Co-Op Term Experience
“At SHA my main responsibility was working on drawings and 3d models for various projects. I worked mainly in the design development and construction drawing stages of projects. I used programs like Sketch-up and Layout to work on projects in the more preliminary design stages, creating drawings to show clients building design proposals. In projects at later stages, I used Vector-works for creating 3d models that included wall and floor assemblies as well as other building details to make drawings that could be used for final documents.
During my term here I also got to work on a couple of design charrettes. These were a great way to learn, because I got to work on my own design for a potential project and in the end see how everyone else approached the same project and met its design requirements.
I feel that I was able to learn a lot while working at SHA. I got to experience how projects are taken out of the design development stages and made more exact, further checked against building bylaw and zoning, and detailed so that they can ultimately be built. I also got to see how the firm interacts with the city’s planning and development office.
I would strongly recommend SHA to my classmates. You get amazing experience here, learning how to create drawings that show the level of detail that allow them to be built, which is something that you don’t often have time to do in your projects at school.”
Bio
Nathanael is a third year student at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture. He is interested in all aspects of design, especially how different materials and systems come together and the roles that craftsmanship and technology play in an architectural project. Nathanael’s desire to pursue architecture stems from a passion for creating things that are both useful and beautiful, and he often practices form-making with hobbies such as wood turning, metal working and sketching.
Education & Credentials
Nathanael is currently a candidate for a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Honours, Co-op, from the University of Waterloo. He looks forward to the opportunity to utilize his design and drafting skills and the practical experience gained while working at SHA.