advice on what to do next...

[em1985]

Hi,
I would deeply appreciate your opinion on what I should do next.

Last year I graduated as an Interior Architect and struggling to find a footing within the industry. I was fortunate to get a temp contract to work on a new build PICU in Nottingham, and with the help from the architect , I intend to submit the Clifton project to the RBA to be accredited the Part 1. The problem now; how do I best go about finding a company for the Part1 year out? I’ve tried to internet search, but this hasn’t been fruitful, and I’ve also tried calling through the phone book... but due to actually having a degree as an interior Architect, no one seems to be taking me seriously. What do you think I should do next?

Thank you for your time.
Em

[lekizz]

Are you absolutelyt sure you can be accredited for Part 1 after one years outside experience and submitting a single project? I'd be shocked if that was the case!

Unfortunately I don't envy your situation. Work prospects for architects are dire at the moment. Many architecture graduates are offering to work for nothing to get their year's experience, so much so that the RIBA is being pressured to revise its codes of practise to make ...erm ...slave labour unethical. I expect the situation for Interior Designers is even worse. Best of luck!

[lekizz]

P.S. I've discovered its not 'what you know' but 'who you know' that creates job openings in the architecture world, particularly outside London (though Leeds is hardly a small place). If you've done a great job in Nottingham and worked well with several professionals then I suggest you keep contact with them, get your face known around the area. I'll be the first to admit that 'networking' is not my strongest skill, but it got me my current job and, six years later I'm still here *crossed fingers and toes*

[em1985]

To be accredited the Part 1, all im required to do, is submit a portfolio demonstrating my ability (meeting 16 criteria) this can be made up from using several project; from university work, person project and or professional practise. I'm not required to have gained the one year experience in the industry for the part 1... Anyone who has a related degree can be accredited the part 1, im lucky I did interior architecture and a lot of our modules was based on architecture. I actually focused my final year round Urban design so shall be intending to submit part of this along with Clifton.

Any chance if you know if the part 1 year out experience can this be done part-time? if you was to offer to do this for free?

[lekizz]

"Part time employment of less than 20 hours per week is inadequate for training purposes and is therefore not acceptable as part of the minimum 24 months' professional experience"

http://www.pedr.co.uk/textpage.asp?menu=1a&sortorder=40&area=main

That seems to imply that you need to find work of 20 hours or more a week. Useful to know!