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Blake, Business Development | Design Professional at Cushing Terrell: Advize Career Interview
A career path starting in architecture production, expanding to business development and project management, offers a dynamic blend of technical skill and client interaction.
The role involves architectural production using 3D modeling software, business development through client interfacing, and direct interaction with city officials regarding permitting processes.
Days are filled with project management, team coordination, and problem-solving, enriched by a positive work environment.
Success demands strong computer and organizational skills, while on-site experiences and client interactions provide continuous learning.
Challenges, such as lacking technical training of a BS, are overcome through internships and experience. Fulfillment comes from seeing designs evolve into tangible structures and representing a company to ensure client satisfaction.
Those who thrive are dedicated learners passionate about sustainability. While salaries may start lower, commitment to a firm can lead to growth.
Entry-level positions offer valuable learning experiences, preparing individuals for future leadership. Paying attention to detail and thoroughly reviewing work are crucial for success.
Hands-on extracurricular activities like a construction club provide real-world experience and a competitive edge.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Blake Cronin
Business Development | Design Professional
Cushing Terrell
Univeristy of San Diego
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Architecture, Interior Design
Construction
Creative
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Career Path of a Design Professional at Cushing Terrell
Blake studied architecture and interned at a large Dallas firm, gaining experience in "architecture production work", before COVID led to a role at a small Colorado firm where Blake learned directly from the principal; this springboarded into a role at Cushing Terrell in Seattle, where Blake's design professional title has expanded to include business development and project management responsibilities, handling permits and coordinating with contractors.
Main Responsibilities of a Business Development Design Professional at Cushing Terrell
Blake's role at Cushing Terrell involves a dual focus: architectural production using 3D modeling software for projects from as-built models to demolition and new work, and business development which includes client interfacing and maintaining relationships through events, a "fun part of the job" for sociable individuals. With increasing experience, responsibilities now include direct interaction with city officials regarding permitting processes, a departure from the previous "do the drawings, hand it off" routine, showcasing growth and a more hands-on approach.
A Day In The Life Of An Architect At Cushing Terrell
A design professional's day involves a blend of project management and constant team coordination to meet deadlines that are weeks or months out, often requiring quick problem-solving, such as when the structural engineer calls and says "Hey, we found some rebar in the slab here," triggering a flurry of communication with the owner and interiors team, all made easier by collaborative 3D modeling software. The workday is also punctuated by team-building activities like rooftop grilling for lunch and "beer 30" happy hours, fostering a positive work environment.
Most Important Skills For A Design Professional At Cushing Terrell
For a Business Development | Design Professional at Cushing Terrell, strong computer skills are essential, encompassing proficiency in Adobe Suite, Unreal Engine, and 3D modeling software - "we're practically building video games. You just don't play them. We just look at them" - complemented by organizational skills for managing digital communication, while the ability to quickly sketch spatial plans by hand, though "not as prevalent today," remains a valuable asset for client presentations and inspiring colleagues.
Favorite Parts of Being a Design Professional at Cushing Terrell
Blake enjoys the diverse interactions and continuous learning opportunities in their role, highlighted by on-site experiences where they gain practical knowledge from general contractors about real-world construction challenges that "you wouldn't see in a drawing". Representing the company, team, and service by "being the face of that is an honor," coupled with delivering on promises and ensuring client satisfaction, also brings fulfillment.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Design Professional at Cushing Terrell
Blake's biggest challenge stems from a BA degree lacking the technical training of a BS, requiring a steeper "learning curve" to understand the practical aspects of the industry; this is combatted by recommending internships to see "how the machine runs." Ultimately, unrealistic client deadlines are also a challenge, but are an expected part of the architecture field, as "that's just the way we roll."
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Architecture Industry As A Design Professional
Blake enjoys the tangible nature of the design and construction industry, finding fulfillment in seeing a project evolve "from pen to paper idea" into a completed, "grand big built thing." Unlike other industries where one might not experience the direct outcome of their efforts, this profession allows one to "really put yourself inside of that project" and visualize all the hard work in a concrete way.
What type of person thrives in the Design industry, according to a Design Professional at Cushing Terrell
Blake believes people who thrive in the business development and design industry are "nose down grinders" who prioritize learning and delivering the best possible product, and mentions an example of someone who moved to New York willing to be paid "nothing" to learn under the best architect. Those passionate about sustainability also excel, particularly in areas like Seattle where clients highly value sustainable and recycled products.
What A Designer At Cushing Terrell Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Design Industry
Blake wishes someone had told about lower salary expectations and that promotions happen roughly every "five years or so," requiring commitment to a firm to climb to the top, and also highlighting that to "make a ton of money" you must either open up one's own practice or stick it out and become a principal within the firm. Finding the right firm is also critical because project types are dictated by the firm's specialization, influencing one's career path.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Business Developers And Architects At Cushing Terrell
Blake suggests that entry-level positions such as "junior Architect" or "architect in training" involve a lot of production work like redlining and assisting senior staff, but emphasizes that these tasks are valuable learning experiences, providing exposure to the rationale behind design decisions and how issues are mitigated, ultimately preparing individuals to advance and eventually be "calling the shots".
Significant Career Lesson From a Design Professional at Cushing Terrell
Blake learned the hard way the importance of slowing down and thoroughly reviewing work before submitting it. As a Design Professional, "just paying attention" and ensuring the "right things [are] in the right places" is key to avoiding costly errors and keeping clients happy, hence the "stop, review, send" sticky note.
College Experiences That Helped A Design Professional At Cushing Terrell Succeed
To prepare for a successful career, Blake suggests actively participating in extracurricular activities aligned with one's studies, such as the construction club "Traffic," because engaging in hands-on experiences like planning, drawing, budgeting, and value engineering, provides "very real world experience of what the industry is" beyond the standard curriculum and sets one apart from their peers. Blake believes that involvement in activities like Traffic is essential for success, noting, "the ones that did [participate] definitely ended up better for it."
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