Sunday, 27 March 2011

Differences

This week, starting from Friday I switched from 3Pounds a day in a bus to a free and more sporty way of getting to work. By cycling! =D

I have bought a brand new bike and will start cycling everyday from my house to Southampton train station (+/- 15min ) catch a train to Romsey (15min) and from Romsey station to work(20-25) and then  return.

Overall, I believe that my stay in Europe is helping me become more independent and deal with the tools that are given to me, which is good.

I am not only gaining experience in my course (Architecture), but also gaining experience in the office(which I believe that its what the Uni is aiming at), in other words, I am learning how to deal with my co-workers, how to work in group and learn the most out of each and every element of the company.
I feel that I am part of something progressive and feel needed and useful, cooperating for the growth of part of the country! =)
I am literally  helping to build th UK!

My skills are improving a lot, and I feel more confident  every single day.

I hope to carry this enthusiasm continuously throughout my entire career and make the most out of every single opportunity that is given to me.

Thank you CPUT, until next week.

Friday, 18 March 2011

Part of the Team

This week I went to two more site surveys !! =)
Took lots of photos for the company. One of them is actually a project that I've been working on for weeks on Revit. Through the ideas of Mr. Boswell (My Boss) I am developing a 3D model, plans, site plan, elevations and sections and interior perspectives of 3 to 4(still to be decided) storey care home.
It is a huge building that is being proposed, but has its values and purpose.
Most of the buildings in the UK are built with brickwork as an external finishing material, with some variations in a few cases.
I am still getting used to this HUGE change in my life, so I am still settling down. I am moving to my own apartment on Sunday, and I will start cycling to work daily, starting on Monday! It is cold up here, but we stay warm with good warm clothes and lots of tea and coffe! =D

So hoppefully everything will be alright and I shall do my best to keep up...

Until next week CPUT! =)

Friday, 11 March 2011

DIFFERENCE!!!

Well well...WHat you know...Another week gone so fast  and its already Friday...Weekend!!!! =)
After my second week at SHerlock Boswell I've just noticed,by stoping for a few swconds and I thought to myself «Wow!I've actually done it! I made it! I am in a competely different country...Where no one knows me!
I am making new friends from many different cultures...
I am learning so much about architecture...ABout the English architecture...I am getting really good at REVIT, its amazing what you can do when you just keep learning and learning! =)
This week I went to 2 site surveys! Really good getting out of the office every now and then...
We went to a place called called Melwood Walkhouse in New Forest, where King John used to do his hunting in the 12th Century... The House was built in the 1920's and the client that bought it wants to fix it up and do extensions... The house is built with brickwork external finish (as usual in the UK), with big oak windows and ancient materials and styles. The style is following the Arts and Crafts, where the client has also bought ancient furniture to match with it.I have taken photos that will be posted soon...
I must say, it really is beautiful here and I am glad I am having this opportunity. I have been really busy with work that my Boss has been giving me =). I am currently busy on a project in Copnor Road- Porthsmouth, building a retirement home for the elders. It really is interesting. And I have als been busy with other projects where I've help my coleague with.
Thank you CPUT for allowing the students of 2011 to explore more than the confined walls of Cape Town! =P
I will ''see'' you next week.

Cheers Mates! =D

Friday, 4 March 2011

Sherlock Boswell

Well...Here we are...
My objective has been reached...My Goal...Which was, travelling...Coming to the UK_Europe...See new things and different perspectives and styles of architecture and get a job.

Yes!!!!!For the first time in my life, I can say that I have a job! =) Finnaly I get to experience the life in an office where great professionals are pulling tehir brains out...And I'm part of it.

This week, as an employee for the Sherlock Boswell Architects company, I have enjoyed the lifestyle I have been having...Learning so much!!!About architecture in the UK and others...REVIT skills are improving as I've been working on it on a daily basis. I am really looking foward to gain experience and learn as much as I can, and keep this great enthusiasm that is within me! =)
Hoppefully I will achieve all my goals and pass this year with a relaxed smile on my face because I am ready to commit myself and overcome my challenges!

Enjoy your Weekend CPUT!

HUB Functional and Technological Analisys

A few of my analisys above... Not complete yet... Excuse for the bad quality of the scans...

Saturday, 26 February 2011

Great Interview @ Sherlock Boswell

This week wasn't so bad...

I've been trying so hard to pull something out of the hat since I got to Europe...
Finally I've managed to succeed!! =)
After a few phone calls and some hard work on REVIT...Iwas able to be noticed and mark a meeting with my possible future boss.

On Friday I had to wake up at 6h30 a.m., take a Bus at 7h40, arrive at the train station at 8h00,catch a train (to ROMSEY) at 8h23, arrive at 8h38 and get a ride from "The Boss" at 8h55...

The meeting was swell. All I have to do now is just keep crossing my fingers...

Hoefully I'll get the job...After that I'll rent my one bedroom flat,and buy a bicycle! =D

Enjoy ur Weekend CPUT!

Friday, 18 February 2011

Another Hard Week in Southampton

Phone calls...all done...
Ups and downs here in Europe...
Was so close to getting one job...But the "employer" ended up giving up because he is very busy with deadlines and won't be able to give me a full time basis internship.

Luckily I have managed to find another company...Very good company...Its called "Sherlock Boswell", and they are actually looking for a temp...Lucky shot! I guess this is it...One shot...One chance...And intend to succeed in this one!!! =)

I had a really good conversation on the phone and they are interested in marking an interview with me! =)
The only weapon that I didn't have was REVIT as a subject at CPUT...Luckily, I have "played around" with it before! =) and Google Sketch Up...Which is pretty similar...

They asked me to send them a project in revit to prove that I can work in it...So I came up with a solution...By making a project, using my own learning in REVIT in about 24 hours...

So I have sent everything to them...Hope I make it this time! =D