Stephen Myles Burry
Architectural Technologist
DBA Consulting Engineers
Learn About My Career
Stephen Myles Burry is an Architectural Technologist for DBA Consulting Engineers.
I was born/grew up in: Wesleyville, Newfoundland, Canada
I now live in: St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
I completed my training/education at: College of the North Atlantic – Ridge Road Campus
The most common activity I engage in at work is helping complete a set of construction drawings. Construction drawings are normally completed with AutoCAD or Autodesk Revit. These drawings aid a general contractor during construction of a building by showing locations, heights, products to be used and how all the buildings elements work together. To meet thermal, air and moisture, structural, and code requirements one must understand the science of a building; this is where STEM skills and problem solving are essential.
Each building is different based on location, size and occupancy (what type of building it is – ex house, office, school, hospital). Due to this fact I normally complete calculations to determine the proper insulation required for the local climate and use the National Building Code of Canada to ensure fire safety and structural requirements are met on my construction drawings. I also complete 3D models of buildings and coordinate drawings from different disciplines (e.g., mechanical, structural, or civil engineering) to ensure there are no conflicting factors between them, and make visits to construction sites.
Architecture was always the career path I had dreamed of perusing throughout high school. I always loved design, art, science and math and felt this career was a perfect way to combine these subject areas. When it came time to apply to Post-Secondary institutions there was no architecture program offered in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador so my guidance councillor helped me identify the Architectural Engineering Technology program at the College of the North Atlantic. I completed the three year program in May of 2015 where I graduated as the top student form my class.
While in my final year I was encouraged to enter the provincial skills trades and technologies competition hosted by Skills Newfoundland and Labrador. I achieved a gold medal in the architectural technology and design competition. After this I traveled to Saskatoon to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition as part of team Newfoundland and Labrador. I earned a silver medal at this competition. I believe this helped raise my profile when I started looking for employment. Eventually I hope to return to school to peruse a degree in Architecture.
I am fairly new into my career as I am a recent college graduate so I have yet to see a project I have worked on be completed as the construction process can be a very long one. However I believe that being able to witness a building that you helped design go from a drawing in your office to a physical structure will be very rewarding and motivational. Knowing that your work will have a positive impact on other people is also motivational. I also enjoy learning new ways of how things are constructed and about new materials and technologies that are always emerging.
My career is important to others as I help ensure that the buildings people live, work, learn and play in are comfortable and safe for them to enjoy. My career also helps ensure these buildings are cost effective and long lasting.
Netflix! I also like to do house plans and designs for friends and family as well.
For anyone interested in the field of architectural technology I would really suggest checking out Autodesk’s website. They offer free trials and student versions for a lot of their programs and with the help of YouTube and other websites this software can be learned by pretty much anyone. If you like design and working with computers this could definitely be a career option for you!
What I do at work
The most common activity I engage in at work is helping complete a set of construction drawings. Construction drawings are normally completed with AutoCAD or Autodesk Revit. These drawings aid a general contractor during construction of a building by showing locations, heights, products to be used and how all the buildings elements work together. To meet thermal, air and moisture, structural, and code requirements one must understand the science of a building; this is where STEM skills and problem solving are essential.
Each building is different based on location, size and occupancy (what type of building it is – ex house, office, school, hospital). Due to this fact I normally complete calculations to determine the proper insulation required for the local climate and use the National Building Code of Canada to ensure fire safety and structural requirements are met on my construction drawings. I also complete 3D models of buildings and coordinate drawings from different disciplines (e.g., mechanical, structural, or civil engineering) to ensure there are no conflicting factors between them, and make visits to construction sites.
My career path is
Architecture was always the career path I had dreamed of perusing throughout high school. I always loved design, art, science and math and felt this career was a perfect way to combine these subject areas. When it came time to apply to Post-Secondary institutions there was no architecture program offered in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador so my guidance councillor helped me identify the Architectural Engineering Technology program at the College of the North Atlantic. I completed the three year program in May of 2015 where I graduated as the top student form my class.
While in my final year I was encouraged to enter the provincial skills trades and technologies competition hosted by Skills Newfoundland and Labrador. I achieved a gold medal in the architectural technology and design competition. After this I traveled to Saskatoon to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition as part of team Newfoundland and Labrador. I earned a silver medal at this competition. I believe this helped raise my profile when I started looking for employment. Eventually I hope to return to school to peruse a degree in Architecture.
I am motivated by
I am fairly new into my career as I am a recent college graduate so I have yet to see a project I have worked on be completed as the construction process can be a very long one. However I believe that being able to witness a building that you helped design go from a drawing in your office to a physical structure will be very rewarding and motivational. Knowing that your work will have a positive impact on other people is also motivational. I also enjoy learning new ways of how things are constructed and about new materials and technologies that are always emerging.
How I affect peoples’ lives
My career is important to others as I help ensure that the buildings people live, work, learn and play in are comfortable and safe for them to enjoy. My career also helps ensure these buildings are cost effective and long lasting.
Outside of work I
Netflix! I also like to do house plans and designs for friends and family as well.
My advice to others
For anyone interested in the field of architectural technology I would really suggest checking out Autodesk’s website. They offer free trials and student versions for a lot of their programs and with the help of YouTube and other websites this software can be learned by pretty much anyone. If you like design and working with computers this could definitely be a career option for you!
When I was a student I enjoyed:
- Art
- Math
- Science
- Technology
When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:
- Was motivated by success
- Wanted to be in charge
- Liked being given specific instructions
- Engaged in volunteer activities
- Was really creative
- Felt great satisfaction in getting good grades
- Learned best “by doing”
- Liked to design or build things
Partners
Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador
Let’s Talk Science is grateful to Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador for connecting us with this individual.
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