Breaking Into Architecture: Daniel Moore (Interview)
Breaking Into Architecture is a short series by Chaim Lieder, a recent job-seeking Bachelor’s graduate based in Melbourne. Chaim launched this initiative to re-frame his own challenges into an opportunity to help others in the same position.
Interview 1: Daniel Moore
Daniel is an architect and director of Open Creative Studio, an emerging architecture, design, and creative firm that specialises in environmentally conscious projects.
In addition to design projects, Daniel also has a keen interest in communications producing podcasts including Hearing Architecture for the Australian Institute of Architects and the New Architects Podcast. Daniel also works as a professional voice over artist.
What attracted you to a career in Architecture?
When I was in high school, I was tossing up between performance and architecture. I did a course called ‘Housing and Design’ in grade 12 which introduced me to the idea of passive design and I really liked the idea that you could design a building in tune with nature and isn’t just pumping out emissions. I then enrolled in the ‘Bachelor of Environmental Design’ at UTAS.
What is the most rewarding part of a career in Architecture?
For me, the most rewarding part about architecture is the benefit you bring to people’s lives through your unique set of expertise. At the end of a project when the client gets to actually experience the spaces you have created, I think that’s the most rewarding. Some people think you are just putting up four walls, a floor and roof, but at the end of the day, when talking to people who actually use the building, you can see that it's much more than that.
How did you land your first job in the Architecture industry?
My very first job was in the year out of my Bachelors. In the last three weeks of my Bachelors, one of the directors of Plus Architecture in Melbourne came in and gave us a great piece of advice. He said look, this is the reality of what happens when you apply for a job. People send in an A4 or A3 document, it's flat, it gets sent to the people in HR, or it may even get to the director’s desk. When all these documents start to pile up, you've got a stack and there's no way to tell what's good in that pile. So, he suggested that we design an object, that if it's in the middle of the pile, will actually topple the pile over and reveal our application. It seemed a little silly at first, but we thought to ourselves, there’s got to be something to this, this guy is sharing this to be helpful. So, a couple of friends and I went on and did exactly that. We sent those off and all of us got jobs straight away.
What advice would you give students & fresh graduates who are struggling to land a job?
Curate your approach: I would always advise to only apply using a sniper rifle and never apply using a machine gun. Because if you do that, the firm will see from what you've given them, that you've really put in thought. Bear in mind that firms want team players and want to know that you're really happy to be there and you want to grow their success because their success is your success. At the very beginning of your career, it is important to understand that you are really there to learn and appreciate where you are in your journey.
Put your best foot forward: You want to put your best foot forward and only show the projects you are proud of and have gotten high marks for.
Play the game: As mentioned earlier, I find that flat and digital applications have one component working against them, they’re easily disposable. If you make an object, you show that you care, and it also shows craftsmanship. Others won’t just toss it because they're going to see the care you put into it. Show them that you want to play the game and you're willing to have fun.
Timing is key: Even the very, very best graduates or students often don't get jobs purely due to the timing of their application. It's really about persistence and appreciating what's happening in the culture at the time you’re applying.
Get on the phone: If you can get someone on the phone and start the conversation, letting them know that you're super keen, it shows that you're not just one of those people who is sending their stuff out to everyone. Creating a dialogue will help set you apart.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your student/young graduate self?
No matter what it feels like, your teachers want the best for you. They want to see you grow and be the best version of yourself, so give them the best of your time and produce your greatest work. They are giving you these tasks because they know what it takes.
The second piece of advice I would give is to hone in on your originality. Be totally honest with what you love, let it shine through in all your work and you will attract a firm that appreciates you for you.
For more Job Seeking advice, please check out our free Job Seeker Workbook.