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The Architect
The Architect
Architects plan and design residential and multi-residential, commercial and industrial buildings. They provide concepts, plans, specifications and detailed drawings. They negotiate with builders and consultants and advise on the procurement of buildings.
A good architect is creative and visionary yet able to work within the constraints of the physical world, regulatory pressures, and client budgets and expectations.
Meet the architect: Mary Ong
As Lead Architect at Weststyle Architecture and Build, Mary Ong works with a varied team of collaborators to create beautiful homes. ‘We use the home as a vehicle to tell a story,’ Mary says. ‘My job allows me to be creative whilst tackling on site problem solving with team members who have differing skill sets. No two days are the same,’ she explains.
Mary’s family home was a constant place to feel safe, joyful and be able to express herself. ‘I wanted to create this for others,’ she says.
Mary took a circuitous route into the building sector. ‘I didn’t move into the building industry straight away,’ she says. ‘After graduating, I went into architectural practice, working a lot in the residential sector. This included both single homes and multi residential / aged care, which is my passion.’
‘It was not until I was almost forced to reconsider my career path that I chose to step into construction through an old boss. That is when I commenced at Weststyle,’ she continues. ‘I found moving into construction the next ‘logical’ step for me – design and construction – you can’t have one without the other.’
It’s the people that play a huge role in her passion for the industry. ‘I enjoy the collaboration with supervisors, estimators, trades – all of which I wouldn’t have had experienced without moving into the building industry. I learn so much from each person I interact with. I think it has made me a better architect.’
Speaking to women considering a career in the industry, Mary says ‘jump in! I probably should have done it sooner. There are so many career paths in construction that go beyond the office. Construction is a lot more inclusive now, and my hope is that it will only get better.’
Mary's top 5 tips
Join working groups / member-based institutions.
Connect with the industry to build relationships, engage with like-minded people and share experiences.
Find a mentor in the same field.
They can help guide you through early stages of your career; usually this is someone in the same office.
Graduates – visit building sites.
Familiarise yourselves with the processes of construction and what supervisors and trades look at when building. This will assist in stronger design and documentation.
Be confident.
Have confidence that you are where you are supposed to be and have the knowledge to add to the conversation.
Be organised.
Write lists, use your calendar or whatever app / process that works for you so that you don’t feel overwhelmed – architecture is a multi-disciplinary field and often there are many things to remember about the one project (and usually you aren’t just working on the one project).
Architects in Australia: key statistics
Employed
19,300Median age
40Female share
34%What an architect does
Develops detailed, innovative, sustainable and functional architectural designs, taking into consideration social, environmental and economic concerns.
Completes design tasks (3D modelling) in accordance with project and client design briefs.
Utilises building information modelling (BIM) and applies relevant building regulations and codes to manage the planning and design of building projects.
Works with clients, engineers, consultants and other stakeholders to determine their requirements and objectives for architectural projects.
Addresses requests for information as part of contract administration from consultants, engineers and other stakeholders involved in the building construction process.
Conducts site inspections to assess project feasibility and submit town planning designs for permits.
Evaluates and selects appropriate building materials, finishes and systems to achieve sustainability objectives.
How to get qualified
To practice as a professional architect, you must be registered with your state’s Architects Registration Board and meet the registration requirements. Students typically obtain an undergraduate degree in architecture (or a closely related discipline), then progress to an approved Masters of Architecture post-graduate qualification.
Alongside your formal qualifications, obtaining registration also requires a record of work experience under the supervision of a registered architect, and finally passing the Architectural Practice Exam.
