Portfolio 2013 GRAHAM WELCH +4561683008 grahamwelch@live.com.au
NAME: Graham Welch CONTACT: grahamwelch@live.com.au
+4561683008
linkedin.com/pub/graham-welch/26/868/146 Marius Simonsens Vej 15, 3th 8200 Aarhus N
My education and experience has resulted in me being in a position where I have an in depth knowledge of the construction industry. My experience working in a range of jobs, in various positions and in three different countries has given me a unique insight into how the industry works. I work independently and structured but also thrive very well in a team environment. I have an eye for detail as well as being able to stay focused on the bigger picture. I am passionate in my work, meaning that I love to get fully involved with what I am doing and not just getting the job done. I thrive best when working in an environment where my colleagues are open, honest and face the day with a smile on their faces.
SKILLS
EDUCATION
JOB HISTORY
Bachelor degree in Architectural Technology and Construction Management, Aarhus Tech & VIA University College, 2011- present
Craftsman, Aarhus minigolf, Denmark 2011-present
City and Guilds level 3 certificate in the requirements for electrical installations, Kingston College of Further Education (England), 2005
English Mother tongue Danish Intermediate level in reading, writing and speaking (completed language school Nov. 2012 with grade 7) Microsoft Office User level Revit User level MS project User level Sketchup User level Be10 User level
Electrician, Rafn El, Denmark 2011 Electrician, Q Electrical, Australia 2010
City and Guilds 236 - part one in electrical installation work, Kingston College of Further Education (England), 1986-1988
Labourer (temping), Gateway Recruitment, Australia 2009
City and Guilds 232 - part one in engineering craft studies, Kingston College of Further Education (England), 1985-1986
Electrician, Almera Electrical, UK 2003 – 2008
Scuba Diving Instructor, various dive shops in Thailand, May 2003 – January 2009
Electrician/Foreman, Systems Go, UK 1995 – mid 2003 Workshop Operative, C.V.Spares, UK 1995 Storeman/Driver, Lentern Aircraft, UK 1994-1995 Storeman/Driver, C.V.Spares, UK 1991-1994 Apprentice electrician Fleetway Electrical, UK 1985-1987
2nd SEMESTER PROJECT The theme of the 2nd semester was that by the end of it we would be able to design a single family house and be involved in the building process from receiving the brief to making a construction time schedule for the implementation phase. The semester was divided into 2 main parts – Scheme design (SDP) and Design Detail 1 (DD1). In the SDP we had to take the given outline proposal, finish the design and present it to the client for authorization to continue to DD1. For DD1 we had to prepare the Revit drawings and documents for the authorities and apply for building permission. During the semester we also completed three external assignments not related to the main project – Farnsworth house, Building site visit and Business report.
During the 2nd semester my skills using Revit were quickly becoming better, along with my construction knowledge. I was still making mistakes on both counts, but those mistakes resulted in greater knowledge and understanding. These are a selection of some of the details made at that time.
3rd SEMESTER PROJECT The overall theme in the 3rd Semester was “Industrialised building design”, and this theme defined the framework for the projects. The main project was – “Concrete producing factory”, but we also developed a Business plan for producing prefabricated wooden wall elements for another factory. The client - Søren Svendsen started the Company Precon A/S (manufacturing concrete components. The company decided to expand in the Danish market and to build a completely modern new factory and office block under the same roof to replace their existing older rented property in Aarhus. We were given the assignment to complete the Scheme Design Proposal (SDP), time and financial schedules etc. We were also responsible for the on-going development of the project up to final handover. At this stage all of the technical installations and construction details were done as hand sketches. For the first time we had to both prepare and participate in a Tender.
We exchanged our projects with a group from VIA university college, Horsens and we had to play the role of a manufacturer producing their wooden wall elements. We had to develop a Business plan of a factory manufacturing prefabricated wall elements, and we had to make a production and mounting report. Basically, we had to plan everything from the moment we received their Tender Invitation, right through to the logistics and mounting of the elements. Our final task before our final exam was the DD1 phase, where we had to finalize our original project and prepare all of the drawings and documents for the authorities. Courses: Parallel to the project work in the 3rd semester, the participation in the following ‘non-project related courses’ was compulsory: Arch design Gypsum board assignment Optional course Retaking the squares Superwood report
Element drawings The idea behind these drawings is that they would be a complete set of drawings given to the operatives assembling the panels in the factory. Each set would include an element working drawing, a 3D detail of the element and the relevant details. The element working drawing shown here shows all of the components for the element, along with all dimensions and locations. There are also boxes here for quality control throughout the whole process.
3D drawing This drawing gives a 3D representation of the element, showing it both fully constructed and blown up. This drawing shows the operative how the finished panels should look and how they go together in an easily understandable visual drawing.
4th SEMESTER PROJECT The 4th semester saw us given the task designing a subsidised multi storey apartment block that was to include a commercial area and basement. The project was offered as a Turn Key Contract with the awarding criteria being the most economically advantageous tender. The Turn Key Contractor was to work out the project material and carry out the construction. All consultancies were to be included in the tender covered by Danske Ark/ FRI’S Description of Services (architect, all jobs done by engineers, surveyor and further technical services etc.) Analysis, Process development and Documenting solutions were some of the main focus areas during the semester. We couldn’t simply pick up a construction or unit and just use it. We had to make sure that it meets general demands like fire, sound, load bearing capacity. With the use of these tools we were required to show, and back up, our reasoning’s behind every decision made.
The mounting of balconies was a very interesting topic we covered during the 4th semester. These details show how we solved the problem with the balconies we used for our building. Both are at DD2 level.
Towards the end of the semester we were given the opportunity to specialize in the direction that is of most interest to us. The choice was between “Implementation” and “Design”, with each of us needing to individually specify in one area. Using our project as a basis we were then required to develop our topic to the final construction or implementation point. The choice for me was clear – Excavation on site – part of “Implementation”.
Up to this point we had spent three and a half semesters on design and I wanted to take this opportunity to learn more about something new before returning to design in the 5th semester. So, in short, I was required to organize the excavation on site from the first dig and soil transportation to dumping site, to storing top soil on site.
5th SEMESTER PROJECT On the 5th semester we were to concentrate on the extension and renovation of a building in Aarhus C that was built in 1921. The rear staircase and surrounding rooms that included toilets, bathrooms and kitchens were to be demolished. A steel tower was then to be constructed that extended out towards the rear courtyard. This construction was to house new, modern bathrooms and kitchens. For the first half of the semester we were to be in groups of two, with each group being given different outline proposals and we were to complete the SDP & DD1. During the second half of the semester we are to work individually on DD2, for this we were asked to choose an area that we would like to concentrate on. Here my choice was: ‘Demolishing and support, new brick work and plasterwork, new steel beams in the existing masonry. Including possible façade insulation and plaster at the extension. My reason for selecting this topic is the same as in previous semesters, that it is something new that we have not covered before.
Mansard details During my 5th semester project I chose to work a lot with the roof construction. The problems with the existing roof included bad air circulation due to poor ventilation, no insulation and moisture in the timbers. Correct ventilation was achieved by providing ventilation slits at the eaves, and ventilation caps at the top of the mansard. Insulation was then added at ceiling level leaving a cold roof construction. These measures will lead to better air circulation in the attic an mansard, which will in turn lead to the timbers drying out.
Graham Welch
Marius Simonsens Vej 15, 13th 8200 Aarhus N Denmark +4561683008 grahamwelch@live.com.au