English-speaking architects in and around Munich

English speaking architects practicing/living in or around Munich - I'd be interested in hearing whether or not you are in the Bavarian Architektenkammer, and if so - how did you get in?

Architect-Yes
English-Yes
Practicing Architect - No
Architektenkammer - No

I found the job to be a bit boring and got tired of doing it after years of training

Hi Darknight,

Yeah - it can be boring at times - but after, as you say, years of training, it would be hard for me to leave it. Did you change your profession before or after you came to Germany?

Before..

1st I did the Building part, then the CAD/Drafting/Architect thing, then moved to IT...
No more outdoor construction work for me...

I can see the advantage of that - though I end up spending most of my time in front of this computer as well.

Quick question on a side note

Is there any demand for Architectural Technicians in Munich at the moment? Or are Technicians merely an Irish and British thing as I'm beginning to fear

Any info greatly appreciated.

Hi Green,

Because there are so many unemployed architects in Munich, my guess would be that there is not much demand for technicians either. In my experience here, because of the imbalance on the job market, many of the positions that would traditionally be given to technicians are taken by architects (that is, if architectural technician = Bauzeichner). Having said that, though, it all depends on your skill set – if you are an expert CAD user, for instance, then your chances may be as good or better than an architect looking for a job. Also –make the most of your language, many firms have or are looking for work abroad – especially in China, where English can be a valuable asset.

Good luck,

Peter

Thx for the info Peter

Working away in Ireland atm (booming here) but I have often considered returning to Munich, as I had a blast there. I moved there in '94 after qualifying and felt like a rest from drawing for a few months. Ended up staying 'til '99, but worked in an unrelated field. I visit Munich a few times a year, as I still have an interest there, and hell even if I didn't Munich is one hell of a fun spot. I have the CAD skills (bucket loads of it), but my German sucks the big one.

Anyhow, thx again for the info.

Green

PS. not sure if Architectural technician = Bauzeichner. Its half Architect/half Engineer I guess. The Architecture without the art In reality I suppose my main purpose in Ireland is to keep the building standing and the water out. Not sure if Bauzeichner would be a Draughtsman/woman.

I think its "Bauingenieur"

I am not impressed with the knowledge base of the architects I have come accross in Germany. Is there a difference in the course content in German universities as oposed to the Uk?

Would an architect be the best person to advise on groundwater and whether water noted after digging 3 feet is a high water table or attributed to pressure, or would a builder be the man/woman to ask?

I'm having a bit of trouble with my water and don't know who to ask for help

Of course.


If you are considering building a new house - then you need to get a Bodengutachten/Baugrunduntersuchung and show it to a structural engineer. If this concerns an existing structure then an architect or a Sachverständiger für Bauschäden should be able to help you.


see your doctor.

Peter

Thank you Peter for the information, God bless your cotton socks.

The house has been rebuilt approx., 45yrs ago on the foundations of the original house, probably over one hundred years old. It is situated in a valley with a fairly primitave drainage system running under the foundations. We have had two architects veiwing the property at different stages of the renovation but neither has come up with a solution that makes sense regarding the drainage, and both have conflicting opinions as to which walls can be removed, and other internal structural changes.
Are UK architects better qualified?

At the moment I'm using methods used by father, a builder (RIP). I've dug trenches filled them with sand and stones, added a modern yellow drainage pipe redirecting the water away from the house. Around the founds of the house, I've painted a few coats of black bitumen, added a blue plastic thing with knobbly bits (from Bau haus) and tried to improve the soil as it is heavy (blue) clay. Other than that I'm at a loss as to what to do next and I have absolutely no confidence in the architects or builders we have used so far.

If I've to do much more of the donkey work I won't be needing a house, a nice oak box will do instead and if that happens I won't need that doctor for my waterworks.