Help with Architectural Designer

[NickRod]

Architectural Designer was fun for the first week because I had many jobs to pick from. But in the 2nd week of my job I believe I was at my 5th promotion and I stopped getting calls to decorate their houses, so for the 2nd week I had no jobs at all but I continued drawing designs and got my 7th or 8th promotion. At my 3rd week I went to sims houses and annoyed them to let me renovate their houses. Do I have to continue to do this or is something wrong. And also I have wishes for like make $500 on renovating sims houses but I made a lot more than that it says I've made $0??

[simfulicious]

From what I've read in the prima guide, which doesn't cover a whole lot, you are supposed to put your drawings and photos from renovations into your portfolio.  Once you have a few promotions under your belt, you use the portfolio to draw up your own business from people you meet.

As for the $500 wish, I'm not sure, but maybe you have to make that much on one job, not cumatively.

[NickRod]

I've been putting the photos in my portfolio and it is I believe 33% complete and that is what I am doing now, asking people for buisness. But I was wondering if I will ever just get calls to renovate sims homes anymore.

[wildredchild]

Are you looking at the Map View and taking the available jobs from around town?  I just had my Sim hit level 10 of this job field and have never been without available jobs to do.  There are always at least 2 - 4 jobs a day, 5 days a week.

[NickRod]

That is wierd. I have no jobs on my map at all..??   I just run around and only get to complete tops 2 assignments a day. It's very frustrating to have to beg sims to let me work on their house.

[Melly,Miss]

Is your filter on?

[pallyndrome]

I'm thinking filter too - the new tab on the bottom left corner, to the right of your active sims. You can choose what will be shown on map view. Maybe it is only showing one thing, so try fiddling with that?

[NickRod]

Sadly. My filter is on. I'm not sure what is wrong, but I think I should just make a new sim. Is the firefighter or inventor or doctor any fun to play??

[samoht04]

The Fire-fighter is hands on, in fires and you have to be paying attention. Inventing is cool but once you reach level 5 in the career then you start needing a lot more effort and creations that are worth a lot to advance.

Theres some Guides of Fire-Fighter and Inventor -
+ http://www.carls-sims-3-guide.com/lifetimewishes/ambitions/firefightersuperhero.php
+ http://www.carls-sims-3-guide.com/skills/ambitions/inventing/

And theres a thread on Inventing - http://www.carls-sims-3-forum.com/index.php/topic,1095.0.html
                                                                 

[Pam]

Is the firefighter or inventor or doctor any fun to play??

I'm playing an inventor and it's fun. I suspect that Architectural Designer is probably one of the least fun of the new professions.  I hear lots of good things about Firefighter, too.

[NickRod]

Ok, thanks.  I'm going with firefighter first.

[Honeymooners]

I am kind of irratated with Architectural Design as well only because I can't quite figure out how to get a perfect score.... Anyone had any luck?  What was your secret? I've tried matching patterns to the same thing in the house and I've also tried completely new ones.  This career is turning out to be similar to the stylist... 

[Saltypaws]

If you put little extas on the wall and small decorations that are not asked for, it will also make a difference in your score. You do not have to just stick to what is on that list. Get creative with the pallet and make everything match.

[simfulicious]

You also need to talk to the clients first and find out a few of their traits, as their personality will dictate what they will like and not like.

[Missa]

I was doing fine for my first 5 or 6 jobs, I got fairly good reviews and got a picture for my portfolio each time, but now it seems like everyone hates everything I do and I can't figure out why. Also are we supposed to add on to their house or just delete existing furniture and put the new stuff there? It seems to take forever to fill up the portfolio and I can't seem to figure out how to put my drawings from the drafting table into it.

[Branr]

Drafting table sketches don't count as portfolio objects, they are just art you can hang on the wall, like paintings.

[wildredchild]

I was doing fine for my first 5 or 6 jobs, I got fairly good reviews and got a picture for my portfolio each time, but now it seems like everyone hates everything I do and I can't figure out why. Also are we supposed to add on to their house or just delete existing furniture and put the new stuff there? It seems to take forever to fill up the portfolio and I can't seem to figure out how to put my drawings from the drafting table into it.

If you feel the need, yes, you can add on to the existing house.  On one job I did, I added a shed to the backyard to make a "man cave".  This was a previous client that had hated what I did when I added their gym equipment and when I added the shed he adored it.  I have found that the target clients traits have a direct impact on their liking the renovation or not. Another thing that the clients love is when you place a made at home painting, sculpture, or invention.  Make certain to chat with your client about the renovation and take measurements before completing the renovation.  I am having a blast with this profession!

[AriaGirl77]

Drafting table sketches don't count as portfolio objects, they are just art you can hang on the wall, like paintings.

The Prima Guide says that you can, so maybe this was changed before release?  Or we just haven't figured out how to do it yet?


The Prima also says that the owner's traits will have a lot to do with how much they like the remodel.  Some examples are "loves the outdoors" will like more windows, while "Evil" and "hates the outdoors" wants less windows.  "Workaholics" like desks, "snobs" penalize you if you don't use all the money provided, etc.

[Saltypaws]

Drafting table sketches don't count as portfolio objects, they are just art you can hang on the wall, like paintings.

If you watch a sim when they solicit work to another sim, those sketches do show up while they are showing it, but you have to watch closely, but, I think your right as far as it counting for the % of the portfolio.

[wildredchild]

If you open your portfolio, then you can drag your sketches into it.  They do nothing to make your portfolio bigger, but at least they are all in one place

[jayseesee]

Take the time to get to know everyone in the household if possible.  I added a really comfy sofa on a whim to one house that didn't want one, and I got on the review something to the effect (paraphrasing), "I love that new comfy sofa, my Couch Potato boyfriend will surely enjoy it!"

Go the extra mile for your clients, it doesn't take much scrap or money to make a few low level inventions and have them in your inventory when you renovate.  They will appreciate the hand crafted items.  It doesn't have to look good (though I feel it needs to!), it just has to fit their personality.

[sims96fan]

Yikes.  I installed a pool for the Harts as one job request, which they loved, and then I got to do several more jobs for them, including an exercise room for Dorie and a remodeling of her bedroom.  In fact, they were the only family who raved about how impressed they were, even though others paid well and said I did a good job too.  But then I got a message that Gus Hart had drowned!  When I checked the house, poor Dorie Hart was living there as the sole inhabitant!  Since I had aging off, she was still a child.

[SJ]

I was wondering if anyone has compiled a list of all available job names. I'm wondering, because my portfolio is only 43% complete, and you can't take pictures of renovations if you've already completed that title as I understand it (meaning you can only take a picture of your FIRST man cave job).

Anyone? If not, maybe we could collectively start one?

[Pam]

That's a great idea, SJ.  We could then put the complete list on Carl's Sims 3 Guide.

[TommyT]

Fantastic idea.  I'm attempting to write something up about the architect LTW so I'll try to make notes as I go.

[Carl]

Good idea. I decided to start a thread in the corrections/suggestions board here. Together we can complete it. I'll try to update as frequently as I can to reflect what's already been posted.

[Sophea33]

I was wondering if anyone has compiled a list of all available job names. I'm wondering, because my portfolio is only 43% complete, and you can't take pictures of renovations if you've already completed that title as I understand it (meaning you can only take a picture of your FIRST man cave job).

Anyone? If not, maybe we could collectively start one?

I spent a lot of frustration and time with architect and actually can clarify this statement.

You can take a picture of any great job you have done and add it to your portfolio, but only one picture for each job type will count towards the percentage.  Basically, you can have 5 pictures of a kitchen job, remove any of the 4, and the 1 picture which remains in the portfolio will count towards the percentage regardless if it was the first or fifth time you did a job.

The game will not cue you take a picture, as it does the first time you completed a job, but you can still take a picture and add it to your portfolio.

[Carl]

So Sophea33, would this mainly apply if they had failed a job before and got a great score the second time around? In short are people missing out on filling their portfolio because I don't mention that dynamic? Would this happen naturally in that case?

[Sophea33]

So Sophea33, would this mainly apply if they had failed a job before and got a great score the second time around? In short are people missing out on filling their portfolio because I don't mention that dynamic? Would this happen naturally in that case?

You are cued to take a picture the first time you receive a great rating on a job.  If you do not choose to take the picture with the cue, you can take a picture of the room later and add it, but I haven't tried to add any pictures more than a few days later, so I can't confirm when or if there is a cut off time, or if you can take a picture until your sim dies.  If you receive less than a great rating, they won't cue you for a picture and if you do take a picture and add it to your portfolio it won't help (only great jobs count towards completing your portfolio).

The only way people are missing out on filling their portfolio is when they ignore the cue and don't take any pictures of a specific job.  Let's say my architect completed a man cave and received a great rating.  If I ignored the cue and then completed another man cave, I wouldn't receive another cue to take a picture, but I could still take the picture and add it to my portfolio.

Does that clarify it, or did I just muddy the waters even more?

[Carl]

No that's just what I was looking for. I see how it works and see that what I have is "enough". I will try to add a caveat that if they miss taking a picture on a great job they can take it again later if they do well yet again. Thanks for that!

[SJ]

Well, this hasn't been the case for me. I got a great rating on a job, was NOT prompted to take a picture, took a picture anyway, and could NOT put the picture in my portfolio.

I will try "opening" the portfolio and dragging it in THAT way, but I doubt it will add to my percentage.

Also, reading this thread indicates that there are only 14 jobs so far (and I honestly don't think there's many more left).

If only ONE of each job type will be counted in the portfolio, and each one is worth 3% or 4%, is it even POSSIBLE to reach 100%?! And if not, what the heck?!

[NickRod]

Well, this hasn't been the case for me. I got a great rating on a job, was NOT prompted to take a picture, took a picture anyway, and could NOT put the picture in my portfolio.

I will try "opening" the portfolio and dragging it in THAT way, but I doubt it will add to my percentage.

Also, reading this thread indicates that there are only 14 jobs so far (and I honestly don't think there's many more left).

If only ONE of each job type will be counted in the portfolio, and each one is worth 3% or 4%, is it even POSSIBLE to reach 100%?! And if not, what the heck?!

Im assuming you already did that type of job before and you cant take a picture of the same type of job twice.

I quit this profession early due to some bugs in my game but there could possibly new jobs later in the job like rank 9,10 but im not sure?

[SJ]

Nick, while that's true, this was a job I hadn't done before (Baby Room). I think my Sim is a 9 or 10 right now and I haven't seen anything new. 

And the question still remains: How to fill the portfolio?

[Saltypaws]

From my experience, whenever it prompted me to take a picture, after I took the picture, the prompt came up and said, "the photo was added to your portfolio and then gave the percentage done" .  I have not had to add a photo myself from taking a picture, but I have added my sketches to the portfolio.  Sketches do not add percentages, but, I do it anyway.  When the sim shows another sim the portfolio, those sketches can be seen if you look real close when they show it.  On another note, someone had said that the only time you get the opportunity to take a photo is when the job is "great or better", I usually always get prompts to take photos no matter how they feel about the job, unless they did not like it all. 

[Sophea33]

Take the picture with your cell phone and just drag the picture (you might want to clear out all other photos in your inventory so you aren't dragging another picture) in your inventory into your portfolio.  (As for the percentage counting towards your portfolio, I said that I only looked at one job and would look more closely at it with my architect and keep better records - it's possible that each job has a different percentage to it.) If it isn't counting towards the portfolio percentage, two things happened, either there's a nursery picture already there, or it wasn't rated great good or higher.  

Pictures are automatically transferred to portfolio, regardless of camera type (I tested this out with two cameras that are purchased and the cell phone), as long as they are your first qualifying picture of a remodel.

I found it frustrating that I could not easily see a checklist of rooms I had done before and the highest rating I received, nor could I see what rooms were in my portfolio and my notes are not fully complete on what rooms I may have completed or haven't completed.  For instance, I could have sworn that I had completed a study before, but when I finished I was given a prompt to take a picture.  When I thought about it a little more, I think I was given a study, but it was something like Writing Room, or Reading Room.  Just like the Man Cave and the Entertainment Room might be the same, they have different names and therefore count as two different jobs.  Essentially what I am saying is that there are more than just 14 jobs because it's their names that make them unique, not what area you are redoing.

Quick sidebar, I was able to take a picture of a "good" remodel with a fresh architect, so it would appear that a good rating is able to be added to your portfolio.  For my next remodel, I am planning on not taking a picture and then will go back a few days later to see if I can still take a picture and add it to my portfolio.  So I mistyped earlier - a remodel needs to be good or higher to be added towards a completed portfolio.


(Edited to clarify some information)

[SJ]

I am planning on not taking a picture and then will go back a few days later to see if I can still take a picture and add it to my portfolio..

I have been told, here and elsewhere, that if you decline to take a picture on the prompt (the "I will do it myself later" option), you are told by the game that you MUST take the picture before you exit the lot.

Haven't tried this yet, though.

[mtglady]

To keep track of the remodels you do, once you take a picture open your portfolio and name your picture for the remodel.  Then you can keep track of what you have done and what you still need to do. 

[Sophea33]

To keep track of the remodels you do, once you take a picture open your portfolio and name your picture for the remodel.  Then you can keep track of what you have done and what you still need to do. 

This is a great tip - Carl might consider adding it to the guide.  I never thought about that, instead I have been using pen and paper and nothing is worse than going on a cleaning binge and not being able to find that pen and paper list a few days later.

[SJ]

To keep track of the remodels you do, once you take a picture open your portfolio and name your picture for the remodel.  Then you can keep track of what you have done and what you still need to do. 

Good call. I'll keep that in mind next time.

[ClayMask]

I'm stuck on doing a booknook design for a snob with a lowish budget.  Her name is Monika Morris, and she doesn't have any other traits that should affect whether she likes a design.  I started out within the budget (barely), and have been upgrading everything until now I'm way out of the budget, just trying to get her to accept the job.  Every time she says "I cannot live in this squalor!  You need to at least give me enough to live with before I let you finish this!"  I didn't remove anything that would be vital or I'd think she'd miss, so I'm very puzzled.  This job doesn't go away at the end of the day either, so I guess I can't just skip it.  Anyone else have this problem?

[ClayMask]

I finally got the job to go away by removing all the items I was supposed to be adding, or maybe it just expired, I'm not sure.  If anyone has any ideas in case this kind of thing happens in the future, though, it would still be nice to hear them.

[wildredchild]

With the snob trait, you have to use the entire budget.  I have done a couple different sims with this profession and found that if you go just over budget the first time, then they love it right away.  Also, try adding a personal touch like a drawing or painting, it really brings up the bonus and their mood.

[bshag]

This career is probably my favorite.  Although I had a rough beginning, my little decorator is now getting great reviews...at lvl 10, she should.

I found that going to the junkyard and salvaging stuff, then calling the repairman to make it all new again, then adding that to the houses she redecorates can free up the budget for other stuff.  Also, going to the consignment shop to pick up those widgets, floating duck, drinking llama, etc. and adding those to decorating rooms will definitely impress clients.  She doesn't invent but does sculpt and paint and those really count.  I loved it when she got a $5000 bonus from Thornton Wolff. 

[RoyalPlumbob]

This is the only Profession I have pursued since buying the game, and so far, I love it!

My Sim, Leonardo, has the Descendant of da Vinci LTW,(judging by the name ) and it really pairs up well with this profession !
Also, I've been thinking, what is your favorite customer? I like doing works for Sims that have traits that affect the result. For example, I like doing works for Jamie Jolina, because she is: Party Animal, Artistic, Virtuoso, and bookworm, and I always get a 5,000 bonus, do you have a way to make this happen with Sims without "relevant traits"?

[CanterFanatic]

This job is driving me crazy!!!  Has anyone else run into the following problem??

I accept a job in the afternoon.  I do the normal things: taking measurements, discussing the renovation with the client, I start the renovation, everything is going fine.  But when I finish the job, it turns 6pm before I can turn in the job.  But whatever, I can turn it in the next day, right?

Well, that's the problem!  Sometimes, I have no trouble at all turning it in the next day.  But most of the time, I can't turn it in at all!  It's as if I never had the opportunity to work there at all!  All my hard work is wasted!

I'm getting really frustrated.  This has started to happen a lot, and now I basically just don't start a job if I'm not 100% sure I can finish before 6pm.  It sucks, 'cause that means I usually only have time for one job a day!  Can anyone please help me?  I'd at least like to know if anyone else is running into a similar problem so I know my game isn't just glitched.

[lucidsounds13]

CanterFanatic

I had basically the same problem but I was able to turn it in the day after. I was interested and looked into it, and found out that it was a glitch that most Interior Decorator Lovers are coming across and having major problems. The best advice they give is to just all out avoid getting done around 6, finishing the job or even let the job spill into the next day. The patch I heard that was supposed to fix it caused more problems and the chance for something less avoidable to occur is a lot higher. I hope this helped lol no one answered and you probably figured it out on your on

ALSO! A Question for Anyone
I love the whole interior decorator, but I just can't seem to get a great review for the life of me! I've been adding homemade things but it doesn't seem to make much difference (as well as adding the traits and measurements). People keep saying that they keep getting great reviews and I just feel  If anyone can MAYBE post a picture of what a great review room looks like or just.. describe something beyond the basic advice of giving a lot of space and considering traits that would be amazing!

[Pam]

Welcome to our Forum, lucidsounds!

I haven't successfully played this profession, but wouldn't it make a difference in your scores when you gain higher levels?  What level is your Sim currently?

[Saltypaws]

You would think that would be true Pam, mine reached level 10 and has not gotten anything but good reviews.  I too have put in little extras and paitings and sculptures.  They are always happy with it, but that is it.  I guess the thing is to keep going, but I would like a great review sometime.  I have spent alot of time in a couple of these houses, making sure everything is just right, but nothing, oh well, will keep trying.

[lucidsounds13]

Ha, thanks! I'm glad there is a forum that is really nice with actual grammatical replies that happen pretty darn quick! Pam, my Sim is at level 8. I was hoping it would be like that, but like Saltypaws says, I am just going to have to keep going with it  It is after all a pretty fun job with or without the great review. Lol It just stinks because my Sim's lifetime goal is getting so many great reviews. I'm going to take the suggestion about getting the reward Professional Booster and see if that makes much difference, but I suppose I'm pretty content with the game  . Hopefully it isn't some glitch! Thanks! 

[Pam]

There are other Lifetime Rewards that might help, too.  Entrepreneurial Mindset, for example.

[kashelle03]

I've been trying to complete the Architectural Designer LTW, just once, and I'm almost there, but I still only have 93% of the portfolio complete.  I've been using the spawn jobs cheat and I think I've gotten at least a good review for everything listed.  Has anyone actually tried to complete the portfolio before?  I only have to do 6 more jobs and I kinda thought the portfolio would have been completed a long time ago.

[mtglady]

I've been trying to complete the Architectural Designer LTW, just once, and I'm almost there, but I still only have 93% of the portfolio complete.  I've been using the spawn jobs cheat and I think I've gotten at least a good review for everything listed.  Has anyone actually tried to complete the portfolio before?  I only have to do 6 more jobs and I kinda thought the portfolio would have been completed a long time ago.

My sim completed the Architectural Designer LTW and she also had a 93% portfolio.  She worked thru as an elder until I finally had her retire after completing over 100 remodeling jobs.  She had many good reviews and $5000 bonuses.    I just took the jobs as they came up and never did use the cheats.
 
I think I missed taking pictures of a few jobs in the very beginning of her career.    I clicked on the option to take the picture later and I am now thinking I should have either taken the picture right there and then or at least made a follow-up visit to that home to take a picture of my work a few days later. 

[kashelle03]

I never took any pictures later and I'm pretty sure I actually took a picture each time I was prompted.  A couple times I hit the button so fast I couldn't be sure the picture got taken, but I think the percentage message showed up afterwards, so I should have been okay.  It took me forever and some cheating to get the Sculpting Studio in Riverview, but I got all the rest of the list multiple time and still only got 93%, so I'm thinking that may be the maximum for some reason.

[dollkey]

Hello! I'm new to this site and I have a sim who's an architect and I'm really enjoying it. However, I can't take nice pictures of my renovation. Is there a tutorial about taking pictures with the camera phone?

BTW, Carl, thanks for the guide it really helped me in making sure I chose the right traits for my sim to enjoy this job

[Esther1981]

I was playing this today and found something by accident, I picked up one of my sculptures from the family inventory to put it in a clients home, realized it was a $2,000 one and I like using cheap ones, so I put it back and it added that amount to my budget. So I did it again and now I have $4,000 more in my budget. Might be a glitch, not sure!

[Pam]

Hello! I'm new to this site and I have a sim who's an architect and I'm really enjoying it. However, I can't take nice pictures of my renovation. Is there a tutorial about taking pictures with the camera phone?

BTW, Carl, thanks for the guide it really helped me in making sure I chose the right traits for my sim to enjoy this job

Welcome to our Forum, dollkey!

I don't think you can take good pictures with the cell phone camera.  If you have World Adventures, you can buy a camera at the vacation locations or at the Consignment Store.  The better the camera, of course, the better your pictures will be.

[dollkey]

Thanks for the welcome, Pam! I tried out the camera but man it's expensive to take pictures with it LOL So I'll just stick to the crappy pics the camera phone takes.

[Sotelo_mayra]

I just want to know how to get 100% complete portfolio!!! Im only missing one job " new baby room" but my portfolio is currently 90% complete. Ive been keeping track of all my jobs so unless new baby room counts for mymissing 10% i dont see how im gonna get a complete portfolio. Also i cant seem to spawn my last job. How do i get a new baby room job? So far no one has been able to help me with this so please help!!

[Pam]

Welcome to our Forum, Sotelo.

We already have a topic related to this, so I'm going to merge yours with it.  There may already be some good information for you there.

Also, please be careful with capitalizing your "I's" and using apostrophes in contractions.  This is per the Forum Rules.  There's a link to them located in my signature below.  Thanks very much. 

[Sportsfan]

I personally really like this profession, it's a lot more fun than the rabbit hole careers. I made it to level 10 really quickly beacause I worked on maxing the painting skill, and I got the observant reward which helps a lot because all you have to do is show a sim your portfolio and then you know most of their traits. You can make a lot of money from this with the lifetime reward (I forget what it's called). I dont take measurements or get to know the client, I can still get a good or great review with out it and do 4-5 jobs a day. I'm new so I was wondering, what do the stars under different people's username mean?

[samoht04]

I just want to know how to get 100% complete portfolio!!! Im only missing one job " new baby room" but my portfolio is currently 90% complete. Ive been keeping track of all my jobs so unless new baby room counts for mymissing 10% i dont see how im gonna get a complete portfolio. Also i cant seem to spawn my last job. How do i get a new baby room job? So far no one has been able to help me with this so please help!!

With testingcheatsenabled true I believe you can shift click on someones House and a option to Spawn Job will appear and then the list of all the Jobs should appear. I think that is the case, so if you don't mind cheating to get the Job you could try that. I don't know about your Portfolio however.

I'm new so I was wondering, what do the stars under different people's username mean?

It goes with your Ranking, I can't remember which Ranks but you get a Star a Rank I think. I have all Five because I have 1000+ Posts and am a Legendary Member. Moderators and Admins have different Colour Stars though so you can tell them apart quickly.

[purenergy]

Thanks for the hints... I started putting in my sketches, paintings, sculptures, and even things I find at the consignment shop to decorate the house and they love it!!! I have gotten nothing but perfect scores since then