8 Tips to Have Success in an Architectural Career

Going to school to study architecture is no mean feat. It takes several years and includes a lot of theoretical classes along with backbreaking intensive projects to hone skills. Finding a great firm to work with to build up experience is another challenge. On top of that, getting an architectural license is also another element to surpass.

All of these elements come together to help propel an architect’s firm to succeed in securing clients. But work doesn’t stop at all and is a continuous process. An architect, even the established ones, can never be too complacent because there is competition waiting to pounce everywhere. Staying on top of the game is vital to ensure continued growth, expansion, and success. Here are some tips to keep in mind to enjoy a good architectural career.

Do Not Fear Failure

This does not mean seeking to fail in projects. However, it is acknowledging that failure and setbacks can happen from time to time. In a field like architecture, wherein projects hinge on suppliers, sometimes delays are inevitable and some clients can get disappointed.

The important thing to remember is to not wallow in pity, own up to the mistake, and learn from it. People can only truly grow when they undergo challenges. Learning from mistakes is a crucial component of maturity and learning.

Focus on a Niche

Find an area of interest or a niche and become the resident expert in that area. This is critical in making yourself indispensable in a firm. Working hard to achieve expertise includes putting in long hours, attending conferences, updating skills through seminars, learning from superiors, and the like.

If an architect is able to expand his knowledge base, he will be able to share what he knows with everyone in the firm. This will make the architect an important asset to the team and will earn the respect of his peers. This will also play a crucial part when the time comes to ask for a raise.

Find Good Mentors

Fellow architects who have been in the industry for longer make good mentors. An architect must find these people who have the skills and the standing that they aspire to. Mentors help with career development, and their encouragement and lesson can actually become instrumental for career advancements.

Consistently meet with them and establish a good relationship, so in case the need for help arises, seeking their advice and professional input becomes easier.

Return the Favor

It is critical to be in a give and take relationship. Think of new ideas that can also be shared with a mentor. On top of that, learning from someone means not being selfish.

An architect who picks up new ideas from a mentor must also be willing to pass on the knowledge to help others.

Think of giving in-office seminars or doing tutorials. This will elevate the team’s knowledge. More importantly, the architect imparting the knowledge will be seen as a good leader and a selfless team player.

Build an Awesome Network

Architecture is a profession that is under, in some ways, the service industry. Architects must be able to satisfy clients to build a good client base. The ability to expand a firm’s reach depends on networking because finding jobs and opportunities becomes so much easier when bridges are built.

Give Quality Service

In relation to the former tip, giving quality service is vital to an architect’s success. Quality service means listening to what the clients need and want. Being able to address those is the defining factor of success.

An architect will only be able to build a strong client base if he has a roster of happy and satisfied clientele. It is important to note that these days, traditional advertising no longer works. People prefer to ask for referrals and read online testimonials.

The only way to get good and satisfying reviews is to get them from happy clients.

Enhance Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking is an essential trait to have for any architect. Speaking to clients and making presentations to a conference room of people are typical scenarios in this career path. Thus, it is essential to be comfortable to speak in public. A nervous person will come out as unsure and unprofessional.

If an architect wants to get an account, he must carry himself with confidence and speak eloquently. On top of that, the architect must be able to explain details with ease. This means relaxing with the architectural jargon and explaining everything easily in layman’s terms that the clients will understand clearly.

Do Self-Promotion

There is no shame in promoting one’s self. An architect must leverage social media, where practically everyone hangs out. With every single person owning a tablet, mobile phone, laptop, and desktop, social media channels are in everyone’s fingertips. Thus, it is essential for an architect to be present on FB, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

These social media platforms are a great way to show designs and plans that will increase followers. On top of that, social media is a place where direct feedback and interaction with a potential client happens. An architect that wants to be successful in this modern, digital world must get with the program and be active on social media.

These are general tips that any architect must work with in order to stay ahead of the competition. Designing buildings, homes, skyscrapers can’t be done by just anyone. Being in this position is a privilege that not many can afford to enjoy. Every architect must realize that being in this profession is a blessing because they have the power to change the skyline of a city and they also have the capability of designing buildings that can turn into historical landmarks that withstand the test of time.

With that being said, if you’re looking to update your portfolio and don’t want to start from scratch, we offer a number of portfolio templates that can be used to save you time. Click the image below to be taken to our portfolio page.

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