It never fails. As humans we develop little everyday habits to get us through each day. Some are good, some not so good. So I got to thinking about what workplace habits I had gotten used to and if any may be setting me back. And yep, sure enough there were a few. Let’s look at the quick list of some of the mistakes I came up with that may be holding you back as an Architect.
You’re Over Complicating the Simple Solutions
Have you ever just stared at you computer screen or sketch book trying tirelessly to figure out a amazing design solution for your project? You’re trying so hard to be original and think outside the box that the best solution is right in front of you!
It took me a while to finally figure out the saying “it’s already been done” is actually VERY true. There’s a reason all the other design solutions you crumpled up and threw in the trash didn’t work; because the best solution has probably already been figured out.
The key is to search for this answer to your problem and then make it all your own.
You Don’t Branch Out for Different Building Types
Ok, so this one IS a little tricky. It is incredibly difficult to branch out of our comfort zones to try and design a building type we’ve never done before.
A lot of firms and Architects tend to specialize in specific building types; you have firms that specialize in Educational facilities, Hospitality and hotels, Apartments, or Residential.
And while I think firms need to find and hone their design niche, it is still so important to branch out when the opportunity presents itself.
Challenging yourself to design other projects types gives you more opportunity to grow as a designer and architect. You’re pushed to research the project, learn different aspects of how Code will review it, and dive into the potential issues that may arise during design development.
You’re not Challenging Yourself
Naturally, this is a perfect way to move into the second mistake you may not even know you are doing as an Architect: you just plain aren’t challenging yourself in your designs!
Most people say that Architects are NEVER done learning, and I’d have to 100% agree. Our industry is ever changing by means of Codes, costs, the economy, sustainable practices, among other things. Add in the fact that licensed Architects are required to obtain continuing education credits for their license and you are just going to grow professionally!
Every project should have something in it you’ve never done before. Something you’ve pushed yourself with on each project. It could be a huge elaborate canopy design, or a small trim detail that takes the millwork to the next level.
You Aren’t Paying Attention to the Details
We’ve all heard the saying, “The devil’s in the details” right? Well it could not be more true than in design work.
I think it’s just how Architects and designers are wired (or trained) but I cannot NOT see bad, after-thought design. Termination points, threshold details, material changes, are some of my biggest pet peeves.
Sometimes these moments can really break an otherwise great design. So give your designs that little extra!
You’re Being Just Too Plain Serious
Like one of my favorite employers would say, “Architecture CAN BE FUN!” And he’s right! Too often Architects and Designers bog themselves down with the how stressful the job can be.
We are constantly answering emails and phone calls, assisting the contractors and assuring our clients that everything will be great; to just trust the process. But issues will always pop up with every job. Always.
I’ll be honest, this is one mistake that I continuously make with my chosen field. Sometimes I have to sit back and make myself look at the exciting, fun part of being able to design hole buildings from just a tiny grain of an idea in my head.
It’s a pretty amazing thing when you think about it!
So there you go! Are you making any of these little mistakes while working? Have you noticed yourself doing anything else that might be holding you back from your full architectural potential? Let me know!
