Becoming a Legal Translator in the Architecture Industry

When it comes to international architectural projects, the importance of communication cannot be overstated. Communication between consortium members can make or break a project and if this is not done properly it can easily lead to delays, misunderstandings, etc. A failed project could potentially cost millions and has happened on more than one occasion, especially in states with corruption. Communication can take various forms but one thing is clear – in order to communicate effectively and mitigate the risk of any negative events occurring, the sources of information need to be precise and the people involved on the project absolutely need to have a common understanding.

Much of communication on a project of that scale is written down and documented. The language of meetings, press releases, updates and so forth can differ. When a project begins, often a large amount of the language is in English. Documents are written in English, all correspondence tends to be in English. This is usually the language of the project. As the project grows and continues, more and more languages will be introduced into the communication mix and more stakeholders will come on board. This is when things can become difficult. This is when the construction/engineering team may lose control as global development and collaboration takes over. The translation of legal documents is crucial in this scenario and helps ensure that consortium management runs smoothly. Legal and contractual disputes can be avoided by having these documents clearly translated to a language that every stakeholder understands.

So how to go about ensuring that there is no misunderstanding? Ensure you have the right people on board. Once again in order to ensure that communication on an architectural project runs smoothly, it is important to have the right people on board. Likewise, it is essential that all communications, including legal documents are carefully translated. Naturally a question here is, how to become a legal translator? Here are several steps and skills to keep in mind:

1. The process for translating legal documents within the architecture industry is much like that of the standard legal process. There is a document that needs to be translated and we simply work our way through it to ensure that the translated document is correct and can be legally binding.
2. The document is reviewed to ensure we have understood its meaning correctly and what the objectives are.
3. Once we know what information we have to work with, we begin the translation process itself, sentence by sentence, word by word, ensuring that not a single detail is lost. We always refer to the source document itself.
4. Once the translation has been completed, the document is reviewed to ensure that the document makes sense, it can be understood and that it is consistent in both documents.
5. Finally, we look at the finalized document, to ensure that it corresponds to the original format and to ensure that everything is in order.

It is obvious why a legal translator is so vital to any international project in the architecture industry, as without one, the entirety of the agreement can be misrepresented, possibly resulting in a failed project. That is why it’s vital that you ensure that a legal translator with experience in this specific field partners with you.

Although there are many practical considerations that can make the role of a legal translator quite challenging, there are also numerous advantages to being a legal translator within the architecture industry. Some of these include:

• Working within the architecture industry entails working on a multitude of large and exciting projects.
• Working on multiple projects will give you experience to work in varying conditions and with a variety of people.
• It will provide you with the opportunity to work on numerous projects that will impact the urban environment around us.
• You will have the opportunity to work around professionals from diverse backgrounds.
• You will build the skills to deliver a high-quality service.
• You will be mastering the art of translation and be perfecting your skills within the industry.
• It is an interesting profession with plenty of opportunities for constant learning.
• The industry is constantly changing, evolving and adjusting to various circumstances, which will make it challenging.
• The process to becoming a legal translator only takes a short while and employment opportunities in this sector are growing.
• You will be part of an industry that is not afraid to embrace new technologies and innovations.
• You will gain the skills to work internationally.
• You will have the required experience to progress into management roles.
• You will be part of a diverse industry that is committed to delivering a high-quality service.
• The industry is underpinned by a strong desire to continue delivering structures that are not only energy efficient but are environmentally friendly as well.

The above highlights a few of the benefits that you can expect to gain when you work within the construction and architecture industry. However, it is important to keep in mind that while a legal translator is vital, they also have a range of skills that is needed to work within the architecture industry. Here are a few of the tools and skills that you need to build within this industry:

1. As technology is becoming more integrated into every aspect of the industry, it is important you establish skills to effectively use these tools.
2. It is important to have a deep understanding of international law.
3. It is important to share the skills to speak multiple languages fluently.
4. Have the ability to build a shared understanding of the law.
5. The ability to manage documentation effectively.
6. The ability to efficiently translate legal documents while maintaining accuracy in the information you provide.
7. The ability to convey information accurately.
8. The ability to work within tight deadlines.
9. The ability to work independently.
10. The ability to review documents and provide feedback.
11. The ability to remain neutral while reviewing documents and communicating.

As technology becomes more integrated into every aspect of the field, it is now becoming increasingly popular for students to study translation at universities. Not only does it provide you with a range of skills that you need to work within this industry, but it can also open up various opportunities for you to explore. While some of the tools and skills will take time to build, it is important to keep in mind that it will also depend on your professional experience and the role you have within the industry.

One of the most obvious tools and skills you will need within the architecture industry is that of communication and even more so when it comes to legal documents. Different stakeholders within the industry have different communication styles. In order to work effectively, it is important that you understand the communication styles of others and that you share your own. Likewise, it is also crucial to learn how you can maintain a professional communication style that is effective in the industry.

As with any other industry, the future of legal translators in the architecture industry is difficult to predict. With the introduction of new translation tools, the need for multidisciplinary approaches to communication, and the impact of changing regulations, it is difficult to assess how this will affect your future as legal translators. However, that being said, some commonly indicated future trends include:

• There will be growth in the use of AI tools within architecture.
• There will be increased demand for legal translators that are able to work within various languages.
• More legal translators will be integrated into the management team.
• There will be a need to embrace a new standard of quality translation.
• More legal translators will work internationally.
• Language is becoming more competitive and meaningful, and as such, legal translators will be expected to keep on top of these developments.
• It is also likely that there will be greater demand for access to higher quality translations.
• The quality of work will continue to be measured against market value.
• The construction industry will continue to forge ties to the digital world.
• Architecture will continue to evolve and adapt in response to a changing environment.
• The future will be more collaborative, open, and challenges will be embraced more directly.
• The industry is becoming more competitive and as such, new entrants will be looked upon more favourably.
• Sustainability will continue to set the foundation for the infrastructure industry.
• More industries are looking to diversify their expertise.
• Building information modelling will continue to find ways into the industry.
• Concepts like conservation, wellness, and hybrid creativity will impact how the industry carries out its work.
• Communication will become more direct.

Keep in mind that while legal translating does require a specific set of skills, it is also key to furthering the global development and collaboration of the architecture industry.