5 answers
5 answers
Updated
Peter’s Answer
If you are trying to get experience in the construction industry, there are 5 major areas you can get that trades experience; 1) The Building trades; Masonry, carpentry, roofing, Metal worker, Structural Steel, 2) The Plumbing Trades; Plumbing, Water Heaters, Solar applications, 3) Electrical Trades; Electrical Wiring, Solar installations, Generators and Power Production equipment Installation, Power Transmission Line Installations, 4) Mechanical Trades; Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Equipment installation, Fire Suppression Equipment installation, Mechanical Ventilation Installations, 5) Gas Trades; Gas Fired Equipment Installation, Gas line Installations, Gas Fired Appliance Installations.
Please keep in mind that these are broad categories that have many variants. The key to all are the building trades. With Building (Carpentry, Structural Steel, Masonry) you are exposed to the other trades as you have to work around them. With the exception of the plumbers (under foundation work) You are there throughout the construction process and have to wait for other trades in order to finish the building. So, without a building, there is no need for the other trades, unless you need site lighting or sewer/stormwater line installation.
You will want to develop a plan for your career progression. Generally, Step One: As a construction worker gaining verifiable hands-on experience (5 years minimum requirements in Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing). Once that goal is complete, you may stay there and run a crew, or move to Step Two: Obtain your contractor's license and maybe expand to other Construction Types like Commercial Buildings or Residential Buildings (with multiple trades). Once you obtain a license, and because you have a license, your experience is "Verified". In order to get any license you will need to show "Verified Experience" in each trade area. You can do this by getting a letter from your licensed employer that states how many manhours you have completed in the trades you worked on. Always obtain this document when moving to another company. If you get this far and need an additional challenge move on to Step Three; Get an Inspectors license. You will have the verification of experience because of your license and will qualify for an Inspector's license that reflects your experience: Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and or Gas.
Please remember that each level can represent an entire career. You can spend your career and any level, but the pay is better at the contractor level, so do it while you are young and have the 7 days-a-week, 24 Hours-a day energy. When you're tired of that, become an inspector and let the system pay you for your knowledge, without using your back to do it. Inspectors work regular days, with weekends off, usually. The pay isn't as good as contracting, but there is a lot less stress and you can spend more time with your family.
If you have specific concerns, please reach out to me. If you are in the Armed Forces, I spent 21+ years in the Air Force and can provide exceptional assistance on how to translate your military experience in the construction trades into a civilian job. Best of luck.
Please keep in mind that these are broad categories that have many variants. The key to all are the building trades. With Building (Carpentry, Structural Steel, Masonry) you are exposed to the other trades as you have to work around them. With the exception of the plumbers (under foundation work) You are there throughout the construction process and have to wait for other trades in order to finish the building. So, without a building, there is no need for the other trades, unless you need site lighting or sewer/stormwater line installation.
You will want to develop a plan for your career progression. Generally, Step One: As a construction worker gaining verifiable hands-on experience (5 years minimum requirements in Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing). Once that goal is complete, you may stay there and run a crew, or move to Step Two: Obtain your contractor's license and maybe expand to other Construction Types like Commercial Buildings or Residential Buildings (with multiple trades). Once you obtain a license, and because you have a license, your experience is "Verified". In order to get any license you will need to show "Verified Experience" in each trade area. You can do this by getting a letter from your licensed employer that states how many manhours you have completed in the trades you worked on. Always obtain this document when moving to another company. If you get this far and need an additional challenge move on to Step Three; Get an Inspectors license. You will have the verification of experience because of your license and will qualify for an Inspector's license that reflects your experience: Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and or Gas.
Please remember that each level can represent an entire career. You can spend your career and any level, but the pay is better at the contractor level, so do it while you are young and have the 7 days-a-week, 24 Hours-a day energy. When you're tired of that, become an inspector and let the system pay you for your knowledge, without using your back to do it. Inspectors work regular days, with weekends off, usually. The pay isn't as good as contracting, but there is a lot less stress and you can spend more time with your family.
If you have specific concerns, please reach out to me. If you are in the Armed Forces, I spent 21+ years in the Air Force and can provide exceptional assistance on how to translate your military experience in the construction trades into a civilian job. Best of luck.
Updated
Muhammad’s Answer
Creative Abilities (Architecture):
Design Thinking (crafting solutions through imaginative spaces)
Visualization (doodling, illustrating, 3D shaping)
Design Principles (arrangement, size, balance, illumination)
Practical Abilities (Architecture & Construction):
Building Knowledge (substances, techniques, rules)
CAD Software (for precise sketches and replicas)
Communication (interacting with engineers, builders, customers)
Problem-Solving (tackling surprise obstacles)
The talents required for architecture and construction can be generally divided into two sectors: artistic and practical.
Design Thinking (crafting solutions through imaginative spaces)
Visualization (doodling, illustrating, 3D shaping)
Design Principles (arrangement, size, balance, illumination)
Practical Abilities (Architecture & Construction):
Building Knowledge (substances, techniques, rules)
CAD Software (for precise sketches and replicas)
Communication (interacting with engineers, builders, customers)
Problem-Solving (tackling surprise obstacles)
The talents required for architecture and construction can be generally divided into two sectors: artistic and practical.
Updated
Maxwell’s Answer
Architecture - Designers and drafters What skills are needed for architecture and construction
As a Designer
- Creativity and innovation
- Requires architectural design productivity management
- Requires understanding design codes
- Requires passing licensure to be professional design architect
- Requires technical knowledge application of different materials and combining the materials to build a structural sound structure
- Requires understanding survey information and interpretation
- Learn design software and application 2D and 3D
- Requires the management of Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Structural consultants and design integration
- Design detail application using specifications
- Requires interpersonal skills and project team management
- Designer training longer than drafter training
As a Design Drafter
- Learn design software and application 2D and 3D
- Work from rough sketches and specifications to produce production drawings
- Requires time management and work under pressure
- Requires technical knowledge of Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Structural systems
- Requires interpersonal skills
- A drafter training takes less time compared to designer training
Skills to work in construction
Different jobs in construction depending interest - Project manager, Superintended, Project engineer
- Project manager, Superintended and Project engineer requires interpersonal skills
- Reading and interpretation of drawings
- Knowledge of building codes
- Project management
- Good time management
- Knowledge and understanding Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Structural systems
- Requires technical knowledge application of different materials
- Knowledge of materials and procurement
- Good communication and rescores management
- Quality administration and control
- Work hours can be long requires patience
As a Designer
- Creativity and innovation
- Requires architectural design productivity management
- Requires understanding design codes
- Requires passing licensure to be professional design architect
- Requires technical knowledge application of different materials and combining the materials to build a structural sound structure
- Requires understanding survey information and interpretation
- Learn design software and application 2D and 3D
- Requires the management of Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Structural consultants and design integration
- Design detail application using specifications
- Requires interpersonal skills and project team management
- Designer training longer than drafter training
As a Design Drafter
- Learn design software and application 2D and 3D
- Work from rough sketches and specifications to produce production drawings
- Requires time management and work under pressure
- Requires technical knowledge of Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Structural systems
- Requires interpersonal skills
- A drafter training takes less time compared to designer training
Skills to work in construction
Different jobs in construction depending interest - Project manager, Superintended, Project engineer
- Project manager, Superintended and Project engineer requires interpersonal skills
- Reading and interpretation of drawings
- Knowledge of building codes
- Project management
- Good time management
- Knowledge and understanding Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Structural systems
- Requires technical knowledge application of different materials
- Knowledge of materials and procurement
- Good communication and rescores management
- Quality administration and control
- Work hours can be long requires patience
Updated
Onaope’s Answer
Hi Jordan,
Here are some highlighted skills that are needed for architecture and construction:
- Design skills
- Technical expertise
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication skills
- Project management skills
- Attention to detail
- Creativity and innovation
- Cultural and contextual awareness
- Sustainability and environmental consciousness
- Lifelong learning and adaptability
Best regards!
Here are some highlighted skills that are needed for architecture and construction:
- Design skills
- Technical expertise
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication skills
- Project management skills
- Attention to detail
- Creativity and innovation
- Cultural and contextual awareness
- Sustainability and environmental consciousness
- Lifelong learning and adaptability
Best regards!
Updated
Alberto’s Answer
Hello Jordan! As a certified General Contractor in sunny Florida, I've had the privilege of working with some truly exceptional Architects. What sets the best ones apart, in my experience, is their hands-on field experience. There's something incredibly valuable about having managed a project as a Superintendent, Project Manager, Construction Manager, or any similar role that involves scheduling, budgeting, and overall project performance.
Architects with this kind of experience have a deeper, more practical understanding of operations that goes beyond theoretical knowledge. It enhances their ability to communicate effectively with General Contractors and Engineers because they've experienced the realities of the field first-hand.
So, my advice to you is to seek out an internship, a part-time role, or even a full-time position that will allow you to gain that invaluable field experience. It will truly enrich your architectural studies and skills.
Architects with this kind of experience have a deeper, more practical understanding of operations that goes beyond theoretical knowledge. It enhances their ability to communicate effectively with General Contractors and Engineers because they've experienced the realities of the field first-hand.
So, my advice to you is to seek out an internship, a part-time role, or even a full-time position that will allow you to gain that invaluable field experience. It will truly enrich your architectural studies and skills.
Delete Comment
Flag Comment