I spent the majority of my life growing up in Newark DE, attending public school throughout my highschool. At the age of 16 I took my first class in drafting and realized how much I loved designing. I later took more drafting classes and became Vise President of the T.S.A (Technology Student Association.)
In my senior year I realized my grades and SAT scores were not high enough to place me in a College that fit my goals. I decided to attend the local community college (Delaware Tech) and work my way forward. During my time at Delaware tech, I concentrated on bringing my grades up, as well as being the Secretary for the Delaware Tech Architecture Association Club. Three years later I graduated with an associates degree in Architecture/Engineering.
After my graduation I still wasn't ready to make the big move, mainly due to my confidence level at the time. I decided to move to southern Delaware,(Lewes), and think about my future. I lived there for almost a year before I found something in my career path, at a civil engineering firm (DC Group Engineering). At the same time, I began studying at Drexel University in a co-op program that is built to take 7 years to complete. The civil firm taught me a lot about the nuances in a project, and taught me not just how to use Auto cad but how to manipulate the program as well. I spent most of my time developing construction drawings and helping with design ideas. After working at the civil firm for over a year, the cost of the drive to Drexel University was wearing me down financially, and it was time I either drop out of school, or move.
I decided it would be best to move, and I moved up to N. Wilmington with my girlfriend Monika. I immediately found a job working for a small firm inside the city that specialized in residential development. During my time there, I found myself drawing elevations, floor plans, roof plans, simple sections, and more; However, I felt with my experiences thus far in my career, I could do much more. I soon approached the bosses about possibly giving me opportunities to grow by drawing wall sections, or giving me a small project to grow and learn from. I was told there wasn't enough room for me to move up in the company, and to wait. I realized for my Architecture career to move forward it was best I found a job that would take a chance on me, as well as provide me with an income to begin a family.
I have been with Monika at this point for two years and she was already looking at houses that we could not afford. I applied to a few selected places, because I was really just (browsing) the market, and received some phone calls. After a few interesting interviews, I chose a small firm in West Chester, PA to work at. The pay was great, and the job pushed me further. I was looked at much higher, and because of that I was given more opportunity to grow. Sadly 8 months into working for the small firm, the economy hit a wall and I was laid off.
I am now currently residing in Wilmington Delaware, in side the small town of Bellefonte. I am again searching for a firm to give me an opportunity, and a commitment.
Matt Zakutny
