UNS — An alumnus from the Architectural Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering (FT), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Naya Marsatyasti, S.T., M.Eng., shared her experience working as an architect in Japan, in the Virtual Talk Series With Japan Alumni: Various Experiences as Architects in Japan. The event was conducted as a collaboration between the Center for Japanese Studies (PSJ), Institute of Research and Community Service (LPPM) UNS, UNS URDC Laboratory – Architecture Engineering Study Program, Architecture Engineering Student Association (HMA) UNS, and the Indonesian Architecture Association (IAI) Surakarta.
The main invited speaker, Naya, who delivered material on Preparing to Work as an Architect in Japan, states that to be an architect in Japan requires good preparation. “First, prepare your Curriculum Vitae (CV) according to the designated format provided by the company and your work portfolio that focuses on design thinking. Second, mastering a foreign language, in this case, a minimum of Japanese N3/N2 proficiency and English is suitable. Third, recognize the type of company, whether it is a corporate, atelier/studio type, or outsourced company. Fourth, definitely go job hunting, and don’t forget to submit your CV and portfolio to the desired company,” said Naya, Saturday (25/6/2022).
Naya added that the workflow for an architect in Japan is not much different from that in Indonesia. Starting from design drawing, structural drawing, and Mechanical Electrical Plumbing (MEP) drawing; Examination of construction cost; Environmental impact assessment; Meeting with all parties; and Construction drawing. In addition, the certification of Japanese architects is divided into 3 (three) sections, wooden architects, second-class architects, and first-class architects.
“Before construction, we also had a praying ritual for the construction project to run safely and smoothly. As for the work culture itself, a working day usually starts with a daily morning meeting to report on the progress of the ongoing project and any work that will be done today, as well as any assignment or completed job the day before. It is also not uncommon for us to work beyond normal working hours. While for daily routines, we usually engage in design studies exploration, preparing market studies, and team meetings. Every project is the outcome of a team effort because there is a culture of helping other teams’ projects. This work culture is based on my experience in the atelier company type or architect studio in Japan,” explained Naya.
According to Naya, when she wanted to become an architect in Japan, she emphasized the need to prepare a strong mental state. Although Japanese people are famous for their hospitality and courtesy, however, since it is a different country, there must be cultural differences. An aspect that Naya also faces. She encourages that it is important to maintain communication with Indonesian people residing in Japan when working as an architect in Japan. “The opportunity to work as an architect in Japan, which is full of references to interesting buildings architecture and opportunities to be closer to world-class Japanese architects, is a joy. However, it does not make it necessarily easy to live with. A healthy mentality and sufficient Japanese comprehension become crucial skills to survive,” Naya concluded. Humas UNS
Reporter: Lina Khoirun Nisa
Editor: Dwi Hastuti