3 answers
Aden
Student
Fairfax, Virginia
2
Questions
Asked
581 views
Architects, I have a few questions below about career interest in Architecture, thanks!
Architects,
Could you describe one of your typical workdays?
What skills are required in your position on a day-to-day basis?
What do find most enjoyable?
Are there any negatives to your job?
How frequently do layoffs occur? How does it affect employees' morale?
Are too many or too few people entering this profession?
Why do people leave this field or company?
How did you get your job?
How do most people enter this profession?
Who are the most important people in the industry today?
Considering all the people you've met in your field, what personal attributes are essential for success?
What is the advancement potential in the field? What is a typical path?
Is there anything else you think I need to know?
Thank you so much!!
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3 answers
Jonathan Tsao
Architect/Interior Designer
18
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
Please note my anwers reflect my experience and observations as the owner of an architecture and interior design firm employing 40 full time staff in two studio locations in San Francisco and Miami for approximately 40 years.
Could you describe one of your typical workdays?
Usually arrive first to open up the office typically 8 am. Meet with personal assistant to review my to-do list prioritizing essential, important and non-essential tasks. Make all outbound calls/emails before 9 am starting with communications to the east coast so recipients can respond either before lunch time (east) or as they start their day (west). Review senior project manager staff assignments usually prepared the day before. Attend virtual and in-person meetings for the remainder of the day for a variety of purposes: client outreach, review with project managers and project architects, preparation and/or review of client and consultant contracts with outreach to legal and insurance teams as necessary, resolution of HR matters such as hiring, retention and ensuring staff satisfaction, attending to firm financial matters such as debt, overhead and profit, cash flow and financial projections prepared by either in-house finance staff, bookkeeper or outside CPA, and a host of other tasks that pop up and make every day different.
What skills are required in your position on a day-to-day basis?
Patience, focus, multitasking and being calm under fire.
What do find most enjoyable?
I pretty much enjoy all tasks because there's something to be learned from accomplishing each one to the best of my ability.
Are there any negatives to your job?
Having to deal with clients and staff who either can't or won't appreciate what you're trying to do for them no matter what; some people are basically unhappy and end up spreading negativity to other staff or worse, clients.
How frequently do layoffs occur? How does it affect employees' morale?
Depending on the success of the business development and marketing effort of the firm, layoffs usually occur a) when staff salaries are greater than fee income projected for at least a quarter or more, b) a large project concludes without another to take its place. If you are asking about layoffs due to poor performance, those hopefully occur rarely if hiring is conducted thoroughly and thoughtfully, but if/when poor performance is a constant issue with an individual as evidenced by two consecutive performance reviews, my experience is to terminate quickly because a bad apple will spoil the barrel and morale will deteriorate.
Are too many or too few people entering this profession?
I don't know but my observations are a) after receiving design degrees an increasing number seek careers in allied professions where design thinking and visual problem solving can be valuable. This has the compound benefit of demonstrating the value of design and design thinking to a society that previously may not have appreciated the contribution that designers can make both within and outside the traditional boundaries of a design practice as well as increasing the financial rewards of design professionals. One might be inclined to say there are too many architects practicing because the competition for projects has always been very challenging. In the words of the immortal Art Gensler architects are constantly undercutting themselves financially to win contracts, meaning we are responsible for de-valuing ourselves relative to other professionals like doctors, bankers, lawyers and accountants. This has been the problem for ages, and will remain the central financial problem until we as practitioners do something to elevate ourselves. Unfortunately someone has to start the ball rolling and nobody's willing to take on that risk or "take one for the team". The good news is the American Institute of Architects has become increasingly active in advancing the quality of life for its members.
Why do people leave this field or company?
1) received a better offer elsewhere i.e. more money, responsibility, upward trajectory, access to prestigious projects, better alignment with firm culture, or
2) just more money working in a different profession or industry.
3) a change in career direction away from design.
How did you get your job?
Secured a handwritten recommendation from a professor who was regarded as one of the finest architects of his time and got a job with an excellent firm owned by two of his earlier students. Prepared my design portfolio thoughtfully and researched the culture/work of the firm to have good questions that made an impression on both of the firm's principals.
How do most people enter this profession?
By seeking employment after receiving either a Bachelor of Architecture (5 years) or Master of Architecture (3 year) degree; in the case of where I earned my degree, many professors were practicing architects so it was not uncommon for graduates to seek employment with those professors with whom they had developed rapport. It was also not uncommon to seek employment with a high profile practice without pay, just to have a name employer at the top of a resume i.e. a continuation of paying tuition to "launch" your career.
Who are the most important people in the industry today?
This may not be the answer you're expecting, but in my opinion, the most important people in the architecture industry today are a) practicing architects who also teach and therefore benefit the profession by creating good projects and mentoring future practitioners, and b) firm owners who embrace and integrate the latest technologies into how their projects are planned, designed and delivered. Any profession, including architecture, that fails to invest in maintaining relevance technologically is doomed.
Considering all the people you've met in your field, what personal attributes are essential for success?
Persistence/perseverance. Adherence to high personal, ethical and professional standards. Being accountable and responsible to yourself and others. Delivering on commitments consistently. Constant improvement and continuous learning. Humility. Patience. Showing up.
What is the advancement potential in the field? What is a typical path?
Advancement potential depends on too many factors to list here. I personally did not ascribe to any "typical path" but others have provided responses here.
Is there anything else you think I need to know?
There is no "one size fits all" career path because we're all different enough to warrant an individual approach. We chose design because we want to develop as creatives and creativity starts with your personal road map. Goals may not always be in sharp focus but working back from a desired outcome is a good way to stay the course and maintain a compass heading. I did my best as an employee for each firm but always knew what I needed to learn from a particular firm based on it's practice specialties, and I knew when it was time to move on, after acquiring particular skills or project type experience, i.e. I was assembling my professional toolkit to become an entrepreneur and firm owner from day one. That's certainly not for everyone and not what I am advocating here, but just an explanation for my personal career path,
Could you describe one of your typical workdays?
Usually arrive first to open up the office typically 8 am. Meet with personal assistant to review my to-do list prioritizing essential, important and non-essential tasks. Make all outbound calls/emails before 9 am starting with communications to the east coast so recipients can respond either before lunch time (east) or as they start their day (west). Review senior project manager staff assignments usually prepared the day before. Attend virtual and in-person meetings for the remainder of the day for a variety of purposes: client outreach, review with project managers and project architects, preparation and/or review of client and consultant contracts with outreach to legal and insurance teams as necessary, resolution of HR matters such as hiring, retention and ensuring staff satisfaction, attending to firm financial matters such as debt, overhead and profit, cash flow and financial projections prepared by either in-house finance staff, bookkeeper or outside CPA, and a host of other tasks that pop up and make every day different.
What skills are required in your position on a day-to-day basis?
Patience, focus, multitasking and being calm under fire.
What do find most enjoyable?
I pretty much enjoy all tasks because there's something to be learned from accomplishing each one to the best of my ability.
Are there any negatives to your job?
Having to deal with clients and staff who either can't or won't appreciate what you're trying to do for them no matter what; some people are basically unhappy and end up spreading negativity to other staff or worse, clients.
How frequently do layoffs occur? How does it affect employees' morale?
Depending on the success of the business development and marketing effort of the firm, layoffs usually occur a) when staff salaries are greater than fee income projected for at least a quarter or more, b) a large project concludes without another to take its place. If you are asking about layoffs due to poor performance, those hopefully occur rarely if hiring is conducted thoroughly and thoughtfully, but if/when poor performance is a constant issue with an individual as evidenced by two consecutive performance reviews, my experience is to terminate quickly because a bad apple will spoil the barrel and morale will deteriorate.
Are too many or too few people entering this profession?
I don't know but my observations are a) after receiving design degrees an increasing number seek careers in allied professions where design thinking and visual problem solving can be valuable. This has the compound benefit of demonstrating the value of design and design thinking to a society that previously may not have appreciated the contribution that designers can make both within and outside the traditional boundaries of a design practice as well as increasing the financial rewards of design professionals. One might be inclined to say there are too many architects practicing because the competition for projects has always been very challenging. In the words of the immortal Art Gensler architects are constantly undercutting themselves financially to win contracts, meaning we are responsible for de-valuing ourselves relative to other professionals like doctors, bankers, lawyers and accountants. This has been the problem for ages, and will remain the central financial problem until we as practitioners do something to elevate ourselves. Unfortunately someone has to start the ball rolling and nobody's willing to take on that risk or "take one for the team". The good news is the American Institute of Architects has become increasingly active in advancing the quality of life for its members.
Why do people leave this field or company?
1) received a better offer elsewhere i.e. more money, responsibility, upward trajectory, access to prestigious projects, better alignment with firm culture, or
2) just more money working in a different profession or industry.
3) a change in career direction away from design.
How did you get your job?
Secured a handwritten recommendation from a professor who was regarded as one of the finest architects of his time and got a job with an excellent firm owned by two of his earlier students. Prepared my design portfolio thoughtfully and researched the culture/work of the firm to have good questions that made an impression on both of the firm's principals.
How do most people enter this profession?
By seeking employment after receiving either a Bachelor of Architecture (5 years) or Master of Architecture (3 year) degree; in the case of where I earned my degree, many professors were practicing architects so it was not uncommon for graduates to seek employment with those professors with whom they had developed rapport. It was also not uncommon to seek employment with a high profile practice without pay, just to have a name employer at the top of a resume i.e. a continuation of paying tuition to "launch" your career.
Who are the most important people in the industry today?
This may not be the answer you're expecting, but in my opinion, the most important people in the architecture industry today are a) practicing architects who also teach and therefore benefit the profession by creating good projects and mentoring future practitioners, and b) firm owners who embrace and integrate the latest technologies into how their projects are planned, designed and delivered. Any profession, including architecture, that fails to invest in maintaining relevance technologically is doomed.
Considering all the people you've met in your field, what personal attributes are essential for success?
Persistence/perseverance. Adherence to high personal, ethical and professional standards. Being accountable and responsible to yourself and others. Delivering on commitments consistently. Constant improvement and continuous learning. Humility. Patience. Showing up.
What is the advancement potential in the field? What is a typical path?
Advancement potential depends on too many factors to list here. I personally did not ascribe to any "typical path" but others have provided responses here.
Is there anything else you think I need to know?
There is no "one size fits all" career path because we're all different enough to warrant an individual approach. We chose design because we want to develop as creatives and creativity starts with your personal road map. Goals may not always be in sharp focus but working back from a desired outcome is a good way to stay the course and maintain a compass heading. I did my best as an employee for each firm but always knew what I needed to learn from a particular firm based on it's practice specialties, and I knew when it was time to move on, after acquiring particular skills or project type experience, i.e. I was assembling my professional toolkit to become an entrepreneur and firm owner from day one. That's certainly not for everyone and not what I am advocating here, but just an explanation for my personal career path,
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Aden!
ME:-
Sorry I am not an architect, but I can help you with AI!
AI:-
Typical Workday of an Architect
A typical workday for an architect can vary significantly based on the stage of a project and the specific role they play within their firm. Generally, architects spend their time between design work, meetings, and site visits.
Morning Routine: Many architects start their day by reviewing emails and messages to catch up on communications from clients, contractors, or team members. This is often followed by a team meeting to discuss ongoing projects, deadlines, and any immediate issues that need addressing.
Design Work: A significant portion of the day is dedicated to design work. This includes creating architectural drawings using software like AutoCAD or Revit, developing 3D models, and brainstorming design concepts. Architects must balance creativity with practicality, ensuring that designs meet client needs while adhering to building codes and regulations.
Client Meetings: Architects frequently meet with clients to present designs, gather feedback, and make adjustments based on client preferences or budget constraints. These meetings can be crucial for maintaining strong relationships and ensuring project success.
Site Visits: Depending on the project phase, architects may visit construction sites to oversee progress and ensure that the work aligns with their designs. This involves collaborating with contractors and addressing any issues that arise during construction.
Documentation: Architects also spend time preparing documentation for permits and approvals from local authorities. This includes compiling necessary paperwork and ensuring compliance with zoning laws.
Collaboration: Working closely with engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, and other professionals is essential throughout the design process to create cohesive projects.
End-of-Day Review: At the end of the day, many architects review what has been accomplished and plan tasks for the following day.
Skills Required in Architecture
The skills required for architects on a day-to-day basis include:
Technical Skills: Proficiency in architectural design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp) is essential.
Creativity: The ability to think creatively about space utilization and aesthetics.
Problem-Solving Skills: Architects must address challenges related to design constraints or client requests.
Communication Skills: Effective communication is vital for collaborating with clients and team members.
Attention to Detail: Precision in drawings and specifications is critical for successful project execution.
Project Management Skills: Managing timelines, budgets, and resources effectively is necessary for delivering projects on time.
Enjoyable Aspects of Being an Architect
Many architects find joy in seeing their designs come to life through construction. The creative aspect of designing spaces that impact people’s lives positively can be very fulfilling. Additionally, collaboration with diverse teams allows for continuous learning and professional growth.
Negatives of the Job
Some common negatives include long hours during peak project phases leading to stress or burnout. The pressure of meeting deadlines can also be challenging. Additionally, navigating regulatory processes can sometimes be frustrating due to bureaucratic hurdles.
Layoffs Frequency & Employee Morale
Layoffs in architecture firms can occur during economic downturns or when firms face financial difficulties; however, they are not extremely common in stable markets. When layoffs do happen, they can significantly affect employee morale due to job insecurity among remaining staff.
Entry into the Profession
The architecture profession typically sees a steady influx of new graduates from accredited programs; however, some argue there may be too few entering due to high educational costs versus job availability post-graduation.
People leave this field for various reasons including burnout from demanding workloads or seeking better opportunities elsewhere in related fields such as urban planning or real estate development.
Most individuals enter this profession through formal education (typically a Master’s degree in Architecture), followed by internships which provide practical experience before obtaining licensure through examinations like the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
Key figures in architecture today include influential architects who have made significant contributions through innovative designs or sustainable practices; names like Frank Gehry or Zaha Hadid are often mentioned as impactful leaders in contemporary architecture.
Essential personal attributes for success include resilience under pressure, adaptability to changing circumstances, strong interpersonal skills for teamwork and client interactions.
Advancement potential varies but typically follows a path from intern/entry-level positions to licensed architect roles; senior positions may involve leadership responsibilities within firms or starting one’s own practice.
In summary:
A typical architect’s workday involves design work, client meetings, site visits, collaboration with other professionals.
Essential skills include technical proficiency in software tools used in architecture alongside strong communication abilities.
Enjoyable aspects revolve around creativity while negatives often relate to workload pressures.
Layoffs are infrequent but can impact morale when they occur; entry into the field usually requires formal education followed by internships leading up to licensure.
Overall understanding these dynamics provides valuable insight into pursuing a career in architecture today.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Institute of Architects (AIA) - AIA provides comprehensive resources regarding architectural practices including career paths within the industry.
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) - NCARB outlines requirements for becoming a licensed architect along with insights into professional development opportunities available within this field.
Architectural Record Magazine - This publication offers current trends affecting architecture including interviews with prominent figures which shed light on industry dynamics today.
Probability that this answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
ME:-
Sorry I am not an architect, but I can help you with AI!
AI:-
Typical Workday of an Architect
A typical workday for an architect can vary significantly based on the stage of a project and the specific role they play within their firm. Generally, architects spend their time between design work, meetings, and site visits.
Morning Routine: Many architects start their day by reviewing emails and messages to catch up on communications from clients, contractors, or team members. This is often followed by a team meeting to discuss ongoing projects, deadlines, and any immediate issues that need addressing.
Design Work: A significant portion of the day is dedicated to design work. This includes creating architectural drawings using software like AutoCAD or Revit, developing 3D models, and brainstorming design concepts. Architects must balance creativity with practicality, ensuring that designs meet client needs while adhering to building codes and regulations.
Client Meetings: Architects frequently meet with clients to present designs, gather feedback, and make adjustments based on client preferences or budget constraints. These meetings can be crucial for maintaining strong relationships and ensuring project success.
Site Visits: Depending on the project phase, architects may visit construction sites to oversee progress and ensure that the work aligns with their designs. This involves collaborating with contractors and addressing any issues that arise during construction.
Documentation: Architects also spend time preparing documentation for permits and approvals from local authorities. This includes compiling necessary paperwork and ensuring compliance with zoning laws.
Collaboration: Working closely with engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, and other professionals is essential throughout the design process to create cohesive projects.
End-of-Day Review: At the end of the day, many architects review what has been accomplished and plan tasks for the following day.
Skills Required in Architecture
The skills required for architects on a day-to-day basis include:
Technical Skills: Proficiency in architectural design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp) is essential.
Creativity: The ability to think creatively about space utilization and aesthetics.
Problem-Solving Skills: Architects must address challenges related to design constraints or client requests.
Communication Skills: Effective communication is vital for collaborating with clients and team members.
Attention to Detail: Precision in drawings and specifications is critical for successful project execution.
Project Management Skills: Managing timelines, budgets, and resources effectively is necessary for delivering projects on time.
Enjoyable Aspects of Being an Architect
Many architects find joy in seeing their designs come to life through construction. The creative aspect of designing spaces that impact people’s lives positively can be very fulfilling. Additionally, collaboration with diverse teams allows for continuous learning and professional growth.
Negatives of the Job
Some common negatives include long hours during peak project phases leading to stress or burnout. The pressure of meeting deadlines can also be challenging. Additionally, navigating regulatory processes can sometimes be frustrating due to bureaucratic hurdles.
Layoffs Frequency & Employee Morale
Layoffs in architecture firms can occur during economic downturns or when firms face financial difficulties; however, they are not extremely common in stable markets. When layoffs do happen, they can significantly affect employee morale due to job insecurity among remaining staff.
Entry into the Profession
The architecture profession typically sees a steady influx of new graduates from accredited programs; however, some argue there may be too few entering due to high educational costs versus job availability post-graduation.
People leave this field for various reasons including burnout from demanding workloads or seeking better opportunities elsewhere in related fields such as urban planning or real estate development.
Most individuals enter this profession through formal education (typically a Master’s degree in Architecture), followed by internships which provide practical experience before obtaining licensure through examinations like the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
Key figures in architecture today include influential architects who have made significant contributions through innovative designs or sustainable practices; names like Frank Gehry or Zaha Hadid are often mentioned as impactful leaders in contemporary architecture.
Essential personal attributes for success include resilience under pressure, adaptability to changing circumstances, strong interpersonal skills for teamwork and client interactions.
Advancement potential varies but typically follows a path from intern/entry-level positions to licensed architect roles; senior positions may involve leadership responsibilities within firms or starting one’s own practice.
In summary:
A typical architect’s workday involves design work, client meetings, site visits, collaboration with other professionals.
Essential skills include technical proficiency in software tools used in architecture alongside strong communication abilities.
Enjoyable aspects revolve around creativity while negatives often relate to workload pressures.
Layoffs are infrequent but can impact morale when they occur; entry into the field usually requires formal education followed by internships leading up to licensure.
Overall understanding these dynamics provides valuable insight into pursuing a career in architecture today.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Institute of Architects (AIA) - AIA provides comprehensive resources regarding architectural practices including career paths within the industry.
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) - NCARB outlines requirements for becoming a licensed architect along with insights into professional development opportunities available within this field.
Architectural Record Magazine - This publication offers current trends affecting architecture including interviews with prominent figures which shed light on industry dynamics today.
Probability that this answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Aric Gitomer
Architect
36
Answers
Morris Plains, New Jersey
Updated
Aric’s Answer
Aden, you're full of curiosity, and that's fantastic!
Could you tell me about a typical day at work for you? As a self-employed architect, my workdays are anything but typical. Some days are filled with phone calls to clients, potential clients, contractors, or building officials. Other days, I'm out in the field, taking measurements of structures to create as-built drawings for a new design. Sometimes, I spend my time sketching out ideas to find the perfect solution for a project. There are also days when I review the work of my structural engineers or create construction drawings on my computer. Occasionally, I write proposals to secure new work. Each day is unique, with its own set of challenges to overcome.
What skills do you need on a daily basis? Communication is key, whether it's verbal, written, or visual through detailed designs.
What do you enjoy the most? I absolutely love collaborating with people and coming up with solutions they never imagined!
Are there any downsides to your job? Juggling multiple projects can sometimes feel overwhelming, and not all clients are pleasant to work with. However, these instances are rare and manageable.
How often do layoffs occur? How does it affect morale? As a self-employed architect, layoffs aren't a concern. However, in larger firms, layoffs can occur during tough times. While I've never personally experienced this, I've seen others bounce back by finding new jobs or starting their own practices.
Are there too many or too few people in this profession? If you're passionate about architecture, don't worry about the competition. It's not easy to become a licensed architect, so while there are many in the field, it's not overcrowded.
Why do people leave this profession or company? Sometimes, people realize that architecture isn't for them. It's a demanding field that doesn't always offer immediate rewards. It may not be the highest paying profession, but it's one filled with immense satisfaction and honor.
How did you land your job? It's a journey. After earning an architecture degree, you explore the job market, gain experience in different firms, and gradually find your niche.
How do most people enter this profession? Some start with a summer job during architecture school, while others begin after graduation. There's no one right path.
Who are the key players in the industry today? To me, all architects are equally important. Some may be more famous, but every architect, whether they specialize in residential, commercial, industrial, educational, or mercantile architecture, brings something unique to the table.
What personal attributes lead to success in this field? Being an excellent listener and an outstanding problem solver are crucial.
What's the career growth potential in this field? What's a typical path? After earning a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, you complete a three-year internship, pass the registration exam, and become a licensed architect. From there, the sky's the limit!
Is there anything else you should know? Dedication, hard work, and passion for what you do are key to success in this field.
Could you tell me about a typical day at work for you? As a self-employed architect, my workdays are anything but typical. Some days are filled with phone calls to clients, potential clients, contractors, or building officials. Other days, I'm out in the field, taking measurements of structures to create as-built drawings for a new design. Sometimes, I spend my time sketching out ideas to find the perfect solution for a project. There are also days when I review the work of my structural engineers or create construction drawings on my computer. Occasionally, I write proposals to secure new work. Each day is unique, with its own set of challenges to overcome.
What skills do you need on a daily basis? Communication is key, whether it's verbal, written, or visual through detailed designs.
What do you enjoy the most? I absolutely love collaborating with people and coming up with solutions they never imagined!
Are there any downsides to your job? Juggling multiple projects can sometimes feel overwhelming, and not all clients are pleasant to work with. However, these instances are rare and manageable.
How often do layoffs occur? How does it affect morale? As a self-employed architect, layoffs aren't a concern. However, in larger firms, layoffs can occur during tough times. While I've never personally experienced this, I've seen others bounce back by finding new jobs or starting their own practices.
Are there too many or too few people in this profession? If you're passionate about architecture, don't worry about the competition. It's not easy to become a licensed architect, so while there are many in the field, it's not overcrowded.
Why do people leave this profession or company? Sometimes, people realize that architecture isn't for them. It's a demanding field that doesn't always offer immediate rewards. It may not be the highest paying profession, but it's one filled with immense satisfaction and honor.
How did you land your job? It's a journey. After earning an architecture degree, you explore the job market, gain experience in different firms, and gradually find your niche.
How do most people enter this profession? Some start with a summer job during architecture school, while others begin after graduation. There's no one right path.
Who are the key players in the industry today? To me, all architects are equally important. Some may be more famous, but every architect, whether they specialize in residential, commercial, industrial, educational, or mercantile architecture, brings something unique to the table.
What personal attributes lead to success in this field? Being an excellent listener and an outstanding problem solver are crucial.
What's the career growth potential in this field? What's a typical path? After earning a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, you complete a three-year internship, pass the registration exam, and become a licensed architect. From there, the sky's the limit!
Is there anything else you should know? Dedication, hard work, and passion for what you do are key to success in this field.