Just wondering does YTL and setia hire architects? I am quite interested in this topic after watching HIMYM but seems like cant find any info on potential career options on their web.

Usually big companies may have 1 or 2 architects as consultants to serve their interests. They dont do designs as much, but function to oversee external architects that they hire.

It is cheaper to hire architrcts on project basis (hire, get the job done, get out).

Hi everyone,

I found this thread very informative, thanks very much OP for explaining so thoroughly. But I was hoping to seek some advice.

I'm an A-levels leaver and am interested in pursuing a course in architecture.

If I were to take a degree in architecture for part 1 in Taylor's, could I still apply overseas (eg Aus and NZ) for my masters (part 2)? Does it affect my chances of getting in if i do my part 1 in Malaysia? Or would it be much more prudent to do part 1 straight away in an accredited university overseas, do my internship and then proceed to part 2?

I'm hoping to maybe save my parents some money since it would be easier on them if I did part 1 locally. I would like to experience overseas student life though, so that's why i'm considering this.

I've tried reading through the comments (not all though) to see if any similar question has been asked and couldn't find any, so pardon me if this has already been addressed.

Thanks in advance!

hello there.

yes, u can continue anywhere for ur masters, subject to the requirements of that particular university. however, regarding chance, it's a bit complicated. australia has its own regulation regarding profession that no longer recognizes overseas qualifications. but there are way around this by sitting for their professional exams (equivalent to part 1). but yes, it is actually much easier to do everything in australia. for other countries, it's much easier.

Hello, thank you for your prompt reply!

Oh, so this only applies to Australia? Meaning for the other countries (eg UK & NZ) there would be no problem?

I'm wondering if there are any significant benefits doing architecture (part 1) overseas, other than more exposure to historical buildings and different views. Is the syllabus taught as well as the teaching style much more different than here? As for the internship, i assume we do it in the country where we obtained our part 1.

I forgot to include this in my question last time, but how about chances of getting into the local IPTA unis for part 2 after doing the part 1 in IPTS (Taylor's)? I think might be slim since they would probably consider their own undergrads first, but do they consider your application at all?

I cant say much for NZ, but australia recently made some major changes that even UK qualifications are no longer recognized. It means u have to sit for their part1 even if u already hold a part 1 from other commonwealth countries.

UK on the otherhand is much more liberal. They even allow u to enroll into their part 2 while u sort out the part 1 exam in the UK.

Architecture programmes in commonwealth countries are mostly compatible with each other. This effectively made our accredited programmes as equal to international standard. The only difference is mainly cultural, funding, research focus and opportunity to study under master architects (many famous architects are attached to one school or the other).

Regarding continuing ur part 2 in IPTAs from IPTS, i can say the challenge is always there but i wouldnt say its about preference of own students. Bear in mind major IPTAs have been around for decades. They have a strong tradition of excellence.

So when they produce graduates, they tend to be more attuned to the criteria ppl are looking for in part 2. Im not saying they are better per se. Just more suitable, particularly on the technical aspect.

For UTM, we always interview all candidates and do not differentiate between our own grads with those from outside. Merit is valued higher than familiarity.

I see. So that would mean if i have the intention to work in Australia in the future, it would be better to take part 1 and part 2 there, yes? Since their degree is also recognized by other commonwealth countries, and not the other way round.

I see i see, thank you for the clarification. It's just i've heard for other courses (eg science-related courses) they tend to look to their own graduates first, glad to see this isn't the case for architecture.

If i could, I would also apply for the local IPTA, however since i took A-levels (had a different course in mind at the time), the chance is pretty much nil.

Lol sorry, but I have another question, how are the working hours for an architecture graduate like? I know there are all-nighters and OT when there is a big project going on, but generally would the working hours be normal most of the time?

Thanks again, I live in a rural area and there's not many people who can answer my questions regarding this profession. Very thankful for this thread.

hai sir..i heard u r part of BIM academia team along with Dr Lim, Dr Zul, Dr Tarmizi n the others..so when will BIM become part of the silibus in IPTs? neway send my regard to Dr Lim n say sori to him cos i an not able to be part of his research team..

Well if u plan to work in Australia, u better think well before hand as it is very unlikely for u to secure a job there nowadays due to immigration policies. Many of my friends have returned after over 10 years working there. Same goes with UK and EU.

It's easier to find a job and settle down in the US, China and Singapore than those countries.

And, Malaysia is also following Aussie footsteps. By 2017, no overseas degrees will be recognized in Malaysia. U will need to take the LAM parts 1 and 2 exams independently. Even if you come the highest ranking university.

Regarding working hours: it's 25 hours a day, 8 days a week kinda job. There's no way around it.

So far, only UTM have adopted BIM authoring into the syllabus and a bit on cost management. However we will soon introduce an integrated multidisciplinary BIM subject that will be shared between built environment courses.

The other schools are waiting to see the impact of the implementation first before adopting our model (or creating their own).

but if i m not mistaken..kolej komuniti also implemented BIM subject as part of their diploma in architecture technology program..i believe i read it in newspaper recently..looks like other ipts are lacking behind..

Oh, well that does throw a wrench into my plans. I'll have to think more carefully about it then.

Then actually going abroad at this time would be moot point then? Since by the time I graduate, Malaysia will not recognize my degree. What would you say is the best option? Just do everything locally?

Wooow, is that literal? If it is, it means I would have to function like a robot with zero rest all the time Is it just a phase, or are the working hours like that forever?

Don't mind working-hard, since every profession is like that. But would be nice to have quality of work-life balance somewhere along the way xD

BIM is a huge prospect. I was part of the tranier of trainers that constructed the curriculum. All the while, Dr Lim and myself were very skeptical over the content that they're going to imbue to the students who have NO BACKGROUND in architecture or built environment.

I honestly dont know how effective is going to be, as BIM is useful for managers or those at decision making positions. Not for clerk of works, builders and so on. It's like teaching a 10 year old how to drive. It'll be 8 years before they can actually drive legally.

At the moment, LAM is organizing accreditation on school-by-school basis. Previously, it's by country. This could be dangerous as not all school in a particular country is up to par. So the safer way is to stop recognition based on countries (effective 2017), and start recognition based on schools.

If I'm not mistaken, several overseas schools have requested to be accredited by LAM (including Australia). Yes, many people were skeptical on why an international reputable school would want to be accredited by Malaysia. Well it boils down to money and student skills. Malaysia is a very large exporter of students and we have little problem acquiring funding even for a developing country. And we also are never short of excellent students who can easily acquire scholarships, not to mention our strong(er) command of language and compatible primary and secondary education (despite many locals not believing in the system).

Eventually, we expect more overseas schools to request to be accredited as they will be losing a lot of money if Malaysian students stop enrolling to their schools.

* * *

The thing about working hours is, it's YOUR OWN TIME MANAGEMENT. We don't tell you to work like that.

Design is ever evolving. The more time your spend on it, the better it grows. So there's an unwritten understanding that "your work is not done until you've submitted it!". That's why people keep on working and working on it to achieve perfection.

But currently the list on the LAM website only recognizes certain universities as well, does this mean the list is effective from 2017 onwards? Or will a new list be released during that year?

I see, well that's a bright side. Well considering if i enrolled next year, I will graduate part 1 in 2018, meaning it will be risky if LAM decides not to recognize that uni. I suppose doing it locally would be my best bet. Sigh, i do kinda want to study abroad though.

Yeah, i suppose designers in general are perfectionists and work-driven. Depends on which company you work with as well as your assigned job(regarding the hours)?

Thank you for the insight! Therefore it boils down to whether you finish your work quickly or slowly. However, that would sacrifice quality in the process I guess working efficiently within time constraints is key.

That list is the old list that hasn't been updated since the 80s. The new list will be released once we have a few schools in the pocket. It should be released by next year, so you could decide which Australian school to go to and be secured for accreditation in Australia and in Malaysia.

The problem is that if i want to go next year, i would have to confirm with them (the unis i applied to) end of this year most probably. LAM most likely wouldn't have released it yet, and it's impossible to know which Uni will continue to be accredited before the list is released. Would i have a chance of knowing if i call LAM? lol

Thanks so much again for the info

On these stuffs, it's better just wait for official announcements. Even if they could tell you unofficially, things can change depending on policies and foreign relations. So until the deal is fully secured, then only should you make your move.

Right, but as i said i need to make a decision probably before the new list is released, so in a bit of a dilemma here. Do you have an idea which schools might remain on the list? Haha nobody knows for sure of course.

Hello again, sir. I want to get more insight on the workings in an architect firm, I wonder if any of them allow students to shadow them for a few days?

Can you recommend any notable architectural firms in PJ?

Is there a proper procedure to request for this? Do I email them or just call them?

Thanks.