Anyone know of any architecture openings (construction, school, contractors)

[acoffma]

in addition to my post about university of hawai'is architecture program, does anyone out there know of any firms around the university or within moderate distance that are looking for interns? i have worked for a very respected firm in toledo, ohio for almost 2 years and i do all the 3d modeling and 3d renderings. ive been trying to outsource my talent even to residential builders and kitchen/bath remodelers trying to convince them that 3d models are a very productive tool in solidifying a design. the renderings also give a pop to the client, the clients i have worked for always love the renderings because who doesn't want to see what a building in context looks like before its built? if anyone out theres knows of anyone or anything please let me know, if possible id like to have a position secured for me that way if i do decide to come to UHM i would have a source of income. i know the economy is bad but im just hoping.

[hotzcatz]

3D is nice, but on this island, Moku Nui, (Big Island) very few folks use it. Construction has flat lined for the past several years so all the additional frills are just not there. I'm seeing a few small jobs this year, but I really don't see the need to 3D a goat barn - which is my next project. If you can back up the 3D with solid drafting skills and knowledge of the building code and construction techniques particular to Hawaii, then an architect firm would be more interested in your skills.

I'm sure the clients love the 3D, but does it pay the contractor to use them? They are the person who would be paying you so they are the one to convince that it is a valuable service. In a tight economy, will a contractor pay for the extra when he has to shave his prices to the bone in order to undercut the other guy? I've been doing drafting in Hawaii since about '81 (wish I would have had the money for architect school way back when) and in all that time, there have been less than a dozen renderings and all of two 3D models. The bread and butter is drafting plans to send to the building department and build the project with. If you can offer solid drafting skills with the 3D modeling as gravy on the side, then I would think you will have something to tempt the architects with.

You could try freelance 3D. Instead of getting a full time job with an architect, let them know you can do the modeling for any particular project they have and send a card around to different architects. They may not have enough work to keep you busy full time but may want your services for the occasional job. You would then be in their mind if they are hiring someone later, too. You would also learn a lot of different architectural methods from the various architects.

The other niche is to work directly with the clients to model what they want and then get it drawn up from a model instead of modeling the plans. Most folks in the building trade don't have much problem with seeing things in 3D from 2D plans, but frequently it isn't a skill the client will have cultivated so modeling something for the client first may be helpful. Although that kinda sidesteps the whole reason to hire an architect to design something anyway.

[acoffma]

i am very proficient in drafting as well, good skills in autocad and autodesk architecture (trying to learn revit at this moment BIM is the new thing.) i learned drafting first so I would have to say that my skills are moderate; i know it pretty well but obviously there are things i dont know. i also hand draft too and i find it to be quite fun and more challenging. i just find modeling and rendering more intriquing. i would love to outsource my services, and yes they can be used for contractors use; models and drawings from the models are just as acurate as any drafted floor plans, at least thats how they should be. i understand not everyone would use them though, its the same case in my neck of woods, just based on personal preference. do u know of any firms or companies i could try?