Most Important Skills For An Architect At AIA
Laurie, an architect, emphasizes the importance of "really good listening skills" and empathy in understanding client needs, while also highlighting the crucial role of visualization, advanced math skills (like calculus and trigonometry), and surprisingly, strong writing skills – a skill which opened many opportunities for the professional.
Communication, Problem-Solving, Visualization, Mathematics, Writing
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Laurie Friedman
Architect
AIA Architect
University of California, Los Angeles and University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Master of Architecture
Architecture, Interior Design, Fine Arts, Music
Architecture, Construction & Design, Consulting & Related Professional Services
Creative
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Strong listening and empathy skills are crucial for understanding client needs and avoiding imposing personal preferences.
2. Advanced math skills (calculus and trigonometry) are essential, even with CAD software.
3. Excellent writing skills are surprisingly valuable for communication, research, and career advancement opportunities in architecture.
Transcript
What skills are most important for a job like yours?
This is one thing about being an architect: you have to know so much and possess a multitude of skills. First and foremost, you need really good listening skills. You don't want to impose your sensibilities and values onto a project if they don't represent what the client wants.
Listening skills and empathy are very important. Then there are the other skills integral to being an accomplished architect, like the ability to visualize in your mind's eye. My art background really came in handy with this.
Of course, you have to have advanced math skills. I use math constantly, mostly calculus and trigonometry. While CAD makes it easier, you still need to be aware of the underlying principles.
Believe it or not, you also need good writing skills. I was often noticed in graduate architecture school because I was a good writer. Architects often have a reputation for not being able to spell or write well.
However, strong writing skills opened up many opportunities for me, such as research assistantships while I was in school. You also need problem-solving skills. You must be able to absorb and recall a multitude of variables and information. Then, you need the ability to synthesize it into one, hopefully very clever, solution that addresses the issues at hand.