akzit

Guys and gals, have a question of ethics?

I am creating my personal website (plan to move soon and want prospective firms to see my work) and I was wondering if it is OK to post renderings and desing that I have done for several firms that I have worked in town.

We all know that on a peronsal interview we all show our previous work (porfolio) and I was thinking that as long as I clearly state the images and work to each firm there would be no problem BUT we all know how sensative some principals can get (the super inflated ego of the architect) and maybe some of them can do something about it...?

Just wanted to know your thoughts, previous examples or experiences.

Thanks to all,

__________________
"That you are here--that life exists, and identity;
That the powerful play goes on, and you will contribute a verse."
Walt Whitman

pmanahan

My opinion on this, and it is only an opinion, is that if the project is complete it is OK to show, if the project is in planning stages then I would not post it and may not even show it in my portfolio, if the project is happening then would only post it if the same image is posted on the web somewhere else but would probably show it in my portfolio.

The question I have is work I have done for a project that never happens. At this point I will post something like this if it is non-specific/generic and not post it if it is too specific to a place, customer or unique design.

Good Topic!

pmanahan

upshot

That's a tough one... I've always been pissed when newspapers give credit to my renderings as "by artist" with no mention of my firm or me. Yet, I've never seen a photo go through without credit to the photographer... Kind of off subject...

Nevertheless, I think If your the least bit nervious just make sure to mention your firm and the client. That's one level of CYA.... If you want to take it to the next level you'll have to get a written release from your firm. That situation would arise if a third party wanted to publish your work.

On the other hand, it's no secret that architects and design professionals show work all the time to potential employers. Hell, I know guys have shown MY work to employers because they were on the team and the building is under construction. They would be fools to claim they did the rendering.

It's always a calculated risk.... Just be truthful about your involvement.

akzit

pmanahan I think you are right in saying to not post or show design work in progress but what if my best work falls in that category? The previous firm that I worked for already has published that project on the local AIA awards and in the newspaper, than would it be ok to post it? I sort of think it is.

Upshot your comment reminded me of another nagging question?
SHOULD WE SIGN OUR WORK? even if it is for the firm that we work for???

tcorbett

What it comes down to is that you have a professional responsibility to your employer. I would say that using it is probably OK, so long as you accurately represent your role on the project. If you are posting an online portfolio of your rendering work, there should be no ethical dillemma saying "Here is a rendering that I did for this project".

(Definitely credit the firm, however. Make sure that visitors know that your company did the design, you created the rendering.)

Also, consider your firms privacy - don't post images that are for upcoming proposals, unannounced projects, etc. You don't want to accidentally tip their hand.

Finally, consider asking permission to use the images on your personal site. And if your company ever comes across it on the web, you can say that you have been cleared to use it.

MJL Imaging

I have a website that I use to generate work I do outside of my office. I work full time in an architectural firm and have done quite a few renderings for this firm. I do post them on my personal site, and list my employer separately. I feel that it is necessary to give credit between the two. (not that I have at this point in time, just too busy to change things on my site). Currently I give a simple list of clients, including this firm, on a separate page on the site.
As I understand it, anything I do for my boss is hers,...All rights reserved, I am not a freelancing consultant, I am a full time employee doing business as.
I could be wrong or have misinterpreted the rights of artist/owner, but that's how I've been dealing with it.
In addition to that, I think it would be good for a future employer to see that you work in an ethical manor and give credit where credit's due. As it was already said above, describe your role in the project(s) and you'll be covered.
Hope this makes sense and helped a bit.

Good luck!!!