Reverse mentoring pairs young professionals with a member of the leadership team to mentor them on various topics of strategic and cultural relevance — the young professional being the mentor and the person in leadership being the mentee in this relationship. This is not a new concept. In the late 1990s, GE’s Jack Welch used […]
Has the idea of making a change been creeping into your mind? Feeling like the grass might be greener elsewhere? Need to get out of a rut? Or just need some new inspiration? In this profession change is not something to be taken lightly. Let’s talk about some of the things to be thinking about
Change, the Only Constant Read More »
The year 2020 has taught the world lessons beyond imagining: Empathy, Connection, Change, and Adaptability. How will we grow to learn from these hard lessons? What is the future of the architectural firm, the AEC industry, and firm policies? The pandemic gave firms a strong push into virtual work, whereas without it many would discuss
How Architectural Firms are Adapting in a Post-Covid World? Read More »
No matter your experience level, the profession lends itself to Architects constant learning through your entire career. Whether it is building technology, software technology, or office culture dynamics, there is always something to focus on. The book, “The First 90 Days” by Michael Watkins reviews ways to accelerate your learning when starting a new role.
Accelerate Your Learning Read More »
Many young students looking to pursue a career in architecture – and their parents – always ask, “What type of classes do you need to take and be good at? Is mathematics or arts more important for success in college and the profession?” Anyone in the profession understands that there is not one class that
Architecture : It Takes Grit Read More »
In an architectural firm, it is natural to have times where you may find yourself project-hopping. This is when, over short periods of time, you may support a project to hit a deadline, help with a proposal, or do some work during a busy time of construction management. You are on these projects for a
Michael Watkins surveyed 1,350 human resources leaders in 2008 and reported that 90% agreed that “Transitions into new roles are the most challenging times in the professional lives of leaders.” Michael Watkins, “The First 90 Days”. One’s career in the architectural profession is full of transitions, learning, and growth. The transitions are not always as
Career Dynamics: Transitions Read More »
A “citizen architect” has typically focused on the call to action for architects to take a greater role in civic advocacy for our communities. The AIA Citizen Architect Handbook focuses on encouraging civic engagement through three main categories: Architects and engineers are natural citizen architects, even if not all of us sit on a board
Citizen Architects During COVID-19 Read More »
What is a good firm? What makes every firm so unique? How do I know what I want in a firm culture? How do I know if a firm has a good culture? Firm culture for me, means that there is a sense of belonging between me, coworkers, firm leadership, and overall values. It is
Discerning Firm Culture Read More »
“When you have setbacks and failures, you can’t overreact to them. You need to step back, analyze them, and learn from them. But you also need to stay optimistic!” Angela Duckworth, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance It is important for professionals and mentors to understand and know the difference between a fixed mindset
Growth Mindset : Empower Young Professionals Read More »
It is time to look for your second full time architectural job out of college, but what’s important this time around? Preparing for an interview for that first job was fairly simple as you would have focused on projects you did in college and some internship experience. Is that still relevant? How do you show
Ready for Your Next Full Time Job? Read More »
Construction administration “CA” is one of those aspects of our profession that I would categorize as a necessary evil. CA is seldom easy, and usually challenging if not downright difficult. But, it’s a great learning experience. For young architects it can be an eye-opener as to the vagaries and vicissitudes of how a project gets
Grow as an Architect: Construction Administration and Specifications: Bob Bailey Read More »
