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mbowers · June 12th, 2008

Your post raises some important issues that we architects/designers/artists/pencil-pushers/cadmonkeys/firemen/babysitters/human resource management technicians/politicians/salesmen deal with on a daily basis. Simply put, we are a profession of many things. The thing i love most about our creative field is that we get to do a little bit of everything. I don't think your comment about being a cad monkey is very clear. Design is one thing, using a tool such as a computer is just that...a tool. A creative mind does not require technology, it's really in your brain.

If your speaking about getting a degree in architecture, and getting your license to practice and upon reaching that goal and all you are to the firm is a CAD monkey, then that is a difference scenario. At my firm the principals, project managers, project architects, and graduate architects get to design. We also get to generate our own documents and details along with those designs. Some firms have the 1950's traditional work ethic of being the boss, scratching an irrecomprehensible design on bumwad and then tossing it to a cadmonkey or technician to sweat about how to make it work. More and more, i'm seeing that the architect, designer or whomever is in charge of the project gets to see it from day of contract to opening day. Firms like a person who can do a wide range of things, such as those i mentioned above. Now, for your term "cadmonkey." It is true that our profession has relied heavily on the computer and it's power, and it is also true that a lot of young designers/architect get their foot in the door by picking up redlines and drawing things that may seem boring and mundane, but that's part of the learning process.

More over, with the strong current of BIM software..Revit, Archicad, Digital Project, the specific title roles of Project Manager, Project Architect, Architect, Designer, Interior Designer, Spec writer, Construction Manager are slowly blending into one another. You really have to become all three. Your knowledge of these systems will make you very valuable person in your fiem. Perhaps i've answered some of your questions. Maybe i've forced you to ask even more questions. Your experience will pay off. Hang in the there. HTH.

June 12th, 2008	#2 (permalink)
mbowers Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lincoln, Ne Age: 30 Posts: 186 Name: Matt Bowers	Re: architct or cad monkey?? Your post raises some important issues that we architects/designers/artists/pencil-pushers/cadmonkeys/firemen/babysitters/human resource management technicians/politicians/salesmen deal with on a daily basis. Simply put, we are a profession of many things. The thing i love most about our creative field is that we get to do a little bit of everything. I don't think your comment about being a cad monkey is very clear. Design is one thing, using a tool such as a computer is just that...a tool. A creative mind does not require technology, it's really in your brain. If your speaking about getting a degree in architecture, and getting your license to practice and upon reaching that goal and all you are to the firm is a CAD monkey, then that is a difference scenario. At my firm the principals, project managers, project architects, and graduate architects get to design. We also get to generate our own documents and details along with those designs. Some firms have the 1950's traditional work ethic of being the boss, scratching an irrecomprehensible design on bumwad and then tossing it to a cadmonkey or technician to sweat about how to make it work. More and more, i'm seeing that the architect, designer or whomever is in charge of the project gets to see it from day of contract to opening day. Firms like a person who can do a wide range of things, such as those i mentioned above. Now, for your term "cadmonkey." It is true that our profession has relied heavily on the computer and it's power, and it is also true that a lot of young designers/architect get their foot in the door by picking up redlines and drawing things that may seem boring and mundane, but that's part of the learning process. More over, with the strong current of BIM software..Revit, Archicad, Digital Project, the specific title roles of Project Manager, Project Architect, Architect, Designer, Interior Designer, Spec writer, Construction Manager are slowly blending into one another. You really have to become all three. Your knowledge of these systems will make you very valuable person in your fiem. Perhaps i've answered some of your questions. Maybe i've forced you to ask even more questions. Your experience will pay off. Hang in the there. HTH.