Week in the life of a 22-year old Part 1 Architectural Assistant living in Sligo, Ireland
Written Anoymously , Edited by Aliya @archistudentnotes
This ArchiWeek we have a week in the life submission from a 21-year old Part 1 Architectural Assistant living and working in Sligo, Ireland tackling the trials of being a Part 1 Female Architectural Assistant in a male dominated office.
This was a really interesting read and I will definitely be requesting another submission from this particular writer soon!
Would you have tackled the week any differently?
Monday
Today was a long day in the office. I feel I’m here for experience but it’s very different to the college world.
I haven’t sketched since I started the job and sometimes I feel they’re afraid to give me too much work to do which can leave me idle and the days are long.
Note from Aliya @archistudentnotes: If you are a Part 1 or even a Part 2 Architectural Assistant and you feel that you are not being given enough work - ask for a meeting and get the experience you are there for!
Tuesday
Today was a good fast day. I’m working on a site plan for a housing project. I’m enjoying it as it’s keeping me busy.
Wednesday
The days in the office can be boring with little to no craic.
I’m the youngest in there and the only female.
I had great intentions for my year out but I feel my salary isn’t reflecting the rising cost of living and trying to save for college next year. I feel trapped and the days are monotonous.
Note from Aliya @archistudentnotes: This is a feeling felt across the architectural industry from Assistants to Architects. Architecture has never been a particularly high paying job but when you add the cost of living crisis to the time and money it takes to study architecture…it does become more of a problem.
Mid Week Plug
Enjoying this weeks ArchiWeek? Interested in sharing your own week?
Thursday
The office is a good break from the continuous stress college work deadlines, however, I feel I’m loosing touch with my creative side in designing.
I haven’t done any construction drawings or photoshop work which were 2 areas I wanted to really develop in over the year and I don’t know what to do to try and target that.
I get that as a Part 1 in my first year experience I can’t do everything but I also feel it’s becoming a waste of a year.
Note from Aliya @archistudentnotes: For any architecture practices looking for Part 1 Architectural Assistants please have a plan for them when you start. If not have regular meetings to make sure they get the experience they need to continue in their architectural education. They should not just be seen as just ‘cheap labour’ they are there to learn.
Friday
I’m doing loads of Revit work at the minute which is great experience. I touched base with it last year in college and I’m really enjoying being able to give the time to develop my knowledge of the programme.
If only I could do this a bit more with other aspects to prepare me for my final 2 years. 🤞
Note from Aliya @archistudentnotes: Don’t just cross those fingers, get that meeting booked in! We must all be proactive to get what what we need and deserve.
NOTE FROM THE WRITER
Do all part 1 students feel the same? Kinda bored / questioning do I go back to finish my degree / will the office always be as boring as it is now or is it that I’m the youngest in an all male workplace? Should I try move to someplace else or are faraway hills not always greener?
And that’s the week!
Thank you so much to our anonymous writer from Sligo, Ireland for this weeks submission! A very relatable week in the life that I am sure a lot of us who have been through it, can sympathise with.
Any tips or advice for our writer, please leave them in the comment section below!
If you’re interested in sharing your own ArchiWeek, your own reflection - click here!
