On December 12, Jorge Alonso, urban architect at Chapman Taylor, visited the students of Master's Degree University in Architecture (habilitante) at the headquarters of postgraduate program of the University of Navarra (Alumni building), in Madrid. In that meeting, the students were invited to see first hand the Chapman Taylor offices in Paseo Recoletos, also in Madrid.
The student Pilar Vilarrubí, student of the Double Master's Degree University Degree in Architecture + design and management Environmental Buildings (MAS), relates the experience:
"Mikel Barriola, one of the studio's five managing directors, welcomed us to Chapman Taylor's Madrid studio along with Jorge Alonso, architect and urban planner, currently dedicated to area of development business.
After a brief explanation of all that Chapman Taylor encompasses at national level and how are their relationships with the rest of the international headquarters, as well as their work commitments outside our borders, both insisted on the value of the collaborative and team work of a study of these characteristics: "When it comes to the work team, there are no egos". They also conveyed that it is not only essential to be a good architect, but it is also crucial to know how to communicate and cultivate this skill on a daily basis.
We were able to learn about the two main areas of Departments in which the studio is organized in Madrid. On the one hand, the Spain-Portugal department , dedicated to projects on the peninsula and, on the other, the international one, especially focused on projects in the Middle East and North Africa, where architectural and urban growth is unstoppable.
As an English study, it highlighted the importance of the British organizational system in personal, administrative and financial aspects, where it is essential to adhere to and follow this form of work to ensure the effectiveness of group and business.
During the visit, we received some advice from other architects who came to talk to us. Miguel, a draftsman since the beginnings of Chapman in Madrid, emphasized the valuable weapon that architects have, which is hand drawing as tool to capture ideas: "Don't stop drawing by hand because it will be part of your treasure".
Beatriz, a former student of the qualifying Master's Degree at the University of Navarra and currently an architect at Chapman Taylor, also emphasized how important it is to find a first employment that is rewarding and educational, as well as to surround yourself with a team that provides growth staff and professional growth.
Finally, José Manuel Martín stressed the importance of understanding the customer, from the university environment to the workplace. "Your professors are, from now on, your customer. When you go out, you have to convince the person in front of you". In addition, he commented on the value of work as a team and the ability to "put out fires" with so many different people who are part of a project and who are pursuing different interests. "In the real world, when you have so many people involved, you have to know how to deal."
At the conclusion of the visit, we enjoyed a moment on the studio's rooftop terrace and had the opportunity to talk with Jorge Alonso about his concerns and ask questions."
Text written by: Pilar Vilarrubí, student of the Double Master's Degree University Degree in Architecture + design and management Environmental Buildings (MAS).
