IDIAMM

I am going to break down a job description so you have a better understanding of what employers are looking for (not all but a couple of examples):

1. Support senior team members …….- to do this you need to understand the project timeline, work to a deadline, work efficiently to produce the necessary information at the right time to the right level. This means understanding the stages beyond the RIBA outlines and more inline with the company the project program

2. Work across design development stages……. – to do this you need to understand the project timeline, work to a deadline, work efficiently to produce the necessary information at the right time to the right level. This means understanding the stages beyond the RIBA outlines and inline with the company the project program

3. Explore creative concepts….. – to do this you need to understand time X energy X effort = money. Be creative BUT in the timeframe that is productive. You can’t afford to waste a week developing an idea that doesn’t work with building regs etc. Understand the problem, find the solution taking into account aspects beyond just creativity. Think about the contractors who need to build it, the installation process too

4. Produce full package drawings as a team – to do this you want good communication, MIRS, fully understanding cross referencing drawings and detail, TxExE=M, the different level of information required for each drawing package and when. Think door schedules, drawing numbers, codes and detail standards as well as the right level of information on the sheet and why

5. Space planning front and back of house – to do this you need to think about the customer and the staff requirements, how the space functions beyond ordering food, the clean to dirty plate route, the deliveries, customer and staff circulation crossover issues, the line of site, etc. Staff numbers in key locations

6. Understanding of clients budgets and brief – to do this you need to be able to think about construction, detailing, FF&e and the art of tiering your space plans and already to suit – prioritise your budget and details accordingly, about design and practicality, hero shots and where to spend the money and why!

Here’s the thing – this snippet of a job advert is actually for a middleweight position!! What does this tell you? Those who pay attention to this group beyond the job adverts, those who actually put into practise what I reference in my posts, who attend the lectures or have read my 300 page booklet and are demonstrating this mindset both verbally and in their folios will be showing real world techniques beyond that of a graduate designer!!!!

See it isn’t always about being the most creative in your class, or having the most outrageous and bold designs in your folio. It is about understanding the process and then demonstrating this with the practical use of your time and energy to aid the project to meet the deadlines and workload required on time and in budget.