Co-Op Term Experience
“At SHA my responsibilities evolved with my capabilities within the firm. When I first arrived in Vancouver my responsibilities were essentially just to arrive at work on time and to help with whatever minor drawing tasks I was given for the day. As I became more comfortable with Vector-works I was given more and more responsibilities, which included modeling an existing building and then continuing to model the proposed renovation on said building; working with project architects to complete drawing sets in both the DP and BP stages of the building process; and I even had the chance to sit in on city meetings for some of these projects.
I worked happily and effectively with almost everyone at the firm, from intern architects to project architects, as well as the principals of the firm. I am happy to say that I learned an immense amount over my 4 month Co-op term, no matter whom I was working with or what level of “person(s)” they were, everyone was easily approachable if I had any questions and I always felt well prepared by my superiors whenever I began a new task.
I worked primarily on single and multi-family residential dwellings, but because of the office’s open studio and social nature, I was exposed to a wide range of other projects that my co-workers were working on along side me. These projects included industrial, commercial, mixed-use and laneway infill buildings.
The rain! WOW, does it ever rain a lot in Vancouver! When I am being paid to do something interesting, but difficult, it does not seem hard, but rather it feels more like a challenge. Learning Vector-works was a challenge at first, one, which I was able to quickly overcome. So were some of the drawing deadlines that I was given, all in all, my Co-op term has been a challenge, but a fun one at that and when I leave I will be leaving with new knowledge and experience that I would not have been leaving with if I had not been challenged.
Before SHA I had never worked in a traditional office setting before, let alone an architecture firm. Every day here I gained experience interacting and working in this kind of a work environment, something I would still be lacking had I not done my co-op term here. Along with that, I learned an immense amount about the Zoning and Building By-Laws in Vancouver as well as the day-to-day interactions between architects and the city in which they work and how these interactions can either expedite or prolong the building process. Finally, I learned to design a building that could actually be built!
YES! I’d recommend SHA to anyone who asked and probably to anyone who didn’t…“
Bio
Tommy is a second year student at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture. His primary interest in architecture is not necessarily physical, rather, it is the intangible qualities of design that drew him toward the profession. Buildings have the ability to become the settings of our memories, design often comes infused with it’s creator’s values, and centuries later it is not people, but their designs, that share their history with the future. It is at this confluence between material and meaning that Tommy’s primary architectural interests can be found. When he is not working or studying, Tommy is likely traveling; in search of great conversations with people and/or their designs.
Education & Credentials
Tommy 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.