Architectural technology student credits Jasmax experience for teaching her how to think in 3D

Vivian Xian

Vivian Xian can now think, draw and model in 3D, thanks to a recent two-week internship at multi-disciplinary architecture and design practice, Jasmax.

Vivian, who’s in her 30s, came to New Zealand six years ago as an international student after having studied Mechanical Design in her native China.

After completing a Graduate Diploma in Business at Unitec, she decided to make the most of the Government’s TTAF or free trades training scheme, and study Architectural Technology; one of the courses covered under the fees-free scheme.

During the two-year New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology course, students are offered the opportunity to compete for a two-week placement at prestigious architecture and design practice, Jasmax. The firm employs more than 220 architects, architectural technicians, urban designers, interior designers, landscape architects and brand designers nationwide.

Students need to submit examples of their work for review by Auckland-based Jasmax staff as part of the competitive selection process.

Vivian was chosen as the successful Architectural Technology student to spend two weeks working at the practice’s Parnell studio over the July semester break; an experience she says she found invaluable in matching the theory with the practical.

“It’s an excellent way of seeing what we learn at school looks like in a studio situation,” says Vivian.

“I think that Unitec gives us all the necessary skills training and knowledge we need – we just need to learn how to apply it.  It was great to see that what we learn is really useful.”

Vivian was based with a team of 24 Architectural Technicians, and learned to work in 3D, decipher project drawings, model on Revit software, practice real-time rendering on Enscape, and familiarise herself with product ranges.

Brad Middleton

“When I first started my placement, I was keen to get more experience in converting two-dimensional drawings to more elevated three-dimensional sketches,” she says. “My supervisor, Brad Middleton, encouraged me, showing me a way to practice 3D sketching by hand and giving me the confidence to try.”

She also met with suppliers to discuss their product ranges and attended project meetings with Senior Technicians to see how Jasmax’s interdisciplinary teams work together.

“It was a great opportunity,” she says. “I didn’t have any industry experience up until that point, but everyone was very supportive.

“They teach you the skills and give you the direction, but you’ve actually got to learn how to do the work yourself.”

Application in a real-world setting

Maeve Devaney

Maeve Devaney is the Recruitment Partner at Jasmax, where she has been running the student internship programme for the past three years.

“We’re passionate about building long-term relationships and developing career paths for the students who undertake work experience with us,” she says.

“It’s critical for them to know how their role relates to the projects they’re working on. It’s application in a real-world setting.”

Maeve says many of the practice’s two-week internships have led to full-time placements and permanent roles once students have completed their studies. Several of the practice’s Architectural Technicians are Unitec alumni, some of whom participated in the internship and went on to become Graduate Architectural Technicians.

Next semester, Maeve and Senior Architectural Technician Liam Carey will present to Unitec students, providing broad insight into the role of an Architectural Technician at Jasmax, the type and scale of projects they design and deliver, and the career paths available.

She says the relationship works both ways, with firms providing feedback to Unitec’s School of Building Construction on how programmes can be developed and enhanced to address gaps in the architectural technician skillset.

Meanwhile, Vivian has her sights set on completing a Bachelor of Architecture once she’s finished her Diploma at the end of this year and has worked for a couple of years. Her advice to any prospective student is to seek out opportunities, attend relevant trade shows and make as many connections as possible.

“I’d encourage people to keep trying and never give up,” she says. “With the support of Unitec’s teaching staff and industry people you’ll meet on your internships, you’ll be on the right track. Be patient and the success will be all the more rewarding.”