I'm seriously considering taking the archi course at SP.

But I heard that the construction industry isn't doing well, so is architecture.

Any comments?

I don't see much of a point using the current economy conditions as a basis for continuation in your studies. You'll take 3 years to complete the course, assuming you will be doing NS, that's another 5 1/2 years. All can change within this period and what's happening now can be totally irrelevant.

If you have an interest in this field, then go for it.

So I can work in an archi firm?

By the way, are many people taking the course?

You'll be taught drafting, basic designing theories and other technical issues. Skills which are relevant in the architecture work. So yes, you'll find work in archi firms.

Enrolment sizes is pretty small compared to other courses. I believe its now 2 classes of 80 students per year.

I think the construction industry in sg was at its worst last 2 years but hopefully improving now and into next year

Though economy conditions will have direct effects on employment patterns, I don't think one should be overly concern with that especially when he/she has not even embarked on going through the course yet. Bad times affects many industries and if you are to worry about it for every decision you make premateurly, you might just end up not achieving anything at all.

no lah. i think the property mkt in singapore is picking up already mah. should can find job one lah. even visual media artists are finding a lot of work. studies in the fields of aesthetics like got more support these days. anyway, i was at the top of ura last night and i caught the fireworks for the sail at the marina launch!

How's the pay for a poly archi graduate like?

Now, I would say about $1500 - $1800 probably even lesser. But I seriously hope you are not in this for monetary renumerations alone.

Nope...... ;)
I thought archits are paid by a percentage of the cost of the building?

And what can poly grads design?

Nope...... ;)
I thought archits are paid by a percentage of the cost of the building?

And what can poly grads design?

Yes, architect's fee are usually based on a % of the contract sum. Poly grads are not considered qualified architects and usually work under the direction of architects and are paid monthly wages.

When it comes to design, the sky's the limit for anyone in the industry. Ultimately, its you skills that will most probably dictate what you would be doning in future. That are no fixed rules.

You seemed to be confused as in what's the role of a poly grad and that of an architect. They're different.

Yes I am.
In what way? :?

So I want to design a building on my own. I need a uni degree?

Yes I am.
In what way? :?

So I want to design a building on my own. I need a uni degree?

Preferably........unless you want to take your time.........(there are thousands of new graduates every year joining the workforce btw......)

Meaning? :?

Meaning? :?

Try to get a uni degree loh.......

Can't design on my own with poly diploma?

I think you still haven't grasp the concept behind the work scopes at all yet.

To be completely frank with you. What you can do in the work force will largely depend on what you are strong in and the firm you are working in. You most probably won't be given a job to design straight away out of uni or poly. Fresh grads usually doesn't have that kind of experience to design a building on their own.

Designing buildings is more than just aesthetics. You have to encompass the clients's requirements, building code requirements, technical aspects, costs and the likes. Most architects, in the design stage probably spend about 80% of the time resolving issues rather than the actual design of the building.

I've known of poly grads who do design work but that's not what they only do. They are also involved in other related works. To be honest, uni grads are the ones with proper design background and even they don't get to design all the time. Designing is not all that it is to architecture. That's something you have to come to terms with. If you are thinking of taking up the course so that you can start desigining buildinds straight out of school, you most probably will be sorely disappointed, especially if you are from poly.

Okay, so what can poly grads with archi diploma do?

The bulk of the time, they will be assisting architects in managing projects. Preparing for submissions to authorities, drafting, liasing with various consultants/clients, generating construction details, etc. Some poly grads will be given design jobs as well. The design job scopes will include material selection, planning layout, preparing presentation drawings, ensuring that the design does not conflict with current regulations, etc.

So can poly grads design houses or for example tall buildings?

So can poly grads design houses or for example tall buildings?

Depends on your luck and who you work for. If your bosses like your design, why not? But you certainly won't be doing it alone. You work as a team and don't expect to be given design work straight out of school, especially poly which I've already mentioned before.

So a poly grad has to work for some time before getting to do his/her own design?

So a poly grad has to work for some time before getting to do his/her own design?

Of course.......not even uni grad get to do their design........

So a poly grad has to work for some time before getting to do his/her own design?

Not necessarily true and I think you need to read what I've typed more carefully. The work given to you depends largely on the firm you work in and your own ability. Some poly grads do design work; some don't design at all, no matter how long you've worked.

Oh, I see......

Are Architecture courses in demand nowadays?
'Cos I hope I can get in with my Maths results, which are not so good.

Oh, I see......

Are Architecture courses in demand nowadays?
'Cos I hope I can get in with my Maths results, which are not so good.

Architecture course has always been in demand since there is only one poly offering the course and intake is limited to about 80 per year. I'm not sure about the cut off point for archi but I can ask my boss since he teaches there part time.

Maths was my biggest obstacle too. Unfortunately, you do have to get at least a C6 for E maths(my time at least). Would you believe I failed every single maths assessments and exams right up to o' levels and got an A2 in the end? What I'm saying is..... .miracle do happen.:)

So do you think many people would take up archi?

I mean since construction industry has negative growth.

So do you think many people would take up archi?

I mean since construction industry has negative growth.


Like I said before, why let current economic situation dictate what you do when you haven't even started yet? Haven't we seen enough examples of "trend education" in Singapore? Nobody can guarantee positive growth for any industry and vice versa. If you were to avoid a particular job that you like just because you think its not doing well now, I say its pretty short sighted and you are doing yourself a great disservice.

So I just want to know if like how many people want to apply for the course, and how many actually get in.

I've just spoken to my boss. Seems like the archi course is not as popular as before despite only having 2 classes of 80 students. Cut off point probably will be around 15-18. Many students are using Design & Technology to get into the course.

So what if my math is not good?

I can score As for my D&T, Science and hopefully English.
But not for my math. Can only manage a B4 or so, max.

So what if my math is not good?

I can score As for my D&T, Science and hopefully English.
But not for my math. Can only manage a B4 or so, max.

I don't know but I believe the minimal requirement is c6 for maths.

Er....can I merge this with the poly thread?