – see this as urgently as you all do? Wayne Camas: The 2009 AIA National President Marvin Malacha, Dean of the School of Design at NC State will lead a joint meeting of professionals and leaders in academia to discuss the growing rift between what is being taught in college and what are now necessary skills in the professional world. For too long we have allowed this to be two distinct elements of the same person’s path to becoming an Architect. Technology may now step in and act as the catalyst that finally changes the dynamics of this long held discussion and debate. Rich Weinman: That seems a fitting point of conclusion: the idea that industry leaders, the President of the AIA, and representatives from America’s colleges of Architecture intend to continue to meet and find a common and intelligent way forward is encouraging. Technology may force companies to change and adapt, but the deep experience and forceful wills of the panelists here today tells me that we will chart the way ahead rather than be dictated by that technology. When Paul Kapp reminds potential architects to love sketching and remain true to the purest form of the art, that goes a long way to assuring us that tomorrow’s generation, like this one, will be just fine. |
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Hot Candidates |
Listed below is just a small sampling of candidates with whom we are associated. Your needs may be different; please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can assist you with finding the right professional for your organization. The Kimmel & Associates network has the relevance, reach, and response to find the candidates who fit your specific needs. Please call 828.251.9900 or contact us by e-mail. #439764 Senior Project Designer – Based in Charlotte, N.C. – Candidate manages all aspects of design and construction for financial institutes, specialty retail and medical clinics inside retail and storefront spaces. Clients include SECU, Flagstar Bank, Provident Bank, Fidelity Bank, Family Quick Care and Café Mia. Has been with same company since graduating college in 1995. Other strengths include public speaking, presentation to clients and strong sense of detail and deadlines. #474310 Conceptual/Perceptive Designer – Based in Charlotte, N.C. – Candidate is probably the finest Conceptual/Perception designer you’ll ever come across. Over career our candidate has had the good fortune to receive commissions to design numerous commercial, civic and education projects varying in size and complexity. In addition, tremendous experience in low & high-rise office buildings, museums, branch banks and libraries. Registered and licensed in North Carolina and Florida. #452623 Project Architect/Project Manager - Based in Charlotte, N.C. – Registered Architect with strong design skills and diverse project experience. Seeking a high level management position in an architectural firm that has a strong vision of healthcare combined with a multidisciplinary business model. Solid healthcare background with a strong desire to be involved with retail (mixed use) and multi-family. #35194 Senior Associate - Licensed Architect in Kansas City, Missouri – LEED accredited. Looking for opportunity to oversee design team. Experience with large projects ($40 million plus) in private educational facilities and retail/mixed use facilities. Has overseen management of bid packages, construction administration, schedules, and budgets. A leader in developing strategies for incorporation of Construction Management as an Architectural service. 15 years of experience. #43553 Manager of Architectural Department - Senior-level Architect in St. Louis, Missouri. A true leader in supervising entire staff, including mentoring interns and management of their projects. Wide range of project experience includes: hospital additions/alterations, mixed use development, medical schools, national retail, large government office buildings. Construction costs of individual projects have ranged up to $500 million. Over 30 years of experience. #47035 Senior Architect - Senior level architect in Denver, Colorado. Specializes in forensic architecture and diagnostic analysis of building problems related to asset management and litigation support. Quality assurance, mentoring and spec writing for projects in hospitality, historic preservation, and tax credit projects. Also, experience as Executive Director of Facilities and Operations for large school district. Direct control included annual budget of more than $10 Million and 200 employees. Registered architect in: Colorado, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Montana, and Florida. NCARB. #244442 Business Development Professional - Proven executive performer with advanced skills in relationship building. Strengths in profitable new client identification and direct outside sales. Ability to close. Extensive A/E/CM and RE development experience focused on new business acquisition. Chicago-based; dynamic; personable; methodical. Ivy League college Master’s degree; AIA; NCARB; multi-state licensure. #423728 Designer/Project Architect - Based in Chicago. Very bright and talented individual with seven years of experience and a broad background of projects including healthcare. Leed certified. MA in Architecture. AutoCAD and Revit. A leader. Personable and strong in client relationships. #450791 Lead Interior Designer - Based in Chicago. A multi-award winning designer. Significant experience in higher education, corporate and cultural arts. An inspiring team leader and mentor. Detail- and client-oriented. LEED AP, MA Interior Architecture, Registered Interior Designer. #410373 Senior Landscape Architect - Licensed & degreed with 20 years experience. Project list includes mixed use, resort, hospitality, light commercial, urban infill. Highly computer literate. Licensed in CA, CO. Located in San Diego. Open to Colorado relocation. #466758 Senior Project Manager - Based in Seattle. Licensed, degreed Architect with 30 years of architectural design and project management experience. Leadership roles in the planning, design and management of both large and small-scale public infrastructure projects. Project Manager and designer for institutional, housing, sport venues, commercial and transportation projects. Developed feasibility studies for new project sites. Provide QA/QC review of project contract documents. LEED certified. #436418 Leed Accredited Designer - Located in Portland. Eight years of professional experience puts this intern architect at a unique advantage. More than three years of large commercial and mixed use experience focused on sustainable design and construction concepts. MA in Architecture. Advanced Revit user/teacher. #397097 Senior Architect/ Program Director - Based in Los Angeles. Strong leadership with a hands-on approach to management with completed projects exceeding $750 million in construction cost. An executive skilled at keeping the job on track and getting the deal closed. Public sector experienced with LAUSD, Metropolitan Transit Authority, and the State of California. Much work with Historic Preservation. AIA Registered in California. Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute. #421592 Project Architect - Health Care. Open to relocation in California Central Valley. Facility master planning, all phases of design, construction documentation and specifications for all construction types. TITLE 24 AND OSHPD EXPERIENCED. CALIFORNIA LICENSE AND NCARB CERTIFICATION. #469928 Project Architect - Fifteen years in mixed-use, educational, municipal, medical, industrial, institutional, high rise and commercial – what challenge awaits next? A position in a firm that can use a little help getting there on time. Scheduling, construction docs, planning, organizing, prioritizing. AutoCAD savvy with 120 hours of REVIT, 4 tests done, humble and articulate in Spanish and English. Uncommonly good at team building and details, details, details. In Florida. Will relo for the right opportunity. #444386 Project Manager / Architect - Licensed in New York and Texas. Self starter, creative problem solver with sound technical understanding: 50% retail, 25% entertainment, 25% hospital. Loyal and in search of a marriage. Integrity and positive attitude can be summed up with, “Yes is the answer. What is the question?” #438598 Architect - Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian and AutoCAD and fluid in design: residential, hospitality and high rise; International work history; has done brilliant work in Historic Renovation and Preservation in New Orleans, Miami and many projects in Argentina and other South American countries. Hotels to $160 million; published widely for influence on the 20th Century Modern Movement, sustainable design and cultural tourism; appointed to the board of directors for LEED. #472971 Construction Administrator - This graduate of Carnegie Mellon University is currently affiliated with one of the largest architectural firms in the nation that specializes in the healthcare industry. Recent assignments include doing construction administration and project coordination on major hospitals. Ideal opportunity would be to pursue a career in construction administration with a major architectural or design/build company. Northeast based. #406840 Senior Interior Designer - This Associate level interior architect is an award winning designer with state of the art software skills and a creative, innovative approach to interior design. Experience includes many hospital designs as well as commercial and some hospitality work. This is a strong team leader able to direct the design team in a collaborative and imaginative fashion assuring the client a truly original, personalized design. An ideal company for this individual would be a firm that can offer advancement opportunities in a high energy, dynamic environment. Current location is in Pennsylvania. #472005 Healthcare Architect - This Master’s level Architect has four year’s experience working with design teams on large scale healthcare projects in the southeast. Able to perform well from the initial design phase through construction administration. Is interested in a position with a design-focused company to sustainable design. |
Contributors:
Jim Vockley |
CARTOON |
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 Kimmel Architecture Scholarships Awarded at NCSU College of DesignKimmel & Associates, a national Search Firm specializing in design/build industry executive-search, has announced two recipients of the Kimmel & Associates Architectural Scholarship Awards at the North Carolina State College of Design. Recently, two outstanding students were chosen from among many applicants to receive the Kimmel & Associates Architectural Scholarship. Joshua Stephens is a sophomore in the Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture program and a top student. Courtney Evans holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering from N.C. State and is in her second year of the Master of Architecture track three program and an excellent student. Congratulations to both Scholarship winners. Rich Weinman, of the Architectural Division at Kimmel & Associates in Asheville, North Carolina, said the Scholarships are “an extension of Joe Kimmel’s mandate and philanthropic vision to provide opportunity to students that are truly focused on a career in Design and Architecture.” Kimmel’s commitment to encouraging students to pursue a career in Design and Architecture is manifest in its continued support of the Architectural Scholarship, which offers $1000 prizes to eligible students at the NC State College of Design. More information is available at http://www.kimmel.com |
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