21 RULES FOR A SUCCESSFUL LIFE IN ARCHITECTURE

1. Get Started on Your Career Path

You can start earning IDP hours right after high school graduation.
If you havent already, sign up for IDP and get started on the path to licensure!
2. Don't Get Caught Up in "Old Guard" Firms
The youth are the future.
Firms need to embrace the ideas, energy and enthusiasm of young people.
Be observant as to what the Millennials in the office are doing.
Make sure emerging professionals are valued in the firms you are interviewing with for full-time employment.
3. Networking = The Key to Advancement
Get to know everyone in the Architecture community and allied fields (all ages and experience levels).
Dont underestimate the value of AIA membership and networking opportunities.
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Networking is the Key to Advancement. Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons User Townsville Chamber
Networking is the Key to Advancement. Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons User Townsville Chamber
4. Don't Get Upset by Clients that Think They Know Everything About Architecture
Be patient.
Educate and show multiple options (divergent thought processes) to open up thinking.
Be a professional.
Remember that you were educated as an ARCHITECT (not him/her).
5. Don't Burn Bridges
The Architectural world is way too small.
Your actions and decisions will be remembered.
6. Look Out for #1
It is your career and yours alone.
Make sure you are getting the appropriate experience (IDP), opportunities and compensation.
If you arent, MOVE ON!!!
7. Voice Your Opinions
The best ideas are never incorporated into projects unless they are heard, presented, and defended.
Many processes in firms and details on projects can be improved if you simply point out a better solution to
decision makers.
An improvement is always appreciated by principals and clients.
All of us are Unique. Success doesn't necessarily mean a huge practice. Image Courtesy of Zeroplus Architects
8. You Must Design Your Career and Position
All of us are Unique = Unique jobs/positions
Continually reflect on your experiences to determine what you really want to do.
Make career decisions to attain this position.
9. Differentiate Yourself
Develop your unique skills and abilities.
Demonstrate how they make you a better employee and contributor.
Potentially utilize these skills to go out on your own.
10. Don't Confuse an Internship with Full-Time Employment
An internship introduces you to how a firm and projects work.
Full-time employment mandates responsibility for your work and productivity (deadlines).
Full-time employment = STRESS!!!

11. Technology Will Lead the Way

You must stay at the forefront of technology.
Volunteer to learn new software and lead firm implementation.
Learn BIM and become proficient while in school.
12. Sustainability is Your Calling and Opportunity
If you endeavor to learn a lot about sustainability while in school, you will be able to share your knowledge with
current practitioners and become peers.
Take the sustainability lead within your firm.
Become a LEED Green Associate while in school.
You must educate EVERYONE about sustainability. Image Courtesy of Perkins + Will You must educate
EVERYONE about sustainability. Image Courtesy of Perkins + Will
13. You Need to be a Champion of Sustainably Built Environments
You must educate EVERYONE about sustainability.
Future clients will be the result.
14. Build Community
Only 2% can afford the services of an Architect.
What are you doing to help the other 98%?
Get involved in your community.
15. Save the Profession
Architects arent compensated fairly because the general public doesnt value (or know) what we do.
Teach-Share-Show-Demonstrate to others how we improve the world.
16. Education Doesn't End in School
You must continually learn to stay at the forefront of materials, systems and technology.
Dont let the world pass you by.
17. Mentor
Help teach the next generation.
A two-way street (look up, look back).
You will learn something in the process, and be reminded why you joined this profession.
18. Never Get Grumpy
Continually be inspired by the next generation and harness their optimism and energy.
Be a positive and optimistic employee.
19. Fix Something
The world is full of problems.
Choose one or two things, and fix them.
20. Complete the Task
You set out to become an Architect so take the A.R.E. and become one.
Keep your eyes on the prize!!!
21. Final Thought
The easiest building to design is a box, but Architects dont design boxes.
Architecture is about serving others through the design of the built environment. Make sure your work is the best it
can be through its service to others and contribution to a more sustainably built world.