Jacob Waldbillig

About me

I was born/grew up in: Edmonton, Alberta

I now live in: Edmonton, Alberta

I completed my training/education at: I started doing architecture in high school and was directed to the NAIT Architectural Technology program, which is a two-year diploma. I am now working on my degree at Athabasca University, Bachelor of Science in Architecture in pursuit of a Master’s degree.

What I do at work

Currently I’m working on four different projects around Canada and the USA. My tasks depend on the stage of the project. At the start of a project, there is the design work. At my position, I’m not the one designing the building. Rather I work on the changes advised by the Architect. After we have a design, I start working on technical drawings. These are used to construct the building. These include floor plans, roof plans, ceiling plans, building details and sections. Most of my workday is figuring out how the building will go together and setting up drawings for construction.

There is also coordination with other companies who are involved in the project.  This involves working with other professionals such as Electrical, Mechanical, Structural and Civil engineers. Also, a lot of correspondence through email or MS teams.

One misconception about architecture is that there is a lot of math involved. There actually isn’t a lot. There is basic math and dealing with numbers but nothing very complicated. One thing I have learned in my job, and any office job really, is that communication is very important. It’s important to communicate with your colleagues about what you are doing and remember to always ask questions.

My career path is

I started learning about architecture in high school. I didn’t know much about what to do after high school at the time and my teacher mentioned to me that there was an architecture program at NAIT. After researching a bit and going to the open house I knew that this passion could become a career. I was hired at a smaller firm while I was still in classes at NAIT. I started full time the week after I graduated. In November of 2020, I got an offer at a much larger international firm and decided to move to where I am now. If you think something you’re doing in high school is fun or you’re passionate about it, reach out! There’s probably a career there. The best career is one that is enjoyable to do every day! Check my LinkedIn profile for more information on my career path.

I am motivated by

The most rewarding part of my work is seeing the building you worked on, figured out issues for, and stressed about, built. Seeing it being used and actually there is very cool and rewarding.

My favorite task to do is design. I’ve had the luxury of being able to do some designing on some buildings and sites. Along with that goes creating renderings and presentation boards.

How I affect peoples’ lives

My career matters because people will always need buildings! Whether you are working in them, living in them or playing in them, buildings are an important part of our society. We try to make buildings that evoke emotions, are useable to the client and their patrons, and catch the eye of the user. We try to make the building memorable; buildings make a difference in society.

Outside of work I

I coach hockey in my spare time. I like to bike, and I collect sneakers. I follow hockey and basketball: GO OILERS & RAPTORS!!! I also try to meditate at least once a day.

My advice to others

If you think architecture is something you would be interested in pursuing, do some research. Try to find out if this is something, you are passionate about. If that sounds good to you then reach out to institutions, your school or a local architect to get more information.