James Loder recently won the prestigious Bluescope Steel Glenn Murcutt Student Prize 2013 for his design of 'Cider Hill', proving he is one to watch in the new breed of technically savvy architects.
Where do you currently work?
I currently work at John Wardle Architects, started here as a student in 2008.
Ironically it was my year 10 work experience here at JWA that instigated my first interests in becoming an architect.
What does your standard day involve?
A standard day for me involves working on the development and visualisation of a variety of projects at various stages of their design phase. I have the unique opportunity to work with the design team and iteratively explore and develop the design of a building using 3D CAD modelling. The progressive output is then visualised as concept imagery to communicate the design proposal with the client.
What tools and software do you work with?
I work with 3D Max to model and I render using Vray, sometimes using Grasshopper in Rhino for iterative modelling. The post production work of imagery is all done with Photoshop.
What is your biggest daily challenge?
Managing more than one project at a time definitely keeps the job interesting but it can get pretty hectic when trying to meet short rolling deadlines, especially when design competitions clash.
What training/education did you need for your job?
I completed my Masters in Architecture at RMIT University in 2012 and a Bachelor in Architecture at Deakin University 2009. My interests in multi-media and graphic design at school introduced me to graphic visualisation, which essentially formed the skill set that allows me to work in my current role today.
What were your previous jobs and roles?
Research Assistant at RMIT University 2010 – 2011
Research Assistant working with Mark Burry on several chapters of his latest book “Scripting Cultures”.
- Sadar +Vuga Architects, Slovenia - Work experience as a Student Architect, 2010
What do you like best about your job?
The opportunity to work creatively on such a vast range of scales is probably the most interesting part of my job. In working closely with the design leaders through various design phases I am constantly learning and gaining invaluable knowledge about the narrative of ideas and the detailed resolution of a building. It’s incredible to then see that building move from the conceptual to its final built form and experience it in reality.
What is your biggest frustration in your job?
Nothing frustrates me that much, long days, working a few weekends here and there aren't ideal, same for all graduates/architects.
What project are you most proud of and why?
My Major Project, Cider Hill, for RMIT was by far my most challenging and rewarding project. Developing a brief and program (which was usually pre-determined) alongside working through its design conception was a rare and educating experience for me. For it to then go on to win the Bluescope Steel Glenn Murcutt Student Prize was an incredible reward for all that work.
What has been the biggest learning curve in terms of the difference between studying architecture and working in the industry?
Learning to design a building that will actually get built. Whilst studying architecture you are rarely exposed to the realities of a project where cost and constructability are, in the end, driving the final design outcome of a building. However you learn to work with these limitations and they can inform some of the design decisions that actually provide a great solution.
What advice would you give to recent graduates or students to prepare for working in architecture?
Prepare for a steep learning curve as the realities set in, the workload is similar to that of University but at least you should be getting paid for it.
Images: research in Cider Hill – RMIT School of New Horticulture. Courtesy of James Loder
