I've been sitting in an architects office in Truro for a few weeks - ostensibly on "work experience". This is an architecture firm which DOES stuff - a lot of projects - but is about as far removed from the theoretical student experience as it is possible to be. The work they do largely revolves around renovating and working around existing old Cornish stone and slate buildings, in areas of dubious urban "conservation" or outstanding natural beauty (ie, they are hemmed in left right and centre by the all powerful triumvirate of planning, conservation and English Heritage offices). If it is a new build it will almost invariably have a slate roof... everything is IN KEEPING. It has to be - to get paid, you have to get it approved and that means, not breaking the mould.
Work days revolve around sitting in a hot office, staring at a computer. I've done that before. But that time, it would often be broken up by a £500 lunch at Amaya and a bottle of wine - this happy and rare occurence does not happen a lot in a business park in Truro.
What I'm trying to say, is that the lure of university is growing - academia doesn't suffer the cruel realities of planning offices and conservation groups - and there are no bills to pay. Makes me wonder if the whole endeavour for me was about escaping the corporate world...
Looks like we've been learning the exact same lesson - one may well spend upwards of seven years in training as an architect, perfecting their craft and developing their principles and romantic ideals. One may even design a great building, loved by the client and all their friends and neighbours. But all that can be wiped away instantly by some local authority's 'policy' and some scruffy planning case officer that has an answer for everything but a sound reason for nothing. Oh yes - suddenly architecture school doesn't seem such a hardship anymore. Enjoy it while you can peeps...
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