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What are the main qualities one should have when getting into to the construction path?
I plan to go into construction soon and then look into architecture.
5 answers
Updated
Duane’s Answer
A person getting into construction should have should consider a few things.
Do you like physical hard work? If you don't like pushing yourself physically, you will struggle to enjoy your daily tasks.
How tough are you emotionally? The days are long and hard often hot or cold. People get irritable and say things that can be offensive. You need to be able to check your emotions and handle these situations in a manner that doesn't create undue tension.
Do you like pressure? Construction is a high-paced environment and there is often pressure to make decisions quickly and get more work done. If you embrace this as a challenge it will be fun. If you let it stress you it will not be fun.
I started as a framing carpenter and am now an architectural draftsman. It has been a fun road for me. There are people that build things and there are people that see the romance in building things. If you get the romance you will make a great architect. If you don't get the romance you will make a great structural engineer. Both are fulfilling careers that will benefit from a construction background.
The Reward. I enjoy seeing the progress at the end of every day. I like knowing that the home I build will be the center of some families' life, they will live out some of the best moments in their lives in the walls that I built.
Do you like physical hard work? If you don't like pushing yourself physically, you will struggle to enjoy your daily tasks.
How tough are you emotionally? The days are long and hard often hot or cold. People get irritable and say things that can be offensive. You need to be able to check your emotions and handle these situations in a manner that doesn't create undue tension.
Do you like pressure? Construction is a high-paced environment and there is often pressure to make decisions quickly and get more work done. If you embrace this as a challenge it will be fun. If you let it stress you it will not be fun.
I started as a framing carpenter and am now an architectural draftsman. It has been a fun road for me. There are people that build things and there are people that see the romance in building things. If you get the romance you will make a great architect. If you don't get the romance you will make a great structural engineer. Both are fulfilling careers that will benefit from a construction background.
The Reward. I enjoy seeing the progress at the end of every day. I like knowing that the home I build will be the center of some families' life, they will live out some of the best moments in their lives in the walls that I built.
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
Before addressing your question allow me to comment on the sequence of your interests because it may have significant bearing on how you develop your career path and make decisions. Put simply if you start your journey with construction it stands to reason that your subsequent journey into design/architecture will be viewed through the lens of construction. Without commenting on which is preferable, suffice it to say that if you start with design and then explore construction, your lens will be different. Do you see yourself as a builder with architectural sensibilities or an architect with knowledge of construction? Two very different scenarios, leading to different career outcomes. That said, I believe that the future will bring continued integration of the two disciplines; they are two equally important components of the overall design/build industry and you will be well equipped to seek knowledge in both areas.
Since your inquiry seems to be focused on construction, my response depends on how you plan to navigate the construction world. As with many pursuits you have a choice, generally speaking, between being a generalist or a specialist. As a generalist you will have sufficient working knowledge of the overall construction and building delivery processes specific to various building types-residential, commercial, low/medium/high rise, site built, manufactured/modular, etc., just to mention a few. As a specialist you may find your calling as a specialty sub-contractor-HVAC, plumbing, electrical, security, audio-visual, IT, etc., just to mention a few. Are you interested in broad industry knowledge or a specific focus? Again no right or wrong, but these choices appeal to different personalities and capacities.
The same applies to the design part of your journey, regardless of whether you start with construction or otherwise. Different schools of design focus on different aspects; some are design oriented and somewhat theoretical while others are more vocational and prioritize marketable skills like computer drafting, building information modeling, computer graphics/3D rendering, etc. If you start your journey with construction your interest in architecture may be more pragmatic because you may already have developed a particular direction as a builder-high rise commercial towers, or high end private residences? That direction will guide you to certain architecture schools and away from others.-
Many options await you-take the time now to carefully consider how each step determines the subsequent step and how those steps create a career outcome.
Since your inquiry seems to be focused on construction, my response depends on how you plan to navigate the construction world. As with many pursuits you have a choice, generally speaking, between being a generalist or a specialist. As a generalist you will have sufficient working knowledge of the overall construction and building delivery processes specific to various building types-residential, commercial, low/medium/high rise, site built, manufactured/modular, etc., just to mention a few. As a specialist you may find your calling as a specialty sub-contractor-HVAC, plumbing, electrical, security, audio-visual, IT, etc., just to mention a few. Are you interested in broad industry knowledge or a specific focus? Again no right or wrong, but these choices appeal to different personalities and capacities.
The same applies to the design part of your journey, regardless of whether you start with construction or otherwise. Different schools of design focus on different aspects; some are design oriented and somewhat theoretical while others are more vocational and prioritize marketable skills like computer drafting, building information modeling, computer graphics/3D rendering, etc. If you start your journey with construction your interest in architecture may be more pragmatic because you may already have developed a particular direction as a builder-high rise commercial towers, or high end private residences? That direction will guide you to certain architecture schools and away from others.-
Many options await you-take the time now to carefully consider how each step determines the subsequent step and how those steps create a career outcome.
Updated
José’s Answer
Getting into the construction path requires a mix of technical skills, personal qualities, and professional abilities to succeed in this dynamic and demanding industry. Here are the main qualities you should have:
1. Technical Knowledge and Skills
Understanding Construction Processes: Familiarity with materials, tools, safety protocols, and building methods.
Blueprint Reading: The ability to interpret architectural and engineering drawings.
Technical Proficiency: Skills in areas such as carpentry, masonry, electrical work, or operating heavy machinery, depending on your focus.
Technology Adaptation: Experience with construction software (like BIM, AutoCAD) and emerging technologies like drones or AI tools.
2. Physical and Mental Stamina
Strength and Endurance: Construction often involves physically demanding tasks.
Resilience: Ability to work long hours and in challenging environments (e.g., extreme weather conditions).
Problem-Solving Skills: Quick thinking and decision-making are crucial when unexpected challenges arise.
3. Strong Communication Skills
Team Collaboration: Construction is a team effort that requires clear communication between workers, architects, engineers, and clients.
Listening and Execution: Understanding instructions to ensure tasks are carried out properly.
4. Attention to Detail
Precision is critical for ensuring structures are safe, durable, and meet regulatory standards. Small errors can lead to costly consequences.
5. Safety Awareness
Understanding and following workplace safety protocols to protect yourself and others.
Obtaining relevant certifications (like OSHA) enhances your awareness and employability.
6. Adaptability and Flexibility
Construction projects often face delays, weather issues, or changes in scope. Adaptability helps you stay productive and positive.
7. Time Management and Organizational Skills
Managing schedules, tasks, and deadlines efficiently to keep projects on track.
8. Strong Work Ethic and Reliability
Showing commitment, punctuality, and a willingness to go the extra mile sets you apart as a trustworthy professional.
9. Knowledge of Regulations and Codes
Familiarity with local building codes, zoning laws, and environmental regulations ensures legal and ethical construction practices.
10. Continuous Learning and Growth
Staying updated on industry trends, new materials, and construction techniques is crucial for professional growth.
Having these qualities ensures you are well-prepared for the challenges and rewards of a career in construction, whether as a tradesperson, site manager, or part of a larger development team.
1. Technical Knowledge and Skills
Understanding Construction Processes: Familiarity with materials, tools, safety protocols, and building methods.
Blueprint Reading: The ability to interpret architectural and engineering drawings.
Technical Proficiency: Skills in areas such as carpentry, masonry, electrical work, or operating heavy machinery, depending on your focus.
Technology Adaptation: Experience with construction software (like BIM, AutoCAD) and emerging technologies like drones or AI tools.
2. Physical and Mental Stamina
Strength and Endurance: Construction often involves physically demanding tasks.
Resilience: Ability to work long hours and in challenging environments (e.g., extreme weather conditions).
Problem-Solving Skills: Quick thinking and decision-making are crucial when unexpected challenges arise.
3. Strong Communication Skills
Team Collaboration: Construction is a team effort that requires clear communication between workers, architects, engineers, and clients.
Listening and Execution: Understanding instructions to ensure tasks are carried out properly.
4. Attention to Detail
Precision is critical for ensuring structures are safe, durable, and meet regulatory standards. Small errors can lead to costly consequences.
5. Safety Awareness
Understanding and following workplace safety protocols to protect yourself and others.
Obtaining relevant certifications (like OSHA) enhances your awareness and employability.
6. Adaptability and Flexibility
Construction projects often face delays, weather issues, or changes in scope. Adaptability helps you stay productive and positive.
7. Time Management and Organizational Skills
Managing schedules, tasks, and deadlines efficiently to keep projects on track.
8. Strong Work Ethic and Reliability
Showing commitment, punctuality, and a willingness to go the extra mile sets you apart as a trustworthy professional.
9. Knowledge of Regulations and Codes
Familiarity with local building codes, zoning laws, and environmental regulations ensures legal and ethical construction practices.
10. Continuous Learning and Growth
Staying updated on industry trends, new materials, and construction techniques is crucial for professional growth.
Having these qualities ensures you are well-prepared for the challenges and rewards of a career in construction, whether as a tradesperson, site manager, or part of a larger development team.
Tatiana Kotrikova
Director of planning maintenance and construction work
6
Answers
Updated
Tatiana’s Answer
Get to know yourself. Ask yourself these questions:
1. Do you like to spend time outdoor? Most construction projects begin outside. Few positions are indoor. Hence why it’s key to understand what is you.
2. Do you mind getting dirty? Do you like being hands on? The only way to success in construction is to spend as much time as possible being in the field.
3. Are you able to adapt quickly? Construction is fast pace environment and things do change a lot and you need to make decision fast and adapt.
4. Do you like in the diverse environment? You meet all kids of people, including bad one. You need to be able to work with those too. It’s a rough business.
5. Do you mind working in all kinds of hours? Some construction is daily jobs, but many more are nights and weekends.
There are plenty of jobs that supports construction, I.e office jobs. But this isn’t truly construction. And you won’t be any good at it unless you have a field experience to understand it.
It is a very rewarding industry though and most people are hard working people. If you join construction, you will get another family.
1. Do you like to spend time outdoor? Most construction projects begin outside. Few positions are indoor. Hence why it’s key to understand what is you.
2. Do you mind getting dirty? Do you like being hands on? The only way to success in construction is to spend as much time as possible being in the field.
3. Are you able to adapt quickly? Construction is fast pace environment and things do change a lot and you need to make decision fast and adapt.
4. Do you like in the diverse environment? You meet all kids of people, including bad one. You need to be able to work with those too. It’s a rough business.
5. Do you mind working in all kinds of hours? Some construction is daily jobs, but many more are nights and weekends.
There are plenty of jobs that supports construction, I.e office jobs. But this isn’t truly construction. And you won’t be any good at it unless you have a field experience to understand it.
It is a very rewarding industry though and most people are hard working people. If you join construction, you will get another family.
Updated
josh’s Answer
To begin with, it's crucial to have a keen eye for detail. Visualize the project in your mind, assembling all the elements together. For instance, if you're constructing a fireplace mantle, imagine a box in your mind's eye. Then, layer upon layer, consider the materials you're using, their dimensions, and how they fit together. Essentially, build a mental model of your project. This is a vital step.
As an architect, remember that a design that looks flawless on paper may not translate perfectly into reality. Real-world materials don't always align with the straight lines of CAD drawings. This is a common misconception. You'll soon be able to differentiate between those who understand this and those who don't. Always heed the advice of those who know better.
Patience is key.
You must be capable of interacting with a diverse range of people. Strive to learn something new every day - if you're doing your job well, this will come naturally. Be courteous and respectful, yet assertive and self-assured. Welcome suggestions and criticism, but have faith in your abilities.
Take pride in your work. Execute your tasks with excellence and safety. You'll eventually realize that you don't necessarily choose your career; it chooses you.
I never imagined I would become a trim carpenter, but here I am, 21 years later. I hope this advice proves helpful. Best of luck!
As an architect, remember that a design that looks flawless on paper may not translate perfectly into reality. Real-world materials don't always align with the straight lines of CAD drawings. This is a common misconception. You'll soon be able to differentiate between those who understand this and those who don't. Always heed the advice of those who know better.
Patience is key.
You must be capable of interacting with a diverse range of people. Strive to learn something new every day - if you're doing your job well, this will come naturally. Be courteous and respectful, yet assertive and self-assured. Welcome suggestions and criticism, but have faith in your abilities.
Take pride in your work. Execute your tasks with excellence and safety. You'll eventually realize that you don't necessarily choose your career; it chooses you.
I never imagined I would become a trim carpenter, but here I am, 21 years later. I hope this advice proves helpful. Best of luck!
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