It is time for the second and last installment of the Life of an Architect “Ask the Show” episode for 2024. Once again, as is our practice we solicited questions to be submitted through our Instagram channels and selected as many as we thought we could reasonably get through in the time allocated for the show. If there were duplications, that simply made that question more likely to get answered. All this and more on today’s episode as Andrew and I answer your burning questions… Welcome to EP 159: Ask The Show Fall 2024
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What are some challenges facing part-time workers? Or for those hiring them? jump to 3:50
Question submitted by Makieliamir
Bob: From a management position, I’ve found that part-time work can be a challenge, especially when it comes to workflow and productivity. We don’t have a formal policy for or against part-time workers, but I can’t deny that it complicates things—scheduling, coverage, and overall productivity management can become harder to manage. My main issue stems from the impact on the company’s bottom line, where part-time employees often receive the same benefits as full-time workers, even though they’re working less. Additionally, it affects opportunity distribution within the firm. Part-time workers don’t get the same opportunities for leadership and career advancement because those responsibilities are usually added on top of a regular job. When someone is capped at working part-time, I have to be mindful of what I assign to them, and that limits their potential growth. It’s a tricky balance, and while part-time workers can be incredibly efficient, there are inherent limitations in what they can accomplish compared to full-time staff.
Andrew: From my experience, having many part-time employees in my office, especially students, the key challenge is balancing their workload and availability with the needs of the firm. Setting consistent schedules is important; if someone is always available in the morning or afternoon, that works fine, but it can still be tricky ensuring that all tasks are covered effectively. The major issue is that part-time work might slow career advancement. While it works in smaller firms with proper management, larger firms might struggle with maximizing productivity or providing growth opportunities to part-timers. I believe it’s important for part-time workers to find employers who don’t have a bias against them and to have conversations about growth, even though it may take longer to climb the career ladder when you’re part-time. Finding the right balance is critical, and part-timers should know the potential limitations upfront.
What can a new employee in the office do to stand out amongst the seasoned individuals? jump to 9:35
Question submitted by arch_jbrown
Bob: This is a question that comes up in my mentor/mentee meetings fairly frequently in my office. Standing out in an office, whether it’s a small or large firm, starts with involvement. In a small firm, where everything you do is highly visible, participation is key. You can’t just sit back and blend in; you need to actively engage with those around you. Even in larger firms, where you may primarily work with a smaller team, finding ways to connect outside of your immediate circle, such as joining design groups or attending firm-wide meetings, is essential. I’ve seen that new employees who are willing to step out of their comfort zones and get involved across the board are the ones who stand out the most. It’s not about mastering every technical aspect right away but rather showing that you care about your work and are eager to participate in different areas. It’s about engaging with colleagues, speaking up, and showing that you’re invested in the firm’s success.
Andrew: I agree that involvement is crucial, but I think another important way to stand out is by actively seeking out opportunities to do more. Don’t just finish your tasks and wait around—if you’ve wrapped up a project early, go out and ask for more work. Show your eagerness to learn and contribute beyond what’s expected. Asking questions and showing initiative signals that you’re not just looking to fulfill your job duties but are genuinely invested in understanding how things work and improving yourself. This attitude, combined with the willingness to reach out and engage with your superiors and peers, helps you stand out, regardless of the size of the firm. New employees won’t have the same experience as the seasoned individuals, but by demonstrating a proactive mindset, you can still make a strong impression.
When do I know if I should move to another job? jump to 13:14
Question submitted by private account
Bob: I don’t think there is an architect on the planet that hasn’t asked themselves this question at one time or another. For me, boredom was probably the most common reason I left one job to find another. There were times when I was motivated to develop a different skillset (which I suppose is another way of saying “boredom”). There are times that your personal growth and development leads you to recognize that either what you are doing you don’t like, or that your personality and interests are more developed and you know that you want to go do something else.
What I am good at now, which really started to present itself in my 30’s, wasn’t anything worth noting when I graduated, and I didn’t do my first residential project until 10+ years after I got my first job. I will also add that I don’t recommend that you change jobs just because you don’t like someone (unless that person holds your development in their hands) because no matter where you go, there will be someone there you don’t like. Now is the time to grow up and face those challenges head on.
Andrew: For me, the decision to move on from a job would largely stem from feeling unappreciated. It’s not about money or bonuses, but rather the acknowledgment of the effort and dedication you’re putting in. If you’re working hard, giving your all, but receiving no recognition—whether in the form of a simple “good job” or other signs of appreciation—then it’s time to reevaluate your position. In my experience, people often leave jobs not because of dissatisfaction with the work itself but because they feel undervalued. That recognition is vital, and when it’s lacking, it may be an indicator that it’s time to seek out an environment where your contributions are noticed and appreciated. Ultimately, it’s about feeling valued for the work you do, not just financially but emotionally and professionally.
Can you give some general advice for consultants on how to best serve the architect? jump to 17:10
Question submitted by private account
Andrew: For me, the most important quality in a consultant is flexibility. I really value consultants who are willing to work collaboratively and make compromises when necessary. It’s not about one person being in charge, but about finding solutions together. I’ve worked with consultants who are very rigid, insisting that their way is the only way to solve a problem, and that can be frustrating. I understand that engineers have to meet certain requirements, but there are usually multiple ways to get the job done. Sometimes I feel like there’s too much rigidity when what we really need is flexibility. When consultants are open to exploring different options, it makes the whole process much smoother and more efficient. Then, in the end, hopefully it will create a better more successful project.
Bob: What I really want from a consultant is proactivity. I absolutely agree with Andrew about the importance of flexibility, but for me, it goes beyond that. I want my consultants to anticipate my needs rather than just reacting to my requests. As an architect, I often push boundaries, and I need consultants who can foresee potential issues and offer solutions before they become problems. It’s not just about avoiding failure; it’s about achieving the bigger goals of the project. If a consultant can be out in front of me, offering guidance and protecting me from mistakes, that’s a level of service that makes all the difference. I believe that proactive behavior leads to better collaboration and ultimately a more successful project.
Do you think architects will ever be replaced /outsourced by AI? jump to 27:23
Question submitted by private account
Andrew: I don’t believe architects will ever be replaced by AI. While AI will change how we work and shift the tasks we focus on, it won’t eliminate our role. Some aspects of our jobs may become automated, but this will free us to tackle other, more meaningful work. We design for humans, and there will always be a need for human oversight, creativity, and intuition in the process. Even if AI handles the more routine tasks, architects will still be responsible for ensuring designs are safe and meet certain standards. The future of our profession might involve reviewing and refining AI-generated work rather than creating everything from scratch, but it won’t mean the end of our roles.
Bob: I largely agree with Andrew but remain a bit more pessimistic. While I don’t think architects will be replaced entirely, I do think AI will take over some types of projects, especially those where creativity and architectural rigor aren’t priorities. Look around—there are already plenty of uninspired buildings that could have been done by AI, and this trend might increase. For low-level projects where design isn’t as valued, AI might generate the work, with humans stepping in only to review it for safety and compliance. That said, I think we’ll still play a crucial role in the process, though we might focus more on ensuring the quality and safety of AI-generated work rather than designing it ourselves. The profession will change, and architects will need to adapt to new workflows, but we won’t disappear entirely.
Do you think Architects are Drawing too much or have GC’s gotten worse and don’t look at plans? jump to 30:27
Question submitted by kldesignworkshop
Bob: I often feel like I’m being penalized for creating detailed documentation, especially in residential projects. When I take the time to solve problems on paper and hold contractors accountable to what I’ve designed, it seems like I’m charged a premium for those solutions. Yet, if I deliver a stripped-down, minimal set of drawings—essentially a “builder set”—the project ends up being significantly cheaper. People then claim that architects are driving up costs, but the reality is that we’re answering specific, detailed questions that aim to elevate the quality of the project. Contractors, unfortunately, tend to neuter the uniqueness of what is shown in the construction drawings in favor of sticking with what’s familiar to them, which streamlines their process but compromises the individuality of the work. Clients who come to me want something special—something that reflects their way of living. And sadly, delivering that kind of high-touch, white-glove custom design now comes across as a luxury service that commands a higher construction price. This dynamic isn’t something I’m particularly fond of, but it’s the reality I encounter.
Additionally, I believe the question of whether architectural drawings are excessive or essential depends largely on the project. In Episode 143 Architectural Drawings – Essential or Excessive we dive into this topic in more depth. Detailed drawings are not meant to overburden contractors, but rather to provide a clear, thorough roadmap that minimizes confusion and error. While it can be argued that certain projects don’t require extensive documentation, the quality and accuracy of the final construction are directly related to how well the project is defined on paper. Ultimately, the balance of documentation should match the complexity of the project, but too often, reducing drawings to save costs compromises the design’s intent and quality.
Andrew: I believe that there’s a larger systemic issue at play in the construction industry. We’re facing a decline in craftsmanship. The workforce has shifted from skilled craftsmen to mass-production laborers. Contractors aren’t looking at drawings as much as they used to because they don’t need to—many jobs are repetitive, and workers are just following the same process they’ve used in previous projects. Efficiency and speed have become the main goals. Even in commercial work, this trend persists. Most of the workforce consists of laborers overseen by one person, who may or may not have a solid understanding of the details in the drawings. I often receive questions about specific details that I’ve already documented clearly, which indicates a lack of engagement with the drawings. This shift towards repetitive work and the decline in skilled trades is, in my view, the root of the problem. We discussed some of these issues in a previous conversation with Brian Turmail from the Associated General Contractors (AGC) in Episode 36. It’s a deeper issue that needs addressing if we’re going to improve the quality of work in the industry.
Who is your favorite American architect? jump to 34:14
Question submitted by poulober
Bob: I admit that I find this type of question challenging. My answer could change every six months, or even within 15 minutes of reflecting on it. But for now, I’d choose Richard Neutra, though I recognize that technically he wasn’t born in America, his career flourished here, and his influence on modernism in this country is undeniable. As someone who worked in residential design and has a love for modernism, Neutra’s work has had a profound impact on me. His minimalist aesthetics and the Bauhaus influence are captivating, and I love how his designs are so climate-responsive. I think the true test of a great residential architect is whether you could imagine yourself living in every project they designed— and with Neutra, I can. His human-centric solutions resonate deeply with me, and when I look at his work, I see a thoughtful approach to how people live, and I admire how he blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about how people interact with their environments. If I were to build my own home, Neutra’s approach to functional yet beautiful design would be at the heart of it.
Andrew: This is a tough one for me because the architect I would choose, Richard Meier, is not exactly a popular figure anymore due to his personal controversies. Despite this, I still appreciate his work. Meier has always fascinated me, not because of the white box, but due to his dedication to it and his skill in working with geometries. There’s something about his ability to remain consistent with that style throughout his long career that I find compelling. Even though I acknowledge that he’s a flawed individual, I can separate the art from the artist and still appreciate his architectural contributions. If Meier’s personal issues disqualify him, I’d have to pick someone else, like Louis Kahn or John Lautner, but it’s Meier’s work that has had a lasting influence on me. He masters geometry in a way that is appealing to me in my core somehow. The clean lines and distinct style make his designs instantly recognizable, and I still admire the body of work he’s created over the decades of his career. But I also agree with Bob, that it is really difficult to narrow to one architect. It’s more like a top 5.
How do you juggle climbing the ladder and raising a family? jump to 40:15
Question submitted by private account
Bob: As someone who has experienced the challenge of juggling career ambitions and family life, I know that it isn’t easy. When my daughter Kate was born, I still had aspirations for professional growth and development. But her arrival changed how I approached work. I prioritized being home for family, making sure I was part of her day, especially around dinner time. This meant adjusting my work schedule—I would arrive at the office by 7 AM and leave by 5 PM, often before others even showed up, and sometimes that wasn’t seen as “working hard” despite putting in the hours. After she went to bed, I’d go back to work to catch up on projects. For me, balancing work and family has been about adjusting priorities and accepting the extra pressure that comes with it. Employers don’t always see or value the effort it takes to be a great parent and a dedicated professional. There’s a real sacrifice involved if you want to climb the corporate ladder, and while it doesn’t mean being a bad parent, it does mean adjusting how and when you work. Luckily, I was supported by my wife, who took on a significant role in managing our daughter’s needs, but I know she bore the brunt of the family obligations, which may have affected her professionally. Ultimately, I believe it’s about finding a balance that works for your family, but it’s never perfect and it’s never easy.
Andrew: I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve had a lot of flexibility in my career, particularly after I bought my firm. That decision, made when my daughter was three, was driven in part by my desire to maintain that freedom and flexibility. I didn’t want to lose the ability to prioritize my family over work, and owning my firm allowed me to do just that. When I needed to pick up my kids or take time for family obligations, I could adjust my schedule without a second thought. I also extended that flexibility to everyone in my firm—whether they need to take care of their kids or parents, family comes first. However, this didn’t mean I worked less; like many parents, I often returned to work after my kids went to bed. Despite owning my own firm, the balancing act isn’t all that different from what Bob described—we both had to work outside traditional hours to accommodate family needs. I think we’ve both found that while we can be supportive bosses or parents, the work still has to get done, even if that means sacrificing personal time on weekends or holidays. It’s a constant juggling act, and while there’s no magic solution, the key is having control over your time and prioritizing family whenever possible.
What surprises you most when you talk to / work with / see the work from architects in other countries? jump to 46:37
Question submitted by boraxan
Bob: I haven’t had the opportunity to work with architects from other countries, but I’ve observed some notable differences through my friends experiences abroad. One of the things that always surprises me is the greater regulatory oversight in other countries. It seems like architects often face a more complex approval process involving extensive review boards and government procedures. For example, in Australia, architects have to go through a significant governmental process just to get their designs approved. Another stark contrast is the apparent lack of concern for safety in some foreign designs. I’ve seen photos of buildings with no guardrails or safety measures that wouldn’t pass regulations here in the United States. It makes me think that maybe we’re more litigious or simply more cautious, whereas other countries seem to take a more relaxed approach to these safety concerns.
Andrew: While I also haven’t directly worked with international architects, I’ve encountered surprising differences through my experience evaluating graduate program applications and working with many international grad students. One key difference is that many architects in other countries don’t design with air conditioning in mind. It’s a staple in the U.S., but I’ve students from other countries often times they simply don’t consider HVAC systems at all. It’s not that they’ve overlooked it—it’s just not something they need to design for. This made me realize how different their approach is to design, especially when you consider the impact HVAC systems have on our spatial planning. If we didn’t have to design around ducts and equipment, our buildings would look completely different, and it gives me a lot to reflect on regarding architectural practices around the world.
What is your favorite sketching tool and paper, excluding the iPad? jump to 49:39
Question submitted by private account
Bob: For me, my favorite sketching tool has always been the Sharpie Ultra Fine. It’s my go-to pen because it provides the lightness and control I prefer when sketching. I’ve also used the Pentel Sign Pen, which is nice but a bit too fat for my liking at times. When it comes to sketchbooks, I prefer the inexpensive Cahier Moleskine sketchbooks. My sketches aren’t precious, and I don’t feel the need to archive them, so I like that these sketchbooks are cheap and functional. They bleed through the paper, so I only use one side, but that’s fine by me. I prefer not to be too attached to my sketches, and with these low-cost books, I don’t have to feel bad about bad sketches—I just move on.
Andrew: I’m not particularly picky when it comes to notebooks, but lately, I’ve been using dot grid notebooks. I like that the paper is a little thicker, with an off-white color and a dotted grid. But they are also not very expensive and have a “temporary” feel to them. Over the last year and a half, I’ve also really grown to like a Pentel pen that’s a type of disposable fountain pen. I enjoy it because it allows me to vary line weights with a single pen. It has a softer nib, which I find more flexible and enjoyable to use, and I was introduced to it by an artist friend in my department. Now, it’s become my go-to pen. It is the Pentel Tradio Stylo. Here is also a 3 Color Set.
What other paths are there instead of residential or commercial for architecture majors? jump to 52:35
Question submitted by mrpancake_
Bob: When asked about career paths for architecture majors beyond residential or commercial work, I believe the question is really about exploring roles outside traditional architecture practice. There are plenty of options for people with an architecture degree who don’t want to practice in the conventional sense. For example, some become urban planners, although many of them also have urban planning degrees. Others transition into project management on the construction side, working for contractors. I know a few who go into real estate development, often after earning an MBA, where their architectural knowledge provides a unique advantage. There are also more specialized roles like sustainability consultants or technologists who integrate construction workflows using BIM software. Academia and research are other potential avenues, and some get involved in creative fields like set design, game design, or even the film industry. So, there are many directions architecture majors can take if they’re interested in roles that build on their training in non-traditional ways.
Andrew: I agree that there are a lot of alternative paths architecture majors can pursue beyond just residential or commercial work. In addition to what Bob mentioned, I see a lot of people moving into government or community-level organizations. They work with preservation societies or on municipal planning boards and code enforcement departments. Some graduates become graphic artists, and others even work in game design or the film industry. The versatility of an architecture degree allows people to explore roles that blend their skills in design and problem-solving, whether that’s in planning, policy, or creative fields. I believe architecture can serve as a foundation for a wide range of careers that go beyond the typical expectations of the profession.
What is the most useful skill for architects? jump to 55:51
Question submitted by private account
Bob: In my experience, the most valuable skill for an architect is communication. I believe that one’s ability to convey ideas clearly, without resorting to jargon, is crucial for success in this field. Good communicators are the ones who get into the best rooms and take on leadership roles in meetings. It’s not just about technical skills—though those are important—but being able to explain complex ideas in a way clients and team members can understand makes a huge difference. I’ve seen highly skilled technical professionals struggle because they can’t effectively communicate their knowledge or solutions. In my company, most of the people in leadership positions excel at communication, and I believe that’s why they are where they are. Communicating inwardly to your team and outwardly to your clients in a positive, constructive way is, in my opinion, the most essential skill for an architect.
Andrew: For me, the most important skill an architect can have is observation. Architects need to be able to truly observe the world around them—not just buildings, but everything in their environment; people, places, and things. When I work with students, I often notice a lack of observational skills, and I believe that honing this ability is crucial to being a successful architect. Observing and understanding how things function, why they exist, and how people interact with their surroundings and each other allows architects to create new designs that are grounded in reality. I also think observation is closely tied to the ability to translate what you see into something meaningful in your work. Being able to truly see and interpret the world around you is what allows architects to create thoughtful and impactful designs.
Would you rather? jump to 59:45
This is a simple would you rather – or maybe it isn’t … but the question has been on my mind a bit lately.
Would you rather have a reasonably successful architectural website and podcast, or would you rather turn a hobby, or something you like to do, into a job with the same obligations and time requirements.
Andrew and I discussed the balance between work and passion, weighing the potential impact of turning a personal hobby into a professional obligation. Do your passions change when you start treating your hobbies as a job? Introducing the structure and expectations of a job to something you enjoy can change your relationship with it.
EP 159: Ask The Show Fall 2024
That wraps up another “Ask the Show episode, and the last of 2024.
Cheers,
Special thanks to our sponsor Petersen, which manufactures PAC-CLAD architectural metal cladding systems. Visit pac-clad.com to learn more.