First Job Dilemma! Should You Choose a Small or a Big Architecture Firm?

Freshers may face the dilemma of choosing the right architecture firm after completing a degree program. Numerous students do not even have the luxury of having multiple job offers in this fiercely competitive job market. However, the thought of working in a big or small firm crosses everyone’s mind. 

 

Hence, acquiring some knowledge about it is crucial to clear misconceptions. It will facilitate the freshers in making a sound decision to propel their careers in the right direction. In this blog, let’s discover the pros and cons of joining a small or a big architecture firm.

Benefits of Working in a Small Architecture Firm

Hands-on Experience From Start

 

Departmental segregation occurs less in small firms, which allows youngsters to be exposed to various phases of a project. They can participate in client meetings, concept development, construction documentation, and site visits. 

 

It ensures an immersive experience for freshers, expediting learning and offering a wholesome understanding of architectural practice. The lack of such a feature in large firms gives an edge to small companies.

Mentorship and Close-knit Team

 

Interpersonal connections and communication are stronger in small architecture firms. Freshers have the opportunity to work under the supervision of partners and senior architects, which facilitates personalized guidance and real-time feedback. 

 

In such an environment, junior architects can receive organic and constant mentorship. Hence, they can get invaluable insights into the practical and creative aspects of architecture. This way, rapid professional growth can be unlocked in the early stages of a career.

Ownership and Creative Freedom

 

Working in a small setup allows the young architects to contribute more to the creative aspect. Seniors appreciate the junior team members for sharing their ideas and implementing them in the project. 

 

Freshers can feel more responsible towards the project and take ownership of the work. Individuals passionate about showing their creativity to the world at a young age can leverage opportunities to fulfill their ambitions.

Flexible Work Culture

 

Smaller architecture firms are known for adaptable workflows and relaxed structures. Hence, students doing their first job can experience a smooth transition from student to professional life. 

 

Casual brainstorming sessions, work-life balance, and varied work styles are the standout characteristics of small firms. It can assist the freshers in discovering their preferences in professional life.

Diverse Skill Learning

 

Employees have to juggle multiple roles in small companies due to limited staff. Exposure to various fields, such as design to admin, can help them develop diverse skills such as budgeting, project management, and client coordination. Instead of holding onto a single role, they can gain practical and real-world experience across various fields.

Instant Decision-making

 

Small companies have fewer bureaucratic layers, which pushes youngsters to make their own decisions. They have shorter turnaround times for design approvals, implementing changes, and project direction.

 

Hence, freshers can receive feedback faster, adapt quickly, and see the impact of their work. It is a loop of learning and contributes to building confidence, which is ideal for their careers.

Stronger Client Relationship

 

Direct interaction with the client is often possible for youngsters in small architecture firms. Such exposure plays a crucial role in developing their communication skills, and they can quickly grasp client requirements.

 

Freshers gain experience in presenting their ideas, responding to feedback, and building rapport. These are essential skills for every successful architect.

Entrepreneurial Insights

 

Young architects working in small companies also get exposure to how a business is run, such as winning clients, operations, and managing finances. It can inspire them to start their own business, and they can also apply these learnings to big firms in the future.

 

They gain exposure to how to manage a firm, deal with market challenges, and maintain client relationships. 

Benefits of Working in a Large Architecture Firm

Effective Training and Resources

 

Large firms’ structured training programs encompass tutorials about software and design method workshops. Established workflows and resources such as technical guides, documentation templates, and design libraries are beneficial for youngsters. 

 

Additionally, new hires can grasp the industry standards quickly through these structured systems. They may not experience the same in a less formal and smaller environment.

Networking and Prestige Opportunities

 

Having a big architecture firm as the first company boosts a fresher’s resume, and they can avail better job opportunities from top brands in the future. Large companies also organize lectures, events, and other types of collaborations. 

 

This way, new hires can connect with seasoned consultants, architects, and clients to expand their networks. It can boost their confidence and pave the way for future career opportunities. 

Clear Career Pathways

 

Freshers can get clarity about the job roles in the big firms and direct the trajectory of their careers according to them. Understanding expectations, measuring growth, and planning future steps becomes easier for youngsters. 

 

Large architecture companies’ culture also includes performance reviews, internal job mobility, and promotions, which can offer confidence and insights to the new hires about their work efficiency in their first job. 

Opportunity to Work on Large-scale Projects

 

Young architects starting their careers at big architecture firms can work on large-scale projects such as urban development, hospitals, and airports. They can get a front-row experience of how architecture firms manage a big project, where multidisciplinary teams are on board. 

 

Moreover, it also facilitates exposure to advanced project management, integration of technology, and coordination with consultants.

Specialization Opportunities

 

The first job at a large organization for young architects offers them an opportunity to participate in various departments, such as facade, sustainability, and interior design. Thus, they can gain expertise in the same area. 

 

Working at a big firm also allows them to follow their particular interests while working alongside experts in the field.

Hands-on Experience with Cutting-edge Tools

 

Investing in innovative design software, BIM platforms, and virtual collaboration tools is easy for large architecture firms. Freshers can learn these cutting-edge technologies and workflows. 

 

It is a technical experience that promotes the youngsters’ efficiency and employability. Furthermore, they can learn software such as Revit, Grasshopper, Rhino, etc., and gain a competitive edge in the job market.

International Exposure

 

Large architecture companies often have a presence or collaborate on international projects. Working on projects across borders, learning diverse architectural styles, and observing the influence of various cultures on design is an amazing experience for new hires.

 

Also, interacting with multicultural people within the team and international clients can prepare young architects for global roles, broadening their perspectives. 

Stability and Employee Perks

 

Paid time off, professional development stipends, health insurance, and retirement plans are some of the structured benefits big architecture firms provide. Individuals beginning their architecture career at such companies get a sense of well-being and work-life balance.

 

People often feel insecure about their jobs during an economic crisis. Being a part of a large organization can provide a sense of job security to youngsters, as these companies do not lay off employees in such situations.

Final Thoughts

 

While large architecture firms provide more resources and structure, and small ones offer a personal touch and versatility, they both ensure rich learning experiences. 

 

Hence, reflect on whether you want to do creative exploration, value structured growth, or what your personal goals are. It will pave the way for you to reach a decision that may open the doors for abundant career success in the future.

FAQs

 

Q 1: Do architects get paid well in India?

 

Ans: The Average salary of architects is higher than the national average salary. Architects generally earn around 24,00,000 per annum in India. Their salary can increase even more with higher experience, skills, and the type of projects.

 

Q 2: Is the NATA exam tough?

 

Ans: The difficulty level of the NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) exam is moderate. Individuals seeking to crack this exam should prepare well and gain a good understanding of the assessment skills. This exam is not as difficult as other competitive exams like JEE Advanced. 

 

Q 3: What architecture firms are the biggest?

 

Ans: Some of the top architecture companies are as follows:

⦁ Gensler 

⦁ Perkins and Will

⦁ Nelson Worldwide

⦁ HNTB Corporation

⦁ ZGF Architects