Guys:
I have to speak up for Dick Daley on this one because I know he is a gentleman and would actually go far out of his way to help any young person with a sincere interest in the field of golf architecture.
Dick did give this young fellow a little slap, but so what? I remember graduating from college; seeking a particular kind of job, receiving countless rejections before finally someone prominent in the industry (petroleum) gave me a "get your hands dirty" kind of job and told me to forget about what I really wanted to do for at least 10-15 years.
Imagine that. After fifty rejections the best someone says is forget about your real ambition for about 10-15 years. Hell, I was only 23 years old. 10-15 years seemed like a lifetime!
But, guess what? After about that many years I finally got the opportunity to do some of the things my (Ivy League) education trained me to do. Before that, I was basically worthless because I didn't know enough about the industry.
I really suspect that is all Dick Daley is saying. Just like other professions, there is no easy entry to the golf design business. Our friend "bnose" will have to make an effort to contact every architectural and/or construction firm and will probably face numerous rejections before finding someone willing to give him some kind of opportunity. I'm quite sure it won't be anything glamorous. Having spoken to some young people who've recently entered the business, he can expect hard work and long hours away from home, but hopefully an environment where he can really learn something.
He should also understand that the young people who have successfully entered the business are really quality people, e.g., Brian Schneider with Renaissance, Chris Hunt with Crenshaw and Coore/Renaissance. In short, the field, like others, is very competitive.
Personally, I applaud the efforts of people like Tom Doak to give serious young people an opportunity to get started. Tom remembers what it was like starting out. But, any candidate should also understand that without a genuine passion, real smarts and serious commitment, an interview with someone like Tom isn't likely to be easy.
In sum, I think Dick Daley with merely trying to share a real world perspective with bnose. Nothing unkind was meant by it, I'm quite sure.
As for bnose, honestly, it probably isn't a real good idea to come on here calling Dick or anyone else an asshole. Many people from the golf industry follow GCA and such comments aren't likely to win you any points or job interviews.