Editors note: This is a guest post by architect Stephen Ramos.
For new graduates and young architects, getting your foot in the door and moving up within an architecture firm can be a daunting challenge. I'm 9 years into my career and have been a licensed architect for 5. It has been a challenge every step of the way. When I evaluate my successes and failures, I notice consistent themes.
I was inspired to write this post after listening to the recent interview on Business of Architecture with Architect Frank Harmon on 7 Success Lessons For Young Architects. Based on my experience, here are 10 success tips for young architects. These tips will help you be a better architect or as Enoch would say, “help architects conquer the world!”
Let's start with my number 10 tip and work our way back up to number 1.
10. Make yourself indispensable.
Do you want to gain the respect of your peers?
Is your goal to elevate your status within your firm?
How about a raise?
If so, then it is imperative that you make yourself indispensable. Find an area of interest and become a champion in that area. One of my colleagues, Sarah Corbitt, has a big interest in sustainable design. Sarah immerses herself in all things sustainable, goes to conferences and sets up in-house seminars at the firm where I'm currently working, LS3P. Sarah’s expertise and willingness to share has made her indispensable to our firm.
9. Seek mentors.
Your fellow architects are resources. Find people who have skills and roles that you aspire to. These mentors will foster your development and be instrumental to your career advancement. Buy them a cup of coffee and ask them for advice and questions about the profession. Better yet, buy them a beer and you’ll get some real gems!
For new graduates and young architects, getting your foot in the door and moving up within an architecture firm can be a daunting challenge. I'm 9 years into my career and have been a licensed architect for 5. It has been a challenge every step of the way. When I evaluate my successes and failures, I notice consistent themes.
I was inspired to write this post after listening to the recent interview on Business of Architecture with Architect Frank Harmon on 7 Success Lessons For Young Architects. Based on my experience, here are 10 success tips for young architects. These tips will help you be a better architect or as Enoch would say, “help architects conquer the world!”
Let's start with my number 10 tip and work our way back up to number 1.
10. Make yourself indispensable.
Do you want to gain the respect of your peers?
Is your goal to elevate your status within your firm?
How about a raise?
If so, then it is imperative that you make yourself indispensable. Find an area of interest and become a champion in that area. One of my colleagues, Sarah Corbitt, has a big interest in sustainable design. Sarah immerses herself in all things sustainable, goes to conferences and sets up in-house seminars at the firm where I'm currently working, LS3P. Sarah’s expertise and willingness to share has made her indispensable to our firm.
9. Seek mentors.
Your fellow architects are resources. Find people who have skills and roles that you aspire to. These mentors will foster your development and be instrumental to your career advancement. Buy them a cup of coffee and ask them for advice and questions about the profession. Better yet, buy them a beer and you’ll get some real gems!
8. Spread the wealth.
Mentorship is a two-way street! Are you a photoshop wiz? Then give your office tutorials. Are you a sustainability guru like Sarah? Then organize a LEED study group. Your goal should be to spread your knowledge as far as possible. You will elevate your firm and highlight yourself as a team player and leader.
7. Network, network, network.
Architecture is a service industry and your ability to provide exceptional service is dependent on a strong network. A strong network will make your job easier and foster countless opportunities. And don’t burn bridges!
6. Seize the moment.
When I began my career, I was eager to unleash my design talents on the world. However, like most interns, I wasn’t handed the most interesting design projects right away. I had to first pay my dues to earn my dream role. [Tweet “I had to pay my dues to earn my dream role.”]
I developed a strategy. Whenever I received any little design task, I took it very seriously. Often I would work on these assignments on my own time after work. I would show up the next day with multiple design options that I had thoroughly vetted. It did not take long before my superiors noticed that I had a passion for design and a ‘hint’ of talent. I seized the moment. Now I am in a role where I get to lead design efforts on very significant projects.
5. Ask for it.
I have an embarrassing confession. I have never received a pay raise without first having to ask for it. [Tweet “I've never received a pay raise without having to ask for it”]Even after I completed my architecture licensure in 2010, I still had to ask! I know right!…WTF!
However, after I asked, I received. This is not just about salary increases, it applies to everything in life.
Want to get more design tasks? Ask. [Tweet “Want to get more design tasks? Ask.”]
Want more construction site experience? Ask.
You’d be surprised on what will occur as a result. What do you have to lose?
Mentorship is a two-way street! Are you a photoshop wiz? Then give your office tutorials. Are you a sustainability guru like Sarah? Then organize a LEED study group. Your goal should be to spread your knowledge as far as possible. You will elevate your firm and highlight yourself as a team player and leader.
7. Network, network, network.
Architecture is a service industry and your ability to provide exceptional service is dependent on a strong network. A strong network will make your job easier and foster countless opportunities. And don’t burn bridges!
6. Seize the moment.
When I began my career, I was eager to unleash my design talents on the world. However, like most interns, I wasn’t handed the most interesting design projects right away. I had to first pay my dues to earn my dream role. [Tweet “I had to pay my dues to earn my dream role.”]
I developed a strategy. Whenever I received any little design task, I took it very seriously. Often I would work on these assignments on my own time after work. I would show up the next day with multiple design options that I had thoroughly vetted. It did not take long before my superiors noticed that I had a passion for design and a ‘hint’ of talent. I seized the moment. Now I am in a role where I get to lead design efforts on very significant projects.
5. Ask for it.
I have an embarrassing confession. I have never received a pay raise without first having to ask for it. [Tweet “I've never received a pay raise without having to ask for it”]Even after I completed my architecture licensure in 2010, I still had to ask! I know right!…WTF!
However, after I asked, I received. This is not just about salary increases, it applies to everything in life.
Want to get more design tasks? Ask. [Tweet “Want to get more design tasks? Ask.”]
Want more construction site experience? Ask.
You’d be surprised on what will occur as a result. What do you have to lose?
Read Full Article Here: 10 Success Tips For Young Architects
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