NOVEMBER 13 Don’t think about yourself as an architect, but think about yourself having a certain set of skills that are applicable to a lot of different things. Think about your place in the “broadened field of architecture.” You will be able to determine where you fit into this field if you are honest with yourself about the skills that you have. Do not try to do something that you are not able to do. Even more importantly, be honest with yourself about what you like to do. The great opportunity that comes with the broadened field of architecture is a job description that fits exactly what you know and love. The way that Adam framed this was, “if you don’t like the conversation that you find yourself to be a part of, then change the conversation.” What I believe he meant by this was to find people who are having the conversation that you want to be a part of. I think you would set yourself up for a lot of success if you can find people and work that you truly have a passion for. A lot of people will say that they have a passion for architecture, but what is it really about architecture that you love? Sitting at a desk in an architecture firm does not ensure that you will be engaged in your
passion. Find something that engages you and that is also relevant to architecture, if that is your passion. It was also inspiring to hear Adam’s opinion that there are “probably a hundred” different things out there that you love to do. All you have to do is find one of them. If you are not satisfied with just one of them, then find something that allows you to engage six or eight of them. In the process, you will probably find a hundred new things that you like that you didn’t even know existed before. Bottom line - there is no reason to spend your time doing something that doesn’t interest you. I think Adam has a great point about finding what you truly love to do. I think it is important to put yourself around people who you can learn from early in your career. You may not find these people in your dream job at age twenty - four, but as soon as you have some critical base of knowledge, I agree with Adam. Go find something that you love and lead an inspired career. It is really important and valuable advice. Also advice that is not easy to commit to. But you have to commit, I am sure it’s worth it.
49 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE