Architects add a touch of brilliance to our environment with their imagination and artistry producing iconic buildings.Even when they are way gone, their works live imprints on people of their generation and those to come

In the bid to understand who an arhictect is and what they actually go through to come up with designs that wow the world, We caught up with Marvin Tumwine a graduate architect working for Kuzooka Designs and this is what we asked!

Tell Us about your self ?

I'm a thinker, a lover of big Ideas and socially outgoing.

Describe your typical day ?

I start working at 9am. Prepare what i have to do on my laptop then call or text clients about meetings and what stage of the project i will be delivering to them. If we have site visits, we does those first in the morning then resume work later in the afternoon or evening.
I then leave office at 8pm after doing work i am supposed to present in the next morning.

Marvin during a normal day at work

Why did you choose that career path?

From childhood, I have always wanted to become an engineer. I loved art and was good at drawing cartoon characters as a child. I loved Maths & Science too because they are the basis for anyone who wants become an engineer. In High School, I was introduced to Technical Drawing that drew me into the line of Architecture.

What are your main tasks and responsibilities at work?

I mostly design buildings and structures.Then proceed to draw artistic impressions of what the building or structure might look like. I also handle site works that majorly involve supervising construction works and procurement of construction materials.

An artistic impression of an upcountry home 

What are your main challenges?

Unreliable clients. Little pay considering I have just graduated from school.

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

I'm good at sketching and visualizing a project before putting on a computer. I also do artistic impression on my laptop.

What's cool about your job?

Getting to build something on ground just the way I designed it on my computer. Plus the work we do changes our environment in a positive way. It feels like we architects and engineers add onto what God created on earth.

What's not cool about your job?

Long working hours and days. Sleepless nights because of deadlines. Little appreciation from clients.

How did you get your current job?

I and a friend from Architecture school started a Design and Construction company.

What subjects did you take in school and how have they influenced your career path ?

I did Physics, Economics, Mathematics & Technical Drawing [PEM/TD] after Senior 4. Physics is relevant in Engineering mathematics to understand structures and materials of buildings, Economics to understand building economics ie cost of materials, when build etc, Mathematics in converting contruction rates and Technical Drawing is very essential in drawing plans of buildings

What is your Education to date?

I have a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Makerere University

What aspects of your Education System have proven most important for your job?

In Architecture school, we used Problem Based Learning [PBL]. The tutors present a problem and we are tasked with finding various solutions to the problem. This system allows students to research on their own and prepare monthly presentations to a panel of tutors. So doing research for every project is key to creating a good project.

What trends are you seeing in your career field ?

More Architects are getting involved into project managing. Some are diversifying into Interior Design & Landscape architecture. We also learn Urban Design & Planning so one can decide to plan for a city. Some architect are also specializing in 3D design and drawing artistic impressions for other firms.

What are the most important personal characteristics required for the job?

The most important is Passion. You have to love your job and the work you do. Its a form of art and if you're not passionate, you cant survive.

Which key people influenced your career direction?

My Father mostly. He's a Medical Doctor. And my uncle who is an Architect. Plus my Technical Drawing teacher in High School.

What is your dream job?

I am doing it. Being an Architect was my dream.

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

Doing design work for my Father's apartment. Its my way of paying back for supporting my career.

As a student, how did you cope up with the pressure to succeed / excel in class?

I had to work harder, sleep less, reading a lot more and finally team work. Consulting other students is key in our profession because we work with other professionals in our field.

What advise would you give someone considering this job?

You have to start from an early age. Don't wait for after senior 6 to make that decision. Otherwise, you will hate the course because the profession doesn't pay as well as most people think.

What outside class activities did you engage in that have proved beneficial on your career path (eg clubs, sports etc) ?

I played Cricket in High School. In my profession, you have to be outgoing. Attend social events to market your profession because many people out there don't know Architects. They often call us Engineers.

What kind of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

You need to be good with your hands. Either you can draw or model objects.

Any Concluding remarks

DON'T ATTEMPT TO DO ARCHITECTURE IF YOU ARE NOT PASSIONATE ABOUT IT.