sloArch http://www.sloarch.com architecture in the real world Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:30:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Join us every week as we interview Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Architecture alumni and students and talk about the things that matter to us! sloArch no sloArch thestudio@sloarch.com thestudio@sloarch.com (sloArch) 2010 sloArch.com the only podcast for Cal Poly students and alumni CalPoly, San Luis Obispo, Architecture, Alumni, Students, Architect sloArch http://www.sloarch.com/thestudio/TheStudioAlbumArt.jpg http://www.sloarch.com The Studio 10: Hugging Trees http://www.sloarch.com/2010/03/the-studio-10-hugging-trees/ http://www.sloarch.com/2010/03/the-studio-10-hugging-trees/#comments Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:30:29 +0000 Tim Alatorre http://www.sloarch.com/?p=674

We don’t have a guest! Run for the hills!!  Just news today.  There is lots going on in the Cal Poly community and Haley shares some interesting articles on green architecture.  Tim is getting ready for his CSE!!!!! Good times and full speed ahead!

Don’t forget to tell your friends about us, join our Facebook Group, leave reviews on iTunes and vote for us on Podcast Alley!

  • We missed questions from the chat room last week, we’re sorry!
  • Get Beth (Wilson) McIntire to redo your resume!  It worked for Tim!
    • Email: ejw24 at hotmail.com
Cal Poly Schedule:
  • March 12 Last day of classes
  • March 15-19 Final Exam Week
  • March 23-28 Academic Holiday

News:

  • Cal Poly Architecture Reception, Irvine, CA
    • Date: Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
    • Location: LPA Irvine: 5161 California Avenue, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92617. Phone (946) 261-1001
    • RSVP: Architecture Department, architecture@calpoly.edu, or (805) 756-1316.
  • LPA Irvine web page: http://www.lpainc.com/
    • Dr. Alfred Jacoby, Director of the Dessau Bauhaus, will be speaking at 6:00 p.m. on the history of the Bauhaus.
    • Cal Poly Architecture Department’s annual AIA Alumni Reception!
    • Date: Thursday, June 10, 2010
    • Location: Miami, Florida (details TBA)
    • RSVP online at: http://www.arch.calpoly.edu/alumni/index.html
  • Department Head’s image gallery
  • Scaling up Solar Power
    • http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/24582/
    • Applied materials makes the equipment needed to produce the biggest solar panels in the world.
    • Explaining how solar units the size of garage doors are made. These large panels could help improve the economics of solar production and are more efficient than smaller panels with one of the highest yields in the industry (about 500 watts each). They also require fewer junction boxes and less cabling.
    • Goal of Applied Materials is to try and lower the cost of production to $1 per watt by the year’s end.
  • Earthquake Rebuilding with Recycled Tires
    • http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/02/earthquake-rebuilding-with-recycled-tire-logs.php
    • Using ‘logs’ made of recycled tires have been successful in civil engineering projects such as sea walls, highway barriers, and erosion control.
    • Material show potential for use in structures needed to resist blasts and other types of impacts, or applications requiring environmental and physical stresses without deterioration.
    • Interesting breakdown of what happens to recycled tires.
    • 300 million tires are disposed of in 2006!!
  • Why Chile is Better Than Haiti at Handling Earthquakes
    • http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1968576,00.html
    • Comparisons between the two countries recent earthquakes, the impacts, damage and casualties are vastly different.
    • MAJOR POINT: The government in Chile forces builders to adhere to rigorous codes. In recent decades Chile has mandated earthquake-proofing for new structures. Materials such as rubber and counterweight features have been incorporated into designs allowing buildings to bend and sway rather than break.
    • As efforts move forward to rebuild Haiti there are reasons to demand adherence to a set of building regulation free from past government corruption and bribery.
    • While the two countries are worlds apart (in GDP and government policy), there are things that can be learned as we move forward with aid to both.
  • The Pei Master
  • How’s the Environment doing? Ask the Buildings
    • http://edition.cnn.com/2010/TECH/02/25/eco.design.tech/index.html
    • Getting a ’status update’ from intelligent building or structure isn’t so far fetched according to some designers.
    • Interesting ideas of including public involvement in understanding energy useage and offering incentives rewarding good behavior and collective responsibility.
    • Some question the “smarts of smart design”. Think about a park bench that dumps off people that have outstayed their welcome or a trash can the throws unapproved garbage back at you.
    • We talk about ways to make buildings more responsive to user activities in an effort to educate and change behavior.
  • Thanks to all our Facebook fans!
    • Check out http://www.acercas.es/ It’s a great Spanish Revit blog with a community of almost 6,000 persons!
    • They also mentioned us last December which makes them extra cool!

We want your input and contributions!  We are seeking article submissions and segments for the show.  Record your segment and send it to us!

]]> http://www.sloarch.com/2010/03/the-studio-10-hugging-trees/feed/ 0 Bauhaus,CalPoly,Chile,Earthquake,Green Architecture,Haiti,Henri DeHahn,IM Pei,Recycling,Solar Power,Tires We don't have a guest! Run for the hills!! Just news today. There is lots going on in the Cal Poly community and Haley shares some interesting articles on green architecture. Tim is getting ready for his CSE!!!!! Good times and full speed ahead! We don't have a guest! Run for the hills!! Just news today. There is lots going on in the Cal Poly community and Haley shares some interesting articles on green architecture. Tim is getting ready for his CSE!!!!! Good times and full speed ahead! Don't forget to tell your friends about us, join our Facebook Group, leave reviews on iTunes and vote for us on Podcast Alley! sloArch no The Studio 9: It’s A Disease http://www.sloarch.com/2010/02/the-studio-9-its-a-disease/ http://www.sloarch.com/2010/02/the-studio-9-its-a-disease/#comments Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:30:12 +0000 Tim Alatorre http://www.sloarch.com/?p=664
Noelle Lee, LEED AP ‘08, brings a unique story of lost jobs, world travels, and fighting off “Architecture brain mush”.  She shares what she’s doing to stay connected to the profession while waiting for the economy to recover.

Don’t forget to tell your friends about us, join our Facebook Group, leave reviews on iTunes and vote for us on Podcast Alley!

Show Notes

News:

  • Last Hearst Lecture for the season, this Friday
    • Scott Marble: Marble Fairbanks
    • Friday, February 26th, 2010, at 4:00pm
    • Business Rotunda, Room 03-213
    • Teaches at Columbia and taught one of the first “paperless” design studios.
    • His Firm website: http://www.marblefairbanks.com/
  • New Practice/Un-Practice
    • As traditional jobs vanish, startups bloom.
    • Recessions tend to accelerate the formation of new firms.
    • Gen X & Y are perhaps better equipped to startup their own practices more than their predecessors were.
    • With the lack of internships and associate positions, they have to set their own career path.
    • Improved technology makes communication more accessible.
    • Many low to no overhead business models are sprouting up across the country.
  • US architecture billings index down in January-AIA by 2.9 pts to 42.5
    • New project inquiries index lowest since July.
    • Lenders set stringent equity requirements.
    • All 4 US geographic regions stayed below 50 in billings for January, as well as 3 of the 4 construction sectors.
    • The AIA’s billings index, begun in 1995, is considered a measure of construction spending nine to 12 months in the future.
    • Billings and Inquiries Indices Last 4 Years
  • AIA Names 9 Recipients for the 2010 Young Architects Award
    • The Award is given to professionals who have been licensed for 10 years or fewer (regardless of age) and have demonstrated leadership as well as made significant contributions to the profession early in their careers.
  • Architects Synthesize Carbon Nanotube Buckypaper
    • http://nanoarchitecture.net/
    • Decker Yeadon Lab Synthesis Video
    • Decker Yeadon, a NY Firm that focuses on applying advanced materials in architecture, has developed a substance called “Buckypaper”
    • Buckypaper is made from carbon nanotubes, or buckytubes.
    • sidenote: carbon nanotubes are cylindrical Fullerenes, sometimes they might also be spherical as in the buckminsterfullerene C60 molecule, regardless of the variety of shapes they come in, all the molecules in the Fullerene family are composed entirely of carbon.
    • This is another reason why Haley LOVES Bucky :)
    • Buckypaper is said to be hundreds of times stronger than steel, it can filter particles, conduct and disperse heat like metals and can conduct electricity.
    • Being the first architects to make Buckypaper, a great deal of interest from the scientific community has surrounded the research of Buckypaper.

Rapid Fire Questions

  • Cal Poly or Berkley? CAL POLY
  • Autocad or Revit? AutoCAD
  • Parallel bar or T-Square? Parrellel bar
  • Facebook or LinkedIn? Facebook
  • Arch Record or Arch Digest? Arch Record
  • Drafting dots or tape? Tape
  • Yellow trace or white? indifferent! – white
  • Ad Markers or Prisma? Prisma
  • Pen or Pencil? Pencil
  • Mac or PC? indifferent!  Again!! – only had PCs, but Cal Poly runs on Mac’s so they’re the same in her book

Score: monosodiumgluteate: MSG

Interview:

  • What is she up to?
    • Graduated in 2008, currently not working in an architecture firm.
    • Prior to graduation she had a job lined up in SLO but a week before graduation the department she was to work in was dissolved.
    • Moved to Idaho, where her sister lives and had a bunch of interviews and things looked promising but most of the firms were waiting to decide on any new hires.
    • Trying to figure out where to go, what to do… currently working as a general manager in a restaurant?
    • Planning to come back to architecture when things turn around.
    • While it’s driving her crazy that she’s not currently working in architecture she’s still trying to stay plugged into architecture by visiting a local firm, Modus Architects, and sitting in on meetings and she used their study materials to get LEED Accredited, this firm is awesome for doing that!!!
    • Entering competitions to stay creative and involved.
    • Arquitectum Competitions and Events
    • Death By Architecture
    • Trying to make the most of keeping her skills and using them so she doesn’t lose touch with the design process.
    • Writing articles, reading articles to keep her mind from “going to mush”.
    • Looking at possibilites to do things locally, like converting an empty lot into an openair market.
  • Are you currently working towards licensure? If so what is your progress?
    • She’d like to get going on it, but money is an issue right now.
    • Haley mentions some resources to work towards your IDP requirements without working in architecture:
    • Refer to NCARB for opportunities to gain IDP experience while unemployed:
    • Use the FREE online resource: the Emerging Professionals Companion, where you can complete activities and exercises that count towards your IDP experience requirements:
    • Attending AIA Continuing Education seminars/lectures can also count towards IDP.
    • But you NEED an NCARB Record to record these hours ($285)
  • Noelle talks about her cross country trip, since she’s unemployed she has time to travel.
    • Being speechless while visiting buildings that she loves and studied in school keeps her inspired and driven.
  • Current observations of economy
    • Directly, trying to make it for the time being until she can find a job in a firm.
  • Any thoughts on Cal Poly grads out in the industry?
    • Love, love, loves her education from Cal Poly!!
    • She feels that her education has given her a great background of design in general, architectural design skills are the mother of all other design skills.
    • Use your vocabulary of design skills can be applied to a myriad of other fields, she’s gotten into jewelry design.
  • Any thoughts on how the program is changing/improving?
    • More integration of technology and having to learn programs on your own as well as the need of hand drawing, it would be good if they offered a whole quarter to learn programs but still emphasized the importance of hand drawing becuase there are still applications where it is appropriate.
  • Is there something you wish you had done or known when you were still at Cal Poly?
    • Wished she would have gotten into IDP at the time she was in school and had interned every summer, so she missed out reporting those hours.
  • What kind of advice can you give to current Cal Poly students?
    • Try to intern as much as you can. Cal Poly teaches you the design aspect, but working in a firm helps you see how a firm really functions and how to apply your drafting skills.
    • Most of the time the job offers you get are from the firms you’ve work for in the past.
    • Take advantage of the work shop.
]]> http://www.sloarch.com/2010/02/the-studio-9-its-a-disease/feed/ 0 CalPoly,Competitions,Idaho,IDP,LEED,Licensure,NCARB,Restaurant,Unemployment Noelle Lee, LEED AP '08, brings a unique story of lost jobs, world travels, and fighting off "Architecture brain mush". She shares what she's doing to stay connected to the profession while waiting for the economy to recover. Noelle Lee, LEED AP '08, brings a unique story of lost jobs, world travels, and fighting off "Architecture brain mush". She shares what she's doing to stay connected to the profession while waiting for the economy to recover. Don't forget to tell your friends about us, join our Facebook Group, leave reviews on iTunes and vote for us on Podcast Alley! sloArch no The Studio 8: There’s a Lot Going On in Chat http://www.sloarch.com/2010/02/the-studio-8-theres-a-lot-going-on-in-chat/ http://www.sloarch.com/2010/02/the-studio-8-theres-a-lot-going-on-in-chat/#comments Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:30:04 +0000 Tim Alatorre http://www.sloarch.com/?p=631

Haley and Tim talk about the news of the week, we try to get to the bottom of the NCARB and CAB’s disciplinary action against an Architecture candidate, and we talk about the the future of the licensed Architect in the construction industry.

Don’t forget to tell your friends about us, join our Facebook Group, leave reviews on iTunes and vote for us on Podcast Alley!

Show Notes

News:

  • Cal Poly Offering expanded summer term classes
  • New Materials Demonstration Lab Under Construction
    • With an anticipated inauguration in Fall 2010 the Simpson Strong-Tie Materials Demonstration Laboratory will be the largest element in the College’s Construction Innovations Center which opened in Fall 2008. Students in several disciplines will be able to use the 5,000-square-foot lab to design, build and test a variety of structural components. The Materials Demonstration Lab will provide vital support for activities of four adjoining labs in the center, where students will gain hands-on experience with fundamentals of construction management and with residential, commercial and heavy/civil construction.
  • Spring fieldtrip to the SW Desert: Prof. Tom di Santo
    • The Spring break in the Desert SW is an 8-day faculty-led trip to spring 2010 based in the Southwest quadrant of the United States. The trip will be led by Prof. Tom di Santo and will take place on a chartered Green Tortoise bus. The goal is to see a phlethora of natural beauty, modern architecture, museum art and installation art in the landscape, Native American dwellings and cith-scapes, historical cities and National Forest Recreation Areas.
    • For additional information, contact Prof. Tom di Santo or call 805.234.1727
    • Description Pamphlet can be downloaded at: Desert SW (.pdf)
  • Architecture Student Honored for Design of “Deployable Pod”
  • Architecture Student Recieves National Recognition
    • John Vierra won first place in the 2009 Bohemian Flats Boathouse Student Design Competition.
    • The competition was sponsored by the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) in conjunction with The Vinyl Institute.
    • Vierra is a senior in Cal Poly’s Architecture Department. He was also the first place winner of the 2008 AIAS Student Competition.
    • Check out the pdf (16MB) of his project!
  • CAB Newsletter (Mar 2009)
    • NANCY HEUNG (Alhambra) On or about September 10, 2008, a Statement of Issues was filed against Nancy Heung, a candidate for licensure, after she appealed the Board’s denial of her Application for California Supplemental Examination (CSE). The denial was based on evidence that Heung, after taking the General Structures division, the Lateral Forces division, and the Construction Documents and Services division of the Architect Registration Examination, used a pseudonym and posted comments on the Internet that either paraphrased or directly revealed the subject of questions on the examinations she had just taken, … The terms and conditions of the stipulation included allowing Heung to take the CSE and upon passing it and paying her license fees, be issued a license, which would be immediately revoked, revocation stayed, and Heung placed on five years’ probation commencing from the date the license was issued. Other terms and conditions included reimbursing the Board $1,602 for its investigative and prosecution costs and successfully completing an ethics course approved by the Board.
    • Is AREforum.org run by NCARB?

Other Stuff:

  • If you have a story about the CAB let us know!
    • What do you do if your supervisor isn’t supportive of the IDP?
  • What’s the future of the Architect License
    • Do you need a license to be an expert?
    • The building profession is changing, it’s not just about the Architect anymore.
    • Is it even relevant to get a license anymore?
    • If I’m not an Architect what do I call myself?
  • Tim’s taking the CSE on March 15th!
  • We want to start a scholarship for CalPoly Architecture students!

Rapid Fire with Haley and Tim

]]> http://www.sloarch.com/2010/02/the-studio-8-theres-a-lot-going-on-in-chat/feed/ 0 AIA,architects,ARE,CAB,Cody Williams,CSE,IDP,John Vierra,Nancy Heung,NCARB,Tom di Santo Haley and Tim talk about the news of the week, we try to get to the bottom of the NCARB and CAB's disciplinary action against an Architecture candidate, and we talk about the the future of the licensed Architect in the construction industry. Haley and Tim talk about the news of the week, we try to get to the bottom of the NCARB and CAB's disciplinary action against an Architecture candidate, and we talk about the the future of the licensed Architect in the construction industry. Don't forget to tell your friends about us, join our Facebook Group, leave reviews on iTunes and vote for us on Podcast Alley! sloArch no The Studio 7: CalPoly Sounds Okay http://www.sloarch.com/2010/02/the-studio-007-calpoly-sounds-okay/ http://www.sloarch.com/2010/02/the-studio-007-calpoly-sounds-okay/#comments Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:30:50 +0000 Tim Alatorre http://www.sloarch.com/?p=624

Sarah Fleming, President of the Cal Poly Chapter AIAS, and Ben Hait-Campbell, Vice President, share their perspective of the Cal Poly Architecture program today, fill us in on the AIAS, and tell us what happened to the F-Stop!

Don’t forget to tell your friends about us, join our Facebook Group, leave reviews on iTunes and vote for us on Podcast Alley!

Show Notes

News:

Rapid Fire Questions:

Sarah (S) Ben (B)

  • Favorite James Bond Movie? (S) Goldfinger (B) Quantum of Solice
  • Shaken (B) or stirred (S)?
  • Work at home or in the studio (B, S)?
  • Dexter Lawn (B) or the Kennedy Library (S)?
  • Best place to be on a Friday night? (B) Studio (S) Coffee shop
  • Pismo Beach or Avila Beach (B & S)?
  • Facebook (B & S) or LinkedIn?
  • Yellow trace or white (B & S)?
  • Ad Markers or Prisma (B & S)?
  • Mac or PC (B & S)?

Scores:

  • Sarah: Rubber Band Ball
  • Ben: 5,012.7

Interview:

  • What year are you?
    • Ben – Tom Fowler, 3rd year, straight from H.S.
    • Sarah – Jim Doerfler, 3rd year, transfer from Cuesta
  • Why did you choose Cal Poly Architecture?
    • Ben – one of the schools he got into, from Seattle, picked schools along the westcoast, Cal Poly tuition was more affordable, easier application than Oregon
    • Sarah – from CO. knew in H.S. that out of state tuition would be crazy so planned on going to Cal Poly, but decided to go to Cuesta for a few years to establish residency before transferring to Cal Poly
  • They both agree that Cal Poly has been the perfect place thus far
    • the environment is ideal
    • the architecture program has a great program, you’re surrounded by great people and create a community with your peers
  • What are you working on?
    • Ben – Mind/Body entity in NY
      • working to apply abstract ideas into something tangible
      • Fowler overwhelms with deliverables to help get you working towards the end product
    • Sarah – Aquatic Center in downtown SF (1st and Folsom)
      • actually got to visit the site, large pools/gym/community center, a larger project than usual but fun
      • while in SF they visited SOM and some other firms
  • Do you plan on getting your Architect Licence?
    • Sarah - definitely
    • Ben – maybe, it seems like a very intimidating process, he’s not interested in codes or any of that other stuff, if he could just do cool stuff and get paid for it he would be happy
  • Have you done any internships?
    • Sarah – hopefully going to Switzerland, she had an internship a few summers ago mainly educational work
    • Ben – hasn’t had any internships yet
  • What do you like/dislike about the program?
    • Ben Sarah – registration process for classes, your educational career is dependant on your studio experience,
  • What has been the hardest thing so far?
    • Sarah – balancing classes with a job and extra cirricular activities, finding time to sleep
  • What is the AIAS
    • Sarah – National Organization, four quadrants around the U.S, currently have around 50 members, she also started the Cuesta chapter but students there transfer so the membership fluctuates more
  • Why/How did you become involved?
    • Sarah – Passion for architecture from an early age, while at Cuesta it was a way to start meeting people with similar interests which is how/why she started the Chapter at Cuesta, that involvement carried over to Cal Poly after transferring from Cuesta
    • Ben – As a freshman he just jumped in to get involved and became VP sophmore year
  • Why/How did you become and officers?
    • Sarah – Her experience with the organization made her a natural choice
    • Ben – Second year as VP, working to continue to develop a clear presence and identity on campus
  • What activities, services, resources does the AIAS provide?
    • Ben – They’re putting on the movie nights, brought in local professionals to speak to students about life after graduation, model building in Sequoia Hall, hosted Finnish architecture professions lecture on lighting and architecture,
    • Sarah – Working on Freedom by Design Program: a program where AIAS architecture students go into the homes of elderly citizens and help make their home more accessible such as handrails/ramps. They also bring in career services to speak to students about interview skills and such.
    • http://www.aias.org/advocacy_service/freedom_by_design.php
    • Working to get more involvement and interaction between the classes and years of architecture students
    • While the natural tendancy is to isolate yourself in study, AIAS offers an outlet for architecture students to get that diversity of peers and upper or lower classes
  • F-Stop
    • the tiny forgotten space of the architecture building across the hall from the photo lab
    • They’re working to get the space up and running again as the student lounge and hangout
  • aias.calpoly@gmail.com
  • AIAS Cal Poly Chapter
  • GET INVOLVED!!!
]]> http://www.sloarch.com/2010/02/the-studio-007-calpoly-sounds-okay/feed/ 0 AIAS,CalPoly,Cuesta College,design,F-Stop,Green Architecture,San Luis Obispo Sarah Fleming, President of the Cal Poly Chapter AIAS, and Ben Hait-Campbell, Vice President, share their perspective of the Cal Poly Architecture program today, fill us in on the AIAS, and tell us what happened to the F-Stop! Sarah Fleming, President of the Cal Poly Chapter AIAS, and Ben Hait-Campbell, Vice President, share their perspective of the Cal Poly Architecture program today, fill us in on the AIAS, and tell us what happened to the F-Stop! Don't forget to tell your friends about us, join our Facebook Group, leave reviews on iTunes and vote for us on Podcast Alley! sloArch no The Studio 6: Live and Uncut http://www.sloarch.com/2010/02/the-studio-6-live-and-uncut/ http://www.sloarch.com/2010/02/the-studio-6-live-and-uncut/#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:30:11 +0000 Tim Alatorre http://www.sloarch.com/?p=617
Caela Beene McKeever and Sean McKeever, B’Arch ‘06, bring us a Seattle perspective on Cal Poly and give us a glimpse into Chinese and retail architecture.  Plus, Tim makes the worst jokes ever!
Don’t forget to tell your friends about us, join our Facebook Group, leave reviews on iTunes and vote for us on Podcast Alley!

News:

  • Cal Poly Hearst Lecture Series, Friday, Feb 5th:
    • Ann Forsyth
    • http://www.arch.calpoly.edu/news-events/hearst-lectures.html
    • Ann Forsyth’s work focuses on the social aspects of physical planning and urban development. Forsyth’s contributions have been to analyze the success of planned alternatives to sprawl, particularly exploring the tensions between social and ecological values in urban design.

Rapid Fire Questions:

  • Cal Poly or Berkley?  Cal Poly
  • Autocad or Revit?  Microstation
  • Parallel bar or T-Square?  Parallel
  • Facebook or LinkedIn?  Facebook
  • Arch Record or Arch Digest?  Arch Record
  • Drafting dots or tape?  Tape “Sean” Dots “Caela”
  • Yellow trace or white?  White
  • Ad Markers or Prisma?  Ad Markers
  • Pen or Pencil?  Pen
  • Mac or PC?  PC (Sean) MAC (Caela)
  • Scores
    • Caela: Pineapple
    • Sean: Sq root of lamp
    • Brandon: 5

Interview:

  • Both of our guests are from Fresno
    • they met at Cal Poly (shout out to Greg Wynn)
    • decided to move up to Seattle after graduation after falling in love with it during a Thesis Studio tour.
  • Seattle had a great job market after graduation so they’ve been there ever since.
  • Caela worked at Darden Architects during High School
    • originally in the Interior Design Department
    • then after being accepted to Cal Poly
    • worked in the Architecture Department before leaving for college.
  • Happy that she made that decision to stick with Architecture since now she does a little of both.
  • Caela and Sean work for the same firm and have for 3 1/2 years ever since moving to Seattle
  • Sean mainly works on commercial projects
    • has worked on large projects for Microsoft and Amazon
    • He’s now working on some large mixed use projects in China
      • specifically the office tower component
      • He has traveled to Shanghai for this project and offers some insight on what it’s like to work on a project in China
    • Callison is an International firm
      • they have an office in Shanghai as well
    • They normally team up with a firm locally, working collaborately with the LDI
      • Callison works on the schematics and into design development, then the local firm will pick up the construction documents.
  • Caela works for the studio that does all of the Nordstrom stores in the country
    • The recession hit their market first
    • reduced project numbers and lay offs resulted, but recently the retail market has been the first to return.
  • She’s traveled domestically often for projects
    • currently working on a project in Portland
    • Works mainly with remodels, which she has grown to love
    • Really enjoys the interiors aspect to the process, and gets to carry the project from design to the contract admin phase.
  • They are both nearly done with IDP
    • haven’t started taking their AREs yet
    • when they first moved to WA they couldn’t start taking the exams until done with IDP. But being able to study together and knowing each other’s study habits will help keep them accountable to each other.
  • Their thoughts on Cal Poly grads out in the industry
    • They brought Cal Poly ‘06 up to Seattle, many of our classmates are up there
    • In CA many firms know Cal Poly and think highly of Cal Poly, but going out of CA looking for a job you loose that advantage, especailly up in WA they are in the minority
    • But Washington State has a great program as well.
  • Felt well prepared coming out of Cal Poly, while you learn so much in a firm, Cal Poly gives you a good foundation to continue learning out in the industry
  • Required internships would be a great learning experience
    • you learn things that you can’t learn in a classroom, the buisness end of architecture, being on a construction site, people skills
    • Having that required internship would be a great benefit to students.
  • Enjoy college as much as you can
    • get as much out of it as you can, because once you enter the profession you turn another page in your career and you start to build upon that knowledge.
    • Travel!!!
    • Push yourself as much as you can.
    • Enjoy your Thesis project as much as you can, take full advantage of it.
    • Enjoy the climate of San Luis Obipso, it’s one of a kind!
  • Best memories of Cal Poly
    • 2am studio parties
    • playing frisbee late at night in the staircourt of the Archtiecture Bldg
    • the giant slip and slide on Dexter Lawn
]]> http://www.sloarch.com/2010/02/the-studio-6-live-and-uncut/feed/ 0 ARE,CalPoly,China,Green Architecture,IDP,Office,Retail,Seattle Caela Beene McKeever and Sean McKeever, B'Arch '06, bring us a Seattle perspective on Cal Poly and give us a glimpse into Chinese and retail architecture. Plus, Tim makes the worst jokes ever! - Don't forget to tell your friends about us, Caela Beene McKeever and Sean McKeever, B'Arch '06, bring us a Seattle perspective on Cal Poly and give us a glimpse into Chinese and retail architecture. Plus, Tim makes the worst jokes ever! Don't forget to tell your friends about us, join our Facebook Group, leave reviews on iTunes and vote for us on Podcast Alley! sloArch no 56:05 The Studio 5: It’s More Like This, Mua Mua Mua http://www.sloarch.com/2010/01/the-studio-5-its-more-like-this-mua-mua-mua/ http://www.sloarch.com/2010/01/the-studio-5-its-more-like-this-mua-mua-mua/#comments Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:30:49 +0000 Tim Alatorre http://www.sloarch.com/?p=611
Alex Ceballos, B’Arch ‘08, joins us for a great conversation about freelance Architecture work while still attending school and shares his incredible story of being an immigrant working his way to, and through Cal Poly.

Don’t forget to tell your friends about us, join our Facebook Group, leave reviews on iTunes and vote for us on Podcast Alley!

Mail Bag:

News:

Interview:

  • Alex is still at the first job that he got straight out of Cal Poly
  • He has started the IDP program but isn’t sure if he wants to start the ARE’s. We try to convince him to start.
    • It’s hard to get all the IDP hours when your firm doesn’t do all services.
    • Emerging Professionals Companion offers IDP units, http://www.epcompanion.org/
    • Have consultants do a learning luncheon and give a homework assignment to those working on IDP
  • Started doing freelance residential drawings when he started college
    • First client was his uncle
    • At the peak in 2007 he was doing 40-50 projects a year
    • Friends called him a work-a-holic. For two years almost every weekend he drove to the central valley for work.
  • Alex talks about the legalities of a non-architect doing residential construction drawings and how he learned how to do the drawings.
  • We are left speachless
  • Doing real world work made it difficult to think really out of the box in design studio because he instinctively thought about constructability of the design.
  • Cal Poly’s motto of learn by doing is great but teachers controlling what technologies to use is something to possibly change.
  • Find a job related to Architecture while you are still in school to see if it’s really what you want to do.
  • Jake Feldman talked Alex into not changing majors to Architectural Engineering. Studing vs having fun with models.
  • Alex came to the United States from Mexico at 14 not knowing any English. He worked really hard to learn the language in less than two years. He couldn’t go directly to Cal Poly because he didn’t have 4 years of required English.
    • During his senior year of high school and the summer after graduation he completed most of his freshman college courses at the local junior college.
    • He transfered to Cuesta and then to Cal Poly. Still completed the entire program in the 5 year period because of transfer credits.
  • How does Alex feel about all the layoffs at his firm?
  • Hasn’t had any outside architecture work for 3 months, has started a side business with another person in the firm to create an alternate revenue stream
  • Even if he’s vacationing in Cabo San Lucas he will still be designing Architecture
]]> http://www.sloarch.com/2010/01/the-studio-5-its-more-like-this-mua-mua-mua/feed/ 0 CalPoly,CSE,Haiti,IDP,Keynotes,Unemployment Alex Ceballos, B'Arch '08, joins us for a great conversation about freelance Architecture work while still attending school and shares his incredible story of being an immigrant working his way to, and through Cal Poly. Alex Ceballos, B'Arch '08, joins us for a great conversation about freelance Architecture work while still attending school and shares his incredible story of being an immigrant working his way to, and through Cal Poly. Don't forget to tell your friends about us, join our Facebook Group, leave reviews on iTunes and vote for us on Podcast Alley! sloArch no 1:14:21 The Studio 4: Air Filter Design http://www.sloarch.com/2010/01/the-studio-4-air-filter-design/ http://www.sloarch.com/2010/01/the-studio-4-air-filter-design/#comments Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:30:25 +0000 Tim Alatorre http://www.sloarch.com/?p=578
Special guest Brandon Lyon, B’Arch ‘06, a freelance graphic designer, photographer, and web designer, joins us for a great conversation about using the Cal Poly Architecture program to learn more than just Architecture.  See his work at http://design.bybrandon.net.

Don’t forget to tell your friends about us, join our Facebook Group, leave reviews on iTunes and vote for us on Podcast Alley!

News:

“…as a profession, we know that once the humanitarian relief efforts are stabilized, the next phase of rebuilding begins…. Additionally, we are discussing ideas with Architecture for Humanity on how architects can provide on-the-ground design guidance in Haiti so local citizens can seek qualified counsel as they rebuild their homes, businesses, and lives.”

Rapid Fire Questions:

Brandon’s Score: Zero?

Interview:

  • After graduation Brandon chose not to work in Architecture.
    • Limited number of Architecture positions on the Central Coast
    • No desire to go through the “three year hazing process” waiting to get to the design process
    • Found more jobs in the graphic design field than in the actual architecture field
    • Architecture can take years to see a project completed, while graphic design is more versitile and changing
    • Currently working in graphic Design, semi-related, but local in SLO which is where he wanted to stay
  • Cal Poly Architecture program taught about design in general, not just Architecture.
    • The program helps you develop a number of different skills
  • PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO
    • Keep your portfolio up to date
    • Try to get content for your portfolio out of every project and every class
    • Keeping track of your paper trail will lessen the load of compiling your portfolio later
    • Don’t be afraid to go back and complete or rework those pieces of work that you wished you could have finished in order to present them better and communicate your project intent further
    • Don’t throw away something just because a professor doesn’t like it
    • Keep design clippings and things you’re interested in to stay current in the design industry and stay passionate about design in general
    • http://bybrandon.tumblr.com
  • The benefits of living in San Luis Obispo
  • What’s wrong with the Cal Poly Architecture program?
    • The program NOT requiring REVIT or CAD is a disadvantage for the student because it is something that will be required for you to know as an employee in the workforce
]]> http://www.sloarch.com/2010/01/the-studio-4-air-filter-design/feed/ 1 Architecture For Humanity,CalPoly,Frank Gehry,Haiti,Portfolio,San Luis Obispo Special guest Brandon Lyon, B'Arch '06, a freelance graphic designer, photographer, and web designer, joins us for a great conversation about using the Cal Poly Architecture program to learn more than just Architecture. See his work at http://design. Special guest Brandon Lyon, B'Arch '06, a freelance graphic designer, photographer, and web designer, joins us for a great conversation about using the Cal Poly Architecture program to learn more than just Architecture. See his work at http://design.bybrandon.net. Don't forget to tell your friends about us, join our Facebook Group, leave reviews on iTunes and vote for us on Podcast Alley! sloArch no 46:19 The Studio 3: Our Profession is Crumbling Around Us http://www.sloarch.com/2010/01/the-studio-3-our-profession-is-crumbling-around-us/ http://www.sloarch.com/2010/01/the-studio-3-our-profession-is-crumbling-around-us/#comments Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:30:26 +0000 Tim Alatorre http://www.sloarch.com/?p=570

We are now on the official Cal Poly Architecture department webpage and we remember that the Burj Kalifa was “finished”.

Special guest Antonio Avila, B’Arch ‘92  AIA LEED AP. an associate with Darden Architects, joins us for a great conversation about the recession, the journey of the emerging professional, and how Cal Poly prepares you for entering the work force.

Don’t forget to tell your friends about us, join our Facebook Group, leave reviews on iTunes and vote for us on Podcast Alley!

News:

Rapid Fire Questions:

Tony scores: 412 points

Talking with Tony

  • Who is he?
    • Fresno native
    • Cal Poly striaght after HS, graduated in 1992.
    • Worked in San Francisco bay area
    • Moved back to Fresno to work at Darden Architects again
    • Got licence in 1996
  • Advice to Cal Poly students, Start taking your exams as soon as you can.
    • Cal Poly does a great job preparing students for the AREs
  • The people and being allowed to design has kept him with Darden Architects for over 15 years
  • We talk about some of the differences about working in a smaller versus a larger firm
    • While some small firms are closing their doors, others are busy, the type of work can help keep a firm busy
  • Thoughts on recent Cal Poly grads
    • The Cal Poly “learn-by-doing” approach is unique
    • Recently Cal Poly grads seem to be stronger in design while still maintaining the strong technical knowledge that the school is known for.
  • A small number of Architects actually design, so what else is there?
  • The people who succeed in Architecture have good people skills
    • You need to be comfortable talking with clients and understanding that clients are different
    • In school we are talking to our peers, in the real world it’s a different presentation and language
  • Is there something you wish you had done or known when you were still at Cal Poly?
    • Study Abroad for a year, go to Europe, you need to see those buildings up close and it’s much easier to travel when you’re a student, try to get exposure to another country and architecture elsewhere
    • Take advantage of the quarter Internships working at a firm to get work experience and credit
  • What kind of advice can you give to recent grads who are out of work?
    • If you haven’t been able to find a job in architecture just hang in there, things will pick up, people will be hiring at sometime in the future
    • Take this time to start your AREs, get LEED accredited, listen to theStudio!
]]> http://www.sloarch.com/2010/01/the-studio-3-our-profession-is-crumbling-around-us/feed/ 1 ARE,Burj Kalifa,CalPoly,design,Dubai,LEED,Study Abroad We are now on the official Cal Poly Architecture department webpage and we remember that the Burj Kalifa was "finished". - Special guest Antonio Avila, B'Arch '92 AIA LEED AP. joins us for a great conversation about the recession, We are now on the official Cal Poly Architecture department webpage and we remember that the Burj Kalifa was "finished". Special guest Antonio Avila, B'Arch '92 AIA LEED AP. joins us for a great conversation about the recession, the journey of the emerging professional, and how Cal Poly prepares you for entering the work force. Don't forget to tell your friends about us, join our Facebook Group, leave reviews on iTunes and vote for us on Podcast Alley! sloArch no 52:37 Watch out for Falling Power Saws http://www.sloarch.com/2010/01/watch-out-for-falling-power-saws/ http://www.sloarch.com/2010/01/watch-out-for-falling-power-saws/#comments Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:12:47 +0000 Tim Alatorre http://www.sloarch.com/2010/01/watch-out-for-falling-power-saws/ sloArch.com has a new look! It’s still a little rough around the edges but we’re working as fast as we can to implement new and exciting features.

While we finish the details, keep your hard hats on and forgive us for any minor problems.

]]> http://www.sloarch.com/2010/01/watch-out-for-falling-power-saws/feed/ 0 The Studio 2: Thank You China http://www.sloarch.com/2010/01/the-studio-2-thank-you-china/ http://www.sloarch.com/2010/01/the-studio-2-thank-you-china/#comments Sat, 09 Jan 2010 22:25:43 +0000 Tim Alatorre http://www.sloarch.com/?p=559

Happy New Year!  This is the first episode for 2010 and we are off to a great start.  Special guest Elise Drakes, B’Arch ‘06 Associate AIA, talkes about healthcare Architecture and the ACE Mentor Program.  We discuss the rise of green buildings and the IDP program.

Be sure to tell your friends about us, join our Facebook Group, leave reviews on iTunes and vote for us on Podcast Alley!

News:

Rapid Fire Questions:

Elise scores = 426,212 points

What’s Elise Up To?:

  • After graduation she started working with a multi-residential design firm
    • Two years ago she started working at Taylor in New Port Beach
  • Currently working towards licensure:
    • Going through IDP
    • Currently studying for Programming ARE
    • Licensure is a long process, it’s hard to find study time
  • Is Healthcare “insulated” from the current economic state?
    • Every Firm, regardless of the type of the work, has had to make those tough decisions
    • The uncertainty of Health Care Reform is causing hospitals to cut back on spending
  • Thoughts on Cal Poly grads out in the industry
    • LOVE Cal Poly!!
    • Cal Poly grads are “do-ers”
    • Architecture Program does a good job of integrating the many facets of our industry
    • It would have been nice to learn more about how to find the area of architecture you fit into and are passionate about
    • It’s sad to see students graduate and then not like what they are doing and leave the industry
    • Wishful thinking for more well rounded internships in different industry areas while being a student
    • While jobs are hard to find, don’t be discouraged if you can’t find a job in a firm, if you’re interested in Healthcare perhaps look to get a job related to nursing where you’ll be learning about the day to day operations of their work and operations
    • It could benefit students if a variety of internships were supported and suggested
  • Taylor supports a number of “extracuricular” activities

Elise Interviews Haley and Tim

  • Haley is involved with the AIA and NCARB and all grown up
  • Tim got stuck in the housing crash and doesn’t have to do the IDP

We get sidetracked and talk about the IDP

  • The IDP is a good idea, it empowers intern Architects
]]> http://www.sloarch.com/2010/01/the-studio-2-thank-you-china/feed/ 0 ACE Mentor Program,AutoCad,CalPoly,Green Architecture,Health Care,IDP,NCARB,Revit,San Luis Obispo Special guest Elise Drakes talkes about healthcare Architecture and the ACE Mentor Program. We discuss the rise of green buildings and the IDP program. Special guest Elise Drakes talkes about healthcare Architecture and the ACE Mentor Program. We discuss the rise of green buildings and the IDP program. sloArch no 56:21