week 18 (11-15 July)

In a bitter taste of irony I realized that for a while I have been contemplating my stay at this firm, granted it’s not the most glamorous out of some architectural students firms and does not use the most advanced programmes/equipment-but whether it’s old school or new school the basics/foundation of architecture remains the same and I’ve been a TAD blind to see it!!!

So this week, there was a student from high school who job shadowed for about 2 days. In which I had to show her the ropes and explain exactly what we do. She hit me with an epiphany, even though I’m sure she didn’t mean to- she was so disinterested at everything I was telling and showing her there was never a flicker of excitement oozing out of her and as much as I was trying to sell what we do and force feed the perks of this career-nothing came out of it! For when she saw the mundane things that one has to do-she completely backed away and I realized how more inlove I am with architecture-that even the most monotonous things I kind of get a little excited when I’ve completed and secretly get a bit of joy when I’m doing it! So in essence I like what I do- the mundane schedules, the ‘artistic block’ when designing, the history, the science, the sociological aspect –every friggen thing-I’m INLOVE with it All!!!

Also sat down with the bossman and did an interview with him, which was quite interesting, for the challenges that he had to face, how he overcame them and even though I was trying to get some emotional stuff out of him the manly man inside wouldn’t budge,  but was given some pretty good advice! That would hopefully be posted sometime this weekJ

So with my eyes finally open, I’ve managed to see opportunities that I haven’t noticed before-so my journey is actually beginning with this whole internship-yup a few months later but NOW  I’ve realized the greatness of perception-super stoked*

Week 17 (4-8 July)

Was given the east wing Ground floor to do-basically the slow death continues and this ‘amazing process’ is redone yet again-yay me…

What has shocked me to a degree, is how architects probably of a certain generation-hold a tiny light for women in this field, how we are easily considered one’s to be put in the kitchen and that this is more of a side job for some petty cash than a career! I have always wanted to do this; or rather it stemmed off from another career into this, which made me realize as corny as it sounds ‘that it’s my calling’.

But what I can honestly say is that my drive has now completely hit the roof, I want to prove MANY that have subtly told me I wouldn’t succeed-the bounds are limitless and it’s by time that I take this really seriously! So no more games, no more childish excuses-I will grab this opportunity by the horns and change the perceptions of many*

Week 16 (27-1 July)

Went to Khayelitsha again to check up on all the rooms that we sent data sheets on-had to make sure it was done according to the specs given. What amazed me was  at how after 2 months of receiving a fresh coat of paint most of those room  walls were chipped, new carpets that  were laid were filthy, varnished wood did not look that shiny-everything just looked horrible and messy!

 Toilets that were retiled, where new toilets were installed as well as handriers were broken and looked as if they had been there for years-it was definitely not the renovation that any of us envisioned!!!

Week 15 (20-24 June)

Another week, another set of data sheets=dying a slow death!!! Have been promised a school to do which is exciting; but was promised this a few months ago, so I’m starting to question it and whenever I bring it up its momentarily discussed, then shoved to the side!!!!

Anywu have to attract the positive energies, and hopefully boss man will hit me with the pot of gold?

Week 14 ( 13-17 June)

This week was one where I mostly had to redo another bunch of room data sheets, had to bind it, mail it to the respective construction companies, Q&S etc. etc…

Also had to do finishing schedules which even though is an essential, because it basically reinforces what is being said in the room data sheets, is quite honestly a bore!!! Starting to question certain things regarding whether I’m going to be able to accomplish all that is required for this year? Because basically all I have been doing is schedules and bits of odds and ends so it becomes incredibly monotonous and draining and the joy of doing architecture is slowly drained each and every day into being just another J.O.B rather than something that you love.

Week 12 (30-3 June)

This week yet again had to complete the updated version of the first floor renovations-room data sheets-of Khayelitsha Magistrates Court on the east wing, which came to about 40 plus rooms. Did become a bit monotonous, but I suppose it does stand as the foundation of what you need to look at when constructing a building-what the need of each room should be, as well as the standard that it should be implemented.