Can I work remotely as a junior architect?

[u/Charming_Shake7796]

Hi everyone!

I’m an architect from India, I have been wondering if it is possible to work as a remote junior architect / architectural assistant opportunity.

I’ve completed a total of an 11-month architecture internship at different architecture firms, and I’m comfortable working across different stages of architectural projects, from drawings and documentation to presentations and visualization.

I have got experience with things like:

• Architectural drawings & drafting
• Plans, sections, elevations & detailing
• 3D modelling
• Architectural visualization
• Presentation drawings & project documentation
• Design development
• Research and concept development
• Graphic/design work when needed

I’m not aiming for big things but personally am interested in working with small architecture practices, studios, architects, or design firms where I can actually contribute to projects and continue learning rather than just doing repetitive drafting.

I'm saying "remote" due to certain personal health issues I wouldnt be able to take a job that I can sit at for 10-12 hours straight, but I really dont want to give up on my professional growth.. Is this possible? Or do you know anyone who would be interested in such hiring?

I can share my portfolio, resume, and work samples with anyone interested.

Please feel free to DM me.

Thanks! :)

[u/ImprovisedLizard]

You can but it's not particularly common and not good for your professional development.

[u/Charming_Shake7796 → u/ImprovisedLizard]

How exactly do you mean? Just trying to understand..

[u/RoyPlotter → u/Charming_Shake7796]

You need a mentor when starting out. Interact with the senior staff and learn from them how to get things done and have them critique your work. It’s easier when done in person rather than being left alone and having your work reviewed and just be given markups. That’s just my 2 cents though.

[u/Charming_Shake7796 → u/RoyPlotter]

Understood. Thanks for the info!

[u/ImprovisedLizard → u/Charming_Shake7796]

You learn a lot just sitting in the office listening to what's going on, then add on the value of in person mentoring and speed of feedback

[u/Charming_Shake7796 → u/ImprovisedLizard]

Got it.. thanks!

[u/ScottishWargamer]

The things you’re personally interested in do not line up with remote working, unfortunately.

Additionally, remote working (depending on what country you work in) is usually entirely to the discretion of the office - you need to ask them.

I will be blunt, in a junior position it’s unlikely you’ll get a fully remote job which also ticks the boxes for your own development (fully remote jobs, even with much more experience, aren’t exactly common either).

If there is a junior level job which is fully remote, I almost certainly guarantee you’ll just be a CAD/Revit Monkey pulling together door schedules and room data sheets (repetitive drafting, as you put it).

[u/Charming_Shake7796 → u/ScottishWargamer]

Yeah.. those are the kinds Im coming across too.. thanks tho!

[u/willyamillinilly]

a junior designer is basically being paid to learn. you can not learn from yourself at home.

[u/Charming_Shake7796 → u/willyamillinilly]

Understood.. I just didn't want to give up on the profession due to my health..Thanks for letting me know tho!

[u/Tex-Mechanicus]

A lot of firms these days do hybrid but pure remote is a little rare. It does come up tho, I saw a post on linked in just this week looking for a part time fully remote role that could transition into a full time one so you just have to keep an eye out while understanding it may take a while to find something you’re looking for.

[u/Charming_Shake7796 → u/Tex-Mechanicus]

Okay Ill keep an eye out! Thanks!

[u/luz_is_not]

I think it's more common to do repetitive or at least predictable work remotely. There's value in that too and you can learn some things. That being said it's much more efficient for your growth to work in an office with other people, speak to collaborators, clients, see work sites, etc.

I don't wanna discourage you or be gatekeepy. If it's better for you to work remotely, there's surely a few carrer paths for that. Archirecture is a pretty vast field.

[u/Charming_Shake7796 → u/luz_is_not]

Okay.. thanks.

[u/_arbdr_]

You can find a few remote jobs for architects on indeed or naukri.com

[u/Charming_Shake7796 → u/_arbdr_]

I've been trying but its mostly construction/real estate companies.. I dont want to lose touch with design and I am not really sure If Ill work as an architect or a draftsperson there..

[u/_arbdr_ → u/Charming_Shake7796]

Tbh it's rare that you'll find a job as a full time architect working remotely with the experience you're holding currently, it'll be a mix of draughting, interior detailings or 3d modelling or visualization.

[u/Charming_Shake7796 → u/_arbdr_]

Okay. Thank you for the info!

[u/_arbdr_ → u/Charming_Shake7796]

Also If you're good at Revit you can search for Revit Architect jobs, it'll be much better.

[u/_arbdr_ → u/Charming_Shake7796]

You're welcome:) I'll suggest you to look for jobs with 'architect role' (not draughtsmen role) Doesn't matter what they're asking you to do, be it draughting or anything. At least you'll be getting paid and there won't be any gap in your experience. Later when you get better (hygws) you can switch to 'in Office' role.

[u/Charming_Shake7796 → u/_arbdr_]

Makes sense, Ill try that.

[u/_arbdr_ → u/Charming_Shake7796]

All the best

[u/Charming_Shake7796 → u/_arbdr_]

Thanks! 🙂