Job

sketchup_fan · 20 Nov 2009, 17:12

Hi guys, i don't know if it is the right subforum to post this, but can an architectural illustrator, start his own
company and design his own buildings, not anothers architects designs. Can he do the same job as an architect does and
design his own designs of buildings for each client? What i mean is that if a client wants to build a 7-storey office building, instead of going to an architect, he can go directly to the illustrator and get his designs from him.

remus · 20 Nov 2009, 17:17

As modelhead says, theres a good chance you'll need to get your designs approved by someone, although exactly who can do it for you will probably depend on the country your in.

sketchup_fan · 20 Nov 2009, 17:18

Do you mean to get a liscense, to build the building?
You can design the building designs, then go to a civil engineer, check if the designs are ok, and he can stamp them, am i right?

jeff hammond · 20 Nov 2009, 17:22

@sketchup_fan said:

Do you mean to get a liscense, to build the building?
You can design the building designs, then go to a civil engineer, check if the designs are ok, and he can stamp them, am i right?

right, someone that's willing to say 'this building won't fall down and you can sue me if it does'
be prepared to pay a lot of cash for this service (especially if you're talking about a 7-story office building)

tomsdesk · 20 Nov 2009, 17:22

Here in the states anyone can design anything...but getting a building permit for almost any project will require construction drawings (different from design drawings, of course you know) stamped by an architect or engineer (and it is illegal for them to stamp drawings completed without their direct supervision :`)

sketchup_fan · 20 Nov 2009, 17:25

Haha, i understand your point. If i/someone opened an office like that how could he call it (illustrations office, architecrtural design office, design office...etc) any ideas?

remus · 20 Nov 2009, 17:27

Which country are you in? the law changes form location to location.

sketchup_fan · 20 Nov 2009, 17:30

I'm from Greece, but i love USA also.

solo · 20 Nov 2009, 17:35

Pbacot, y'all in "Galivornia" have earthquakes to consider in your plans, especially in buildings taller than 36ft, so that's totally understandable.

pbacot · 20 Nov 2009, 17:37

@sketchup_fan said:

Do you mean to get a liscense, to build the building?
You can design the building designs, then go to a civil engineer, check if the designs are ok, and he can stamp them, am i right?

Depends on your country and jurisdiction. What you describe is illegal in some places. The plans and design are supposed to be prepared by the licensed professional in many (most?) cases. Simply "plan stamping" another's work in my state (California) can cause the engineer to be penalized. You might go to your state, province etc. and see what the professional practice law is.

Or you can design whatever you want, but you might not be allowed to build it.

[Edit] Also there are laws on what you can call yourself. Again in California just mentioning architecture can get you in trouble if you are not licensed. Although it isn't necessarily the best career path, if you're going to do this work, better just to go towards getting a license.

pbacot · 20 Nov 2009, 17:38

or taller than 36" it seems

sketchup_fan · 20 Nov 2009, 18:41

I'm saying this, beause here in greece we have not private universities in which i can go and get an architecture degree, and of course uk and usa are too far away from my country and the universities tuition rates are huge there.
So do you guys have an idea how can i get an architecture degree to get me licensed?

sketchup_fan · 20 Nov 2009, 18:53

wait don't answer this i'll open a new topic.