Have you studied architecture but now you are not so sure about being an architect? Our most recent addition to the team, Zuzana, wanted to share her story of this professional transition, her motivations, and her fears.
Most of our artists share the same story – they learned to be an architect (even since high school), yet when it is about to happen, or they hit the everyday job reality, they realize they want to do something different. The world of CG and architecture visualization is often becoming their safe harbor. Pavla asked Zuzana about her recent career transition.
Zuzana, time flies, and you’ve been at monolot for a few weeks now. How exactly is your work situation? Have you already graduated from the university?
Zuzana: I got my bachelor’s and am about to finish my master’s diploma. But I already got the chance to work in architecture during my high school studies. I worked in an engineering office at first, and then at university, I worked in the architectural studio, where I got my hand on smaller buildings. Later on, I worked for a development company and got some experience with larger projects as well. I have met with clients planning their homes and investors building a new hotel complex. But I missed the right portion of creativity and switched to an interior studio. And I quite enjoyed that.
“I hated the approach of many people on the construction sites. I am not the type who would enjoy proving myself to someone just because I am young and a woman. I have been underestimated by people who should have listened to me.”
So far, it sounds like you have tried a lot in architecture. Have you been exploring your options on purpose?
Z: I am an explorer; it is in my personality. Just by my decision, I switched the traditional high school to a technical school of construction. Yet I missed the broader aspect of architecture. I have missed the aesthetics. At university, I decided for a joint degree or architecture and construction, not to miss any of those two worlds. The same goes for my work experience.
And what happened there? After all, we are now in the archviz studio, and you mentioned you liked working in the interior studio.
Z: With the interior design, I felt I was getting closer to what I would want to do. But I hated the approach of many people on the construction sites. I am not the type who would enjoy proving myself to someone just because I am young and a woman. I have been underestimated by people who should have listened to me as their contractor. It has been a huge internal fight, and I didn’t want to give up and quit – mainly because I knew that once I left, there would be no going back. I made some mind maps and finally decided I had to try something new.
What were your feeling when starting to work with CG and in an archviz studio?
Z: I felt both the joy of having a new opportunity and frustration. I should mention I got the job because I know the team as my boyfriend Lukáš works here. I talked to art directors about my struggles and intention to try the CG and got the opportunity to be a junior/intern at monolot. At first, I knew almost nothing. I went through many fields of architecture, gathering years of all sorts of experience. And suddenly, I felt I got nothing. Hence the frustration.
I hope that got better. 😊
Z: Of course! As I have more insight, I feel I can really use what I know from my architectural studies and work experience. The start would be much rockier and more challenging if I did not have that. I feel that until now, I have been blind and have not seen all the details I should have. I love how in archviz, you have to have insight to design and landscape architecture. You have to know a lot about materials – how they function and where to use them, and when modeling, it helps to understand how it will be constructed. I am amazed how even a tiny detail can change a lot in the final image.
I am pretty relieved you said so 😀
Z: Well, no worries, I never had such a great team and environment as here. I love how people are interested at work but also in each other as a person. And I must say, whenever I have some session with art directors, I feel I can have my opinion. I am not afraid to say it, and I know this is not granted, especially in architecture.
“To design a house and completely design the composition and all the details of visualization is a surprisingly very similar process.”
Are you generally disappointed by the everyday practice in architecture?
Z: Well, the issues start right at the university. I was very surprised by how many people were thrown overboard. Many times even because of lectures that have not been linked to construction or architecture. Another thing is – we have tons of theory to learn and almost no time for practice. Many professors actually hate to hear you have a job, even if it is in architecture. So basically, you become over-skilled in theory, but once you start work in some studio, you have nothing in practice. And of course, nobody will pay you good money with no experience.
Is it hard to find a job as an architect? Could that be the reason why some young architects are switching their focus?
Z: I feel that finding a new job is relatively easy, at least in the Czech Republic. Studios are constantly looking for someone. It is a huge advantage if you have even a bit of work experience. And many studios prefer to employ a student over a graduate – because the wage is lower. On my degree, about 50 people graduate every year. But many decide to go in slightly different directions – project management, construction manager, or even marketing, etc. Being an architect is a huge responsibility, but it is not paid accordingly.
Have a look on our recent projects
I know you wanted to be an architect, and it must have been hard to find the courage to switch the field. How did your family and friends react?
Z: That is something I was worried about. I am relieved I got support from Lukáš, and that is what matters the most. As it goes for my family – I am honestly not sure how to explain it to them fully. Architecture is pretty straightforward, and everybody understands what you do. With archviz, people tend to see just “an image” and don’t realize how much work is behind it. I must say, to design a house and completely design the composition and all the details of visualization is a surprisingly very similar process.
I am sure many people around the world feel the same as you did. Would you encourage them to make the change?
Z: Yes! If somebody reads this blog post and feels the same: don’t be afraid of the change. An unfulfilling job is a nightmare – you spend most of your day at work. Make it count.
