Career Compass: Environmental Design

As an environmental design student in the Faculty of Architecture, you will explore the basic knowledge, language and foundational material shared by all environmental design disciplines in year one and two. In years three and four you will focus on disciplinary specific design theories and practices. The options below prepare you for graduate studies and eventual professional designation:

1. Architecture Option: focuses on transforming the lessons of history, technology, culture, the environment and regional and social aspirations into a program for architecture.
2. Interior Environments Option: emphasizes the design of interior spaces within the context of architecture and the design of objects that respond to the human body and to interior spaces.
3. Landscape + Urbanism: is suited to students with a broad interest in understanding and shaping human settlement and habitat.

Students with a pre-existing degree can apply to the environmental design Architecture Masters Preparation (ED AMP) option.

Skills you will gain by studying ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN

• The ability to interpret, analyze and design the built environment
• The ability to critically examine the impact of cultural, environmental and natural processes and systems
• A knowledge of the principles and applications associated with construction materials and assemblies with an emphasis on resource impact
• The ability to share information using a range of communication methods

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: EVDS 1600, EVDS 1602 and EVDS 1680, a mathematics and a written English, plus 15 credit hours of electives. EVDS 1660 and EVDS 1670 are strongly recommended in the first 30 credits to avoid delaying progression in the program.  Please note, EVDS 1660 and EVDS 1670 are offered in the summer term and should be taken then if not completed within the first 30 credit hours.

To do this year:

1. Meet with an academic advisor in the First Year Centre to ensure you meet admission requirements for the environmental design program.
2. Visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.
3. Apply to the environmental design program by the admissions deadline.
4. Attend Year End Exhibition held at the end of the winter term.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Gather information about occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect profile for job and career information.
4. Register for the Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Get involved in community opportunities at UM, Green Team, City of Winnipeg Parks or use 211 Manitoba to learn about local agencies.
2. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
3. Experiential education opportunities such as Community Engaged Learning and the Student Leadership Development Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the Winnipeg Architecture Foundation Inc. Walk through the historical Exchange District and the Forks. Join online communities in your area of interest.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: Refer to the environmental design website for course availability and the Academic Calendar for requirements in your honours or major program

To do this year:

1. Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
2. Attend, in-person, mandatory pre-term orientation and Urban Media Lab (EVDS 2100) two weeks prior to the start of Fall term.
3. Upon completion of environmental design 2, submit your ranked options, portfolio and statement of intent.
4. Consider applying for an international exchange.
5. Review Faculty of Architecture Awards Database.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Join the faculty’s Facebook page for event and competition promotions and employment opportunities.

Market your skills: Attend Juries and Presentations and join the Student Ambassador program. Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student involvement opportunities:

1. Student groups including the Students’ Architectural Society and UMSU.
2. Volunteer opportunities such as Habitat for Humanity and the Architecture + Design Film Festival.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Get involved in design events such as the Winnipeg Design Festival and Storefront Manitoba activities. Submit your work to the Warehouse Journal.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange or Travel Study program, an international internship or service-learning program, SWAP for a “working holiday” and inquire into Architects without Borders. Co-op students can participate in employment abroad.

Staying local? Check out one of the local service-learning programs. Attend cultural events and the Atmosphere Conference within the Faculty. Seek additional opportunities through the Winnipeg Architecture Foundation, 10x10x20 events, Plug In and the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: Refer to the Academic Calendar and environmental design website for course requirements and annual availability within your option

For students in the ED AMP 1 option: EVAR 3012 (pre-term requirement)

To do this year:

1. For students in the Landscape + Urbanism option, prepare for the EVLU 3006 pre-term field trip.
2. Contact the undergraduate student advisor to ensure that you have met all the third year requirements.
3. Review the Faculty of Architecture Awards Database.
4. Consider applying to the co-op program.
5. Consider applying for an international exchange.

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.
4. Join professional associations as a student member in your area of focus.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Build your portfolio: Participate in Warming Huts and other design competitions throughout your degree.

Check out volunteer opportunities: Seek opportunities to volunteer within professional design organizations and companies.

Search for job opportunities online: Search design related businesses and firms. Go to the Faculty’s volunteer and employment opportunities website for an up-to-date listing.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Faculty of Architecture Partners Program and cultural events. Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program or take part in the Graduation Pow Wow. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: Refer to the Academic Calendar and environmental design website for course requirements and annual availability within your option

To do this year:

1. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora in January.
2. Consider applying to the co-op program.
3. Plan to apply to professional programs by end of first term.
4. Attend Year End Exhibition held at the end of the winter term.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to a professional program or graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Review the Faculty of Architecture Awards Database for financial opportunities and application deadlines.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Assess your portfolio: “Grow you portfolio” with additional technical courses. Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus. Get access to LinkedIn Learning through the Winnipeg Public Library and take courses to develop your cross-cultural intelligence.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Architecture Technician
• Artist
• Entrepreneur
• Clothing Designer
• Communication Coordinator
• Event Manager
• Furniture Designer
• Landscape Technician
• Marketing Director
• Photographer
• Project Manager
• Set Designer
• Design Assistant
• Draftsperson
• Merchandiser
• Transportation Planner
• Videographer

Options requiring other education

• Animator
• Architect
• City Planner
• Environmental Planner
• Filmmaker
• Graphic Designer
• Industrial Designer
• Interior Designer
• Landscape Architect
• Software Designer
• Real Estate Broker
• University Professor

Industries such as construction, design, film and theatre, government, retail and service would value an environmental design degree in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Critical thinking
• Teamwork
• Adaptability
• Oral, written and visual communication
• Personal management
• Digital technology
• Industry specific knowledge
• Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education and take advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.