My first job after completing my studies,. I was employed as graduate
architect in Brisbane office, Robert Riddel Architect. This was a
fantastic first practice due to the quality of their staff and range of
work. This ranges from Architectural Heritage Conservation to Contemporary
residential and commercial works. I learnt a lot about the way an
architecture office functions and found how little prepared we are when
leaving university in terms of practical experience. Their quality of work
is exceptionally high with a rich theoretical base.
The second job I found in Melbourne city with a practice named Tectura.
This office was very corporate minded and focused mainly on health-care
related projects such as aged care and hospital design. As a Graduate
Architect I learnt mainly about the business and client management side of
architecture, an essential aspect which this office had skill in
controlling. I worked with the director of the practice to prepare
proposals. The workplace here was considerably more conservative and
negative work pressure was high. I resigned after reevaluating my personal
and professional priorities.
My third job and the one in which I am currently working, is located in
the beach suburb of Middle Park in Melbourne, close to our home in Albert
Park. The majority of our work at John Matyas Architects, focuses on
residential architecture, particularly; sympathetic contemporary
extensions to period houses in the area. We also work on new single and
multi residential types and commercial architecture. I work with the
director as a project architect through all stages of the proposal
duration. The Port Phillip council has strict heritage controls over
development and this means that highly accurate site analysis and
considered design plays an important part in influencing the form of our
architecture.
In addition to working for a private architectural office, I have
developed a number of proposals for private clients and am working on an
entry for an international design competition. This is beneficial to the
career of young architects as it allows you to express yourself and
maintain a creative outlet whilst learning the essential qualities of a
professional office.
