a legacy marked by hard work

photo credit: merobson, http://www.flickr.com/photos/merobson/3334684475/sizes/m/

One of the thoughts that were commonly presented by the firm leaders was the concept of “hard work” or “working hard.” It seems appropriate that architects would be talking about “hard work” because that is one of our signature traits after all. On any campus in the U.S. where there is an architecture school, I venture to assert that not a minute goes by when the building is unoccupied during academic sessions.

We could all agree that thinking about how to work “smarter” is a key goal for any of us. Perhaps, most of all, I am thinking about our privilege in America where hard work is ideally, directly rewarded via Capitalism. We could work our fingers to the bones and not be appropriately compensated if we lived in other areas of the world. So, to me, it was inspirational to hear the stories of the firm leaders who forged their way to success by a devoted belief that a bit of suffering now can yield a bigger return later down the road. 

Personality in Architecture

Design is personal.  The objects and environments that shape our environment shape us.

For designers and architects, the people at the front end of the design process who make the decisions that shape these objects and environments, the process is somewhat reversed.  In the same way that every artist’s work could be considered a self-portrait, the final constructions of architects bear the identity of the designer’s hand.  A Wright house will not look like a Johnson house. A Meyer museum will have a different personality than a Gehry museum.  A Foster skyscraper will be totally different than a Nouvel.

But this is an illusory image, idealistic and fantastic.  The idea that a larger than life design personality simply arrives in town to build structures which bear their signature identity like little gifts given out of some magical workshop far, far away, that these gifts are given only on seldom occasions and are in fact unwrapped with ribbon cuttings prior to opening reminds me of a much deeper cultural belief in fantasy. 

 

Our first Vision class discussed the topic of legacy and leadership in Architecture.  Firm leaders presented what they believed about the profession and the candidates presented what inspires them to pursue design.  What struck me most about these presentations was the deeply personal motivation shared by all for pursuing architecture as a profession.  No one is doing it for the money, because there isn’t any.  No one is doing it for the fame, because it doesn’t exist. They are doing it because they care, they want to give, and they have the talents to do it.

I made some notes during our conversation and wanted to consider the following statements as it relates to personality in architecture.

“Be true to yourself. Don’t wear a mask.”

It’s easy for Peter Zumthor to be true to himself. He has a practice that is established, a history of successful, beautiful buildings, and the unique privilege of not having to pursue clients – they pursue him.  But how do you be true to yourself as you are still learning and trying to grow your expertise?  How do you not wear a mask but still pull a rabbit out of your hat?

“Know thyself. Sell Thyself”

Every project is unique.  This is exciting and challenging and what makes design so interesting.  But how can you know that you’ve never done something before and still sell the service?  How can you both promise quality and performance and at the same time own mistakes and shortcomings, knowing that design and construction will be messy and mistakes will happen?

“It’s not the grades you make, but the hands you shake”

Architecture is a service business and as such is based in people.  It is not a remote profession (although technology allows us to practice this way more and more and I would argue that remote design has the same effects as remote wars on the mental health of the professionals and outcomes of a particular problem).  You have to be there, to listen, to see, and to shake the hands and look in the eyes of the people for whom you are designing.

In the end, architecture is for people and architecture is for life.  And life is messy, full of joy and sadness.  What we offer as architects is not signature design, but a personality and process, a way of thinking through design problems and finding the best solution from our personal experience.  We can’t promise trophies, but we can guarantee that we will lead the process to the best of our abilities and that we will do it with joy, hard work, and personality.  In return, we don't need fame and fortune, just the opportunity to create and give. Of course some milk and cookies would be nice too.

Legacy

We will all leave a legacy of some sort, both with our family and in our career. It’s up to each individual to decide what their legacy will be. In order to create an architectural legacy of magnitude you need to accomplish three things:

1. Create projects of enduring worth. Your projects must stand the test of time.
2. Develop a protégé of significance. In order to continue on your legacy, you must develop those to help carry your vision into the future. 
3.  Have colleagues in the community at-large that respect you and your work. In order to create a legacy that endures you must be revered beyond your own community or firm.

Architectural Inspiration

Our first session for Season 3 of AIA Vision Program kicked off last week with a focus on Practice Legacy.  Each candidate was asked to give a short presentation on what we consider to be our greatest inspiration regarding our architectural practice.  In considering much of the minutiae that inspires and affects my everyday practice, it was more obvious for me to look back to my original roots of inspiration that pushed my decision to enter college and major in Architecture. 

The ability to craft and shape the built environment is the foundational inspiration I attempt to implement into my daily practice.  From monumental wonders of the world to modern buildings that challenge the preconceived notions of their typology, we as Architects get to do what very few other professions do, start with a blank sheet of paper to convey a creative idea that will define a spatial experience.  We are orchestrators of the built enviornment, and no matter the type of project, scale, or intended use, Architects have the unique opportunity to leave a mark on civilization.  So as you start your next project, or perhaps are already working on that crutial detail that will define your building's aesthetic, remember it started with a blank sheet of paper & an idea. 

Dear Vision class 2013 or should I say Season 3,

Welcome! You are about to embark on a year-long journey that will allow you to grow as an Architect, Community Leader, Firm Leader, Mentor, and Businessman/woman. This is a wonderful opportunity and I hope you all take full advantage of it. You get out of it what you put into it which can be a tremendous amount. Have fun and be a sponge – soak up all you can, including a couple brewskies in the late afternoon.

On behalf of Season 2, a.k.a. the Midwest Twelve – GOOD LUCK!

Christie Boron

THANK YOU AIA VISION 2011-2012

 

Words can't express my gratitude towards Doug Richards and Marcie Kinney for their countless hours dedicated to this program and participants this year. What a wonderful opportunity it has been for all of us. This has been such a rewarding year. We have all been exposed to so many innovative and inspiring leaders in our industry. I know I will be a better architect, leader, and person because of this program.

 

 

 

Doug - As I said in  my final presentation, your dedication to this program and the causes that you hold close to your heart is an absolute inspiration to all of us. You have motivated all of us to try harder and give more.

Marcie - Your leadership as a young accomplished woman in the world of architecture has been inspiring for me. I am looking forward to becoming an architectural leader in our city with you by my side.

Pro-Bono: A Means to an End or a Means to THE END

One of the topics of discussion that has been common place in the past 8 months of sessions has been the benefits and down falls of giving our work away.  In many instances, by “giving away” our services to entities that have the means to pay for our expertise, this could have the opposite effect of what we would hope pro-bono work to have and further degrade the value of having an architect involved in the process of building the world around us.  I would argue that in the right circumstances, this work can be fulfilling, engrain our leaders firmly in the community, and truly raise the benefit of having an architect lead the charge of any project in the eyes of the general public.

We all know that there are multiple reasons that we spend countless hours toiling away at our offices.  To name just a few, most of us fell in love with the prospect of the well-designed built environment and the effects that it can have on the people that come in contact with it. It tends to be in our nature to want to create and to refine down to the way that components are joined together to make it “just right”.  Of course, we also have the basic need to provide for our families.

At our day to day jobs, not every project that comes across our desk, for various reasons, has the potential to energize us on almost a spiritual level.  Be it budget, the prospect of a strictly utilitarian program, or something as simple as replacing a roof on a strip mall, some jobs just don’t get your heart racing or keep you thinking about solutions long into the night (unless a constraining schedule is the case).

When projects are chosen carefully, to appeal to the altruistic nature that many of us have and truly do some good for those around us, pro-bono work can be that catalyst for energizing the spirit, showcasing what we are capable of, and leading towards becoming a trusted advisor within our communities. 

When projects are done, not strictly to affect the bottom line, but because it is helping a sector of the community that otherwise would not have the means to come in contact with good design or helping a cause that is close to our hearts, they can have lasting effects:  

• When people are made to feel a part of something, they by nature become more invested and interested in the outcome and become your biggest cheerleader and brightest students.
• Altruistic work usually either has a challenging budget, challenging problem, or both.  This provides a vehicle with which to showcase our problem solving abilities to work within tight constraints and make a project sing. 

When these come together, this work can be extremely satisfying and energizing, can build long lasting relationships, and engrain us into the community.  While I do feel that “giving away” our services can be an extreme detriment to our profession; when the right circumstances come along, these types of endeavors every now and then can help to put us on the path to becoming that trusted advisor again and hopefully keeps us involved at the beginning of every project.