Every person seeks to be dynamic rather than static. Every architect seeks to improve their craft and their skillset in order to provide even more of a representative design style.
Goals can be helpful when trying to understand where you want to be in the future, but sometimes they are difficult to frame in your day to day actions. What drives you? Think more about what you will be adding to this world and how you will be of service to its people. Your aim should be to include what your morals and reason for being are. To continue this growth you should try to learn more about the craft you want to improve in.
Read more about architecture and the architects you love… and other industries too!
Start by creating a reading list of all the books which might be useful or interesting to you. They can be about the history of architecture and the theories that are the basis to the craft. The more diverse your perspective, the better architect you will be. Most of what you will read will not go to waste as you can always apply your lessons to your profession and life.
Stay updated with latest news in and outside the field!
Try to keep track of the latest projects, the emerging architects and practices, the new competitions, and the award winners. Also, be aware of the current political events, changing economies, and latest scientific discoveries. It will all affect your work in one way or another.
Take advantage of growing technologies and how they can help streamline your processes at work and in your life!
The more time you have to focus on your craft and your personal life, the better architect or designer you will be. Think about it. More time to balance your work-life ratio! Technology can help you to waste less time and become more efficient at the same time. The advancements in design computation and software development have changed the way things work. They have accelerated the pace and expanded the possibilities. As a younger architect, you might also become a huge resource for the firm and the leadership that tends to be older in age. Make the most of your fresh brain cells and apply them to new tech!
Love to Learn!
Every day is a new day for you t0 learn something new! Eventually, you may want to start your own private practice, so you will want to learn more about administering and growing a business. Each project you take on has different aspects and the client may want you to be aware of their profession and/or passions in order to design with these aspects in mind. The more flexible and diverse your understandings, the more you are able to connect and properly represent the clients you take on.
Communicate with fellow architects and your community!
Join the architectural society in your area, whether it be American Institute of Architects or a smaller organization. Go to networking events and keep in touch with fellow architects from your community. Discuss the needs and demands of your society and how you can help them. You can be a volunteer or help with for-profit firms, since your skills are not easily found, and architecture can provide refuge for the most vulnerable members of our communities. It doesn’t have to only be in-person, you can also help through online forums and put out a helping hand to people on the other side of the world.
Socialize with the community.
Meet with your friends and engage with the community. Attend social events and go to neighborhood gatherings. Learn more about your social circle, for it should reflect on the architecture you provide them with. Make time for family, and remember that they will be interacting with the world you create as an architect.
When considering your next career move, plan proactively and create Portfolios that include your best work. Consider looking into finding a mentor with Architect-US, and improving your Portfolios with our Portfolio Plans and Career Advice Program. We provide coaching and personalized mentorship, so you can have a professional and experienced take on your next steps in your career, as well as a great team to confide in.
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