It’s Round Two of the ARE and So Far So Good!

As some of you know, this is not an easy exam, but it’s not a difficult one either.  I’m currently sitting for the entire thing all over again after grave mistakes made on the last round of the Graphics portions.  After meeting with a few colleagues for a study group, more like a “Ya, I’ve been having the same trouble too so let’s figure a strategy to beat this evil ‘Graphics’ thing and pass for a change” group, I find I am not alone with my frustration. 

Probably the biggest issue most of us are having is that we all upgraded our laptops to download a student version of Autodesk’s Revit so we can train on the latest and greatest drafting program known to the Architectural industry here in North America only to find that our operating systems (Vista or Windows 7) are far to advanced for the practice program that NCARB offers to download from their website. 

Add to the frustration the unpleasant “you’re call is important to us” recording one hears as you wait for assistance from NCARB only to learn that they are aware of this issue and are not doing anything to update the program to meet the current 64-bit OSs we are working with.  Cest la vie…it’s all part of the struggle.  And with that said, we only value that which we work hard for!  It was a wise William James who said, “Need and struggle are what excite & inspire us.”  So I am inspired and excited to complete this exam.  I’m a much calmer candidate now that the “all or nothing” attitude has subsided.  I will accomplish this task in good time. ~ Suze

Prepping for the ARE – Programming, Planning & Practice (PPP) Exam

I’ve spent the last two weeks re-reading all of the material I salvaged from the last “go-round” as well as drilled the flashcards I happened to have too.  Thanks to my good friend, Deborah, I have managed to keep my sanity during this period of study.  Deborah has helped me stay focussed as well as been my personal cheering squad.  I get up at 6AM, walk Placido, then meet Deborah for an “urban hike” through Myers Park and then drill flash cards.  It’s helpful to have a person outside the industry do this with you.  It forces you to teach it rather than just memorize the information.  Another bit of advice I can offer to anyone preparing for this exam would be to exercise.  The endorphins produced later wake up those necessary brain cells as well as the copious amounts of caffeine that we end up consuming at Bruegger’s Bagels on East Blvd. mid-walk.  I’ve been meaning to bring my camera along to chronicle the day, maybe tomorrow, and post some sites for posterity’s sake. 

The exam is at 8AM this Saturday so the routine of “up at 6″ will be helpful.  I think if there was anything to change it would be to have a day factored in to relax.  I’ll be mock testing and practicing NCARBs graphics program all day tomorrow. I think I have managed to learn all the cad “tricks” so far and will be in good shape for Saturday.  Here is a link to a great forum website that has been helpful: http://www.areforum.org/.

Well wish me luck!  Less than 48 hours to go and then it’s time to do it all over again with the next section (seven total).  ~ Suze

The Architectural Registration Exam

Well, I am back at it AGAIN, said acrimoniously!!!

Yes, I am bitter.  Afterall, I passed all of the multiple choice sections of the last version of the ARE (ARE 3.1) and, for what ever reason (still not understood), managed to flunk two of the graphics test last year ultimately tossing me back in the pool with the newer ARE 4.0 and the seven (Yes, seven!) make up tests I am required to complete.  I suppose if I managed to pass the graphics portions last year a license would not have helped my unemployment status greatly. 

In the past few months I have been contacted by recruiters from Raleigh to Asheville all asking rather specific questions ranging from software proficiency to state agency experience.  It always seems to be something their clients are asking for that I am not at the moment.  Had I had a license I am not sure if that would have made a difference.  The economy has forced many design professional out of the industry.  The only viable work that the surviving firms are able to attain are GSA projects, all BIM.  For most of us that have been in the profession we are Acad proficient and just learning BIM, particularly those at the PA level whose interns generated most of the digital drawings.  The playing field has been leveled again, much like the time when I first started in this industry.  I started my career hand drawing and then moved over to the computer, became extremely proficient with AutoCad over the last twenty years and advanced to the responsibilities of Project Architect.  Back when I was an intern, an entire tier of Architects left the industry because of the demand for digital drawings, be it Acad or Microstation.  And now, we are repeating history once again. Only this time, the tier that will be missing was self mentored.  Who will be left to rear the young?  Another way to look at it is that when things do turn around, and the demand for trained seasoned Architects is high, the ones that did manage to survive will be able to command higher fees.  There will be far less of us to compete against and undercut our contracts.  This “Economic Down-turn”, in my view, has been a blessing and a curse all in one.

 Although I cannot legally refer to myself as an Architect, I am no doubt capable of doing the job.  I didn’t fail the ARE.  I just didn’t pass it.  A few errors with NCARBs graphics program separates me from the title I aspire to achieve. In the meantime, I am determined to knock out this exam and finalize my internship and join the ranks of the licensed.  Wish me luck.  I have an make-up exam scheduled for the April 17th and will schedule the remaining make-up exams every two weeks.  It’s going to be an arduous schedule but in the end, should I pass with flying colors, will all have been worth it.  If my career as an Architect is truly over, at least it will have burned out with that final “diploma” that I have been working so very hard all these years to achieve. ~ Suze

Center City 2020 Vision Plan Community Workshop No.2

Tonight, I will attend the Charlotte Center City Vision Plan workshop.  The goal is to assist MIG with their development of a vision plan to include a vibrant urban core extending out to our region’s residents.  Your invited too and your vision for Charlotte’s future development is important. This is the 2nd Center City 2020 Vision Plan Community Workshop held at the convention center uptown.  MIG Consulting will present the DRAFT Vision, Goals and Concepts exploring the possibilities for Center City’s growth over the next decade.

When: Wednesday, March 31. Doors open at 5:30 pm.

Where: Charlotte Convention Center 501 South College Street Map

Transit: Take the LYNX Light Rail to 3rd Street Station

Parking: Free Parking in ‘The Green’ parking garage on College St. across from the Convention Center Check out other transit and parking options at www.findyourcenter.com. To learn more, log onto www.CenterCity2020.com or call 704-332-2227.

See you there and if not I will post more on this later.

CSI PRODUCT EXPO AND SEMINARS

Tomorrow, March 29th from 1:00 PM to 7:30 PM I will attend the CSI Product Expo and a few of the Education Seminars too.  It’s held at the Marriott SouthPark (2200 Rexford Road, Charlotte). See you there!  If you’re a member of the CSI you are welcome to bring a guest for free.  The following is the schedule:

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (2 AIA Sustainable Learning Units)
A First Look At The New IBC Sustainability Code And ASTM Sustainability Standard presented by Chris Mathis, National Energy Policy Consultant

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM (1 AIA Sustainable Learning Units)
LEED Gold Office Development With Photovoltaics
Presented by Keith Pehl, PE, Optima Engineering

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM (1 AIA Sustainable Learning Units)
Sustainability, Water Conservation and LEED Projects
Presented by Mike Hoffman, Bradley Corporation

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM (1 AIA Sustainable Learning Units)
Life Cycle Analysis for Sustainable Materials
Presented by Lisa Feldman, LEED AP. IIDA

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM (1 AIA Sustainable Learning Units)
Solutions for Floor Moisture Control
Presented by Ray Hicks, Koster America

4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Product Expo

5:00 PM – 7:30 PM Refreshments Served

6:00 PM – 6:45 PM Door Prize Drawings
Ten $100 gift cards. Must be present to win.

 

I’ll bring my camera and take lots of notes to fill you in on all that is new in the wonderful world of construction materials and products. ~ Suze

Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies

 

I’ve been working on this recipe for some time now and think I have perfected it.  It’s a basic recipe but one of my favorites.  I’ve been using a spoon to dole out blobs of dough and just today I went out to find a 2 oz ice cream scoop to make production go a bit faster only to find that these gadgets are not cheap.  My quest is not over.  I’ll be checking into the grocery store since the usual suspects (Target, Marshalls, etc) were of no use, well, no economy.  I just want what I want and I want to pay $3.00 for it.

 

So on with the recipe.  You can substitute where ever you like.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar (the kind doesn’t matter as long as you cream the butter and sugar first)
1 large egg ( a second egg may be necessary)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup quick-cooking (1 minute) oats (I use the packets of instant organic oats I seem to pass up for the other flavored packets…they may not be appealing as a bowl of oatmeal but they rock as cookies…and the dried blueberries are an added surprise)
1 cup raisins or cranberries (I use Craisins made by Ocean Spray)
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup flax seeds (adds that omega 3 so needed in our diets)
dark chocolate chips are good too….more antioxidants and falvonoids…and you thought these cookies were just a snack.

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, combine dry ingredients: flour, baking soda and salt.

In a large bowl (I use a kitchen aid mixer), cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla and spices. Slowly add in thirds of the dry goods with the mixer in low. You will have to scrape the sides with a spatula, however, this is a pretty dry mix.

Once no streaks of flour remain, stir in the goodies: oats, Craisins, flax seeds, chocolate,and even shredded carrots for a moister cake like cookie.

Drop tablespoonfuls of batter onto prepared baking sheets and flatten slightly (I use the 1/4c measuring spoon but you might have an ice-cream scoop that will work too…and if you do I am sooo jealous).

Bake for 11-13 minutes, until cookies are set and lightly browned on the edges. Cool for 3 or 4 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

TIP: Half way through baking, mash the cookies down with a spatula or bottom of a glass. This will give you a crunchy flat cookie and not the puffed lump that I ended up with the first time. Also, let them cool on the sheet. The sugar is molten when it comes out and will harden up on the sheet before transferring to a rack. I find they make it just fine into my mouth after they have cooled on the sheet. But go ahead and rack ‘em.

Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Revit…The Newest Tool In My Toolbox

I’m so glad to learn I am not alone here.  As most in the design industry have discovered, the tool you have used for so many years has been eclipsed by a newer shinier bell and whistle. I’m an architect and have recently had to learn a new drafting program, RevitArchitecture by AutoDesk , to keep up with the standards of my industry. Since I’m learning it on my own in my spare time I’ve decided to load the plan of the “Something’s Gotta Give” house and model it in 3D. I have watched this movie over and over again, not only for the wonderful story of hope it gives me, being a single girl over forty; but for the wonderful carefree interiors that were showcased. I’d like to imagine myself in a home like this one some day, for now I am in a town house, so in the meantime I live in it virtually while I practice with my new 3D software. 

After a bit of research I was surprised to learn, the house in the movie is actually a soundstage in Hollywood. During filming, the weather in the Hamptons was not cooperative and the appropriate lighting necessary to be “on-location” just wasn’t happening.  This film is proof positive that an entire interior can be recreated 3,000 miles away in California.  So as part of my research, I’ve paused the DVD to sketch the floor plan.  The best part of this project is that I can do all of this, the playing of the DVD and the 3D modeling all on my laptop…anywhere and anytime.  Since the set designers only needed a few rooms to shoot, I’ve extrapolated the upper floor plans to carry on with my Revit practice and to keep things interesting.  In the end, I will have my own house plan and one day maybe build that home.  Hmmmm.  I may need to visit the beach soon to pick out that perfect lot with an ocean view.  Hey, a girl can dream!  I’ll post some stills as I progress ~Suze    

AutoDesk’s Revit. http://offers.autodesk.com/10/aecsem/index.php/lp/index/171692/170603?gclid=CK3N8sOB1KACFZlV2godWQlktQ    

The Living Room soundstage set from “Something’s Gotta Give” (Architectural Digest) 

Wine…Wine…WINE!!!!

No I’m not complaining.  Little joke.  I have always enjoyed a glass of wine with a great meal, but now I can honestly say I can enjoy that glass so much more after having attended a few of Craig Brown’s classes at Arthur’s Wine Shop at Belk’s Southpark  (http://www.arthurs-wine.com/ ). 

I have been taking notes, not the best, while tasting several varieties over the past months and would love to share with you wines that we tasted and the ones that I liked the most.  Look for more posts coming up on wine tastings and the fun that is had.  I’ll bring my camera too so check out SuzanneLambertLive in the next couple of months for more on wine. Cheers! ~ Suzanne

PlaciDON’T No. 3

PlaciDON’T pick up a neighbor’s puppy when your Newfoundland is bouncing about wanting to play with it. It is the best set up for a Newfy vs. Human Head Smack Down. Word to the wise: The one with the bigger skull wins. Now that he is nine months old he weighs in at 100 pounds. I got a shiner from Mr. P.

PlaciDON’T No. 2

Now that Placido has discovered that water comes our of the faucet he spends most of his time at night in the tub. I thought this was cute until he stood in his drinking bowl today. This may seem cute to some of you out there and it was for me too until……DUN DUN DUH….he hopped up and down to splash it about as if he was wading in a very very very small splashing pool. This dog loves water.

PlaciDON’T leave the water bowl on the floor. Go out and buy one of those silly bowl stands so you can put the mop away…and yes…he loves the mop too. “Placido, get out of that bowl!!!!”

So far the PlaciDON’Ts are leading……