IDIAMM

What is design? It is not ALL about producing drawings, being creative and sourcing/creating imagery. It is often much more than this….

This is what my typical daily chores involve:

problem solving with contractors on site at speed
value engineering designs for time saving
and costs
resolving unforseen issues with contractors i.e. delete ry delays
liaising with clients to make sure they are happy and keep them in the loop
working out programme conflicts due to discoverable issue on site
emailing emailing emailing
signing off on design changes on site
future proofing design decisions for DPP
redlining contractor drawings as incorrect
DTMs to make sure every member of project knows what they have to achieve to meet programme DPP deadline
forward thinking issues to make sure captured by commercial team re budgets
issuing information for client sign off
chasing RFI feedback from client
Updating MIRs
Updating DRMs
Site mtgs to resolve any issues
Chasing FE/BCO trackers for closure

Now on average I have between 5-8 projects a week to manage and they can be a mix of in DPP/Onsite/Chasing PC date so I am multi tasking, spinning plates, putting out fires etc all day everyday…….

The above isn’t about being creative. It is about the following things:

Time management
People skills
Being proactive
Being productive

You don’t need to be a designer for these skills. Life experience will teach you the above. If on yr CV you have a part time job etc, I.e. retail/hospitality, etc sell your skills wisely i.e the points above inline with daily chores above because they will come in handy…….!!!!