Chaim Lieder

A student’s guide for breaking into the

Architecture Industry in 2021: Interview 5
Chaim Lieder
Project Assistant @ PBD Architects | Master’s of Architecture @ University + Follow
of Sydney
Published Mar 10, 2021

Industry professionals share tips on breaking into the

Architecture Industry
Introduction
Hi, my name is Chaim Lieder.

Having recently completed my bachelor’s degree and finding myself struggling to break
into the industry, I decided to re-frame this challenge as an opportunity to help others in
my position.
Chaim Lieder
As students, we often focus so much on our career in design that we lose focus on
designing our career, leaving us feeling deflated and burnt out after countless rejections.

This post is part 5 of a 5 part mini-interview series that serves as a platform for industry
professionals to share their passion, experience and employment tips to help you get
your foot in the door. I hope this provides you with a sense of confidence, knowing that
you’re equipped with the necessary tools to kick start a rewarding career in
Architecture.

Interview 5: Jordan Curran - Clarke Hopkins Clarke

As the leader of Clarke Hopkins Clarke’s mixed-use and retail team, for the last decade,
Jordan has contributed to the visioning, master planning and delivery of complex mixed-
use precincts, shopping centres, town centres and new smart cities, both across Australia
and internationally. Sydney born and bred, Jordan has recently returned to his roots,
establishing the practice’s new Sydney office.

1. What attracted you to a career in Architecture?

From a young age, I had a keen interest in using my imagination to create little
structures. I originally wanted to become a builder and I remember walking past a
building site one day with a rendering out the front and thinking to myself how cool it
was that somebody had created that. In high school, my focus shifted away from
construction and more towards the arts, eventually leading me to architecture.

2. What is the most rewarding part of a career in Architecture?

I think for architects, it’s the creative problem-solving, the value you create for your
clients by drawing on a broad range of knowledge areas, and the enriched environments
you create in the process - that’s the most rewarding.

3. How did you land your first job in the Architecture industry?
I landed my first job at SJB during my bachelor’s degree. I loved making models, and I
Chaim Lieder
suppose they took a liking to that. After I completed my bachelor’s I worked in Ireland
for two years, before returning to Australia to pursue my master’s. When I was re-
applying for jobs, I wanted to walk in to meet people and place a physical copy of my
CV on their desk. Clarke Hopkins Clarke appreciated that initiative and offered me a
position.

4. What advice would you give students & fresh graduates who are
struggling to land a job?
Get out of your comfort zone: I think the challenge for students is pushing themselves
out of their comfort zone and meeting people in the industry. Networking is very
important in Architecture, and as architects, we appreciate it when people show
initiative. LinkedIn has made it easier than ever to reach out and connect with people in
the industry.

Broaden your knowledge: The more you know, the more control you have over your
designs. As architects, when creating projects, we want to be the conduit between
making decisions and bringing people together. The industry is so diverse, and therefore
understanding things like planning, development, finance, government and industry
trends will really help you in your pursuit of success.

5. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your
student/young graduate self?
Learn about goal setting, constantly push yourself out of your comfort zone, acquire as
much knowledge as possible and really understand the industry you’re working in.

20 · 3 Comments
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Matthew James Graham 2y

Once again, nicely put together Chaim
Like Reply 1 Like
Chaim Lieder 2y
Thank you Matthew James Graham, appreciate it
Like Reply
 Like Reply
ChaimTreitel
Mendel Lieder 2y
💪
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