how to write a letter of recommendation for an architect

For architecture students and recent graduates, a letter of recommendation is an essential supporting document that can make or break their applications.

It is not a required component of the application packet for architecture schools. However, students can use one to demonstrate to the admissions judge that they possess the skills necessary to succeed in the program they have applied for.

1. Start with a heading. When starting your letter of recommendation, it may be helpful to place a heading at the top. …
2. Address the reader. …
3. Introduce yourself. …
4. Describe the applicant. …
5. Close the letter. …
6. Proofread your letter.

Tips for Writing a Successful Letter of Recommendation

Asking for a letter of recommendation:

– Select the right person to provide a recommendation for you: A true recommendation from someone who is knowledgeable about your work is much more valuable than a generic recommendation from a well-known figure. Rem Koolhaas is not the person to ask if you’re applying for a job at an architecture firm and you interned at OMA for six months and once sat in his office. (Saving yourself from being declined will prevent him from saying yes either.) Find a witness who can attest to the time and effort you put into your career. We do have a tendency to value the views of the “famous,” but change must begin here.

– Give your recommender enough time: Nobody works well under pressure, so be sure to arrange your recommenders in advance and give them enough time to write a letter that will stand out. The more time you give, the less “template-y” and more personalized your recommendation will be, since most people who are asked for recommendations operate according to a general template.

– Don’t expect to see the recommendation: While you should assume that the person you chose to serve as your recommender will write a glowing review of you and your accomplishments, it’s okay if you never do. Most university recommendation systems will ask you to waive your right to see the letter because they want to keep recommenders honest and for the process to be worth a damn, there will occasionally be recommendation letters that aren’t so… nice.

– Consider how tech-savvy your recommenders are: Do your research to ensure that they are fully aware of the requirements for submitting their letter. You would have to be extremely technologically challenged to be unable to follow instructions because most universities have streamlined the procedure. However, some fellowships and grants have less obvious requirements for letter submission. Just be certain that your request covers all the necessary ground. Not only should the letter be written, but it also needs to be delivered to the intended recipient.

– Avoid sounding so desperate that the recommender won’t be able to refuse: Perhaps the recommender needs to decline because they simply don’t have enough time to write you a respectable letter of recommendation, but they won’t because you sound like you’re making a last-ditch effort. The recommender you’ve chosen may not have anything positive to say about you. Its good to give them a way out.

– Should you submit a written request or an in-person one? This will require some social graces, but depending on your personality and that of the recommender, an in-person request may be awkward or fruitful. It basically comes down to this: if you are confident that this person will write you a glowing recommendation, ask them in person. They will be flattered to learn that you want them to evaluate their work. But regardless of whether you make the request verbally or not, you MUST put it in writing. Its 2017. There are numerous ways to communicate with people, including texts, Facebook messages, Instagram, and god knows how many others. Get an email address and set up some sort of automatic reminder so that as the deadline draws near, you can check the status of your letter again. (You might be wondering, “But what if my professor, mentor, or sensei doesn’t use computers or the internet?” If this is the case, make sure you get verbal confirmation and try to get the contact information of an assistant or someone who works for said sensei so that he or she can be guided through the process and deadline.)

Writing a letter of recommendation:

– I’ve been asked to write a letter of recommendation but I have no idea what I’m doing: Did you swear off writing once your diploma was in your sweaty, greedy little paws? Or did you last write a “letter” in 1998 during your 8th grade English class? Because letters are so similar to speech, they are actually quite simple to write. Therefore, the first piece of advice is to not refuse because you believe you are a terrible writer or believe the process will be difficult. Keep the circle of life in bloom because someone wrote you a recommendation, don’t forget that.

– Begin with a list: While you may be able to begin with “Dear” and end with “Sincerely” without any hesitation or pausing, the majority of people will typically stare at a blank document with a mixture of panic attack and “ughhh” feelings. ” Dont worry, start with bullet points. Focus on what makes the applicant exceptional in your response to what you want the institution, grant committee, or potential employer to know about this applicant. Platitudes about being a good employee wont get anyone noticed. Make sure your letter contains specific projects or examples. As a result of having vivid memories of a time when Billy went above and beyond, your reader will exclaim, “Oh wow, he/she must really know Billy. ” Got it?.

– Provide examples, stories, anecdotes, and details: I mentioned this above, but I’ll reiterate it here because 80% of letter-writers will simply google “recommendation letter template” and substitute the recipient’s name. Imagine that you are writing a letter to your cherished grandmother and that you are telling her about a time when one of your students or employees truly made you proud.

– Write first. Edit later. Although I’m assuming you’re here because you need to write a letter of recommendation and want some words of encouragement, this advice is applicable to all forms of writing. Just put it all out there and then organize it. If you have a friend who is willing and able to read the letter before you send it out, that’s an added bonus.

– Don’t Google “architecture recommendation letter” and use a template you find on a website optimized for search engines: Being original in your letter is probably the hardest thing to do. We don’t want to disappoint the people who asked us to write the letter, but if you’re a manager in your early 30s, there is absolutely no reason your letter should sound or look like a recommendation from a person who attended college in the 1970s. Original content will always stand out over recycled boilerplate. As I mentioned in point number 2, write that letter to grandma for the sake of both you and your mentee.

I’ll tell you how I know this: In my senior year of college, I panicked and asked someone who taught me a seminar on social housing to write me a letter of recommendation for Medical School (yes, Medical School), because I was having an existential crisis. If you’re going to say no, be honest: It’s going to happen occasionally: you receive a request for a recommendation and your first reaction is going to be “what the…?” It would have been nice to be told, “Hey Becky, this seems like a pretty left-field request—not because you want to change your professional focus, but because I don’t know enough about you or what you want to recommend you for,” but the request was not fulfilled and was never brought up again. “.

Maybe you’re just saying “no” for now, and you end up getting to know the person who initially asked you for a recommendation better. Sincere recommendations can’t be rushed or faked, like true love, so don’t say yes if you won’t really offer anything helpful.

You can recommend a friend or any member of your family with the help of this letter of recommendation for a technical architect. He must be a technical architect by trade, and I wonder how he would do at work.

I am writing this letter of recommendation for Mrs. Smith with great pleasure and satisfaction. As a capable Technical Architect, (insert their name) I’ve known her for five years because we both worked in my architecture firm.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me through my personal phone number if you have any questions or need more information. (Mention phone no. ) Additionally, you can reach me by email at (Insert email address), and I’d be thrilled to assist you in any way.

The technical architect’s qualifications and abilities must be mentioned. You can also emphasize how he has good people skills and can work well in a team. By doing this, the recruiter will be able to accept your recommendation and hire the applicant.

In conclusion, she showed great enthusiasm and creativity while working independently or as a team. I’ve always admired her talent, seriousness, and capacity for sustained attention.

Tips for a Successful Letter of Recommendation

These eight suggestions are beneficial for applications to architecture schools and jobs.

FAQ

How do you compliment an architect at work?

Compliment the architect on his work that you have seen. It’s crucial that you can discuss specific elements of the work rather than just saying, “I really like your work,” You have more credibility in the architect’s eyes if you are more specific.

How do I write a letter of recommendation?

1. Always start with the date.
2. Indicate the person(s) you are endorsing and the reason(s) for your recommendations.
3. In what capacity and for how long do you know the person?
4. State their best qualities.
5. Give details about the person’s character, morals, and values.

What is the best wording for a recommendation?

I have the utmost pleasure in recommending [Name] for the position of [Company]. [Name] and I [relationship] at [Company] for [length of time]. I had a great time working with [Name] and learned that [he/she/they] was a genuinely valuable member of our team.

How do you write a recommendation letter for a design student?

1. Gather all the information necessary to write the letter. …
2. Pick the right format. …
3. Open with an introduction. …
4. Discuss specific examples of the candidate’s achievements. …
5. Relate the candidate’s experience to the job description.