Architect-US Career Training Program

👉 Architecture, while profit driven, has a duty to redefine the spaces in which we all live. Architecture is often focused on making a profit while fulfilling the dreams of its clients, however, this can sometimes limit the architect's ability to challenge themselves.

Many times the market price of a rented space depends on the spatial quality of the building rather than the quality of the materials used to build the space. To really unlock your skills and challenge yourself as an architect, you will find that you will be well recognized in architectural competitions.

Not all Architecture Competitions are created equally, and each have a different format and way of being conducted!

[Get to know 5 questions that you have to ask yourself so that you create an epic portfolio! in the first comment below]

📸 Photo: Jesus Curiel / Unsplash

[News] Boston-based Safdie Architects has completed the expansion of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. The project adds 10,590 square metres of new space, introduces two galleries and strengthens the museum’s capacity to accommodate a major recent donation and reinterpret its collection. Since opening in 2011, the museum’s footprint has now expanded by 50%, consolidating its role as one of the region’s most significant cultural institutions.

The intervention maintains a dialogue with Safdie’s original design while introducing new architectural solutions and materials. The complex creates a figure-eight route around a diverted stream, integrating itself into a densely wooded natural landscape. The expansion includes a bridge-like gallery with a café, flexible spaces for artistic programming, a learning centre, a circular outdoor gathering plaza and a second entrance at the northern end of the site, reinforcing the connection between art, architecture and nature.

Image courtesy of Safdie Architects

[Participants] It has been two months since one of the participants in our Job + J1 Visa Program started working at MVMK Architecture in Hoboken, New Jersey, and the experience could not be going better for him. Every day, he learns something new, takes on more responsibilities, and feels that he is gradually earning the trust of his supervisors.

In addition, living this experience so close to New York makes everything even more special. Between the summer, an unforgettable trip to Miami, and the search for a new apartment closer to work, he is truly enjoying this experience and looking forward to seeing what the coming months will bring.

[Get to know "4th of July Miami Trip" in the first comment below]

Image courtesy of Antonio Cuellar / Unsplash

[Featured Company] at architects / AT Architects Ltd was established in New York City by Ana Maria Torres in 2000. The firm has a rich history of creating impactful and aesthetically pleasing structures. They are known for their work in residential, commercial, and institutional projects. at architects is the Gold winner of the IDA Design Awards, 2017!

[ All about at architects' work in the first comment below! ]

Their work environment is known for being inclusive and supportive, promoting a balance between professional growth and personal well-being. This approach helps them deliver high-quality, client-focused solutions while maintaining a positive and dynamic workplace.

Portfolios are often the initial contact that architects or designers have with hiring firms and it is critical that you have an impeccable portfolio ready to deliver when the time comes

That's why we've prepared some tips to help you stay ahead of the competition! 👏

🔍 What is the design theme?: You have to determine a specific design that best suits you and your work

👉 Does it adhere to the style of companies that I’m are interested in?: If you have a specific style and your search is narrowed to that, make sure that your scheme follows it.

✏️ What sets me firm apart from other architects?: There is a lot of competition out there and if you feel that there is something which sets you apart from the rest, make sure that you showcase those attributes.

🔎 How much do I want to show?: It is important that you put yourself in the employer’s shoes. Think about how much time will they spare looking through your work?

✅ What were my outcomes?: Most companies are interested in seeing your individual contribution to projects and they also want to know if you ever faced any challenges, and if so, how you were able to confront them.

Do you already apply any of these tips? Tell us which one in the comments!

[Get to know 5 questions that you have to ask yourself so that you create an epic portfolio! in the first comment below]

📸 Photo: Ibuki Ysubo / Unsplash

[News] EYRC Architects has expanded the Cocopah Museum and Cultural Center with a new standalone building that engages with the Arizona landscape and the architectural heritage of the Cocopah Indian Tribe. Built from pigmented precast concrete and weathering steel, the structure reflects the tones of its surroundings while evoking the earthen walls of traditional dwellings.

Separated from the original museum by a landscaped garden, the new gallery extends the space dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and traditions of the Cocopah people. Delivered pro bono by the architecture studio and general contractor, the project transforms architecture into a gesture of respect, cultural continuity and belonging.

Imagen courtesy of EYRC

[Participants] February in San Francisco brought him simple yet unforgettable moments: walks along the Embarcadero, sunsets over the Bay Bridge, new ramen spots, live music at The Regency and time outdoors between Golden Gate Park and Dolores Park. A quieter month, but more than enough to remind him why living in this city always feels so special.

[Get to know "Another nice month in SF" in the first comment below]

Image courtesy of Abhi Verma / Unsplash

[Featured Company] Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture (JPDA), founded in 2000 by Jordan Parnass, was dedicated to exploring new forms and programs enabled by digital technology, advanced materials research, and high-performance design and fabrication methodologies. However, they’ve recently undergone a rebranding. JPDA is now known as Circular.

[ All about Circular's work in the first comment below! ]

The rebranding process from Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture (JPDA) to Circular involved a strategic shift in their mission and focus. As JPDA, they explored digital technology, materials research, and high-performance design. However, the rebrand reflects their commitment to sustainability, human-centered spaces, and community well-being. Circular continues to pioneer Passive House architecture, emphasizing energy efficiency and resilience.

Circular fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. They prioritize empathy, integrity, and positive impact. Their team embraces sustainability, resilience, and human-centered design.

[Participants] During her first month in the United States, a new participant in our Job + J1 Visa Program has started adapting to her internship in San Diego and to a new professional environment. At her host company, she is learning about the U.S. energy sector, especially how renewable energy assets participate in wholesale power markets such as CAISO and ERCOT. In addition, this first experience has allowed her to become familiar with the team’s workflow, internal tools, and key concepts related to forecasting, scheduling, market operations, and asset performance.

[Get to know "My first month in the United States: Settling in San Diego" in the first comment below]

Image courtesy of Justin Wolff / Unsplash

👉 According to several different studies around the world, it has been shown that employers only spend a few seconds looking at your resume. Therefore, before sending your resume to anyone, be sure to include all the necessary information and avoid the following mistakes:

🔎 Not Being Clear Of Your Role: It is important that you use action verbs to describe your role for that particular position so that it quickly demonstrates how you achieved things.

✒️ Making It Too Long: Don’t include information that doesn’t add to who you are and your qualifications are. Include what you feel is necessary that the employer knows.

😅 Including Irrelevant Information: Customize your resume for the position that you are applying. If you feel that something which you worked on helps add to that position, add it!

📈 Too Many Graphics: Make sure that if you are using graphics, that you use them carefully.

💬 Don’t use empty phrases: If you want to make a worded statement of who you are, do it in your cover letter.

✒️ Poor Grammar: Grammar mistakes will draw the reader’s attention away from the content.

😞 Not Highlighting The Skills Relevant For The Job: Tailor your resume for different positions, it always helps to match with as many relevant qualities that they are looking for but always avoid 7 mistakes architects commit in their Resumes.

Have you ever made any of these mistakes? Tell us which one in the comments!

[Get to know "7 mistakes architects commit in their Resumes" in the first comment below]

Photo: Jeremy Doddridge / Unsplash