What Type Of Person Thrives In The Architecture Industry According To An Architect At AIA
To thrive in architecture, one must be a "multitasker," a "critical thinker," and possess creativity, along with a well-rounded skill set encompassing artistic, mathematical, and writing abilities. The ability to think "out of the box," a keen attention to detail, and a focused approach are crucial given the life-safety implications of the profession.
Problem-Solving, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Attention to Detail, Multitasking
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. Individuals who thrive in the architecture industry are highly skilled multitaskers capable of managing numerous projects simultaneously.
2. A successful architect must be a creative and critical thinker, able to develop innovative and well-rounded solutions while also possessing strong attention to detail.
3. Architects need to be well-rounded, possessing artistic, mathematical, spatial reasoning, and writing skills. A focused and detail-oriented approach is essential for ensuring building safety and meeting project deadlines
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in this industry?
The first word that comes to mind is "multitaskers." We have to know so many layers of information. We might have six projects going on at the same time, at different phases, and we need to be on the ball with all of them, every single level of detail.
We have to be able to do critical path planning and prioritize based upon deadlines, et cetera. You have to be able to multitask. You have to be a critical thinker. You have to be creative; you have to be an out-of-the-box thinker.
That's why some of my students, whether I was teaching architecture and engineering in high school or at the college level, some of the most brilliant students I had in terms of design had some learning differences. They thrived in my non-traditional class setup.
They were able to think more out of the box. They had very unique solutions and designs. You have to know a lot about a lot. You need to be artistic, mathematical, spatial, even a good writer. So you have to be well-rounded in everything.
You have to be focused because of the seriousness of designing a building and ensuring it meets life safety codes. People's lives are dependent on your knowledge of that. You have to really be focused and have an attention to detail like you wouldn't believe.
Then, on the lighter side, I think we're kind of quirky people. We're a bit nerdy. We have to have the obligatory, extensive wardrobe of black, and I think overall, we're pretty hip people.