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.
Architecture, Business Development, Project Management, Entry-Level, Career Progression
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Blake Cronin
Business Development | Design Professional
Cushing Terrell
Univeristy of San Diego
Architecture, Interior Design
Architecture, Construction & Design, Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Creative
Video Highlights
1. Gaining experience at different sized firms (small firm with one employee vs. larger firm) provided varied learning opportunities and career trajectory.
2. The importance of finding firms that value skills and experience even without an accredited architecture degree.
3. Transitioning from a design professional role to incorporating business development responsibilities and project management highlights career growth and adaptability.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Did you have any internships or jobs before your current role?
I studied architecture at USD and returned home to Dallas. In the summer, I worked for a large architecture firm there, doing production work and picking up red lines, five days a week in the office. It was a really good experience, helping me understand the professional process.
I graduated in 2020, during COVID. I needed to find something to do, so I ended up at a small firm in Colorado where I was the only employee. I learned a lot working directly under the principal.
After a year, I moved to Seattle. There, I found a firm based out of Montana, C.T. Arch, who didn't require an accredited architecture degree. USD does not provide one, which can be troublesome for many large firms. However, these guys were great and took me under their wing.
They placed me in an entry-level position, and I've continued to learn. My title is Design Professional, but I've taken on more business development responsibilities. Now, I'm in a higher role, closer to a project manager. I handle city permits and coordinate with general contractors, electricians, and others.
Starting small after college is great because it helps you get your bearings in the professional world. You can learn a lot directly from someone and then springboard into a bigger, more holistic role.