Know The Architectural Landscape of Canada
As an aspiring architect, it is important to become knowledgeable of the architectural scene of the country you are looking to get a job in. In order to understand how to get an architecture job in Canada, it is important to develop an understanding of the architectural history and design ethos in the region. Canadian architecture focuses heavily on the environment and natural resources, often looking to blend modern design with traditional building techniques inspired by the traditional architecture of the country’s native peoples. While the most prevalent architecture of the nation is inspired by European modernism, with the aim of paying homage to the past while building a sustainable future.
The architectural landscape of Canada is marked by sharp contrasts between the regions, with a distinct lessening of prominence of traditional indigenous architecture. In the urban areas, most of the architecture is based around commercial and industrial activity, whereas in rural areas, traditional indigenous architecture, such as longhouses, and twig houses, can still be found.
Develop Architecture Ideas
Working on a portfolio of architecture designs can be a creative and inspiring way to prepare for a career in architecture. Draw ideas from Canadian architecture, drawing inspiration from the nation’s landscape and culture, to produce a portfolio of designs that stand out from the competition. Remember to think about the materials you use, and the efficiency and sustainability of the designs, in order to stay within the guidelines of traditional Canadian architecture and prove your understanding of it.
If you don’t have any design experience, now is the time to gain some. With online resources, such as CAD and 3D modeling tools, it’s easier than ever to publicly demonstrate your design prowess even if you don’t have a physical portfolio to offer. Take it further, and you could even start your own design projects to get direct experience of the processes involved in building architectural pieces.
Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter
Showcase your skills and experience with a concise and well written resume and cover letter. Make sure to include any prior experience and qualifications, pointing out how this makes you a good match for the role you’re applying for. Utilizing key words that the hiring manager might be looking for can be a great way to give yourself an edge in the application process. Even if you don’t have work experience or qualifications, you can still make yourself attractive to potential employers by displaying knowledge of the industry in your application documents.
Think About Career Prospects
When applying for an architecture job in Canada, it’s important to consider the career prospects in the region that you are applying in. Consider the size of the population, the industry of the region, and the competition that you are likely to face in the job market. Canada’s more developed cities are more likely to offer more job opportunities – led largely by the construction industries.
Run Your Own Research
Doing research about the Canadian architectural scene can give you a better idea of the style and ethos of architecture present in the country. Not only will this help to inform and improve your design portfolio, but it will also give you a good indication of the job prospects in the region.
The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects is a great source of knowledge and current affairs about the architectural scene in Canada. This can be a great source of networking opportunities, as well as a way of making useful professional connections. Additionally, pay attention to any relevant blogs, podcasts and newspapers that focus on Canadian architecture in order to stay up-to-date with the latest developments.
Utilize Professional Resources
There are a number of professional resources that can be used to help you get a job in architecture. Depending on the region, there are likely to be specific job postings and network resources that are available to you. Additionally, you can use these resources as a way of networking with professionals in the industry and figuring out ways to progress in your career.
In the city of Vancouver for example, the Urban Design Forum, Urbanarium and Urban Land Institute are all great sources of information. If you’re someone who likes to attend events from time to time, you can also take part in the bi-annual Vancouver Design Week, which offers a range of workshops and talks surrounding the city’s architectural scene.
Get To Work
Ultimately, getting an architecture job in Canada means getting to work on your skills, getting to know the architectural landscape, researching the job market and utilizing professional resources. Be creative and display your abilities in any way possible – from creating a portfolio to networking with professionals in the field. Good luck!
Make Connections
Making connections with the right people is key for gaining insight into the Canadian architectural industry. With good networking skill you can gain access to knowledge and wisdom that can be hard to access otherwise, such as details about job opportunities, and advice about the architecture industry in general.
Make a point to attend industry events, find out about online groups and communities suited to your level of experience, and start building relationships with people who have been working in the architecture industry in Canada. It’s often the case that many architecture jobs aren’t even advertised publicly so you have to leverage the right networks in order to find them.
Grow Your Skillset
The world of architecture changes so frequently, and technologies advance at such a rapid rate. This can make it difficult to keep up, so if you want to stay ahead of the game, it’s important to continue growing your skillset and learning new things.
Subscribe to blogs, watch videos and read books related to the field of architecture and the Canadian scene in order to become the master of your domain. Additionally, take advantage of any trainings, placements or internships that might be available to you in order to gain more experience and sharpen your ability to stand out from the competition.
Find a Mentor
Finding a mentor can be a great way to not only up your game in architecture but also build a great foundation for your career. A mentor can be a source of help and inspirations, someone who can answer your questions, and provide you with invaluable insight about the industry.
Find an architecture professional—whether they are an architect, or another professional in the manufacturing industry—who can provide you with guidance and help you navigate the job market. To find a mentor, consider local meet-ups, events, and of course, social media, as tools to help you make valuable connections with professionals who can show you the ropes.
