Architect Shadow

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to shadow architect Jeff Juliano, AIA, for a day at his Atlanta firm, Collins Cooper Carusi. For the past few years, I've been bouncing between architecture and mechanical engineering as a career choice; I have already shadowed a mechanical engineer, Lynda Herrig at Newcomb & Boyd, so I thought it was time to see firsthand exactly what an architect does. While shadowing, I learned about how to merge harmonious, creative, environmentally-responsible design with a client's budget, as well as how to draw a straight line.

The day was extremely interesting. I actually attended a project meeting where the contractors updated the clients on the status of a project. It amazes me how much an architect has to coordinate, from the construction itself to the photography of the final result. At the end of the day, we drove to Athens, GA, to tour the newly completed University of Georgia Honors Program residence hall that Jeff designed. It is amazing to think that he designed nearly the entire structure, from the custom light fixtures to the wrought iron balustrade. It was a absolutely beautiful building and an enlightening and inspiring experience to visit the site with the project's principal architect.

Check out their website: Collins Cooper Carusi Website