As an intern, I was given the task to do the architectural lay-outing of electrical works of one of the residential projects of my mentor, Ar. Eric Baño, before generating electrical related plans, I thoroughly work on the reflected ceiling plan drawing first, this sets up the layout of the ceiling elements where it will become the basis for the lighting layout. With this task I did my best to familiarize myself with AutoCAD and all about its interface. The layering, line weights, x-refs, isometric, binding are examples of the things I learned from this. When I started doing the lighting layout, aside from my mentor’s instructions I also studied electrical plans from books thus learning how to read and do electrical lay-outing more properly than before. The power layout plan and the mounting details are the succeeding drawings that I did. After finishing all about the electrical plans, I worked on updating the cad drawings of the architectural drawings of the past apprentice that my mentor had by adding setback dimensions and firewall to the design. I enjoy doing the details, this is what I concluded when I started working on the perimeter walls and ceiling details.In this task I realize that the way you complement the design with details and specifications can be the deciding factor on how good the design is, when it will be finish.
I also learned a lot about the bidding process. A step by step written diagram was drawn by my mentor and was used to introduce me to the full process of bidding and how it differs from other foreign bidding process in terms of the types of contract documents and terminologies. I was also task to create a “Letter of Invitation to Bid” in order to invite contractor who wants to bid for the residential project of my mentor that I'm currently working on.
1. Details are everything
A good design and finished architectural works have a similar characteristic on why they are good, aside from other things such as the idea, the concept or the aesthetically approach, the details are the ones that make a design a success and help the design conform to the reality in both aesthetic and function. As I work on the electrical plans, perimeter wall details and ceiling details, I realize that every bit of the details, even the smallest ones are very crucial and are responsible for the production of a good plans and designs. Not to be limited in plans, 3D visualizations are also done with a careful consideration on the details before the final production of 3D rendered model.
2. It's all about the process
To start my internship without knowing a bit from the software that I am using and enough knowledge to do my tasks, I am happy to say that I did improve very well. It makes me happy to remember that through the constant revisions after every red-marks I received as a comment from my mentor, I learned and improve as time passes. Though it is common that we are doing our best to have an outstanding end product, it is the process upon doing a work that makes us aware of the learning that we should accumulate; submerge to the necessary experiences needed, have the correct attitude, improve our responses and decisions in every situations, that will takes us to where we can be a better version of ourselves.
3. Communication is an absolute key
Talking about process, it will be impossible for it to happen without constant communication.While doing the cad drawing of the electrical plans and RCP, I have tons of questions about certain things related and as it gets complicated, I also doubled my effort to understand it, but in order for me to really do the project on a proper way. I keep an open communication with my mentor to ask for all the needed details, further instructions, constructive comments and helpful advises; all of these to make the task correct and properly done. A consistent communication, like on what we did, proves to be really effective upon making the right process on doing the tasks to be fruitful and productive. Thus, communication serves as a guide to the path of a completely done and satisfying outcome of the final product. Communication without hesitation is an absolute key in connection, learning and improvement
4. Learning through application
All sort of things I have learned from my tasks, particularly AutoCAD that I must apply all the learning I've gained to have a satisfying work. I guarantee that those learning really had an impact on me as it manifested on my actions and output; I just need to be consistently applying it.
5. Attitude
When I started working on the perimeter wall details, I find it hard to focus; thinking that it's just an easy task since I accomplished much more difficult drawings, like the electrical plans lately. I continue to submit finish drawings, base from my own understanding and standard since I'm confident that I have the skills and knowledge , but it's the complete opposite, I received numerous red marks every time I submit my work. Then I realized that it's how I act upon doing the task, I take pride upon what little learning I've acquired and treat the task to be so easy that my enthusiasm dwindle down therefore I produced unsatisfying works. After realizing this I quickly change my attitude. The secret to have a good work is not solely based from the talent you have or on how good you are on doing the task but on how right is your attitude in doing it and dealing the constraints and problems of your work.
The today’s role of architecture is ever growing and its influence and relationship to almost everything around us serves as an example of how critical it is to the world and thus explaining why as an individual, venturing on this practice requires a lot more than technical stuffs. At this point the last five ”beyond-technical” learning I acquired from my last apprenticeship are just a part of a whole new world beyond the practical and literal meaning of architecture but at the same time it is related. Architecture is not solely composed of knowledge about itself, but on how this knowledge can be utilize by people who wants to make a difference.