Ask the Editors
Dear Editors,
I am a mother of a young woman of thirteen who loves to design and build, everything from miniature rooms to imaginary islands to Minecraft houses (more than I can count). Do you have any advice for how to nurture and support her interests?
Summer camp (virtual as there don't appear to be any in my area of Richmond, VA) suggestions? Book suggestions? What do you think is the most important subjects for her to focus on at middle school and high school? Thank you.
Nicole
Dear Nicole,
I loved receiving this question - this really took me back to my childhood and school years, and to memories of drawing, drawing, and more drawing, as well as all the wonderful people in my life (my own mom, my teachers) who supported me and my creative focus.
As this relates to architecture, what I learned in my freshman year at Cornell AAP is that your first year is all about breaking down any preconceived notions a student has about architecture, so that there are no limits in their imagination about what architecture can be. For this reason, my advice is as follows as it relates to making, visual stimulation, and learning about the world at large:
Continue to encourage her making - Encourage all forms of creation - drawing, designing, building, painting, sculpture, digital artwork, writing, etc. This will expose her to all the possible mediums through which to convey her ideas, and demonstrate that every form of making has its own advantages. If she does study architecture in the future, she will be well prepared as there are so many ways through which we convey our ideas. In addition to this, encourage her to keep a record (a sketchbook, a book where she compiles photos of all that she makes, or the like) of it all - I am convinced that part of the reason I got into Cornell’s architecture program is because I brought my high school art class process sketchbook to my admissions interview, and my interviewer was really enthusiastic about walking through it. If you guys haven’t photographed the miniature rooms she makes and has made, totally do!
Think of things for her to see - My parents took me everywhere they could when I was growing up (and on a limited budget!): outside for walks around the city, to museums and galleries no matter how small or under-the-radar, theatre performances (many are streaming virtually at this time), the ballet, and more. Diana Vreeland, one of Vogue’s most significant editors-in-chief, talks about the eye having to travel, and I feel like this was exactly my parents’ motto when I was growing up. There is such a plethora of things online now, museum exhibits too, that I’d encourage her to stay as visually engaged as possible with a lot of different things.
Stay in touch with other disciplines and current events - Architects are generalists, and since we’re visual communicators, knowing a lot about the thing we are trying to communicate is always helpful. To this end, I’d encourage her to be well-rounded in middle and high school! I certainly focused most on my math and art classes, but looking back on it now, history was a key class and assessing how events of the time translated into a nation’s architecture and arts was fascinating. Similarly, so much of architecture is about human stories - the way we live - that English was also an important subject for that. At the same time, chemistry and physics involved labs and making with your hands…you can see now what I mean by well-rounded, ha!
In addition, I’ve crowdsourced some resources and tips from our Madame Architect readers and Instagram followers. Some of their (very enthusiastic!) suggestions - our readers loved this inquiry too:
“Art! Get her drawing from observation and exploring mixed media.” - David Ascher, Associate at Aamodt Plumb
“Design Like a Girl mentorship program by AIA DC and Virginia Tech has a summer program for high schoolers.” -Tooba Jalal, Architect
“Drawing…encourage the making of objects and creating in general…don’t hyper-focus on ‘career’” - Carisima Koenig, Principal at Perkins Eastman + Director of Practice and Visiting Assistant Professor at Pratt Institute
“Walking tours! Learning about the people that make places.” - Ashley Mendelsohn, Curator and Educator
“Get her to shadow someone in the profession.” (JG Note: I second this - my dad is a structural engineer, and when I was in Colorado Springs for high school, I shadowed a woman at an architecture firm that he worked with. She then wrote an extra recommendation letter for me for my college applications, about the time we spent together and my enthusiasm for the profession.) - Maria Pastorelli, recent Georgia Tech graduate.
“Museum of Design Atlanta! Minecraft summer camps.” - Amy Stone, Architect at Lord Aeck Sargent + MBA candidate at GT Scheller College of Business + Senior Editor at Madame Architect
AIANY Summer Programs - Chitra, Sustainable Designer
“I agree for her not to focus on career…think instead about problems that she wants to solve.” - Monica Freundt, Architect (follow her @mytinyprints journey)
“VCA in Richmond has an amazing art program, she should look into what resources the school might have for working in the community with kids.” - Robbie Jones, Designer and Artist + Digital Content Creator at IBM
“Virginia Tech’s school of architecture used to do a summer course for high school students interested in majoring in architecture. Only three hours away from Richmond, VA! Also the National Building Museum in DC can be a great resource for lectures and activities.” - Jarri Hasnain, Designer at Trahan Architects
And of course, read Architecture for Teens: A Beginner’s Book for Aspiring Architects by Dr. Danielle S. Willkens, out today!
My best,
Julia
…
Dear Editors,
I just learned about your magazine and I'm hoping someone here might be able to help me. I am a current graduate student of architecture and I'm looking for repositories that hold thorough documentation related to projects, contemporary and historic by female architects. One of the challenges I've encountered in seeking this kind of work is that many projects by women just have not been documented, reviewed, and published to the same thorough degree that a high profile project typically might be. Compiling rich materials related to the projects can be challenging.
If anyone on your team knows of a source that could be useful, or at least a next stop to check that might take me there, I'd love to hear from you. Things like drawings, photographs, and articles would be perfect.
Many thanks,
Lukas
Hi Lukas,
Excellent question! You're very much onto something when you say that you've noticed how many projects by women just haven't gotten the recognition that you would expect! Thankfully, that's one of the goals here at Madame Architect: to make the work of women in architecture, both the past and the present, more visible.
With that said, there are many resources that we recommend looking into. In terms of archives, one of the most expansive and important is the International Archive of Women in Architecture at Virginia Tech, established in 1985. They have a vast archive of work by female architects across the globe (not just the US), and you can search by name or location.
If you're looking for work from a specific architect, you can also search online to see if they donated their own archives to a specific library or a major university near where they practiced or perhaps where they taught. For example, a large portion of the archives of noted architect Natalie de Blois are at the Alexander Architectural Archives, University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin. A quick but effective Google search should help you find this type of information -- and don't forget to search using both married and maiden names.
Another important resource is to use databases like Proquest to search for the woman's name in historic newspapers, journals, and other publications. If you don't have access to Proquest, you can try the Library of Congress' newspaper archive, Chronicling America, which has some newspapers.
I also recommend using as local a newspaper as possible, which might mean trying to use a local library as opposed to a nation-wide search. I've had great success finding entries about early female architects from their small town local newspapers, who were often very proud of their inhabitant's work and contributions to the town; the same goes for early Black female architects, who were sometimes written up in local or national newspapers with an African American audience.
It's important to note that there's also been an increasing amount of scholarship written about women in architecture. Some good resources are:
The First American Women Architects by Sarah Allaback
Women Architects in the Modern Movement by Carmen Espegel
Women of Steel and Stone: 22 Inspirational Architects, Engineers, and Landscape Designers by Anna M. Lewis
Breaking Ground: Architecture by Women by Jane Hall
Feminist Practices: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Women in Architecture Edited By Lori A. Brown
We wish you the best of luck in your researching endeavors!
Sincerely,
Kate Reggev - Associate, Beyer Blinder Belle and Historical Columnist, Madame Architect
…
Dear Editors,
I am an architect working in NYC for a large corporate firm. I am a big fan of this site and keep coming back for a shot of inspiration every time I am too disillusioned with the profession or anxious about where I am going. The middle is an uncomfortable place. It is here that, you begin to hit the glass ceiling and are frequently nudged out by younger, more energetic and most available talent coming in. What is your advice to a mid-career architect on the design side of the profession?
Sincerely,
Mid-Career Architect
Dear Mid-Career Architect,
I was surprised to see this question. From my perspective, as an employer, I find that the people in the middle are some of the MOST valuable in the firm—these are the “go-to” people. They have enough experience to understand how the firm works best and the projects come together successfully but are still close enough to the production to understand the practicalities of the delivery: people in the middle have an indispensable perspective of the firm and project that is the most difficult to replace.
When you say that you see a danger in being nudged out by younger talent coming in, I would suggest that there may be an alternate perspective and that you should closely examine if that is the case. Is the issue that the activities and responsibilities you are being directed toward are changing? Because if that is the case, I would argue that you should expect that and that your activities on a project need to change in order for you to develop and move into more senior positions. It is common for architects to enjoy the strictly design part of the job and loath the management aspects and I often hear even partners complain that they wish they could spend the day drawing, as they did when they were starting out. However, typically, projects are delivered with more junior staff closer to production and more senior staff guiding production and managing the project delivery more globally. If this transition in daily responsibilities is the underlying cause of your concern I would suggest that it is a natural progression and is actually a healthy part of growth in the profession and shouldn’t be viewed as being nudged out.
It is easy to understand why the middle feels uncomfortable. In this position, you are developing and delivering new skills of leadership in the firm and profession—possibly skills that you haven’t studied or practiced elsewhere. It’s at this point that you will be starting to manage projects, mentor colleagues, speak on behalf of your position, get involved with professional organizations. But you probably still have a hefty burden of production on your shoulders as well. This balancing act is challenging and grueling. You need to be prepared to switch gears and that’s not easy. Retaining your mastery of the line position you are growing out of while also displaying evolving mastery of the new role in project and firm direction that you are heading toward is almost like doing two jobs at once. So, it is easy to understand why it is not comfortable.
The difficulty of mastering these new roles is the primary external challenge of the middle. There are internal challenges as well: intimate and personal. At this point, you also need to hone in on what YOU personally want from the profession and your career in general. As a recent grad, your perspective on the possibilities was probably not as clear as it is now. With your experience, you are now starting to see that it is NOT a homogenous profession and there are hundreds of ways to practice. In order to feel comfortable, you need to determine what path, within architecture, is your goal. Some of the criteria you are probably thinking about: Large firm/small firm, practitioner/academic, design/technical, or a mix of any and all of these! On top of that there are personal life decisions that inevitably merge with the professional. Certainly, to realize your career goals, you will need the help and support of others but it is important to determine what those goals are in the first place. That insight needs to come from you. Make sure you are not accepting others’ prescription for happiness and satisfaction. Once you have established your own target, you will find it easier to work toward.
I would suggest that once you know your own personal goals you should pursue them doggedly-really focusing on your own effort and satisfaction more than what you see happening around you. If you feel that the environment you are in will not ultimately deliver the goal you want for yourself, you may need to switch environments. But you should always give these things time to make sure your perspective is really taking everything in. It is so common to misinterpret environmental signals and we all need to be careful about that. It would also probably be helpful to seek out a mentor in your firm (or someone who is familiar with the situation) that you can discuss these concerns with. The mentor may see the same situation and have a different interpretation. If you’re comfortable, you could bring up your concerns with the people leading the firm (I’m assuming your impression is coming from their actions). If you bring things up honestly with an open mind you have every right to discuss what you see happening around you particularly as it impacts your own work and trajectory.
In closing, I would summarize 1) think about the situation that is creating discomfort and try to determine the root causes – are you being edged out or are you moving into a different role 2) seek out a mentor that is familiar with the situation to discuss all this with if you are unsure that you can decipher the signals you’re getting 3) think about what you want from your career and if the path you are on is going to deliver it. Remember, this is a big and diverse profession.
Warmest Regards,
Hayes Slade, Founding Principal - Slade Architecture, Advisory Board Member at Madame Architect
…
Dear Mid-Career Architect,
These concerns touch on wide spread experiences for many in the profession. Being a mid-career professional can be where you have the experience but not yet the power to enact the change you hope to see, the glass ceiling may seem more like a glass box where you feel as if you cannot move while you simultaneously need to stay as current as possible considering the incoming talents of the younger generations.
When we pause and gather all of these thoughts it can be overwhelming. Then when we “unpause” inevitably we run straight into the next project or deadline and we haven’t yet addressed the root of our concerns. In short, in the middle of your career you are simply too busy to stop and reflect and see how all the day to day business and pressures have lead up to great moments in your career.
Some time ago I did find myself in a similar position and it was at a time when I was preparing my application for a promotion in rank where I teach at Pratt Institute. The application has mandatory, key sections where an applicant must demonstrate strong teaching performance, creative professional experience, scholarly work, and service. Assembling this application was very different than creating materials for a new job search or preparing for a yearly performance review. The preparation of this academic application made me review, in-depth the themes and curated aspects of my career under a different set of lens.
I bring this up as a recommended activity. In thinking of the sections you may not teach but you mentor, for your work and service - show yourself what you done - compile it, unpack it, truly examine it, and even look at the gaps. When I finished my application I realized where the profession had taken me, where I had taken the profession and what I wanted to accomplish next. It is from this position of understanding where we are, that we can begin to actively move from the discomfort.
Additionally, here are some more thoughts:
Have faith in the years you have spent developing yourself in the profession
Be gracious and supportive of the next generation, they are curious yet new to the profession
Keep yourself relevant on the cutting edge of things
If you are hitting the glass ceiling in your current position – find mentors either within your organization or within the profession who can help guide you during this moment - or it might be time to find a new place where you are not hitting limits.
All my best,
Carisima Koenig AIA - Principal and Higher Education Practice Leader (Northeast) at Perkins Eastman, Visiting Assistant Professor at Pratt Institure, and Advisory Board Member, Madame Architect
…
Dear Editors,
Given everything going on in the world and the current job market, I'm starting to think more and more about graduate school. What are all the factors I should consider in picking where to apply and go?
Sincerely,
Planning Ahead
Dear Planning Ahead,
Start by thinking in really basic terms: why is this important for me right now? If you can’t answer that question, you are not ready--and that’s ok! Be strategic about how you use such a substantial investment of your time and resources. If you’re applying to grad school just for the line on your resume, it’s not worth it. The school will never invest in you as much as you are investing in it. Be smart about this one-sided relationship.
Another indicator that you may not be ready for school is if you’re currently considering vastly different programs. As you identify your core motivation, continue to ask yourself fundamental questions. How do I like to process and communicate ideas? Do I think through writing or making? Do I want to take on intimate scale problems or large-scale systems? It’s helpful to take note of your preferred process because many programs support specific modes of thinking and working. So, instead of predetermining your future thesis topic, focus on identifying the frameworks that you’d like to explore within.
There can be prestige in identifying with name recognition, but never choose a school for a single faculty member. People get sick, go on sabbatical, change jobs. More than that, you should allow yourself to grow and change while you’re in school. It’s a delicate balance between finding a program and faculty that both supports your interests and enables you to evolve in that environment. To help thread that needle, remember that admissions departments work for you. Ask questions. Get put in touch with students. Learn about work-study options and fellowships. Find out where recent graduates are currently working. Asking questions demonstrates how serious you are about the program while getting you access to information that will help you make a more informed decision. Plus, it pays off to have genuine relationships with administration staff. They’ll help you navigate complex bureaucracy and can provide you early access to information and opportunities.
As someone with a Masters Degree, I would never blindly advocate for others to go to grad school. I had a positive experience, but I have friends who found themselves wondering if their time at school was worth the cost. If you aren’t pursuing an M.Arch, many programs are only a year and a half long, so it’s crucial to optimize the short timeframe. Determining if you are truly ready is the biggest, most complex hurdle. Once you feel confident in that choice, it will be easier to select a program that meets your needs. If you can, attending open house events is very instructive. Browsing course offerings online is informative, but ultimately you are seeking a culture to thrive within. Talk to students and faculty, feel out the vibe, and trust your gut.
Whether you are hoping to pivot in your career, build a new skill-set, deepen your expertise, or expand your network, grad school may be a great option for you. Understanding your intentions will allow you to evaluate each program effectively and put yourself first.
Good luck!
Ashley Mendelsohn - Assistant Curator, Architecture and Digital Initiatives at Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Advisory Board member at Madame Architect
…
Dear Editors,
I am finding it increasingly difficult to focus and stay motivated while studying for my Architecture Registration Exams. I have been studying for the first one, and the fact that there are still five more exams seems really daunting to me. I also am not the strongest test taker, so I am nervous about that as well.
Are there any examples of women who have found the architecture license to be beneficial to their career, and why? Otherwise, I am tempted to remain at the architectural designer level and continue working that way (because I do love working). Is the time commitment to studying worth it? Thank you!
Sincerely,
Unmotivated in Philadelphia
Dear Unmotivated in Philadelphia,
Trouble staying focused and motivated to finish all the AREs? I absolutely hear you. Earning your architectural license is a long road with a lot of study hours, lengthy exams, expensive fees, and difficult content. On top of that, exam-takers are usually cramming in study hours after full-time jobs, while trying to balance life’s demands. Let’s re-state the obvious: this is hard work!
Remember you are in a unique position that you earned. You have already put the hard work and dedication required to get a degree in architecture. Simply qualifying to take the exams is evidence that you have what it takes to study and pass. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a strong test taker, remember to tap into what got you to this point: your strong ability to study and focus, to stay motivated, and to apply yourself confidently.
Studying for the exams looks different for everyone, but the outcome is worth the effort. I recommend identifying your personal driving motivation to get licensed and intentionally expressing it: write it down, tell your friends and family, and remind your co-workers. For me, I craved being able to confidently say three simple words, “I’m an architect.” As a woman studying for exams with two young kids, I returned to that drive over and over to keep me motivated during the process. Some licensed friends have said their motivation has been better pay, greater career growth, and long-term flexibility and independence. Here are what others have said:
“It has given my superiors confidence in me, to put me in positions and give me opportunities I would not have otherwise been given."
“Being a black woman in architecture creates additional barriers. For me, getting a license made one less justification available to use as an exclusionary tactic (whether consciously, or more likely, unconsciously) when considering me for the next major opportunity.”
“I could not have been promoted to a principal position without the registration. If I worked for myself, I’d need it to function as a professional. It is a huge sense of accomplishment and responsibility. It brings great freedom.”
What is your drive?
Keep it up!
Amy Stone - Architect & Associate at Lord Aeck Sargent, Editor at Madame Architect
…
Dear Editors,
With businesses starting to open, I’m dedicating myself to my job search more seriously. What should I be doing, and keeping in mind, at this time?
Thanks,
Recent Graduate
Dear Recent Graduate,
You have graduated in the middle of the great pause. A pause that comes at a time when your entry into the profession of architecture, for many of you, has shifted significantly. The history of recession and depression in our profession is well documented and experienced by many in practice today. While, we are cognizant of the cycles of our economy, and many firms had started to plan for future recessions by recession proofing their businesses, what is happening today is unprecedented. This disruption is global, it reaches all aspects of our economic engine, and has created apprehension and wonder about the future.
In the midst of this moment I have the vantage point of both a practitioner and professor. I exist in both worlds – in one world I practice in a large, international design firm and am I committed to the New York City professional landscape where I feel the current ebb and flow of the markets. I help lead a higher education studio and my clients are your institutions. As you are experiencing first hand, these times are truly unprecedented for all students, faculty and staff at colleges and universities. My other world is academia, where for the past fifteen years I have taught Professional Practice, a class where we discuss the business and future of practice; the frameworks of relationships, economics, finance, and design.
The future has many asking, “What are my next steps and how can I best prepare to land my first post-graduation job?” First, while it may seem as if the profession is on an indefinite pause – we are really navigating these moments in time. This period has shown design agency is in action, there is a public need. The profession needs your talents and curiosity.
How best to prepare your materials?
First, it usually helps to place yourself in the position of a firm. Think of your materials through their lens, think of who they are, what they are working on, what their concerns are, what do they need, and what kind of people would they like to work with. An application is not a one-way street – the firm has as many things to offer to you as you do to them and understating that an application is two sides in search of a mutually beneficial relationship is important. So it is not just about your material but it is about understanding what they may need in the near-term, mid-term and long-term. This is why all of your skills may matter in different ways because you never really know all of what an office may be looking.
From cover letter to resume, from work samples to your portfolio you must place the same amount of authorship, editorial review and care in each piece. In your cover letter, write a different letter for each firm, and take the time to express your authentic interest in the firm. Ask yourself, “Why do you want to be there?” Your resume should be clear. List all your work experience because, as mentioned above, you never know what an office might need, and if you have work that has not been in an architecture office, highlight your responsibilities that relate to the soft skills found in the architecture profession. Did your work involve engagement with the public, negotiating, presentation, budgeting, scheduling or public speaking? If you waited tables or worked retail as I did in college, public engagement, negotiation and time management are a part of your tool kit – do not minimize any experiences but remember to give them hierarchy. Include this information about yourself! Your work samples, should be your “best of”. Be cognizant that this work may be printed and reviewed or remain visible on a device. Work samples are not your portfolio but should express a range of your work. Your portfolio should have clarity, beauty and simplicity. It should exhibit your design process, include hand sketches and early process work even if you are most proud of your finished digital work. Include early semester projects so you can highlight growth and development over the years of your program. If you have worked in a professional setting, showcase that work with equal weight as your school work but clearly distinguish those two bodies of work and credit them properly. Think of how your portfolio can tell the story of your work without you present to narrate.
Your School is a Resource
While many of you have relationships with your School of Architecture faculty, who are networked to many professional firms, these firms may also be in the midst of this great pause and have hiring freezes or are only able to hire a few graduates. Stay connected because your faculty are your best advocates and references. I once asked my art professor for a reference and in his response he smiled mischievously and said, “You didn’t ask me for a ‘good reference’, I think you should also make sure it will be good”. It had never occurred to me that a reference wouldn’t inherently be good or great even. But that has stayed with me and is always in the back of my mind, to remember to selectively and knowingly ask for a “good reference”.
At the same time while we tend to focus on our own informal networks and the contacts of our contacts, be sure to connect to your more formal, institutional networks as well. These days you have to work on all fronts. Beyond your school of architecture look to your career services department or center. Here you will find advisors, information on jobs and internships, professional development events and access to recent graduates who may be able to mentor you. You can also learn about architecture adjacent jobs where your training, creative problem solving and advanced software knowledge will provide other opportunities you might not have seen by staying in your own network.
Today, many centers for career and professional development are especially busy and in support of this demand, at my intuition, we recently started a Practice Transitions, a series of small discussion groups. We have invited distinguished architects from across New York City to share their wisdom, career trajectories, hiring tactics and interview strategies. Our discussions have centered around six key areas you might consider when starting your search.
Focus on Your Skills
- Identify strengths and enhancing them
Exploring Your Story
- Showing growth throughout your time at school
Showing Your Process & Presenting Yourself
- Through you work (portfolio, work samples, cover letter & resume)
Graduating with an OPT
- OPT clarity and nuances
How to Make Your Work Visible
- Places and spaces you might not have considered
Strategies for Finding Work
- How to build a network
I have been reading through much of the same advice as many of you - from waiting out the pause and discovering an additional passion, to looking for the “right job”, going back to school during this time, or taking any job – you each have a different circumstances. If you are like me, student loans were a very real pressure and “a job” was what I was looking for after graduation. But whichever path is your path remember two things.
Architecture takes time. This may not be the beginning you had hoped for but our career development takes time. Acquiring the range of skills for heightened design, technical development, marketing, business development, and financial acumen will have you in practice for many wonderful years.
Continue to Work Hard. You have worked for weeks, months, and years to obtain your professional degree. Stay positive and stay curious. This pause will end and our profession will have changed but changed for the better and as we continue to build our profession we need you to build a better society.
All the best,
Carisima Koenig AIA - Principal and Higher Education Practice Leader (Northeast) at Perkins Eastman, Visiting Assistant Professor at Pratt Institure, and Advisory Board Member, Madame Architect
P.S. Join the AIA – it is free for recent graduates!
…
Dear Editors,
When there are so many people applying for jobs right now, what can I do to stand out as I apply as well?
Best,
About-to-Graduate
Dear About-to-Graduate,
This is, of course, a question I’ve gotten a lot in these past two months of quarantine. A few weeks ago, I was honored to be a panelist on a virtual event for students, “Graduating During COVID-19”, and I found myself having the same thought over and over again throughout the various topics discussed and questions asked: the thing that it really comes down to right now as candidates prepare to look for work is that they need to demonstrate that they, out of everyone, have the most value to offer a firm. What does that mean exactly? Well, as firms face furloughs, lay-offs, and hiring freezes, when it is time to hire again, slowly, they will either be looking for a very specific skillset that they need to fill a staffing gap with or that they’re need someone who is nimble, flexible, multi-faceted, and able to contribute in a lot of different areas. With this in mind, here are top three tips I have for those looking for work on how to best stand out and demonstrate their value:
Keep your submission materials short, sweet, and impactful: One great early piece of advice I got from one of my professors at Cornell, Neeraj Bhatia, is that when you mail in a physical portfolio, every spread has to be amazing because you don’t know that your reviewer will be looking through it chronologically. Instead, they might likely flip through it quickly and glance at a few spreads that they happen to open first. In the age of digital submissions then, the same applies except that your reviewer will be scrolling, and no one wants to scroll for long (I look at applications that come in at Trahan daily). In addition, your materials are being viewed on small screens, sometimes even a phone. So, focus on selecting the best possible spreads for a short sample works (instead of a full portfolio - save that for when you come in in person) of a few projects that show the breadth and depth of your work, and focus on less images but bigger and better ones (by better I mean those that show a lot of information - you’d rather have one beautiful and informative full-bleed image that describes many aspects of a project, than many that don’t describe it well). Also, make sure there is a good text hierarchy to your resume - think about what you want to be bold and darker, what you want bigger, etc. This way, even if someone is skimming through, they will get a good idea of who you are as a candidate and all the different things that you can do.
Show Your Skills Beyond Your Design Ones: A valuable candidate is one that is able to contribute in many ways. Oftentimes, firms that are on the smaller side don’t have marketing, communications, and business development departments - designers take on some of these responsibilities in addition to their design work. So, if you can demonstrate that in addition to your studio projects, you can also write, lay out, do research, design websites, that is all helpful. Add a section to your portfolio that shows this - perhaps you ran the Instagram account of a club at your school, or you wrote for your school blog, or you designed a website. Maybe you helped submit for an award during your last internship - include a section in your portfolio and sample works that shows you can do these things too (screenshots of those Instagram posts edited and layed out nicely, a portion of a writing sample, the award submission layout as a spread, etc).
Work Your Strongest Ties: Relationships are important, and nothing beats having someone put in a really good word for you, or email your materials directly to someone they know. However, be careful - I once put a student who I knew a little through friends, in touch with a mentor of mine. This mentor didn’t know the student, other than through my introduction, and the student proceeded to ask this mentor for names and emails of people they could send their portfolio to at their dream firm. Don’t do that - no one will feel comfortable recommending or connecting you when they don’t know who you are, have never met you, etc. Just because you know someone who knows someone that is working at a firm you’re interested in - the six degrees of separation - doesn’t mean that that’s your best bet. I would recommend instead to go to the professors and mentors that you have the best relationships with, who know you well, and who can truly vouch for you, and ask them for advice and where they’d recommend you to look. Don’t rely on a third-tier connection to vouch for you - go to those from whom you would ask a recommendation letter from, and see where they can guide you directly.
One of the best pieces of advice I got when I was a junior designer was from a book called The Corner Office: Indispensable and Unexpected Lessons from CEOs on How to Lead and Succeed by Adam Bryant, based on his New York Times column where he interviewed CEOs. He said something like, “Don’t plan a career - prepare for one,” by which he meant that instead of planning out every step for the next ten years, focus on gaining a variety of different skills, so that no matter what happens (because none of us know what will happen tomorrow or where our careers will take us), you can always contribute productively. So, to stand out among a big pool of applicants, think about all the different skills you have gained in school and in your internships, figure out how to present them effectively, concisely, and dynamically, and go to someone who knows you and your work best for guidance.
Good luck!
Julia Gamolina, Director of Strategy at Trahan Architects, Founder & Editorial Director Madame Architect
…
Dear Editors,
I'm an architecture student graduating in May, and anxious about the anticipated lack of jobs. What should I be doing to best prepare myself for everything to come? Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Best,
Student Hoping for Work
Dear Student,
First, congratulations on completing your degree; that’s an accomplishment to be proud of. Your education will have prepared you with critical thinking skills, the ability to empathize with others, and to think outside the box. This is the best preparation you could have for almost anything!
The best way to be prepared for almost anything is to be flexible and understand that you may begin your working life in a different way than you thought you would. You have the advantage of being young and resilient. While the magnitude of the current COVID-19 crisis is unprecedented in this country in recent times, it will not be the last large-scale crisis you will experience. During my career in New York, I have experienced more than one recession, natural disaster, and man-made tragedy, each one requiring a different kind of response. Architects, landscape architects, and planners are key influencers in the stewardship of the built environment and positioning yourself in ways that will enable you to participate in effecting positive change for the future is key. You are the future!
While it is true that many design firms may have a hiring freeze or worse, may be down-sizing by the time you will need a job, this situation will not last forever in its current form. Many clients and institutions have focused on planning during past economic downturns and we may see the same trend now, especially since construction is coming to a halt for the immediate future. We’ve been observing clients trying to balance being in crisis mode with carrying on business as usual; both are important. That means, don’t be afraid to apply for a job! Apply for more than you normally might and don’t give up. Broaden your net when searching for a job. The last five years have shown us that traditional practice is not the only way to have a design career.
If an additional degree was part of your future plan, then you may wish to consider getting a head start on that now. Also, combining a design degree with a related or complementary degree will give you a very solid footing for cross-over careers. Right now, if you are able, look for safe ways to help those in need. Focusing on others may alleviate some of the stress you may be feeling and make an impact on others.
While present times may seem dire, you need to know that we will all get through this. Going through a crisis like this so early in your career will go a long way toward preparing you for whatever may lie ahead.
All the best,
Elaine Molinar, Partner and Managing Director of the Americas - Snøhetta
…
Dear Editors,
I'm the founder of a young practice, and am about to face an economic downturn as a business owner for the first time. What advice do you have for me to keep things going as best as I can?
Thank you,
Small Business Owner
Dear Small Business Owner,
This is a difficult time for everyone. It is challenging to calibrate a piece like this where it should be realistic and should also provide something besides wallowing!
With my husband, I have been leading our own small architecture firm since 2002. The largest we have been is 12 and the smallest is 3. In the time since 2002, we have weathered a few downturns and I would not say that I have any magic words of wisdom. I don’t think there is such a thing.
Surviving in a time like this isn’t entirely different from surviving in a regular time-just a lot more intense with less room for error. It is always a challenge running a successful firm and delivering on the multi-faceted and competing demands - not to mention balancing that with a personal life. When the economy dries up, it becomes more difficult, but, the same skills and activities that lead to success in normal times are the ones that lead to success now. That’s the good news.
Organization: There is no room to be slipshod with your organization and execution now. This is true for the firm management as well as the project management. For our firm, it has meant that we have a tighter focus on the organization of our teams (essential if working remotely) as well as our project delivery. In these past weeks, we tried out a few online collaboration tools and ultimately found one that is proving remarkably robust and useful. All the small requests and tasks that used to be so fluidly and informal now show up as tasks on lists and assigned to people. There is no other way to work when staff is scattered across zip codes and in-person team meetings are not possible.
Communication: In the current environment of working remotely, there will be no casual conversations or meet ups. So, every interaction is the result of a deliberate outreach. It is crucial to think about each team member, consultant, client, etc. If and when should you be speaking with them? How important is the phone call and live voice versus a simple email? If you’re not having regular job meetings this is even more important.
Marketing: This is one of the biggest challenges now. There are marketing opportunities that you assemble and put out to the world (your website, email news, etc) and those that come to you via invitation. You have no control over the latter, but you are entirely in control of the former. This is a perfect time to perfect your website or put into practice that longer term firm branding you’ve been imagining, particularly if you were planning to do the work in-house. Don’t underestimate the benefit of a good solid website, particularly at a time when everyone is at home online 23 hours per day…
Research: There are resources out there aimed at helping you (SBA programs, loans, grants, etc). They require research and dogged pursuit. But, we are architects! We deal with complexity every day - building codes, zoning requirements, material interactions, etc. We will all need to dive into those resources with the same vigor and attention that we reserved for detail drawings, specifications, and 3D models.
My intent here is to point out that you should continue to do what you’ve been doing but more efficiently, more proactively. Also, don’t forget that your firm is a business and there are tools out there specifically for business now. People want to help. It’s not going to be easy but we have the skills we need.
Stay safe!
Warmest regards,
Hayes Slade, Founding Principal - Slade Architecture
…
Dear Editors,
I, like many others right now, am currently working from home and practicing social distancing. I don’t have children (I can’t imagine how working parents are managing right now) but am having trouble concentrating. What advice do you have for working from home and staying productive?
Best,
Isolated in NYC
Dear Isolated in NYC -
We are working from home as well and I’m so glad you asked - I myself have gotten great advice in these past few days on how to maintain a good routine and stay on task, and am more than happy to share. Here is what I’ve heard and what I’ve been practicing that’s working well:
Maintain your regular morning and daytime routine: Get up at the same time every day, and get dressed as though you’re going to work - or at least, as though you’re going somewhere as opposed to lounging at home. Of course, you probably won’t put on a full business suit, but make sure to get out of your pajamas, sweat pants, or other lounge items. Schedule in a lunch break, and stop work at the end of the day just like you would if you were at the office.
Make a list of tasks: Just as you might during a work day, continue to make a prioritized list of tasks that need to get done. In addition, set a timer for each task (whether it’s 30 minutes, 45 minutes, one hour) to make sure you’re staying focused and are not tempted to take breaks randomly.
Schedule in Breaks: This is a big one! Schedule snack breaks, exercise breaks, meditation breaks (my favorite), distraction breaks. If you can, and if you’re in NYC it might be more difficult, but make sure to make some time to go outside in open and fresh air. Just like with your timed work tasks, stick to the time you schedule for your breaks and hold yourself accountable.
Keep a Distraction List: Anytime you are tempted to check your personal email, text someone, clean your kitchen counters, organize your bathroom shelves, etc - write it down. Keep this list going and then go back to it when it is indeed time for a break.
Background Noise for Concentration: I’ve been doing this more and more anytime I’m home alone and doing something quiet without wanting to feel like I’m totally isolated, or if I’m in an open-plan space or office and really need to concentrate. I put on ocean wave noises, especially if I’m reading or writing, which is the majority of what I do both with my work in strategy and with Madame Architect. It helps you zone out of distraction and tune in to your task quickly, and maintain the focus momentum. If I’m doing something mindless on the other hand, I’ll put on a quiet podcast.
Finally, Maintain Your Work-Evening Transition: I mentioned this in point one, but have an evening deadline for when you stop working, and then do an activity that helps you transition from work to an evening wind down. For me that’s usually going for a run, for others it might be a virtual happy hour, or a shower, or etc. Try not to go from screen-activity to screen-activity, but really engage in something physical to reset your mind.
I hope these help! To our readers, if there are other tips that you’ve found work for you, please comment and let us know what those are.
Best,
Julia
…
Dear Editors,
I'm a Master's student currently heading into my thesis semester. After three years of school, the question that is always on my mind is: how in the world do you deal with burnout?
Thank you,
Tired Thesis Student
Dear Tired Thesis Student,
First of all, the fact that you’re experiencing burn out at this point in your education is very common - you’re certainly not alone! My first advice to you is to consult a medical professional, whether that be your physician or counselor - burnout and exhaustion are so often a combination of physical factors (adrenal fatigue, low iron, lack of sleep, allergies) as well as mental (stress of course being a top concern) that to really heal and recover, you need to check out and focus on all of the factors contributing to it. There might be something your body needs that it’s running low on that is contributing to how you’re feeling, so its good to check up on everything that could be contributing to your exhaustion.
Having said that, one of my favorites quotes, and one I go back to often is, “If you’re tired, don’t quit. Take a break.” Mental health and mental rest are thankfully being talked about more and more, because they are essential to high performance. For athletes it’s the same - in marathon training, for example, rest days are built into your weekly training routine, and the same should go for any kind of mental “training”. Oftentimes, one feels burnout after being on overdrive for too long, especially in architecture school, and making time for breaks is truly key. How do you do this though when you feel you have so much to do, that you can’t physically make time for time off?
I certainly experienced this in architecture school, especially when completing my thesis and searching for my first job at the same time, and in the early days of Madame Architect before I got a good routine down and before I got help from our gifted editors, Amy, Caitlin, and Gail. The first answer is, and you know this already, sleep. To combat burnout, your basics need to be in good check. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, I highly recommend the Headspace app - they have all kinds of sleep meditation, sleepcasts, and more. And then building in both focused work time and breaks into your schedule is essential - refer to our answer on working from home on some tips!
To summarize, burnout is often a combination of many physical and mental things, and to combat it, you first need to figure out what the main causes are for you. Once you do, make “rest and recovery” time a priority, figure out a way to maintain the discipline for both work and rest, and let us know what you find out and what works for you.
Best,
Julia
…
Dear Editors,
I'm an architecture student in New York City, a few years into graduate school. My question for you is how do you reconcile with and what do you tell yourself when you don't meet expectations?
Sincerely,
Goal-Oriented Student
Dear Goal-Oriented Student,
This is a great question, and one that I’ve wrestled with a lot in the past too. I think you first have to acknowledge the difference between expectations and goals, and then to acknowledge where these expectations are coming from. To me, goals are internal - “This is what I want for myself,” and expectations are external, “This is what someone is expecting of me.”
Goals are good, and it’s good to have standards. I’ve found it best to indeed have goals, and write them down, but then put them away for a while once they’re written down and only revisit after a good amount of time has passed (if you check in with your goals too often, unless they’re very short term, you might get frustrated that things are not happening as quickly as you’d like). With expectations, and especially feeling like you’re not meeting them, I would recommend that you ask yourself why you have them. Are they expectations from your parents, from your peers, from society at large? Do you find yourself grappling with a lot of “shoulds” based on what others want and/or are doing?
When you feel like you’re not meeting expectations, I think that that’s actually a wonderful problem to have, as it’s an opportunity for deep reflection. Ask yourself where they’re coming from, ask yourself what you actually want and need for you, and then see if these expectations even make sense, given where you are in life, given your interests and your focus, given your priorities. Sometimes we have expectations about something when we don’t have all the information we need; sometimes people project their expectations of themselves on us; and sometimes we fear meeting expectations because of our fear of failure. Failure is good though - fail fast, and fail often to learn a lot quickly, and to move on to what’s truly meant for you.
Thanks so much for your question, and let us know where you end up.
Best,
Julia
…
Dear Editors,
I am a first-year M.Arch student at Parsons in New York, and am entirely new to the field of architecture. I’m beginning to look for summer internships, mentorship, and generally just resources, and because I am so new to the field, the search process has been incredibly overwhelming.
I don't even really know where to begin and am wondering if you all have suggestions for me? Or perhaps people for me to meet? I want to make sure that my initial professional experiences set me up with people I can really connect with and learn a lot from.
Thank you,
New-to-Architecture Student Craving Female Connection
Dear New-to-Architecture,
Do we ever! I was exactly where you are when I was when in school and first looking for internships - I had not too long ago moved to the US at that point, had zero connections in New York or in architecture, and was essentially starting from scratch.
You are incredibly lucky to be at Parsons and to be in New York City - congratulations! Everything - offices, resources, events, organizations - are literally just blocks away. Start with the people around you at school - share your interests and curiosities, and ask your professors which firms they admire, which firms they’d recommend for you, which firms are doing the type of work that you’d like to try out, and which firms have Parsons’ alumns. For example, Dattner’s Kirsten Sibilia is one!
Next, here are some organizations with wonderful meet-ups in New York: ArchiteXX (they host monthly happy hours and fabulous BriXX sessions), the AIANY Women in Architecture Committee, the Architectural League NY (they do wonderful First Friday firm visits) are places to start. Get on all of their mailing lists and see which firms and individuals they talk about - and have you signed up for the Madame Architect newsletter?!
On a similar note, subscribe to newsletters from the Architect’s Newspaper, Architectural Record, Metropolis Magazine, Architect Magazine, and Archinect - they write about firms on a daily basis, and the cool thing is, there are SO many firms.
Finally, once you read and learn about some of the practitioners that you admire, don’t hesitate to reach out and invite them for coffee or breakfast - not everyone will be able to, but a few will, and those people will make you aware of even more possibilities. It really is very exciting to meet new people and expand your world.
Give it a go and let us know where you land!
Best of luck,
Julia
…
Dear Editors,
I’m finding myself staying late in the office day after day, which is beginning to feel like the new normal. How do you get your employer let you out of the office at normal hours? And, how do you not feel guilty about leaving at a reasonable time?
Thank you,
Night Owl in Latin America
Dear Night Owl,
This is not an easy question to answer! There are so many reasons why architects find themselves working late and we’ve all experienced late nights leading up to deadlines. It’s important to prioritize tasks and understand how much needs to be accomplished for the phase of work you’re involved with. Sometimes we jump too far ahead and then find ourselves having to revisit work that should have been deferred to later in the first place.
Being organized and having a clear plan for achieving your work will give your employer the confidence of knowing that everything will get done within the required time frame. Not having that clear plan often leads to chronic, un-productive long hours. This is often compounded by getting a late start the following day. The number of hours we work is not usually an indication of the quality of our work. Burn out doesn’t get the job done.
Since we are most often working in teams, decisions about working late should ideally be team decisions, led by the team leader and should be strategically timed rather than the everyday default. Putting in extra hours together with your teammates for specific reasons and on a limited basis is not only more efficient but less isolating than working alone.
Of course, nothing is perfect, and our profession and its fee structure makes all this difficult! Also, creativity doesn’t really care what time it is.
Best of luck,
Elaine Molinar, Snøhetta
…
Dear Editors,
I just got offered a position in my long-time dream firm, but the salary is much lower than what I was planning on. I'm not sure how to begin negotiating. I've got an interview at a similar firm next week, and they're known for paying a bit better than average.
My question for you is how to balance a great work culture and projects with a lower salary. Do you recommend to go to a firm that I’m less familiar with for the higher pay? I'm fresh out of grad school, but still can't see how that first offer would sustain me living near work and in the city.
Thanks for your help,
Anxious in Atlanta
Dear Anxious-in-Atlanta,
Congrats on finishing grad school and on receiving an offer at your dream firm! This is an exciting time and the anxiety you’re experiencing about the decision making process is understandable (and normal!).
On the practical side, start by asking your potential employer(s) as many questions as you can (if you haven’t already done so), which will make it easier to compare the competing offers and make an informed decision. If the salary at the dream firm is below what someone of your experience and education should receive in your area, is it balanced out by better benefits, such as more paid time off, comp time, a higher 401(k) match, or a more robust health insurance plan? Does the dream firm pay overtime, give annual raises, or provide end of year bonuses on top of the below average salary? If they aren’t willing to budge on the salary upfront, would they be open to increasing your salary after a trial period of 3-6 months, assuming you meet clearly defined expectations for performance? I would also want to find out, as diplomatically as possible, if they’re consciously paying below market value, and if so, why. Understanding where they’re coming from could help inform how and what you negotiate.
On the philosophical side, which employer has the most potential to be a place where you will thrive? Regarding the firm you don’t know that well, could you get to know them and their work better? In addition to higher earnings, could the lesser-known firm provide opportunities for learning, growth, and advancement in ways that the dream firm may not? What is important to you now and for your professional development long-term? Consider not only the types of projects you could be working on at either firm, but your involvement in the projects as well. Which firm would allow you to take ownership of projects from concept through CA as opposed to isolated project tasks and less responsibility in general?
Negotiating may feel like a daunting task, but there are some helpful resources to prepare yourself. One I personally like is Ellevest—here’s a recent essay you may relate to: https://www.ellevest.com/magazine/salary-and-negotiation/negotiate-job-offer
I wish you the best of luck with soul-searching, considering your current and future priorities, and negotiating—it’s not easy, but I bet you will learn something valuable in the process!
Best,
Gail
…
Dear Editors,
I’m currently a thesis student and graduating this year. My question for you is: what is the best advice you can give me in order for me to stand out in my office and truly succeed within and outside of a firm?
Sincerely,
About-to-Graduate in Brooklyn
Hello About-to-Graduate in Brooklyn!
I’m so glad you asked this question. A lot of young women, and young people in general, are thinking about this - with social media and there now being so many amazing opportunities for women, there is actually a lot of pressure these days to have (and show) a successful and exciting career.
My most honest advice is actually to forget about standing out, or success, and to simply focus on following your most genuine interests. Dedication and enthusiasm can’t be feigned, and when you truly like to do something, you put in so much more time and work than when you don’t, and it shows. People will take note and you will stand out, naturally.
Then, participate. Participate, participate, participate - get involved in office events, in meet-ups with your peers, in opportunities to share your work. Engage with things happening around you and don’t isolate. The only way to stand out is to have people know about you and know you, period. When you get out there, open up, and share what you care about, people will associate you with those things, and will think of you when those things come up for them.
Finally, find who you like, admire, respect, and look up to at your firm, where you study, in your book club, whatever community you’re around - and get to know them. I’ve found that learning about others leads to you finding out more about yourself, which is crucial to your evolution. But again, don’t aim to stand out or aim for success - instead, aim to be the truest and best version of yourself, find what that version is of others, and share it.
Best of luck!
Julia
…
Dear Editors,
Do you believe it is possible to have a good lifestyle in architecture as a woman? I worry about having both the financial stability to raise a family on my own and the necessary time to manage it. What is necessary in order to achieve it, and what can I anticipate and ask my employer to start working on?
Thank you,
Interning in New York
Dear Interning in New York,
Yes! It’s absolutely possible!
To manage it all, bring your grit, hard work, and full self to the table. You’ll also need to strategize on your partnerships. No one raises a family entirely on their own and I have found it crucial to make partnerships with others I can trust for care, support, and friendship. You’ll want to make bonds with those who help you equally share the burden and joys of raising a family - that starts primarily with your spouse, partner, or whomever you are committed to raising a family with. For those early years of motherhood, you’ll also want to find consistent quality care providers. You’ll deeply depend upon them daily, so make sure that this relationship is one you can trust and rely on.
In managing home-life and work-life, think of your employer as another key partnership. Ask about and research your employer’s values on flexible hours, health benefits, family-leave policies, etc. Find an employer who aligns with your values, not the other way around. Also, know the value that you yourself are bringing so you can maximize your salary growth over time for the financial stability you need.
Managing raising a family and having a career is an ever-evolving design problem. The demands on you as a person, partner, mother, and employee will constantly change. Trouble-shoot as you go and find creative solutions. Need more hours for projects at work? Strategize with your home and care partners. Family and home demands requiring more time? Plan ways to incorporate more flexibility at the office. Each season of life looks a little different in terms of what you have to do to make it all work – and you can! And, if you need a friend along the way, email me and let’s talk more.
All the best,
Amy
…
Dear Editors,
I'm a designer but interested in learning how to pursue and bring in work. What advice do you have for both getting involved and eventually pivoting towards this side of practice?
Sincerely,
Junior Designer in Mexico City
Hello Junior Designer in Mexico City,
There is so much you can start doing now to prepare for a future that either pivots fully to the business development side of the practice, or that adds the skill set to your repertoire as a designer.
To start, increase your exposure to the marketing and business development activities of your workplace. If your firm has a dedicated department, make friends with them! They will provide valuable insight and would likely be happy to see your interest. Find out how the projects you’re working on as a designer were brought in and what types of projects align with your firm’s values.
Research the clients, owners, or developers involved with your current projects. If there were formal RFP processes, review the proposals to see the projects’ origins. If there were informal processes, that can tell you a lot about the importance of relationships in general and specifically to your firm. Relationships are critical to securing new work, so gaining an understanding of the relationships that are prioritized by your firm can lead the way to identifying like-minded new clients and partnerships.
Finally, keep up with industry events and news locally, nationally, and internationally. Read as much as you can about the type of work you value and are interested in. This won’t directly lead to bringing in work, but you’ll be better informed in practice areas that have meaning for you, and this will make you better positioned for both projects and pursuits.
I have barely scratched the surface on this topic! These are dynamic processes and they don’t happen in a vacuum. The more exposure you have to this side of the industry, the more you will feel prepared to leverage your own unique skill set in pursuing work.
Best,
Gail
…
Dear Editors,
What is the motivation to work on a personal project outside of work? When do you work on it and how do you organize your time?
Interning-in-Manhattan
Hi Interning-in-Manhattan,
An important question! All our passions are integral parts of who we are, and deserve nurturing. Your motivation to work on personal projects might be driven by an interest you have that your professional work doesn't fully engage with, or by recognizing a void in, or missing piece of, the societal puzzle that you feel driven to fill. If you keep returning to an idea that will create a positive impact for you and others, integrating it into your schedule is the next step!
Much like we make time for our professional jobs, personal projects deserve the same attention. A calendar app or planner is an essential component - start by establishing the goals and steps it will take to kick off your project, and then block out time for them in your schedule. My go-to strategy for tackling projects is to look at key tasks and deadlines a week or two in advance, and plan out how to organize my time - balancing work, family, and friends - to complete them. This might mean working nights and weekends at first, but once you get into a rhythm, you'll find the timing that fits best with your lifestyle. Find a work environment - as well as individuals outside the office - that will support your endeavors and keep you accountable. This won’t all happen at once, and that’s okay. Be flexible to changing your approach when needed.
My overall advice is to recognize each facet of your life as a key part of your whole self. Pay attention to the ideas that just won't quit - the manifestations of inspiration that come up repeatedly in your internal dialogue or interactions with others. We are not one job or one project, but instead a culmination of many curiosities and interests. Explore what moves you. It’s a big part of how I ended up at Madame Architect. If you go to bed thinking about it, wake up thinking about it - or both - it's worth your time to pursue.
All my best,
Caitlin