{"id":34569,"date":"2023-05-02T15:00:51","date_gmt":"2023-05-02T13:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architect-us.com\/blog\/?p=34569"},"modified":"2023-05-02T08:40:28","modified_gmt":"2023-05-02T06:40:28","slug":"5-actions-that-every-successful-architect-have-in-common","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architect-us.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/5-actions-that-every-successful-architect-have-in-common\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Actions That Every Successful Architect Have In Common"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sketch. <\/strong>Draw by hand. I know our desks are getting smaller and more crammed with computer monitors, but find a space to sketch. This is an essential communication skill. I admit my sketching has fallen out of practice but it\u2019s something I always strive to do more. Sketching is the most expeditious way to express an idea. I have been in meetings with clients and had colleagues start sketching, to much adulation of the client. Everyone from clients to construction managers to subcontractors [to parents] expect us to be proficient and talented at drawing. That\u2019s what they think we do, so let\u2019s hone it and do more of it.<\/p>\n

Deal with Criticism.<\/strong> Let go of ego. All creative professions are susceptible to criticism. Make the project the top priority. It\u2019s better to divorce yourself from an idea so that one is not personally offended. Also, practice criticism so that critique enhances the intent. The advice should help or add value. Give \u201cwhys\u201d and suggestions. No one likes the seagull criticism where one swoops in, drops a bomb, and flies off. Okay, honey!?<\/p>\n

Get Out of the Office. <\/strong>Get in the field. Make site visits. Do construction administration. Figure out details in the field. The construction site, for me, is fun. It\u2019s part of why I became an architect. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing \u00a0your drawings come to life. There are countless benefits of being on site observing your work: vitamin D absorption, hat hair, Bono-esque safety eyewear, tripping hazards, and\u2026uh hum\u2026gulp\u2026learning from our mistakes.<\/p>\n

Have a Life Outside Work. <\/strong>Don\u2019t just hang out with architects. We\u2019re a weird, arcane bunch. There is a world outside of the profession. Broaden your horizons and learn from other professionals, businesses, and people. How else are we supposed to be of value to society if we are not part of it?<\/p>\n

Listen. <\/strong>Place yourself in the users\u2019 shoes. I have heard too many architects say things like, \u201cmy building\u2026\u201d It\u2019s not your building, unless you own it. We are still providers of a service and we can\u2019t fall in the trap of thinking that the projects are \u201cours.\u201d Successful architects LISTEN to the clients and can feel the needs of the users.<\/p>\n

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