NAME: James Anthony Traynor
COMPANY/REGION: McCarthy & Stone, North West – Manchester
JOB TITLE: Architectural Technician
DEPARTMENT: Architects
WHAT DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT DO?
We in our department are responsible for submitting all working drawings and details required to start on site, to internal and external bodies. We also have a duty to attend site meetings and answer any questions, which may be unanswered towards detail.
WHAT DO YOU DO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
To produce lighting layouts, service layouts and sales layouts for all projects, which include;
Dimensions to all internal/external walls and partitions, services and floor areas.
Service locations for lighting, sockets and emergency pull cords etc…
Positions of varies heating services and soil or rainwater pipes.
Amend elevations due to construction problems that may occur on the architect’s elevations, giving levels and service information.
Produce window/door schedules, lintels and arch details.
Attend site meetings once or twice a week
Answer all relevant queries that may occur to detail.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
I enjoy all areas of construction and strive on producing detail to deadlines and achieving set goals and targets. The greatest part of the job is the up most overwhelming feeling within yourself when you visit site at different stages of the construction process and see you work actually being produced live.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER?
As a young lad I had a keen eye for detail and was always quite happy to sit at home drawing different types on houses, It was from this stage I decided on my career path.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DID YOU NEED TO GET THIS JOB?
I attended a day release whilst at school and gained my foundation level certificate in construction, on leaving school I attended Wigan & Leigh college were I completed my higher certificate and HNC in construction and the built environment. I also found it an advantage to complete all key stage levels of AutoCAD at a night school.
IS THERE ANY PARTICULAR ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE A GRADUATE OR TRAINEE LOOKING FOR A JOB IN YOUR WORK AREA?
Work hard, put your mind into your future plans and your time will come.
It’s not all as hard as it may seem and your efforts and knowledge will be rewarded in the future. Try and get into a placement as soon as possible and get some experience for when you finish you education you will also find its an advantage as you study.