There are bits of advice that one collects over a 30 year career and when given the chance, some are worth passing on to those who care to listen. While this could have been a lessons from my father sort of episode, we decided to keep things focused on those of us who either are, or want to be, architects, and we are going to pass along a handful of things that we wish we had known at the start of our careers. Welcome to Episode 174: Dear Future Architects.
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Today we are going to be talking about those interesting considerations and bits of advice that have been shared with us during our career. While they might not be applicable to everyone, I feel pretty confident that all the items we will be discussing today are of value. This will be the first “Dear Future Architects post as there are too many items to work through in a single episode. These are in the order than they came to mind and I didn’t want to presume a specific priority to them and set them in order of value. I also want to throw in there that a few of these are pretty hot and I fully expect people to think I am full of s%!t … but I am here to bring the pain.
01 Dear Future Architects … jump to 04:55
Choose your firm based on the skills you want to build.
Residential firms often hone your soft skills—communication, empathy, and negotiation—while commercial firms emphasize technical depth, systems coordination, and documentation.
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In reflecting on my career, I’ve come to realize that the size of the firm you work for can shape the skills you develop, especially early in your career. If you’re just starting out, a small firm offers the opportunity to develop soft skills like communication, empathy, and negotiation because you’re often thrown into situations where you’re the point of contact with clients, contractors, and team members. You’re more involved with every aspect of a project, and that experience helps you build your confidence. On the other hand, in larger firms, you get more exposure to complex projects that require technical proficiency, systems management, and understanding of legalities. While big firms can make you a better architect in that sense, they may not provide as many opportunities to hone those soft skills until you reach a higher level in the company.
Personally, I’ve found that small firms, while sometimes lacking in technical depth, gave me the chance to sharpen my communication skills and gain a more intimate understanding of how a project works from start to finish. This has served me well as I’ve moved up in my career. But the reality is, each environment teaches you something different, and depending on what you want to learn, one might be a better fit for you than the other.
02 Dear Future Architects … jump to 11:58
Start small if you plan to go solo.
Working in a small firm exposes you to every aspect of running a practice—from contracts and client meetings to redlines and billing—which is invaluable if owning your own firm is in your future.
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Looking at the question of whether to start in a small firm if you plan to eventually go solo, I believe it’s the best way to prepare. In a small firm, you’re exposed to everything: you write proposals, manage clients, and get a feel for what it really takes to run an office. When I switched from a small firm to a larger one, I found that my skills didn’t always align with what was expected. In a larger firm, tasks like proposal writing are handled by specialists, not generalists like I had been in a small firm. That experience made me realize that if you want to open your own office one day, you’ll be far ahead if you start in a small firm where you’re more likely to gain that well-rounded exposure.
However, there’s also value in gaining experience at the size of firm you want to eventually own. If your goal is to have a larger firm, you should work at one first to understand the management dynamics involved. It’s critical to know how to manage a team and the business side of things before you step out on your own. Ultimately, a small firm gives you the foundational skills to run your own business, but exposure to larger firms can offer valuable insights into scaling up and managing larger teams and projects.
03 Dear Future Architects … jump to 14:44
Learn to speak the language of money.
Understanding financial modeling, forecasting, and project profitability is just as critical as knowing how to draft or design. Go beyond basic accounting—your career and your future firm will benefit.
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One key piece of advice I’ve learned over the years is to learn to speak the language of money. Understanding financial modeling, forecasting, and project profitability is crucial, especially if you want to run your own firm. But even if you’re not planning on that, it’s just as important as learning to design. Most architects don’t learn these things, and they should. Accounting basics are fine, but understanding how to manage money long-term is key. Over the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time diving into finances at my firm in ways I never did before. It’s been a painful but essential learning process, helping me think beyond just surviving the next few months to making long-term financial decisions.
The financial lessons I’ve learned are not just for business—they apply to personal finances as well. Recently, I set up an IRA and other accounts for my daughter, which made me reflect on how I wish someone had taught me this when I was 20. Financial literacy is something I believe more people should focus on at a young age—it makes a huge difference in your 50s and 60s.
Back to the profession, financial knowledge is essential for understanding how projects and firms operate. From billing to managing people, the sooner you understand the financial side of the profession, the better. While students might initially resist this, learning these concepts is crucial. As I always say, knowledge is power—understanding where your money goes and how to plan for the future is what will give you the upper hand in your career and life.
04 Dear Future Architects … jump to 27:44
Design for others, not yourself.
Being a good designer means listening first. Your job is to translate someone else’s hopes and needs into a space that works, not impose your own tastes at their expense.
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One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a architect and designer is to design for others, not yourself. I’ve had conversations with younger designers who aren’t listening well or pushing their own design ideas onto the project. The reality of being a good designer is understanding that your job is to translate someone else’s needs and goals into a design. It’s about listening first, understanding the client’s perspective, and delivering what they need—even if it’s not what you would personally choose.
In the real world, you’re not designing for yourself. You’re designing for the client, and sometimes that means protecting the client from their own ideas, especially when they want something that might not be the best choice. This idea is tough for students to grasp because they are used to designing for themselves in school. But once they get into the real world, they often find themselves working with clients who don’t understand design the way they do. That’s when they realize that being a good designer isn’t about creating your perfect design—it’s about creating something that works for the client, even if it’s not your taste.
I’ve learned that the goal of any project isn’t just to meet design expectations; it’s to make sure the project gets built within the constraints of budget, space, and practicality. In this profession, we have to find a balance between creativity and the hard realities of the project. We must deliver designs that work for the client, not just for ourselves. That’s what makes us professionals. Hobbyists design how they would like things to be, pro’s can design anything.
05 Dear Future Architects … jump to 34:42
Understand that architecture requires commitment and desire.
Becoming an architect isn’t about thinking it sounds cool or liking to draw; it’s a calling that demands dedication.
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One of the key aspects of being successful in architecture is understanding that it requires commitment and desire. Architecture isn’t just about sketching cool designs or playing the role of a “tortured artist.” It’s a job that requires time, effort, and a deep understanding of yourself so you can design in a productive and fulfilling way without feeling like a sellout. Balancing the artist’s role with the demands of working for someone else is part of the job, but the truth is, if you have the dedication and put in the time, it’s a career that rewards that effort.
The workaholic mentality is something that I recognize in myself, and while I don’t like downtime, I also know that the work I’ve done—volunteering, blogging, and more—has profoundly changed my career trajectory. Commitment and effort are critical, not just for personal satisfaction but because architecture is an industry full of people with that level of dedication. If you don’t have that same level of commitment, you’re up against people who do. While it’s not always healthy, that’s the reality of this profession. The people who succeed in architecture are those who are willing to put in the time and dedication, even if it means working more than the standard nine-to-five.
06 Dear Future Architects … jump to 41:00
Master time management to avoid last-minute changes.
Effective time management helps prevent unnecessary last-minute work that doesn’t contribute meaningfully to your project … or your life.
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One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years is to master time management to avoid last-minute changes. It’s not just about getting things done on time, but giving yourself options. When you manage your time effectively, you can tackle tasks early, fix mistakes, and improve things before they get out of hand. This is better than dealing with everything at the last second, which is why I’m not a fan of procrastination. Sure, some people are motivated by a time crunch, but I believe effective time management gives you the freedom to handle situations without unnecessary stress.
For me, the key is understanding that time management affects not just your own work but the entire team. If you procrastinate and finish things at the last minute, you limit the options for others. When I work with younger designers, I often see this issue—if they wait until the last second, it impacts my ability to do my work properly. That’s why I stress the importance of planning ahead. Whether it’s submitting drawings or preparing a project, planning for the unexpected and building in extra time ensures smooth collaboration and avoids last-minute mistakes. Time management is crucial in every aspect of our work—it impacts not only your own success but the success of the entire team.
07 Dear Future Architects … jump to 47:36
Recognize that architecture is more than just designing buildings.
Understanding the broader responsibilities of an architect can provide a more comprehensive view of the profession.
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One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that architecture is more than just designing buildings. This idea really hit home for me once I transitioned into the commercial architecture world. In small firms, everyone tends to view themselves as a designer, but in larger firms, people have specialized roles. Project Architects may not want to be designers, and Project Managers may not want to be Project Architects. As you gain experience, you start to realize that certain roles suit your interests, skills, and passion. There’s a place for everyone in architecture—whatever you’re great at, you can focus on that. The key is finding a firm that recognizes your strengths and aligns with your aspirations.
Interestingly, success in architecture doesn’t solely rely on being a fantastic designer. You can be incredibly successful in practice even if you weren’t great at design in school. I’ve seen many architects who weren’t top designers in school but went on to have successful careers. In school, design is often treated as the most important skill, but in the real world, there are many paths to success. The important thing is to recognize that there’s a role for everyone, and understanding what you’re good at will help guide you toward the right opportunities.
08 Dear Future Architects … jump to 51:05
Don’t let math anxiety deter you from pursuing architecture.
Basic math skills are sufficient for most architectural tasks; advanced math is rarely used.
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One of the big concerns that holds people back from pursuing architecture is math anxiety, but in reality, the math involved in architecture is much simpler than what you might expect. The math I did in college—things like physics, statics, and Euclidean Geometry—was far more complex than anything I’ve had to do professionally. Once you’re out in the field, most of the math is simple feet and inches, and the complicated stuff, like force diagrams, is rarely required. You don’t have to worry about these advanced math concepts taking over your career.
In school, math courses like calculus or physics are considered “weed-out” classes, and while they can be challenging, they’re not an indicator of your success as an architect. Even if you struggle with math in school, you can still excel in the profession. I also had a similar experience with physics; one of my classmates found it incredibly easy, while I struggled with it. But in the end, none of that complicated math is going to be a barrier once you’re practicing architecture. You’ll do fine—just focus on getting through those classes and understand that the math involved in actual architectural work is much simpler and more practical.
09 Dear Future Architects … jump to 54:57
Develop strong communication skills for presentations and interviews.
Being able to clearly articulate your design concepts is crucial during critiques and presentations.
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One of the most important skills in architecture, and in any profession, is strong communication. Being able to clearly articulate your design concepts is crucial, not only for critiques and feedback but also for presentations. I’ve realized over time that being able to stand in front of a room and talk off the cuff is a skill you develop—something I’ve honed especially through this podcast. It’s an undervalued skill that we often overlook in our early careers.
Many schools don’t prioritize teaching students how to communicate effectively. Being able to explain your ideas to someone without an architectural background in a way they can understand and relate to is incredibly valuable. It’s not just about design skills—it’s about being able to justify and explain those skills to others, especially clients. The best designers I know are often the worst communicators, while those who may not be great designers are often the best at explaining their ideas.
For anyone entering the field, I’d say the most important skill to develop is the ability to communicate why you did what you did and why it has value, in a way that anyone can understand. It’s a skill that can set you apart and help you succeed, regardless of your design ability. The more you work on this skill, the better you’ll be at explaining and convincing others of the value of your work
10 Dear Future Architects … jump to 58:08
Understand that hard work is evident in your output.
Consistent effort and dedication are noticeable and valued in the architectural field.
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One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that hard work is evident in your output. Consistent effort and dedication are both noticeable and valuable. Whether you’re in design or project management, being someone who consistently delivers what’s expected allows others to trust you and give you more responsibility. If I can count on you to complete tasks with the same level of care that I would, that shows true reliability, and it makes everyone’s job easier.
As I’ve moved into a managerial role, I’ve come to realize that the people I trust to handle tasks are the ones I want to support and promote. I want to reward those who consistently do great work and make the team stronger. This kind of effort might not always be recognized right away, but the good leaders will notice it and appreciate it. This is a principle that should apply to all aspects of life, but in our profession, it’s especially true. If you’re the one doing the work and showing dedication, you will be noticed and rewarded for your efforts, even if it’s not always verbalized.
Hypothetical jump to 61:14
Today’s question comes to you a question that I seem to find myself asking every time I think about playing the lottery …
You have the option for your own use, of receiving either $1.25M towards the construction of residence of your own design, or $3.0M towards the purchase of an existing house – which path do you go? Neither house is eligible for resell and should not be a consideration in your decision and land cost is a consideration of your budget.
C’mon … is there really a choice here? While I try and make this a difficult question to process and answer, as someone who has designed houses for others for a large portion of their career, it is a dream of mine to design a house for myself. Even if that house is a 3 room shack, I still want to do it.
Ep 174: Dear Future Architects …
So there you go … 10 conversation starters that are worth however much time you have to spend talking about them. All of the items we choose to discuss today (and there were 50 on the list) are things that I can verify the validity of this information and the role if would have on shaping not only your career, but quite possibly your life.
Cheers,
