Looking Back: Architecture Career Advice

A design studio review at the University of Oregon (my photo)

This post is another outcome of my ongoing efforts to sort through and purge the mountains of old paperwork I’ve retained over the years—much of it for reasons I struggle to remember or justify now that I’m retired. I recently discovered a box containing materials from my time as an adjunct instructor at the University of Oregon’s Department of Architecture, where I helped teach the Context of the Professions class during the 2012 and 2013 academic years. Among the contents was a set of questions submitted by students as part of a class assignment. Their questions—posed to me and my fellow instructors—asked for our opinions about entry into the profession and reflections on our early experiences as fledgling employees.
 
Rather than responding in writing, we answered these questions in a freewheeling discussion before the assembled class. While I don’t have an exact record of what we said, the questions themselves remain a treasure. Below is a sampling, along with answers I composed today. I’m not sure how much my responses differ from those I gave in 2012 and 2013, but I like to think they carry a bit more perspective, reflecting an additional decade-plus of experience and insight.
 
1. If employers are concerned with hiring individuals with experience, then what makes them likely to hire a recent graduate at all?
Employers look for potential, not just experience. Recent graduates bring fresh perspectives, technical skills (especially in software), and a willingness to learn. Firms value enthusiasm, adaptability, and the ability to work collaboratively.
 
2. How can I (a presumed graduate) make myself a more desirable applicant than someone with real-world experience?
Demonstrate robust design and technical skills, proficiency in industry-standard software (Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam Revu, etc.), and critical thinking ability. A well-curated portfolio, professional communication, and relevant internship experience can help compensate for a lack of full-time experience.
 
3. If you were hiring a summer intern, what qualities would you look for first?
Initiative, curiosity, and a strong work ethic. A good intern asks questions, learns quickly, and contributes meaningfully. Proficiency in digital tools and a willingness to take on varied tasks are also key.
 
4. What steps should we take while still in school to help us find a job later?
Seek internships and part-time positions in architecture firms. Build relationships with professors and professionals. Develop a strong portfolio showcasing a range of skills. Learn both design and technical software. Attend networking events and join professional organizations like AIA, CSI, or NCARB.
 
5. In interviews, is it better to admit weaknesses and areas for improvement, or just focus on strengths?
A balance is best. Confidence in strengths is key, but firms also value self-awareness and a willingness to improve.
 
6. How much of your career success do you attribute to talent and effort, versus being in the right place at the right time?
Success is a mix of skill, hard work, and luck. Talent and perseverance set the foundation, but networking and timing often influence career trajectory. Many professionals recommend making your own luck by being proactive and engaged in the industry.
 
7. Would your friends and family say you’ve effectively balanced work and social life?
Many architects struggle with work-life balance, especially early in their careers. Setting boundaries and working for firms that value employee well-being can help, but long hours are often a reality in the field.
 
8. How influential is the portfolio in the application process? Can strong management and organizational skills balance out middle-of-the-road design skills?
The portfolio is crucial, but firms also consider communication, teamwork, and organizational skills. Those who are strong in project management, client relations, and technical execution can be just as valuable as pure design talents.
 
9. Is it better to take an undesirable position at a firm you like or a desirable position at a firm you don’t like?
It's generally better to work at a firm that aligns with your values, even if the role isn’t ideal. Culture, mentorship, and opportunities for growth matter more in the long run than immediate job duties.
 
10. Do you prefer working in a big firm or a small one, and why?
Preferences vary. Big firms offer large projects, specialization, resources, and stability. Small firms provide diverse experience, close mentorship, and more direct involvement in design decisions. I spent my career in small-to-medium-sized firms (ranging from 9 to 18 employees), where I enjoyed a blend of benefits associated with both large and small offices.
 
11. How does the high-pressure architecture school studio culture compare to firm work?
Working in an architecture firm is demanding but typically more structured. Deadlines are real, but projects unfold over months or years, allowing for deeper refinement. The all-nighter culture is less common, though long hours can persist depending on firm culture and project deadlines.
 
12. What do you most regret about your career? What would you have done differently?
I have no regrets. My career was fulfilling and met my expectations in every way. That said, I know much of my good fortune was due to luck and being in the right place at the right time. Other architects might wish they had networked earlier, gained better business knowledge, pursued licensure sooner, or maintained a better work-life balance.
 
13. How does one establish themselves in a firm and move into leadership?
Leadership is built through reliability, problem-solving, and initiative. Key steps include becoming indispensable on projects, building client and team relationships, learning about firm operations, and expressing interest in leadership roles.
 
14. Is it better to start my career in a small city or a large one?
There are trade-offs to both. Large cities offer exposure to high-profile projects, diverse firms, and more structured career paths, but they come with higher costs and competition. Smaller cities often provide more hands-on experience, greater project responsibility, and a lower cost of living, but fewer large-scale opportunities. Many architects start in one and transition to the other. I worked in large cities (Vancouver and Los Angeles) but spent most of my career in Eugene, which, despite being a smaller market, offered me many meaningful opportunities.
 
15. How important is getting licensed early in my career?
While gaining experience is essential, licensure opens more career opportunities, including leadership roles, higher salaries, and the ability to stamp drawings. Many professionals recommend working toward licensure as soon as possible while balancing practical experience. That was certainly my goal. I first became licensed in 1985, two years following my graduation from the University of Oregon in 1983.

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Looking back at these questions, I realize how much of what I’ve learned wasn’t just about architecture itself, but about navigating a career—understanding what really matters, what lasts, and what fades with time. There’s no single path to success in this profession, but curiosity, adaptability, and persistence go a long way. If emerging professionals stay engaged, keep learning, and surround themselves with people who challenge and support them, the rest tends to fall into place. Of course, this is easy for me to say from where I stand today. The architectural profession is changing rapidly, and my advice may soon feel outdated, but the fundamentals of curiosity, adaptability, and persistence will always matter.