So Many Firms, so Few Yous.
Toronto is full of architectural firms. A vast wealth of project types, sizes, cultures, and visions lay scattered across the GTA. It may seem like a monumental task to begin the process of sitting down in an attempt to narrow down which firms would be a good fit for you. Knowing what questions to ask yourself can greatly improve your ability to zero in on a handful of firms that would make the most sense for you to work at. Some of the key factors to consider when trying to make a decision are the following:
Firm Size: How large or small the firm is will have an effect on the work environment. Each option has it’s pros and cons. A large firm will have more resources, better pay, but you may be required to specialize in your role (drafting, SD, DD, etc) you may also be moving on to a new project every year or so and never end up seeing a project through to completion. A smaller firm will allow you to touch more aspects of a project, which would provide broader experience to more junior staff. You will also most likely be able to take on more responsibility quicker in a smaller firm. Working in smaller teams under the direction of the associates or principals can give you more 1 on 1 mentorship opportunities. The pay at a smaller firm in some cases however can leave something to be desired.
Project Type: What sort of projects/design do you want to work on? Some firms specialize in a narrow selection of project types. Others have a broad range of projects that the firm procures. This is relatively self explanatory. If you have a passion for Transit Oriented Communities, you might want to avoid firms that specialize in custom homes and vice versa. Every firm will have their projects listed on their website so you can look through and see if it resonates with your interests.
Firm Culture: Before you cringe, by culture I don’t mean casual Fridays. Good culture can mean different things to different people. Some may value bi-directional mentorship, others may value the presence of an initiative board that they can be a part of in order to communicate their values and opinions regarding operational approach. Some people will place a strong value on collaboration within a firm, or maybe a firm that allows them to be flexible with working from home. At Axis Recruitment, we understand this may be one of the most important considerations in the world of architecture when it comes to matching a candidate to a firm they will be able to grow and find fulfilment at.
Vision: Does the firms outlook and direction align with yours? Would you like to work at a firm that cares about and embodies sustainable building practices? What about Transit Oriented Communities? Or does your vision align with those that are pushing the boundaries of design? Perhaps a bit of everything? Ask yourself what is important to you. Prioritising what is important to you can help ensure that you are fulfilled and happy at your job while also building for the community.
After these questions, more may come up on an individual basis. However if you were only to consider four variables when trying to decide where to apply, these four will set you up on good footing to ensure that you are a good fit for the firm, and that the firm is a good fit for you!
