Main Responsibilities Of An Architect At Climate Architecture And Development
Amy, owner of CLIMATE Architecture + Development, wears many hats, juggling client meetings and "hearing about their dreams and hopes" with the introspective work of "sitting and drawing," balancing creative design with the business demands of running a firm, including managing employees and tracking billable hours amidst numerous other responsibilities. The firm's unique niche involves both client-driven projects and independent developments where they identify community needs, showcasing a diverse and multifaceted career path.
Project Management, Communication, Problem-Solving, Entrepreneurship, Client Relations
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Amy Cooney
Architect, Landscape Design
CLIMATE Architecture + Development
University of Virginia
University of Pennsylvania
Architecture, Interior Design
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management
Creative
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Owning and operating a design firm requires a wide range of skills, including client interaction, design work, and business management.
2. Balancing extroverted tasks like client meetings with introverted tasks like design work is a crucial aspect of the job.
3. The role involves not only design but also administrative tasks such as managing employees, budgets, and deadlines, highlighting the importance of strong organizational skills.
Transcript
What are your main responsibilities within your current role?
I am the owner of Climate Architecture, and I also own a design firm. To do this, you actually have to be a licensed architect or designer.
Both my husband and I are architects. My responsibilities involve meeting with clients, discussing their dreams and hopes. This is for commercial clients.
We are also a development firm, Climate Architecture and Development. Sometimes we buy projects and notice that the city needs something. We find an available piece of property, and those projects are different because we don't have clients.
We've cultivated a niche where we do many things and wear many hats. We're creatives, and we like to do a lot of different things. This involves being a little extroverted, meeting with people and hearing about their projects. It also involves a lot of introverted time, sitting and drawing, and quietly coming up with plans.
We have little inspiration boards. I only have one employee at the time, my husband John. But we've had up to 10 employees, so communicating that vision to everyone in the firm is part of my role. This includes managing deadlines and keeping calendars.
What is not my responsibility is the financial stuff. My husband John was an accountant before he was an architect, which is perfect. He handles all the financial aspects.
I do have to keep track of my hours, which is difficult. I have to write down what I do each day and for which client. Sometimes, you'll have an eight or ten-hour day and only two billable hours. This can be due to downloading software, moving the office, or ordering supplies.
My responsibilities cover many different things. I try to keep track of billable hours so I can invoice clients and get paid.
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