https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com A gifted storyteller communicating the role and value of architecture to a new audience, host Bob Borson uses the experiences acquired over a 25-year career to inform his podcast. A small firm owner, architect, and college design instructor, co-host Andrew Hawkins brings his insight from his 20 years in various roles within the profession. It responds to the public curiosity and common misunderstanding about what architects do and how it is relevant to people’s lives, engaging a wide demographic of people in a meaningful way without requiring an understanding of the jargon or knowledge of the history of the profession. With a creative mix of humor and practicality, Borson’s stories are informative, engaging, and approachable, using first-person narratives and anecdotes that have introduced transparency into what it really means to be a practicing architect. To learn more about Bob, Andrew, and what life is like as an architect, please visit Lifeofanarchitect.com Mon, 22 Apr 2024 13:46:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Blubrry PowerPress/11.8.1 A gifted storyteller communicating the role and value of architecture to a new audience, host Bob Borson uses the experiences acquired over a 25-year career to inform his podcast. <br /> <br /> A small firm owner, architect, and college design instructor, co-host Andrew Hawkins brings his insight from his 20 years in various roles within the profession. <br /> <br /> It responds to the public curiosity and common misunderstanding about what architects do and how it is relevant to people’s lives, engaging a wide demographic of people in a meaningful way without requiring an understanding of the jargon or knowledge of the history of the profession.<br /> <br /> With a creative mix of humor and practicality, Borson’s stories are informative, engaging, and approachable, using first-person narratives and anecdotes that have introduced transparency into what it really means to be a practicing architect. <br /> <br /> To learn more about Bob, Andrew, and what life is like as an architect, please visit Lifeofanarchitect.com<br /> Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins false episodic Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins Bob Borson Bob Borson podcast Life of an Architect, a podcast dedicated to all things architecture with a little bit of life mixed in for balance https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/Life_of_an_Architect_Podcast_iTunes_Thumbnail.png https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com TV-G Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas bi-weekly e3b6b0e0-c9c7-5839-84f0-173391290c0e https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-149-moonlighting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-149-moonlighting Sun, 21 Apr 2024 19:00:46 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=39344 This will be the 5th time in 5,209 days that I have put my opinions about taking on extra work outside of your normal job and typically during ridiculous hours of the day and night. This practice has come to be known as “moonlighting” and depending on your age and where you are at in your career, it is either the light at the end of the tunnel or an oncoming train. Andrew and I originally had something else scheduled for today’s show but this topic has been forcing itself into my brain over the past month or so and I want to talk about it . Welcome to EP 149: Moonlighting. [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player] googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); }); Today we are going to be talking about moonlighting. I mentioned in the opening that in some capacity, I have brought this topic up for discussion 5 times over the past 14 years but it has never been the focus of a dedicated podcast episode. Is that irony? answer are from a poll I presented on my Instagram account with an average of 1,200 responses per question Fun Facts jump to 01:52 The etymology of the word “moonlight” as a verb, "hold a second job, especially at night," and this version or use came into use in 1957 (implied in the verbal noun moonlighting), from moonlighter "one who takes a second job after hours" (1954), from the notion of working by the light of the moon. Earlier the verb had been used to mean "commit crimes at night" (1882), from moonlighter in reference to members of organized bands that carried on agrarian outrages in Ireland. Did you know there was a phrase called “sunlighting” which is in obvious contrast to the word “moonlighting? “Sunlighting,” as the term indicates, is work done outside the company—but with complete transparency and within the boundaries of what is allowed by professional ethics and individual conscience. sunlighting is considered ethical because it is done transparently after work hours and does not conflict with the employee's obligations to their primary employer. The names suggest that moonlighting is done after hours and without the knowledge and consent of your employer while sunlighting is doing essentially the same thing with full disclosure and the approval of your employer. Experience with Moonlighting jump to 8:39 Andrew and I have both taken on moonlighting jobs in the past, and since I don't really want to speak for Andrew, I will admit that my experiences fall into both the moonlighting  AND sunlighting categories. I've also had both positive AND negative experiences. One of the things I tried hard to convey in today's episode is that I can see both sides of the argument of why moonlighting takes place, it's value to the individuals, and the benefits that can happen as a result of the extra experience and, and lets be completely blunt about this, the extra money. I bought my first house with moonlighting money ... and the client on that job also stiffed me on my completely reasonable  bill (I worked without asking for immediate payment for services rendered until the business was up and running and to this date, almost 30 years later, they have never paid me ... I should let it go but it provides an extremely valuable life lesson). Side Effects of Moonlighting jump to 15:58 Originally this was going to be a list of pros and cons, but the pro list was short and incredibly easy to identify. Our conversation on the cons was really about the ramifications - or side effects - or taking on moonlighting work. Without any real effort, the first things that came to mind are: Exhaustion Burnout Decreased productivity Health problems Getting Fired These all seem pretty bad to me and came to mind instantly and there is a cascading of effects - meaning, #1 leads to #2 which leads to #3, and so on. Working long hours can lead to exhaustion and burnout, This will be the 5th time in 5,209 days that I have put my opinions about taking on extra work outside of your normal job and typically during ridiculous hours of the day and night. This practice has come to be known as “moonlighting” and depending on ... This will be the 5th time in 5,209 days that I have put my opinions about taking on extra work outside of your normal job and typically during ridiculous hours of the day and night. This practice has come to be known as “moonlighting” and depending on your age and where you are at in your career, it is either the light at the end of the tunnel or an oncoming train. Andrew and I originally had something else scheduled for today’s show but this topic has been forcing itself into my brain over the past month or so and I want to talk about it . Welcome to EP 149: Moonlighting.<br /> <br /> [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); });<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Today we are going to be talking about moonlighting. I mentioned in the opening that in some capacity, I have brought this topic up for discussion 5 times over the past 14 years but it has never been the focus of a dedicated podcast episode. Is that irony?<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> answer are from a poll I presented on my Instagram account with an average of 1,200 responses per question<br /> <br /> Fun Facts jump to 01:52<br /> <br /> The etymology of the word “moonlight” as a verb, "hold a second job, especially at night," and this version or use came into use in 1957 (implied in the verbal noun moonlighting), from moonlighter "one who takes a second job after hours" (1954), from the notion of working by the light of the moon. Earlier the verb had been used to mean "commit crimes at night" (1882), from moonlighter in reference to members of organized bands that carried on agrarian outrages in Ireland.<br /> <br /> Did you know there was a phrase called “sunlighting” which is in obvious contrast to the word “moonlighting? “Sunlighting,” as the term indicates, is work done outside the company—but with complete transparency and within the boundaries of what is allowed by professional ethics and individual conscience. sunlighting is considered ethical because it is done transparently after work hours and does not conflict with the employee's obligations to their primary employer.<br /> <br /> The names suggest that moonlighting is done after hours and without the knowledge and consent of your employer while sunlighting is doing essentially the same thing with full disclosure and the approval of your employer.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Experience with Moonlighting jump to 8:39<br /> <br /> Andrew and I have both taken on moonlighting jobs in the past, and since I don't really want to speak for Andrew, I will admit that my experiences fall into both the moonlighting  AND sunlighting categories. I've also had both positive AND negative experiences. One of the things I tried hard to convey in today's episode is that I can see both sides of the argument of why moonlighting takes place, it's value to the individuals, and the benefits that can happen as a result of the extra experience and, and lets be completely blunt about this, the extra money. I bought my first house with moonlighting money ... and the client on that job also stiffed me on my completely reasonable  bill (I worked without asking for immediate payment for services rendered until the business was up and running and to this date, almost 30 years later, they have never paid me ... I should let it go but it provides an extremely valuable life lesson).<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Side Effects of Moonlighting jump to 15:58<br /> <br /> Originally this was going to be a list of pros and cons, but the pro list was short and incredibly easy to identify. Our conversation on the cons was really about the ramifications - or side effects - or taking on moonlighting work. Without any real effort, the first things that came to mind are:<br /> <br /> <br /> Exhaustion<br /> Burnout<br /> Decreased productivity<br /> Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2024 2024 149 149 Moonlighting full false 1:04:45 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-148-meetings-are-a-waste-of-time/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-148-meetings-are-a-waste-of-time Sun, 07 Apr 2024 19:00:02 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=39322 You check the time and realize that you have 4 minutes before your next meeting. Maybe it’s an internal meeting, maybe clients are coming in. Is it in person or online? Depending on how you answer those questions, time to start scrambling so that you are where you need to be and have the information required to make this meeting a good use of your time. But guess what? I promise that you will end up waiting on someone … maybe you are that someone. Either way, you aren’t getting that time back and you haven’t even started yet. Welcome to EP 148: Meetings are a Waste of Time [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player] googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); }); I wrote a post on this topic 11 years ago – and it was also titled “Meetings are a Waste of time.” When I wrote this down as a topic, it wasn’t because I had already covered this topic a decade ago, it was because I had forgotten that I had covered it and I most likely had just come out of a meeting that I felt was an unproductive waste of time. Is this going to be a crabby podcast episode? It’s entirely possible, but you can hit the pause button, go grab a beer, and then restart the show because I feel like most people feel like I do when it comes to the majority of meetings they attend. I am becoming more and more sensitive to sitting in meetings where I think: What am I doing in this meeting? You already said that, move on … What does that have to do with what we are supposed to be talking about? I went back to reread that post from 2013 and as I went through the points, I typically thought to myself “Nailed It” but things are a little different for me now and shockingly, I thought I was in a lot of meetings before, I am in ten times that number now. It’s not even close! A couple of caveats to consider: There is a huge difference between professional environment meetings and volunteer organization meetings, Meetings with Clients, and internal meetings. Along with those distinctions comes a slightly different pain threshold for what is acceptable behavior or not. While I would like volunteer meetings to be run with the same efficiency, I have to acknowledge that these are "volunteer" based meetings and if the people attending have to do something as part of their real jobs, I am not going to get in their way. Probably 50% of the time I spend in meetings isn’t scheduled. My office (air quotes) is pretty open and it lends itself to pop-in meetings – which was purposeful at the time of design. Exactly what is supposed to happen DOES in fact happen, but it does become disruptive to developing any sort of rhythm to the creative process. Client meetings generally fall outside of the requirements I considered, unless I am the one who is slowing things down – which does happen. I wrote in the 2013 post the following: “At least half of the meetings I attend, nothing is really happening other than the swapping of stories. One on hand, that’s okay because I’m the Pecos Bill of stories, but I simply don’t have the time for it anymore.” So in an effort to reclaim some lost time, here are some tips I have collected and follow to help make sure that my days don’t get longer by sitting in unnecessary or gratuitous meetings. Start your meetings on time jump to 17:39 If someone is late, that’s their problem. Don’t review information that’s already been covered. I make it an effort to be on time to meetings and it drives me insane when someone else is late and I have to just sit there waiting on them. Not only a waste of time, it’s disrespectful – it says “my time is more important than yours”. I wrote "For the Love of All That is Holy ... Be on Time" and it sums up my opinion on the matter rather succinctly. Set the meeting length to an hour and end the meeting on time. jump to 20:19 Unfortunately, some meetings always seem to take longer than an hour but I’ve found... You check the time and realize that you have 4 minutes before your next meeting. Maybe it’s an internal meeting, maybe clients are coming in. Is it in person or online? Depending on how you answer those questions, You check the time and realize that you have 4 minutes before your next meeting. Maybe it’s an internal meeting, maybe clients are coming in. Is it in person or online? Depending on how you answer those questions, time to start scrambling so that you are where you need to be and have the information required to make this meeting a good use of your time. But guess what? I promise that you will end up waiting on someone … maybe you are that someone. Either way, you aren’t getting that time back and you haven’t even started yet. Welcome to EP 148: Meetings are a Waste of Time<br /> <br /> [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); });<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> I wrote a post on this topic 11 years ago – and it was also titled “Meetings are a Waste of time.” When I wrote this down as a topic, it wasn’t because I had already covered this topic a decade ago, it was because I had forgotten that I had covered it and I most likely had just come out of a meeting that I felt was an unproductive waste of time. Is this going to be a crabby podcast episode? It’s entirely possible, but you can hit the pause button, go grab a beer, and then restart the show because I feel like most people feel like I do when it comes to the majority of meetings they attend.<br /> <br /> I am becoming more and more sensitive to sitting in meetings where I think:<br /> <br /> What am I doing in this meeting?<br /> <br /> You already said that, move on …<br /> <br /> What does that have to do with what we are supposed to be talking about?<br /> <br /> I went back to reread that post from 2013 and as I went through the points, I typically thought to myself “Nailed It” but things are a little different for me now and shockingly, I thought I was in a lot of meetings before, I am in ten times that number now. It’s not even close!<br /> <br /> A couple of caveats to consider:<br /> <br /> There is a huge difference between professional environment meetings and volunteer organization meetings, Meetings with Clients, and internal meetings. Along with those distinctions comes a slightly different pain threshold for what is acceptable behavior or not. While I would like volunteer meetings to be run with the same efficiency, I have to acknowledge that these are "volunteer" based meetings and if the people attending have to do something as part of their real jobs, I am not going to get in their way.<br /> <br /> Probably 50% of the time I spend in meetings isn’t scheduled. My office (air quotes) is pretty open and it lends itself to pop-in meetings – which was purposeful at the time of design. Exactly what is supposed to happen DOES in fact happen, but it does become disruptive to developing any sort of rhythm to the creative process.<br /> <br /> Client meetings generally fall outside of the requirements I considered, unless I am the one who is slowing things down – which does happen. I wrote in the 2013 post the following:<br /> <br /> “At least half of the meetings I attend, nothing is really happening other than the swapping of stories. One on hand, that’s okay because I’m the Pecos Bill of stories, but I simply don’t have the time for it anymore.”<br /> <br /> So in an effort to reclaim some lost time, here are some tips I have collected and follow to help make sure that my days don’t get longer by sitting in unnecessary or gratuitous meetings.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Start your meetings on time jump to 17:39<br /> If someone is late, that’s their problem. Don’t review information that’s already been covered. I make it an effort to be on time to meetings and it drives me insane when someone else is late and I have to just sit there waiting on them. Not only a waste of time, it’s disrespectful – it says “my time is more important than yours”. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2024 2024 148 148 Meetings are a Waste of Time full false 1:10:34 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-147-draw-like-an-architect/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-147-draw-like-an-architect Sun, 24 Mar 2024 19:00:26 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=39278 How good do you need to be at drawing if you want to become an architect? Or … How can I be an architect – I can’t draw? Is there an easy answer to these questions? Of course there is, but that doesn’t mean the getting is easy. How good do you need to be at drawing if you want to become an architect? Or … How can I be an architect – I can’t draw? Is there an easy answer to these questions? Of course there is, but that doesn’t mean the getting is easy. How good do you need to be at drawing if you want to become an architect? Or … How can I be an architect – I can’t draw? Is there an easy answer to these questions? Of course there is, but that doesn’t mean the getting is easy. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2024 2024 147 147 Draw Like an Architect full false 56:34 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-146-ask-the-show-spring-2024/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-146-ask-the-show-spring-2024 Sun, 10 Mar 2024 19:00:15 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=39241 Tracking productivity, Bucket list vacation, Leadership styles, and Learning how to Draw Details ... We answer these questions and more today on Ep 146: Ask the Show Spring 2024 Tracking productivity, Bucket list vacation, Leadership styles, and Learning how to Draw Details ... We answer these questions and more today on Ep 146: Ask the Show Spring 2024 Tracking productivity, Bucket list vacation, Leadership styles, and Learning how to Draw Details ... We answer these questions and more today on Ep 146: Ask the Show Spring 2024 Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2024 2024 146 146 Ask the Show Spring 2024 full false 1:09:22 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-145-delegated-design/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-145-delegated-design Sun, 25 Feb 2024 20:00:10 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=39221 If you have ever wondered what Delegated Design and Design Assist mean and how the distinction between the two could impact you and your liability and responsibility then this is a good resource of information as we break it down and discuss it in fairly simple terms. If you have ever wondered what Delegated Design and Design Assist mean and how the distinction between the two could impact you and your liability and responsibility then this is a good resource of information as we break it down and discuss it in fair... If you have ever wondered what Delegated Design and Design Assist mean and how the distinction between the two could impact you and your liability and responsibility then this is a good resource of information as we break it down and discuss it in fairly simple terms. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2024 2024 145 145 Delegated Design full false 1:04:50 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep144-objects-of-design/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep144-objects-of-design Sun, 11 Feb 2024 20:20:12 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=39178 From a design standpoint, some things are just cooler than other things – and these things don’t need to be justified to anyone because people either understand it or they don’t … but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an interesting and amazing story behind these objects that might contribute to their coolness in a meaningful way. Today Andrew and I each selected three items and we are going to share with you some amazing stories …  Welcome to EP 144: Objects of Design [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player]   googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); }); Today we are going to share with you something we feel is meaningful to us and why, maybe, it should be meaningful to you. Rather than making this a list of things we like – and by extension – things we think you should like as well, we are going to dig a bit deeper and talk about the story behind each item we discuss today. In a sense, it’s that story that should make today’s podcast interesting … just that fact that WE think it’s interesting probably isn’t good enough, so we are stepping up our game. The rules are simple – Andrew and I were each tasked with identifying a handful of items that we think are worthy of being labeled “Objects of Design” and we are going to present them in an alternating fashion. We are going to be keeping score because, at the end, I want my list to be better than Andrew’s list. Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier (image credit here) CC by SA 3.0 Deed Villa Savoye jump to I am starting my list today with a building – one that architects, fans of architecture, and French people should all be familiar with … Villa Savoye, a modernist villa designed by Charles-Edouart Jeanneret-Gris, better known as “Le Corbusier” and his cousin Pierre Jeanneret located just outside Paris, France in the town of Poissey. It was built out of reinforced concrete between 1928 and 1931. The villa was designed for Pierre and Eugenie Savoye as a country home but the reality is that they barely lived there, but I’ll get to that in a moment. I visited this building in the Fall of 1990 after having become quite familiar with the work as a result architectural history classes and quite honestly, even though it was not the popular still of architecture at the time, I really enjoyed Le Corbusier’s work, not so much some of his ideas on Urban planning. But to really get to the interesting part of this particular project, we have to go back to 1927 when the League of Nations rejected the modern building that Le Corbusier and his cousin Pierre Jeanneret proposed for its headquarters. To say Le Corbusier was disappointed would be an understatement and this moment became a jumping off point that led to Le Corbusier forming the International Congresses of Modern Architecture in 1928. Another Swiss from Zurich, Siegfried Giedion, who was trained as an Engineer, attended the Bauhaus School where he met Walter Gropius and formed his initial interest and opinions on the modern architecture movement, was the Secretary of the International Congress of Modern Architecture and he, along with Le Corbusier wrote the Working Programme of the congress and formulated the text of the declaration. This program would eventually be distilled into the 5 principals  of architecture that I will mention in a Just from that standpoint, Gideon plays an important role into what Villa Savoye is at its essence but he actually continued to play a role in the building as well as its salvage from destruction. So it’s now September 1928 and Le Corbusier has taken on the commission of Villa Savoye. It is called that, maybe obviously because it was the summer house for Pierre and Eugénie Savoye. The Savoye’s developed a brief that called for the programming of the villa, but according to apparently Le Corbusier was given free reign aesthetically and he used this project to articulate some ideas that he had be... From a design standpoint, some things are just cooler than other things – and these things don’t need to be justified to anyone because people either understand it or they don’t … but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an interesting and amazing story behin... From a design standpoint, some things are just cooler than other things – and these things don’t need to be justified to anyone because people either understand it or they don’t … but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an interesting and amazing story behind these objects that might contribute to their coolness in a meaningful way. Today Andrew and I each selected three items and we are going to share with you some amazing stories …  Welcome to EP 144: Objects of Design<br /> <br /> [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player]  <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); });<br /> <br /> <br /> Today we are going to share with you something we feel is meaningful to us and why, maybe, it should be meaningful to you. Rather than making this a list of things we like – and by extension – things we think you should like as well, we are going to dig a bit deeper and talk about the story behind each item we discuss today. In a sense, it’s that story that should make today’s podcast interesting … just that fact that WE think it’s interesting probably isn’t good enough, so we are stepping up our game.<br /> <br /> The rules are simple – Andrew and I were each tasked with identifying a handful of items that we think are worthy of being labeled “Objects of Design” and we are going to present them in an alternating fashion. We are going to be keeping score because, at the end, I want my list to be better than Andrew’s list.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier (image credit here) CC by SA 3.0 Deed<br /> <br /> Villa Savoye jump to <br /> <br /> I am starting my list today with a building – one that architects, fans of architecture, and French people should all be familiar with … Villa Savoye, a modernist villa designed by Charles-Edouart Jeanneret-Gris, better known as “Le Corbusier” and his cousin Pierre Jeanneret located just outside Paris, France in the town of Poissey. It was built out of reinforced concrete between 1928 and 1931. The villa was designed for Pierre and Eugenie Savoye as a country home but the reality is that they barely lived there, but I’ll get to that in a moment.<br /> <br /> I visited this building in the Fall of 1990 after having become quite familiar with the work as a result architectural history classes and quite honestly, even though it was not the popular still of architecture at the time, I really enjoyed Le Corbusier’s work, not so much some of his ideas on Urban planning.<br /> <br /> But to really get to the interesting part of this particular project, we have to go back to 1927 when the League of Nations rejected the modern building that Le Corbusier and his cousin Pierre Jeanneret proposed for its headquarters. To say Le Corbusier was disappointed would be an understatement and this moment became a jumping off point that led to Le Corbusier forming the International Congresses of Modern Architecture in 1928. Another Swiss from Zurich, Siegfried Giedion, who was trained as an Engineer, attended the Bauhaus School where he met Walter Gropius and formed his initial interest and opinions on the modern architecture movement, was the Secretary of the International Congress of Modern Architecture and he, along with Le Corbusier wrote the Working Programme of the congress and formulated the text of the declaration. This program would eventually be distilled into the 5 principals  of architecture that I will mention in a<br /> <br /> Just from that standpoint, Gideon plays an important role into what Villa Savoye is at its essence but he actually continued to play a role in the building as well as its salvage from destruction.<br /> <br /> So it’s now September 1928 and Le Corbusier has taken on the commission of Villa Savoye. It is called that, maybe obviously because it was the summer house for Pierre and Eugénie Savoye.<br /> <br /> Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2024 2024 144 144 Objects of Design full false 1:13:26 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-143-architectural-drawings-excessive-or-essential/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-143-architectural-drawings-excessive-or-essential Sun, 28 Jan 2024 20:00:21 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=39151 The episode "Architectural Drawings: Excessive or Essential" will focus on drawings and the question that first comes to mind is to talk about what we draw, why we draw it, and who we draw it for and why that impacts all other considerations The episode "Architectural Drawings: Excessive or Essential" will focus on drawings and the question that first comes to mind is to talk about what we draw, why we draw it, and who we draw it for and why that impacts all other considerations The episode "Architectural Drawings: Excessive or Essential" will focus on drawings and the question that first comes to mind is to talk about what we draw, why we draw it, and who we draw it for and why that impacts all other considerations Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2024 2024 143 143 Architectural Drawings: Excessive or Essential full false 1:00:36 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-142-when-i-grow-up/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-142-when-i-grow-up Sun, 14 Jan 2024 20:00:37 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=39132 In Episode 142: When I Grow Up, Andrew and I discuss how things take place that divert you from your expected path as you move through your career. It's a natural evolution to move into new roles and responsibilities that break the idea you have for yourself when you decided to chart your future. In Episode 142: When I Grow Up, Andrew and I discuss how things take place that divert you from your expected path as you move through your career. It's a natural evolution to move into new roles and responsibilities that break the idea you have for yo... In Episode 142: When I Grow Up, Andrew and I discuss how things take place that divert you from your expected path as you move through your career. It's a natural evolution to move into new roles and responsibilities that break the idea you have for yourself when you decided to chart your future. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2024 2024 142 142 When I Grow Up full false 1:02:20 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-141-2023-yearapalooza/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-141-2023-yearapalooza Sun, 17 Dec 2023 20:00:35 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=39103 As the end of the 2023 season comes to an end, Life of an Architect looks at Fan Favorite Episodes, the Blog posts, and the graphics created to support the topics. As the end of the 2023 season comes to an end, Life of an Architect looks at Fan Favorite Episodes, the Blog posts, and the graphics created to support the topics. As the end of the 2023 season comes to an end, Life of an Architect looks at Fan Favorite Episodes, the Blog posts, and the graphics created to support the topics. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 141 141 2023 Yearapalooza full false 1:08:56 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-140-communicating-through-drawings/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-140-communicating-through-drawings Sun, 10 Dec 2023 19:00:33 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=39085 Drawings have always played a role in the process of study and discussion of what we do and why we do it. Today we are going to look at the different forms of drawing and talk about when they are used and how we align these different drawing types and the messages they convey as we discuss "Communicating Through Drawings" Drawings have always played a role in the process of study and discussion of what we do and why we do it. Today we are going to look at the different forms of drawing and talk about when they are used and how we align these different drawing types and ... Drawings have always played a role in the process of study and discussion of what we do and why we do it. Today we are going to look at the different forms of drawing and talk about when they are used and how we align these different drawing types and the messages they convey as we discuss "Communicating Through Drawings" Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 140 140 Communicating Through Drawings full false 1:08:55 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-139-holiday-gift-guide-for-architects/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-139-holiday-gift-guide-for-architects Sun, 26 Nov 2023 20:00:07 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38996 It’s almost that gift-giving time of the year and if you have an architect in your life, you know that getting them a gift is potentially the most agonizing experience possible - but that’s why we’re here. Now in its 14th consecutive year, Welcome to Episode 139 Holiday Gift Guide for Architects 2023! It’s almost that gift-giving time of the year and if you have an architect in your life, you know that getting them a gift is potentially the most agonizing experience possible - but that’s why we’re here. Now in its 14th consecutive year, It’s almost that gift-giving time of the year and if you have an architect in your life, you know that getting them a gift is potentially the most agonizing experience possible - but that’s why we’re here. Now in its 14th consecutive year, Welcome to Episode 139 Holiday Gift Guide for Architects 2023! Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 139 139 Holiday Guide Guide for Architects 2023 full false 1:24:25 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-138-is-architecture-school-broken-part-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-138-is-architecture-school-broken-part-2 Sun, 12 Nov 2023 21:35:53 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38960 Are students graduating from architecture school prepared for the profession? Is the educational system aligned with the workplace? What is the best software to teach students? Can we all just get along? We started this exploration of the idea that Architecture School may need some modifications in Episode 137. The system needs to change to provide the skills, knowledge, and pathways for the future of the profession, but what else may need to be addressed? What does all of this mean to students, architects, and the public at large? Are students graduating from architecture school prepared for the profession? Is the educational system aligned with the workplace? What is the best software to teach students? Can we all just get along? We started this exploration of the idea that Arc... Are students graduating from architecture school prepared for the profession? Is the educational system aligned with the workplace? What is the best software to teach students? Can we all just get along? We started this exploration of the idea that Architecture School may need some modifications in Episode 137. The system needs to change to provide the skills, knowledge, and pathways for the future of the profession, but what else may need to be addressed? What does all of this mean to students, architects, and the public at large? Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 138 138 Is Architecture School Broken - part 2 full false 1:12:21 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-137-is-architecture-school-broken/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-137-is-architecture-school-broken Sun, 29 Oct 2023 19:00:29 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38934 The architectural education system hasn't been around for that long, yet it has it's issues and concerns. So that leads us to ask the question... Is Architecture School Broken? Join us for Part One of the conversation in Episode 137. We discuss the short history of arch edu, some common concerns with the system, and the shortcomings of the studio-based learning environments. The architectural education system hasn't been around for that long, yet it has it's issues and concerns. So that leads us to ask the question... Is Architecture School Broken? Join us for Part One of the conversation in Episode 137. The architectural education system hasn't been around for that long, yet it has it's issues and concerns. So that leads us to ask the question... Is Architecture School Broken? Join us for Part One of the conversation in Episode 137. We discuss the short history of arch edu, some common concerns with the system, and the shortcomings of the studio-based learning environments. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 137 137 Is Architecture School Broken pt 1 full false 1:16:54 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-136-leadership-vs-management/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-136-leadership-vs-management Sun, 15 Oct 2023 19:00:30 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38892 What is the difference between Leadership and Management – there is definitely some overlap, but the key distinction lies in … wait, you thought I was going to tell you in the opening? It’s going to take some time to talk through those distinctions before we get there …Welcome to EP 136: Leadership vs. Management [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player] googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); }); Today we are talking about the nuanced distinction between leadership and management. In the circles I travel in, these terms are often used interchangeably, yet they encompass distinctive sets of skills, values, and priorities. We set today’s topic up for discussion during episode 134: Management 101 when attempting to answer the question “Do you have any pointers for architects who are transitioning into management roles.” I felt that we needed to clarify the difference between management and leadership to focus our conversation but recognized that there was a lot to unpack and discuss not only what sets leadership and management apart but also how their collaboration can propel an organization to the success they no doubt aim to achieve. Since I like to do a little research and preparation for each show, I went back into the Life of an Architect archives to see what I had written or discussed in the past where Leadership and Management were concerned. August 2013 - Leadership versus Management - the first time I pointedly thought on this subject. July 2014 – Leadership - I was one of three people who presented a day-long symposium on the topic and where most of my initial research was started. March 2017 – Attitude Reflects Leadership – anecdotal observation of how your behavior matters and how it impacts and influences others. July 2020 - Ep 054: Leadership – had my sister on the show because she’s quite literally the most qualified person I’ve ever met to discuss what it means to be a leader (possibly read some of the topics/questions we covered) September 2023 – Ep 134 Management 101 - discussing what it means to transition into management and how that is different from simply being good at your previous job. In the very first post, I ended with a quote I found, and it has unintentionally become the foundation upon which most of my thoughts on leadership have been built. It was a quote from Margaret Thatcher, and I found it when researching a new role that I was transitioning into. It is: “Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.” If you have to tell people you’re the leader, you aren’t. “Leadership” and “Management” are inextricably linked to one another, but management is a role you are hired into while leadership is thrust upon you by others. I went back through all of these remarkably insightful posts and episodes to organize today’s conversation into 5 Key areas of distinction where there overlap but the approach to the process of solution is different based on management or leadership. For this "Vision and Strategy" image, I started with the basic concept of something old, but endeavoring to build (in secret) something centuries beyond assumed capacity, and the group captured this moment for posterity. Prompt: cowboys, high-tech stagecoach, no wheels, remote desert, Daguerreotype --ar 16:9 --s 750 --v 5.2 Iterations/Modifications to final image? 18 Vision and Strategy jump to 12:54 Management Focus: Managers focus on planning and executing strategies. They develop detailed plans, set targets, and ensure resources are allocated efficiently to meet objectives. Leadership Focus: Leaders are visionary. They set the direction for the organization, articulate a compelling vision, and inspire others to share in that vision. They guide the development of a long-term strategy. Advice: While managers implement strategies, What is the difference between Leadership and Management – there is definitely some overlap, but the key distinction lies in … wait, you thought I was going to tell you in the opening? It’s going to take some time to talk through those distinctions bef... What is the difference between Leadership and Management – there is definitely some overlap, but the key distinction lies in … wait, you thought I was going to tell you in the opening? It’s going to take some time to talk through those distinctions before we get there …Welcome to EP 136: Leadership vs. Management<br /> <br /> [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); });<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Today we are talking about the nuanced distinction between leadership and management. In the circles I travel in, these terms are often used interchangeably, yet they encompass distinctive sets of skills, values, and priorities. We set today’s topic up for discussion during episode 134: Management 101 when attempting to answer the question “Do you have any pointers for architects who are transitioning into management roles.” I felt that we needed to clarify the difference between management and leadership to focus our conversation but recognized that there was a lot to unpack and discuss not only what sets leadership and management apart but also how their collaboration can propel an organization to the success they no doubt aim to achieve.<br /> <br /> Since I like to do a little research and preparation for each show, I went back into the Life of an Architect archives to see what I had written or discussed in the past where Leadership and Management were concerned.<br /> <br /> August 2013 - Leadership versus Management - the first time I pointedly thought on this subject.<br /> <br /> July 2014 – Leadership - I was one of three people who presented a day-long symposium on the topic and where most of my initial research was started.<br /> <br /> March 2017 – Attitude Reflects Leadership – anecdotal observation of how your behavior matters and how it impacts and influences others.<br /> <br /> July 2020 - Ep 054: Leadership – had my sister on the show because she’s quite literally the most qualified person I’ve ever met to discuss what it means to be a leader (possibly read some of the topics/questions we covered)<br /> <br /> September 2023 – Ep 134 Management 101 - discussing what it means to transition into management and how that is different from simply being good at your previous job.<br /> <br /> In the very first post, I ended with a quote I found, and it has unintentionally become the foundation upon which most of my thoughts on leadership have been built. It was a quote from Margaret Thatcher, and I found it when researching a new role that I was transitioning into. It is:<br /> <br /> “Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.”<br /> <br /> If you have to tell people you’re the leader, you aren’t. “Leadership” and “Management” are inextricably linked to one another, but management is a role you are hired into while leadership is thrust upon you by others.<br /> <br /> I went back through all of these remarkably insightful posts and episodes to organize today’s conversation into 5 Key areas of distinction where there overlap but the approach to the process of solution is different based on management or leadership.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> For this "Vision and Strategy" image, I started with the basic concept of something old, but endeavoring to build (in secret) something centuries beyond assumed capacity, and the group captured this moment for posterity. Prompt: cowboys, high-tech stagecoach, no wheels, remote desert, Daguerreotype --ar 16:9 --s 750 --v 5.2 Iterations/Modifications to final image? 18<br /> <br /> Vision and Strategy jump to 12:54<br /> <br /> Management Focus: Managers focus on planning and executing strategies. They develop detailed plans, set targets, and ensure resources are allocated efficiently to meet objectives.<br /> <br /> Leadership Focus: Leaders are visionary. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 136 136 Leadership vs. Management full false 1:05:06 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-135-employee-takeover/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-135-employee-takeover Sun, 01 Oct 2023 20:00:57 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38846 It was podcast Episode 130: Employee Evaluations, and Andrew and I were discussing the process and criteria used to assess and measure an individual employee’s performance when we made the point that there would be value in creating a process where upward evaluations could be implemented, one that allowed the employee to share their thoughts and opinions on what mattered to them from their managers, from their team leads, even their employers. We decided to have that discussion to do just that …Welcome to EP 135: Employee Takeover It was podcast Episode 130: Employee Evaluations, and Andrew and I were discussing the process and criteria used to assess and measure an individual employee’s performance when we made the point that there would be value in creating a process where upw... It was podcast Episode 130: Employee Evaluations, and Andrew and I were discussing the process and criteria used to assess and measure an individual employee’s performance when we made the point that there would be value in creating a process where upward evaluations could be implemented, one that allowed the employee to share their thoughts and opinions on what mattered to them from their managers, from their team leads, even their employers. We decided to have that discussion to do just that …Welcome to EP 135: Employee Takeover Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 135 135 Employee Takeover full false 1:16:23 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-134-management-101/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-134-management-101 Sun, 17 Sep 2023 19:00:42 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38812 Today we are talking about firm management – but at a fairly introductory level so that we can focus on a broad range of considerations that are applicable to a broader range of individuals who are transitioning into management roles. Today we are talking about firm management – but at a fairly introductory level so that we can focus on a broad range of considerations that are applicable to a broader range of individuals who are transitioning into management roles. Today we are talking about firm management – but at a fairly introductory level so that we can focus on a broad range of considerations that are applicable to a broader range of individuals who are transitioning into management roles. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 134 134 Management 101 full false 1:21:01 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-133-ask-the-show-fall-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-133-ask-the-show-fall-2023 Mon, 04 Sep 2023 19:00:13 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38769 Management transition, Where to start a design, the Role of Artificial Intelligence in architecture, and What Cocktail Should Architects drink ... We answer your questions today on Ep 133: Ask the Show. Fall 2023 Management transition, Where to start a design, the Role of Artificial Intelligence in architecture, and What Cocktail Should Architects drink ... We answer your questions today on Ep 133: Ask the Show. Fall 2023 Management transition, Where to start a design, the Role of Artificial Intelligence in architecture, and What Cocktail Should Architects drink ... We answer your questions today on Ep 133: Ask the Show. Fall 2023 Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 133 133 Ask the Show Fall 2023 full false 1:19:52 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-132-starting-architecture-school-part-02/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-132-starting-architecture-school-part-02 Sun, 20 Aug 2023 19:00:45 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38729 You have made the decision where to study architecture. You've chosen the architecture school and your degree path. So now what? How much work is this going to be? How much will this cost? We covered some issues in Part 1, and now we will finish the monumental task of summarizing what it's like to start architecture school. You have made the decision where to study architecture. You've chosen the architecture school and your degree path. So now what? How much work is this going to be? How much will this cost? We covered some issues in Part 1, You have made the decision where to study architecture. You've chosen the architecture school and your degree path. So now what? How much work is this going to be? How much will this cost? We covered some issues in Part 1, and now we will finish the monumental task of summarizing what it's like to start architecture school. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 1:20:11 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-131-starting-architecture-school-part-1/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-131-starting-architecture-school-part-1 Sun, 06 Aug 2023 19:00:47 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38677 So you are thinking about starting architecture school or looking to study architecture. Well, no matter your situation; we’ve got you covered today with all the introductory info in Episode 131: Starting Architecture School Part 1. So you are thinking about starting architecture school or looking to study architecture. Well, no matter your situation; we’ve got you covered today with all the introductory info in Episode 131: Starting Architecture School Part 1. So you are thinking about starting architecture school or looking to study architecture. Well, no matter your situation; we’ve got you covered today with all the introductory info in Episode 131: Starting Architecture School Part 1. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 131 131 Starting Architecture School Part 1 full false 1:08:37 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-130-employee-evaluations/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-130-employee-evaluations Sun, 23 Jul 2023 19:00:41 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38652 In this episode we discuss the role that structured and organized employee evaluations have a valuable role to play in the process of evaluating the role that employees fill in any office environment In this episode we discuss the role that structured and organized employee evaluations have a valuable role to play in the process of evaluating the role that employees fill in any office environment In this episode we discuss the role that structured and organized employee evaluations have a valuable role to play in the process of evaluating the role that employees fill in any office environment Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 130 130 Employee Evaluations full false 1:13:09 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-129-built-to-last/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-129-built-to-last Sun, 09 Jul 2023 19:00:05 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38614 Historically, modern trends in the AEC industry do not provide for buildings with a longer life span. In 'Built to Last' we will discuss ways to improve the lifespan of buildings through mitigating various aspects of impact on the built environment. Historically, modern trends in the AEC industry do not provide for buildings with a longer life span. In 'Built to Last' we will discuss ways to improve the lifespan of buildings through mitigating various aspects of impact on the built environment. Historically, modern trends in the AEC industry do not provide for buildings with a longer life span. In 'Built to Last' we will discuss ways to improve the lifespan of buildings through mitigating various aspects of impact on the built environment. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 129 129 Built to Last full false 1:20:50 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-128-focus/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-128-focus Sun, 25 Jun 2023 19:00:10 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38596 Focus is a subject matter that warrants revisited attention from each of us as it is something that is in a constant state of change and in need of improvement. Focus is a subject matter that warrants revisited attention from each of us as it is something that is in a constant state of change and in need of improvement. Focus is a subject matter that warrants revisited attention from each of us as it is something that is in a constant state of change and in need of improvement. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 128 128 Focus full false 1:04:57 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-127-context-and-design/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-127-context-and-design Sun, 11 Jun 2023 21:00:13 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38574 Do architects have a responsibility to acknowledge the time, place and style of architecture they design? How does form based zoning figure into this? Context and Design are the topics we are exploring in today's episode. Do architects have a responsibility to acknowledge the time, place and style of architecture they design? How does form based zoning figure into this? Context and Design are the topics we are exploring in today's episode. Do architects have a responsibility to acknowledge the time, place and style of architecture they design? How does form based zoning figure into this? Context and Design are the topics we are exploring in today's episode. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 127 127 Context and Design full false 1:08:01 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-126-architectural-bucket-list/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-126-architectural-bucket-list Mon, 29 May 2023 19:00:56 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38536 Almost 4 years to the day and 100 episodes later, Andrew and I are going to go through an architectural bucket list of people places, and things. I don’t know what Andrew has in mind but I’m feeling that my list will inspire you and change your life… Almost 4 years to the day and 100 episodes later, Andrew and I are going to go through an architectural bucket list of people places, and things. I don’t know what Andrew has in mind but I’m feeling that my list will inspire you and change your life… Almost 4 years to the day and 100 episodes later, Andrew and I are going to go through an architectural bucket list of people places, and things. I don’t know what Andrew has in mind but I’m feeling that my list will inspire you and change your life… Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 126 126 Architectural Bucket List - 2023 full false 54:17 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-125-a-great-employee/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-125-a-great-employee Sun, 14 May 2023 19:00:53 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38508 How do you define a great employee? The answer is most likely dependent on who is attempting to respond, the employee or the employer. I will concede that I have told previous employers that I would be the best employee they have ever had. And I actually meant it when I said it. Did it happen? I like to think so; at least once or twice, but it’s not for me to say. Andrew and I have been both employee and employer, and this is a topic that I think deserves a little time in the spotlight … Welcome to Ep 125: A Great Employee [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player] googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); }); A Great Employee - Definitions  jump to 2:10 As a primer to the conversation, I thought it would be useful to get an understanding of what other people think makes a great employee. To do this, I sought out the input of people from different age brackets, different stages of experience, architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and owners - just to see if there was a pattern in place that presented itself regardless of the baggage people were bringing with them. Turns out that people generally have the same idea of what makes for a great employee. Miranda Davis – Architect at BOKA Powell: "A great employee first takes care of all the tasks they are assigned in the time that they were given/gave themselves. This includes taking notes/mental notes to facilitate that in the capacity that they know they will need to not forget/miss steps (self-awareness). They communicate well, giving notice as soon as they realize they might not finish something on time, giving their team a chance to pivot if needed. They cannot go above and beyond without first fulfilling the original assignment thoroughly and on time, otherwise the extras cannot be appreciated. They listen actively and ask good questions after first troubleshooting on their own, acknowledging that everyone’s time and brain-space is important. They present a willingness to take on other tasks to learn and grow with a good attitude, bonus points for visible enthusiasm." Brannon Heake: "What makes “a great employee” is not only willing to go the extra distance, but also know when it is necessary to do so. A great employee creates healthy boundaries with work, instilling a sense of pace, forecast, and rigor with a project. Lastly, having the self-awareness to remain cool and collected and check your ego at the door is critical. Although hierarchy is important, a great employee looks at their team as a collective rather than who oversees whom." Paul Freeland - Landscape Architect Kimley-Horn: "A great employee thinks critically about their task and the deliverables at hand.  They are proactive, checking quality in their work, holding themselves to a high standard. They solve problems on their own and are great at follow-up internally and externally. They are self-motivated and collaborative, with a positive attitude and a willingness to help their team in times of need.  They are easy going, open to feedback, and don’t take themselves too seriously." Melanie Hanna - Interior Designer BOKA Powell: "A great employee is subjective and can greatly vary depending on a company’s leadership style, culture, and values. For me personally, a “great employee” can be defined as a self-motivated individual who has excellent communication skills, embraces a growth mindset, and is aligned with the company’s mission, vision, and values. This individual is respectful, celebrates success, learns from failures, and has a “rising tide lifts all ships” mentality." Nick Thorn – Architect at Marlon Blackwell Architects: "A great employee has many positive traits and attributes, but first and foremost, they are effective communicators because this leads to positive engagement with others. They also possess a duality of other important traits; confidence in their abilities whi... How do you define a great employee? The answer is most likely dependent on who is attempting to respond, the employee or the employer. I will concede that I have told previous employers that I would be the best employee they have ever had. How do you define a great employee? The answer is most likely dependent on who is attempting to respond, the employee or the employer. I will concede that I have told previous employers that I would be the best employee they have ever had. And I actually meant it when I said it. Did it happen? I like to think so; at least once or twice, but it’s not for me to say. Andrew and I have been both employee and employer, and this is a topic that I think deserves a little time in the spotlight … Welcome to Ep 125: A Great Employee<br /> <br /> [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); });<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> A Great Employee - Definitions  jump to 2:10<br /> <br /> As a primer to the conversation, I thought it would be useful to get an understanding of what other people think makes a great employee. To do this, I sought out the input of people from different age brackets, different stages of experience, architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and owners - just to see if there was a pattern in place that presented itself regardless of the baggage people were bringing with them. Turns out that people generally have the same idea of what makes for a great employee.<br /> <br /> Miranda Davis – Architect at BOKA Powell:<br /> "A great employee first takes care of all the tasks they are assigned in the time that they were given/gave themselves. This includes taking notes/mental notes to facilitate that in the capacity that they know they will need to not forget/miss steps (self-awareness). They communicate well, giving notice as soon as they realize they might not finish something on time, giving their team a chance to pivot if needed. They cannot go above and beyond without first fulfilling the original assignment thoroughly and on time, otherwise the extras cannot be appreciated. They listen actively and ask good questions after first troubleshooting on their own, acknowledging that everyone’s time and brain-space is important. They present a willingness to take on other tasks to learn and grow with a good attitude, bonus points for visible enthusiasm."<br /> <br /> Brannon Heake:<br /> "What makes “a great employee” is not only willing to go the extra distance, but also know when it is necessary to do so. A great employee creates healthy boundaries with work, instilling a sense of pace, forecast, and rigor with a project. Lastly, having the self-awareness to remain cool and collected and check your ego at the door is critical. Although hierarchy is important, a great employee looks at their team as a collective rather than who oversees whom."<br /> <br /> Paul Freeland - Landscape Architect Kimley-Horn:<br /> "A great employee thinks critically about their task and the deliverables at hand.  They are proactive, checking quality in their work, holding themselves to a high standard. They solve problems on their own and are great at follow-up internally and externally. They are self-motivated and collaborative, with a positive attitude and a willingness to help their team in times of need.  They are easy going, open to feedback, and don’t take themselves too seriously."<br /> <br /> Melanie Hanna - Interior Designer BOKA Powell:<br /> "A great employee is subjective and can greatly vary depending on a company’s leadership style, culture, and values. For me personally, a “great employee” can be defined as a self-motivated individual who has excellent communication skills, embraces a growth mindset, and is aligned with the company’s mission, vision, and values. This individual is respectful, celebrates success, learns from failures, and has a “rising tide lifts all ships” mentality."<br /> <br /> Nick Thorn – Architect at Marlon Blackwell Architects:<br /> "A great employee has many positive traits and attributes, Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 125 125 A Great Employee full false 1:12:06 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-124-show-me-the-money/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-124-show-me-the-money Sun, 30 Apr 2023 19:00:39 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38487 In Ep 124: Show Me the Money, we discuss the current architectural marketplace, where we can find value, what’s the going salary rate based on skill set and experience, and how badly we need this spot or that spot filled. Understanding your value involves a lot of variables and this will help you set your own priorities when making a decision on your worth. In Ep 124: Show Me the Money, we discuss the current architectural marketplace, where we can find value, what’s the going salary rate based on skill set and experience, and how badly we need this spot or that spot filled. In Ep 124: Show Me the Money, we discuss the current architectural marketplace, where we can find value, what’s the going salary rate based on skill set and experience, and how badly we need this spot or that spot filled. Understanding your value involves a lot of variables and this will help you set your own priorities when making a decision on your worth. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 124 124 Show Me the Money full false 54:28 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-123-interview-just-arent-that-hard/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-123-interview-just-arent-that-hard Sun, 16 Apr 2023 18:00:54 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38439 You’re about to graduate from architecture school, or maybe you already have a job, and you’re just simply looking for a change. Going through interviews is part of the sequence of getting a new job, and there are some things that are worth knowing before you step into the room. You’re about to graduate from architecture school, or maybe you already have a job, and you’re just simply looking for a change. Going through interviews is part of the sequence of getting a new job, and there are some things that are worth knowing bef... You’re about to graduate from architecture school, or maybe you already have a job, and you’re just simply looking for a change. Going through interviews is part of the sequence of getting a new job, and there are some things that are worth knowing before you step into the room. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 123 123 Interviews Just Aren't That Hard full false 1:06:37 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-122-architecture-and-artificial-intelligence/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-122-architecture-and-artificial-intelligence Sun, 02 Apr 2023 19:50:49 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38365 Even though artificial intelligence can conceptually trace its roots back to the 1950s, the reality is AI and Machine learning went mainstream not too long ago, but what does this mean to the profession of architecture? Even though artificial intelligence can conceptually trace its roots back to the 1950s, the reality is AI and Machine learning went mainstream not too long ago, but what does this mean to the profession of architecture? Even though artificial intelligence can conceptually trace its roots back to the 1950s, the reality is AI and Machine learning went mainstream not too long ago, but what does this mean to the profession of architecture? Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 122 122 Architecture and AI full false 1:08:23 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-121-material-selection/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-121-material-selection Sun, 19 Mar 2023 19:00:02 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38362 When you think of a building – whatever scale or project type, the items that go to create that building are most frequently associated with the materials that are selected that define the appearance of the building. Brick, glass, wood, and metal are all great choices – but the decision on what to clad your project in goes a long way towards deciding things beyond the appearance. . … Welcome to EP 121: Material Selection [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player]   googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); }); The "When" jump to 4:13 When does it happen in the process? Is it early? Late? All the time? Do architects do it differently? These were the questions we discussed in this section and one revelation that I discovered was that I have never had a conversation with another architect about when in the process they choose their materials. For me, the first time I start thinking about the materiality of the projects really has more to do with when I start assembling my drawings. If I am going to consider using a masonry wall - I don't need to know which brick I am going to use, just whether or not I need to provide a certain thickness wall that will accommodate using masonry. We also discussed when we start making those decisions. Andrew thinks that due to the nature of the projects he works on (K-12 schools), clients frequently drive the "when". One of the things that has evolved over the last few years is our use of visualization software that depicts a more finished product. I discussed this in greater detail in the article "Renderings for Residential Design" about how we are indicating a more finished product MUCH earlier than in years past. I'm not entirely convinced this is a good thing because it moves the conversation more along the lines of "I don't like that color of brick" rather than talking about how the space works. The "Why" jump to 12:51 Why choose the material? What are the considerations? Do certain clients value characteristics over others? Cost: This is a major consideration and driver in almost every decision that is made. When we get a budget (and we always have a budget) right out of the gate that will influence materiality. Where is the material coming from - am I paying a premium to get a certain material for my project? We also discuss how labor is almost always more expensive than materials. Due to the remote nature of some of the projects I have worked on, and the lack of specifically trained skilled labor, we will not use certain materials. For example, finding a mason in Northern Wisconsin is not as simple as you might think and if I want to build a brick wall, I'm having to import a brick mason in from another part of the state. Performance - Maintenance - Durability - Climate: Maintenance and climate are strong motivators driving material selection and both of those drive performance. For Andrew, especially with his public work, how the material performs contributes directly towards its consideration for selection. Can we select a material that doesn't need to be painted (think burnished block versus painted CMU) so you are trading upfront material cost for long-term reduced maintenance cost. Also, choosing a material based on climate and the labor market that develops to support that selection ... let's consider wood siding. I rarely get to use wood on the exterior of my projects because it requires routinely scheduled maintenance to keep it from falling apart or looking shabby. Even if I paint it, and despite the readily available labor market we have in Texas, we do not have the same robust industry of home painters here that you might find along the east coast. Few clients are interested in stripping down and repainting their house every few years because it is an expensive process. Availability - This might be a bigger consideration for some architects than others. When you think of a building – whatever scale or project type, the items that go to create that building are most frequently associated with the materials that are selected that define the appearance of the building. Brick, glass, wood, When you think of a building – whatever scale or project type, the items that go to create that building are most frequently associated with the materials that are selected that define the appearance of the building. Brick, glass, wood, and metal are all great choices – but the decision on what to clad your project in goes a long way towards deciding things beyond the appearance. . … Welcome to EP 121: Material Selection<br /> <br /> [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player]  <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); });<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The "When" jump to 4:13<br /> <br /> When does it happen in the process? Is it early? Late? All the time? Do architects do it differently?<br /> <br /> These were the questions we discussed in this section and one revelation that I discovered was that I have never had a conversation with another architect about when in the process they choose their materials. For me, the first time I start thinking about the materiality of the projects really has more to do with when I start assembling my drawings. If I am going to consider using a masonry wall - I don't need to know which brick I am going to use, just whether or not I need to provide a certain thickness wall that will accommodate using masonry.<br /> <br /> We also discussed when we start making those decisions. Andrew thinks that due to the nature of the projects he works on (K-12 schools), clients frequently drive the "when". One of the things that has evolved over the last few years is our use of visualization software that depicts a more finished product. I discussed this in greater detail in the article "Renderings for Residential Design" about how we are indicating a more finished product MUCH earlier than in years past. I'm not entirely convinced this is a good thing because it moves the conversation more along the lines of "I don't like that color of brick" rather than talking about how the space works.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The "Why" jump to 12:51<br /> <br /> Why choose the material? What are the considerations? Do certain clients value characteristics over others?<br /> <br /> Cost: This is a major consideration and driver in almost every decision that is made. When we get a budget (and we always have a budget) right out of the gate that will influence materiality. Where is the material coming from - am I paying a premium to get a certain material for my project? We also discuss how labor is almost always more expensive than materials. Due to the remote nature of some of the projects I have worked on, and the lack of specifically trained skilled labor, we will not use certain materials. For example, finding a mason in Northern Wisconsin is not as simple as you might think and if I want to build a brick wall, I'm having to import a brick mason in from another part of the state.<br /> <br /> Performance - Maintenance - Durability - Climate: Maintenance and climate are strong motivators driving material selection and both of those drive performance. For Andrew, especially with his public work, how the material performs contributes directly towards its consideration for selection. Can we select a material that doesn't need to be painted (think burnished block versus painted CMU) so you are trading upfront material cost for long-term reduced maintenance cost. Also, choosing a material based on climate and the labor market that develops to support that selection ... let's consider wood siding. I rarely get to use wood on the exterior of my projects because it requires routinely scheduled maintenance to keep it from falling apart or looking shabby. Even if I paint it, and despite the readily available labor market we have in Texas, we do not have the same robust industry of home painters here that you might find along the east coast. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 121 121 Material Selection full false 1:01:01 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-120-ask-the-show-spring-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-120-ask-the-show-spring-2023 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 20:00:18 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38316 Deficiencies of the Architectural Profession? Best non-architecture source for creative inspiration? When are you going to retire? We answer questions and more on Ep 120: Ask the Show - Spring 2023 Deficiencies of the Architectural Profession? Best non-architecture source for creative inspiration? When are you going to retire? We answer questions and more on Ep 120: Ask the Show - Spring 2023 Deficiencies of the Architectural Profession? Best non-architecture source for creative inspiration? When are you going to retire? We answer questions and more on Ep 120: Ask the Show - Spring 2023 Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 120 120 Ask the Show - Spring 2023 Edition full false 1:06:21 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-119-architectural-defrag/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-119-architectural-defrag Sun, 19 Feb 2023 20:05:14 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38291 There are a lot of things going on behind the scenes on the Life of an Architect podcast. In today's episode, we cover some changes that we think you will find amazing and some other changes that might merely be incredible. We are pulling the curtains back and discussing 2023 in a way that we've never done before. There are a lot of things going on behind the scenes on the Life of an Architect podcast. In today's episode, we cover some changes that we think you will find amazing and some other changes that might merely be incredible. There are a lot of things going on behind the scenes on the Life of an Architect podcast. In today's episode, we cover some changes that we think you will find amazing and some other changes that might merely be incredible. We are pulling the curtains back and discussing 2023 in a way that we've never done before. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 119 119 Architectural Defrag full false 1:10:00 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-118-architectural-interns/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-118-architectural-interns Sun, 05 Feb 2023 20:00:12 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38266 Getting a job as an architectural intern is important, it is critical to gain an understanding of what type of firm and what sort of projects you will want to work on as a practicing architect. Welcome to Episode 118: Architectural Interns. Getting a job as an architectural intern is important, it is critical to gain an understanding of what type of firm and what sort of projects you will want to work on as a practicing architect. Welcome to Episode 118: Architectural Interns. Getting a job as an architectural intern is important, it is critical to gain an understanding of what type of firm and what sort of projects you will want to work on as a practicing architect. Welcome to Episode 118: Architectural Interns. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 118 118 Architectural Interns full false 1:03:18 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-117-graphic-matters/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-117-graphic-matters Sun, 22 Jan 2023 20:00:32 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38239 Architects still communicate their designs through the use of graphics – and there are a lot of techniques that are up for consideration ... these are Graphic Matters. Architects still communicate their designs through the use of graphics – and there are a lot of techniques that are up for consideration ... these are Graphic Matters. Architects still communicate their designs through the use of graphics – and there are a lot of techniques that are up for consideration ... these are Graphic Matters. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 117 117 Graphic Matters full false 1:11:27 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-116-workaholic/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-116-workaholic Sun, 08 Jan 2023 20:00:11 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38199 Does the architectural profession expect more time out of its employees compared to any other highly educated service provider? Architects do seem to romanticize the amount of time and effort that goes into our craft, but are we actually a workaholic? Does the architectural profession expect more time out of its employees compared to any other highly educated service provider? Architects do seem to romanticize the amount of time and effort that goes into our craft, but are we actually a workaholic? Does the architectural profession expect more time out of its employees compared to any other highly educated service provider? Architects do seem to romanticize the amount of time and effort that goes into our craft, but are we actually a workaholic? Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2023 2023 116 116 Workaholic full false 1:11:28 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/115-the-art-of-getting-it-wrong/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=115-the-art-of-getting-it-wrong Sun, 11 Dec 2022 20:00:53 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38174 Architecture is not a trade, it’s a craft … and since this suggests that time and evolution are a consideration to development, it also suggests that architects don’t always get it right. Today we are discussing Architects and "The Art of Getting it Wrong" Architecture is not a trade, it’s a craft … and since this suggests that time and evolution are a consideration to development, it also suggests that architects don’t always get it right. Today we are discussing Architects and "The Art of Getting it Wr... Architecture is not a trade, it’s a craft … and since this suggests that time and evolution are a consideration to development, it also suggests that architects don’t always get it right. Today we are discussing Architects and "The Art of Getting it Wrong" Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 115 115 The Art of Getting it Wrong full false 1:01:07 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/114-holiday-gift-guide-for-architects-2022/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=114-holiday-gift-guide-for-architects-2022 Sun, 27 Nov 2022 18:00:56 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38073 For the 13th consecutive year, Life of an Architect presents THE definitive holiday gift guide for architects. For the 13th consecutive year, Life of an Architect presents THE definitive holiday gift guide for architects. For the 13th consecutive year, Life of an Architect presents THE definitive holiday gift guide for architects. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 114 114 Holiday Gift Guide for Architects (2022) full false 1:08:56 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-113-an-architects-office/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-113-an-architects-office Mon, 14 Nov 2022 20:35:01 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38077 The design of an Architect's office presents a unique opportunity to address design culture while providing an opportunity to show off your creative side. The design of an Architect's office presents a unique opportunity to address design culture while providing an opportunity to show off your creative side. The design of an Architect's office presents a unique opportunity to address design culture while providing an opportunity to show off your creative side. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 113 113 An Architect's Office full false 1:03:13 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-112-final-presentations-in-architecture-school/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-112-final-presentations-in-architecture-school Sun, 30 Oct 2022 19:00:23 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38057 We are talking about "Final Presentations in Architecture School" today as we review what that process looks like, how to prepare, and discuss what really matters. We are talking about "Final Presentations in Architecture School" today as we review what that process looks like, how to prepare, and discuss what really matters. We are talking about "Final Presentations in Architecture School" today as we review what that process looks like, how to prepare, and discuss what really matters. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 112 112 Final Presentations in Architecture School full false 1:07:53 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-111-talking-shop-kevin-rice/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-111-talking-shop-kevin-rice Sun, 16 Oct 2022 19:00:43 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=38020 In this episode of our Talking Shop series. we are joined by Kevin Rice of Diller Scofidio + Renfro and we discuss careers, office culture, and architecture. In this episode of our Talking Shop series. we are joined by Kevin Rice of Diller Scofidio + Renfro and we discuss careers, office culture, and architecture. In this episode of our Talking Shop series. we are joined by Kevin Rice of Diller Scofidio + Renfro and we discuss careers, office culture, and architecture. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 111 111 Talking Shop with Kevin Rice full false 1:02:49 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-110-modern-home-challenge/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-110-modern-home-challenge Sun, 02 Oct 2022 19:00:36 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37991 We are starting a design exercise called the "Modern Home Challenge" with the intent to go through a design process that would help us understand how to design a modern house that people could afford and would actually want to live in. We are starting a design exercise called the "Modern Home Challenge" with the intent to go through a design process that would help us understand how to design a modern house that people could afford and would actually want to live in. We are starting a design exercise called the "Modern Home Challenge" with the intent to go through a design process that would help us understand how to design a modern house that people could afford and would actually want to live in. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 110 110 Modern Home Challenge full false 1:02:03 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-109-traveling-for-work/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-109-traveling-for-work Sun, 18 Sep 2022 19:00:56 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37961 Most architects are able to get out of the office and travel as part of their job ... but is work-related travel as awesome as we all thought it would be? In today's post and podcast, we discuss the pros and cons of "Traveling for Work". Most architects are able to get out of the office and travel as part of their job ... but is work-related travel as awesome as we all thought it would be? In today's post and podcast, we discuss the pros and cons of "Traveling for Work". Most architects are able to get out of the office and travel as part of their job ... but is work-related travel as awesome as we all thought it would be? In today's post and podcast, we discuss the pros and cons of "Traveling for Work". Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 109 109 Traveling for Work full false 1:06:10 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-108-ask-the-show-fall-2022/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-108-ask-the-show-fall-2022 Mon, 05 Sep 2022 20:00:09 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37927 How much drafting does a fully licensed architect do? What is something you learned in the industry that you hadn’t been taught in school? Are you as condescending to your employees as your redlines let on? All this and potentially other hateful questions on today’s episode as Andrew and I answer discuss the questions submitted by the listeners. Welcome to episode 108: Ask the Show – Fall Edition. [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player]  googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); }); Today’s show consists of questions that were submitted through my Instagram account – well, technically speaking, I asked people to submit questions, and we choose about 10 or so interesting ones that we thought we could effectively handle when only allotting ourselves about 5 minutes to answer.  If you submitted a question and we didn’t answer it here, it’s probably because your question is either a topic that we plan on really focusing on in a later episode, was too complicated and specific to you that nobody else would really be invested in the answer, or it didn’t make sense – mostly because it wasn’t in the form of an actual question. In addition, we keep questions that were submitted for previous Ask the Show episodes and consider them as well – so some of these questions date back to episode 64. Should we be more realistic about true practice in school or keep up the romantic ideals? jump to 3:13 Question submitted by @allisonharris – Allison Harris Bob: If I can only choose between these two options, I would choose romantic ideals – mostly because I believe that you go to school to learn how to learn and for architects, this manifests itself in critical thinking. I know that is not the point of Allison’s question – it most likely has to do with making sure that architecture students come out of school equipped with the knowledge they need to not only be successful but to contribute in a meaningful way. For most of the roles that are possible, as far as careers in architecture go, most people do not go into school, nor do they come out of school with any real understanding of what those roles are or the part they play in the process. Andrew and I spent some time talking about the educational process and debating the merits of having the first year of an architectural education be more of a primer that introduces architecture students to the entire gamut of what traditionally exists in our industry. This might then allow students to choose a more focused path while in undergraduate school that allows them to zero in on the things that suit their interests and skill sets rather than potentially preparing them to perform a role that they are not suited to perform. Andrew: I think there needs to be a precise balance between the two options. After a few years in academia, I have changed my thoughts on this question, and they continue to evolve. I think the issue is that most schools seem to push to one option or the other when in my opinion, the sweet spot is in the middle ground. Architecture school is about learning how to think about architecture in a way that involves a process of critical evaluation and thought. That is a skill that you will utilize for the rest of your life in the profession. Yet, there is not enough information provided about the actual work that happens within the profession. I think some of this is just academia. Many of your professors, to be bluntly honest, may not know how the profession operates currently. Many have either been out of practice for many years or some never were in the practice at all. So the push to insert more of the “profession” into the curriculum is not always easy or possible. I hate to ride the middle ground here, but in reality, you need to learn the process of creating and thinking about architecture and also be made aware of the possibilities and operations of the practi... How much drafting does a fully licensed architect do? What is something you learned in the industry that you hadn’t been taught in school? Are you as condescending to your employees as your redlines let on? How much drafting does a fully licensed architect do? What is something you learned in the industry that you hadn’t been taught in school? Are you as condescending to your employees as your redlines let on? All this and potentially other hateful questions on today’s episode as Andrew and I answer discuss the questions submitted by the listeners. Welcome to episode 108: Ask the Show – Fall Edition.<br /> <br /> [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player] <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); });<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Today’s show consists of questions that were submitted through my Instagram account – well, technically speaking, I asked people to submit questions, and we choose about 10 or so interesting ones that we thought we could effectively handle when only allotting ourselves about 5 minutes to answer.  If you submitted a question and we didn’t answer it here, it’s probably because your question is either a topic that we plan on really focusing on in a later episode, was too complicated and specific to you that nobody else would really be invested in the answer, or it didn’t make sense – mostly because it wasn’t in the form of an actual question. In addition, we keep questions that were submitted for previous Ask the Show episodes and consider them as well – so some of these questions date back to episode 64.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Should we be more realistic about true practice in school or keep up the romantic ideals? jump to 3:13<br /> Question submitted by @allisonharris – Allison Harris<br /> <br /> Bob: If I can only choose between these two options, I would choose romantic ideals – mostly because I believe that you go to school to learn how to learn and for architects, this manifests itself in critical thinking. I know that is not the point of Allison’s question – it most likely has to do with making sure that architecture students come out of school equipped with the knowledge they need to not only be successful but to contribute in a meaningful way.<br /> <br /> For most of the roles that are possible, as far as careers in architecture go, most people do not go into school, nor do they come out of school with any real understanding of what those roles are or the part they play in the process. Andrew and I spent some time talking about the educational process and debating the merits of having the first year of an architectural education be more of a primer that introduces architecture students to the entire gamut of what traditionally exists in our industry. This might then allow students to choose a more focused path while in undergraduate school that allows them to zero in on the things that suit their interests and skill sets rather than potentially preparing them to perform a role that they are not suited to perform.<br /> <br /> Andrew: I think there needs to be a precise balance between the two options. After a few years in academia, I have changed my thoughts on this question, and they continue to evolve. I think the issue is that most schools seem to push to one option or the other when in my opinion, the sweet spot is in the middle ground. Architecture school is about learning how to think about architecture in a way that involves a process of critical evaluation and thought. That is a skill that you will utilize for the rest of your life in the profession. Yet, there is not enough information provided about the actual work that happens within the profession. I think some of this is just academia. Many of your professors, to be bluntly honest, may not know how the profession operates currently. Many have either been out of practice for many years or some never were in the practice at all. So the push to insert more of the “profession” into the curriculum is not always easy or possible.<br /> <br /> Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 108 108 Ask the Show - 2022 Fall Edition full false 1:12:48 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-107-design-development/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-107-design-development Sun, 21 Aug 2022 19:00:30 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37905 Learn about what happens during the design development phase of a residential project when you hire an architect. This is typically the phase the clients enjoy the most as they see their project come to life and start to get an understanding of what their new home will look like once completed. Learn about what happens during the design development phase of a residential project when you hire an architect. This is typically the phase the clients enjoy the most as they see their project come to life and start to get an understanding of what th... Learn about what happens during the design development phase of a residential project when you hire an architect. This is typically the phase the clients enjoy the most as they see their project come to life and start to get an understanding of what their new home will look like once completed. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 107 107 Design Development full false 1:08:23 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-106-architecture-school-101-equipment-supplies/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-106-architecture-school-101-equipment-supplies Sun, 07 Aug 2022 19:00:04 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37854 Around this time every year that a new crop of potential future architects are about to start their first year of architecture school, and they have questions. What equipment and supplies do I need? Well, get ready as we talk about everything you could possibly need in Episode 106: Architecture School Equipment. Around this time every year that a new crop of potential future architects are about to start their first year of architecture school, and they have questions. What equipment and supplies do I need? Well, get ready as we talk about everything you coul... Around this time every year that a new crop of potential future architects are about to start their first year of architecture school, and they have questions. What equipment and supplies do I need? Well, get ready as we talk about everything you could possibly need in Episode 106: Architecture School Equipment. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 106 106 Architecture School Supplies full false 59:53 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-105-interior-architecture/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-105-interior-architecture Sun, 24 Jul 2022 19:00:04 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37812 Architecture is a field with a wide variety of possible pathways and careers. Today we will focus our attention on the closely related field of Interior Architecture. We have a conversation with award-winning architect Joey Shimoda to discuss all things interior architecture. Architecture is a field with a wide variety of possible pathways and careers. Today we will focus our attention on the closely related field of Interior Architecture. We have a conversation with award-winning architect Joey Shimoda to discuss all thing... Architecture is a field with a wide variety of possible pathways and careers. Today we will focus our attention on the closely related field of Interior Architecture. We have a conversation with award-winning architect Joey Shimoda to discuss all things interior architecture. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 105 105 Interior Architecture full false 1:10:45 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-104-conventions-the-best-and-worst-of-times/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-104-conventions-the-best-and-worst-of-times Sun, 10 Jul 2022 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37779 Depending on your age, sooner or later you will end up at one convention or another. For some people, this is a yearly migration full of can’t-miss opportunities. For others, it’s three days of questionable decisions and most likely, a lot of fun. Welcome to Episode 104: Conventions – The Best and Worst of Times Depending on your age, sooner or later you will end up at one convention or another. For some people, this is a yearly migration full of can’t-miss opportunities. For others, it’s three days of questionable decisions and most likely, a lot of fun. Depending on your age, sooner or later you will end up at one convention or another. For some people, this is a yearly migration full of can’t-miss opportunities. For others, it’s three days of questionable decisions and most likely, a lot of fun. Welcome to Episode 104: Conventions – The Best and Worst of Times Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 105 105 Conventions: The Best and Worst of Times full false 1:02:13 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-103-architects-and-the-art-of-being-happy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-103-architects-and-the-art-of-being-happy Sun, 26 Jun 2022 19:00:15 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37746 Architects and the Art of Being Happy is a difficult topic but there are some direct and simple steps you can take that will improve your daily experience. Architects and the Art of Being Happy is a difficult topic but there are some direct and simple steps you can take that will improve your daily experience. Architects and the Art of Being Happy is a difficult topic but there are some direct and simple steps you can take that will improve your daily experience. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 103 103 Architects and the Art of Being Happy full false 54:12 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-102-business-development/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-102-business-development Mon, 13 Jun 2022 05:01:19 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37708 Today, we are discussing the concepts around business development, which is something that, with almost 99% certainty, no architect was ever taught in school. So we invited our long-time friend, who has dedicated himself to improving the business aspects of small firms across the country, to join us in this conversation. Today, we are discussing the concepts around business development, which is something that, with almost 99% certainty, no architect was ever taught in school. So we invited our long-time friend, who has dedicated himself to improving the business aspec... Today, we are discussing the concepts around business development, which is something that, with almost 99% certainty, no architect was ever taught in school. So we invited our long-time friend, who has dedicated himself to improving the business aspects of small firms across the country, to join us in this conversation. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 102 102 Business Development full false 1:11:13 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-101-design-process/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-101-design-process Mon, 30 May 2022 19:00:05 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37651 The design process for each person is different even though there will always be some similarities. I assembled my own sequence process of Discovery - Exploration – Presentation – Modification – and then Execution. This is a formulaic process that I use that allows creative people a methodology to going about their business without needing “inspiration.” The design process for each person is different even though there will always be some similarities. I assembled my own sequence process of Discovery - Exploration – Presentation – Modification – and then Execution. The design process for each person is different even though there will always be some similarities. I assembled my own sequence process of Discovery - Exploration – Presentation – Modification – and then Execution. This is a formulaic process that I use that allows creative people a methodology to going about their business without needing “inspiration.” Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 101 101 Design Process full false 1:04:53 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/episode-100-the-hundreth-episode/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-100-the-hundreth-episode Sun, 15 May 2022 20:00:45 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37580 It's taken almost 4 years to get here, but the Life of an Architect is celebrating a milestone. Welcome to the 100th Episode where Andrew and I take exactly 100 minutes to tell you all the insider secrets as well as behind-the-scenes stories of things that went wrong. It's taken almost 4 years to get here, but the Life of an Architect is celebrating a milestone. Welcome to the 100th Episode where Andrew and I take exactly 100 minutes to tell you all the insider secrets as well as behind-the-scenes stories of things ... It's taken almost 4 years to get here, but the Life of an Architect is celebrating a milestone. Welcome to the 100th Episode where Andrew and I take exactly 100 minutes to tell you all the insider secrets as well as behind-the-scenes stories of things that went wrong. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 100 100 The 100th Episode full false 1:40:00 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-99-construction-drawings/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-99-construction-drawings Sun, 01 May 2022 19:00:22 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37533 Construction Drawings are the documents architects use to convey architectural intent - size, location, quantity - and learning how to properly prepare them is getting harder and harder. Construction Drawings are the documents architects use to convey architectural intent - size, location, quantity - and learning how to properly prepare them is getting harder and harder. Construction Drawings are the documents architects use to convey architectural intent - size, location, quantity - and learning how to properly prepare them is getting harder and harder. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 99 99 Construction Drawings full false 58:38 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/episode-098-architecture-presentations/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-098-architecture-presentations Sun, 17 Apr 2022 23:15:17 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37478 Being an architect for some people means standing up in front of a bunch of people and talking about your architectural decisions. If you are a student, you definitely will be architecture presentations so you might as well learn some tips that will make those moments wildly more successful. Being an architect for some people means standing up in front of a bunch of people and talking about your architectural decisions. If you are a student, you definitely will be architecture presentations so you might as well learn some tips that will m... Being an architect for some people means standing up in front of a bunch of people and talking about your architectural decisions. If you are a student, you definitely will be architecture presentations so you might as well learn some tips that will make those moments wildly more successful. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 98 98 Architecture Presentations full false 1:07:40 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-097-burnout/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-097-burnout Sun, 03 Apr 2022 19:00:21 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37389 The architectural profession seems to unnecessarily romanticize the amount of work it takes to do our job so it was only a matter of time before we discussed "Burnout" in today's post and episode 97 of the Life of an Architect podcast. The architectural profession seems to unnecessarily romanticize the amount of work it takes to do our job so it was only a matter of time before we discussed "Burnout" in today's post and episode 97 of the Life of an Architect podcast. The architectural profession seems to unnecessarily romanticize the amount of work it takes to do our job so it was only a matter of time before we discussed "Burnout" in today's post and episode 97 of the Life of an Architect podcast. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 97 97 Burnout full false 1:01:35 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-096-the-big-idea/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-096-the-big-idea Sun, 20 Mar 2022 20:00:34 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37354 Every good architecture project has a concept. Every. Single One. This is the Big Idea that you will build your entire project around and if you look at your project and can’t recognize it, you need to keep working until you’ve developed one. Today, Andrew and I will be discussing what this might mean and what it possibly looks like. Every good architecture project has a concept. Every. Single One. This is the Big Idea that you will build your entire project around and if you look at your project and can’t recognize it, you need to keep working until you’ve developed one. Today, Every good architecture project has a concept. Every. Single One. This is the Big Idea that you will build your entire project around and if you look at your project and can’t recognize it, you need to keep working until you’ve developed one. Today, Andrew and I will be discussing what this might mean and what it possibly looks like. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 96 96 The Big Idea full false 1:00:21 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-95-schematic-design/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-95-schematic-design Sun, 06 Mar 2022 20:00:35 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37277 Whenever an architect sits down with a client on a new residential project, the first phase that happens is “Schematic Design”, the initial part of the process where everyone tries to figure out what exactly the project is supposed to accomplish. Whenever an architect sits down with a client on a new residential project, the first phase that happens is “Schematic Design”, the initial part of the process where everyone tries to figure out what exactly the project is supposed to accomplish. Whenever an architect sits down with a client on a new residential project, the first phase that happens is “Schematic Design”, the initial part of the process where everyone tries to figure out what exactly the project is supposed to accomplish. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 95 95 Residential Architecture 101 - Schematic Design full false 52:33 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-94-ask-the-show-2022-spring-edition/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-94-ask-the-show-2022-spring-edition Sun, 20 Feb 2022 20:00:24 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37198 Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins from Life of an Architect answer the most commonly asked questions about being an architect Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins from Life of an Architect answer the most commonly asked questions about being an architect Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins from Life of an Architect answer the most commonly asked questions about being an architect Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 1:06:42 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-093-the-top-10-reasons-not-to-be-an-architect/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-093-the-top-10-reasons-not-to-be-an-architect Sun, 06 Feb 2022 20:00:04 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37120 Ever wondered if you should be an Architect? Here are the Top 10 Reasons NOT to be an Architect - revisiting the list I wrote 12 years ago. Ever wondered if you should be an Architect? Here are the Top 10 Reasons NOT to be an Architect - revisiting the list I wrote 12 years ago. Ever wondered if you should be an Architect? Here are the Top 10 Reasons NOT to be an Architect - revisiting the list I wrote 12 years ago. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 93 93 Top 10 Reasons NOT to be an Architect full false 1:02:32 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-092-the-top-10-reasons-to-be-an-architect/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-092-the-top-10-reasons-to-be-an-architect Sun, 23 Jan 2022 20:00:44 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=37052 Here are the Top 10 Reasons to be an Architect - a list that has been revisited since I originally wrote it 12 years ago. Here are the Top 10 Reasons to be an Architect - a list that has been revisited since I originally wrote it 12 years ago. Here are the Top 10 Reasons to be an Architect - a list that has been revisited since I originally wrote it 12 years ago. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 92 92 Top 10 Reasons to be an Architect full false 1:01:19 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/091-architects-and-traveling/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=091-architects-and-traveling Sun, 09 Jan 2022 21:00:54 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=36958 Traveling is an important part of being an architect - Seeing different cultures, climates, materials, and spatial solutions is an ongoing life adventure. Welcome to Architects and Traveling. Traveling is an important part of being an architect - Seeing different cultures, climates, materials, and spatial solutions is an ongoing life adventure. Welcome to Architects and Traveling. Traveling is an important part of being an architect - Seeing different cultures, climates, materials, and spatial solutions is an ongoing life adventure. Welcome to Architects and Traveling. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2022 2022 91 91 Architects and Traveling full false 1:05:43 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/episode-090-architectural-graphics/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-090-architectural-graphics Sun, 12 Dec 2021 22:53:52 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=36889 Graphics are the language that architects use to communicate intent to the people we serve. We draw to explain our designs, to explain the materials, and much more ... so welcome to Episode 90: Architectural Graphics. Graphics are the language that architects use to communicate intent to the people we serve. We draw to explain our designs, to explain the materials, and much more ... so welcome to Episode 90: Architectural Graphics. Graphics are the language that architects use to communicate intent to the people we serve. We draw to explain our designs, to explain the materials, and much more ... so welcome to Episode 90: Architectural Graphics. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 90 90 Architectural Graphics full false 1:05:34 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/episode-089-small-firm-metality/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-089-small-firm-metality Sun, 28 Nov 2021 20:00:11 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=36845 Can a large architecture firm operate with a small firm mentality? In this episode, we discuss this concept with Mike McGlone from Alamo Architects. Can a large architecture firm operate with a small firm mentality? In this episode, we discuss this concept with Mike McGlone from Alamo Architects. Can a large architecture firm operate with a small firm mentality? In this episode, we discuss this concept with Mike McGlone from Alamo Architects. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 89 89 Small Firm Mentality full false 1:09:39 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/088-holiday-gift-guide-for-architects-2021/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=088-holiday-gift-guide-for-architects-2021 Sun, 14 Nov 2021 20:00:07 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=36726 For the 12th consecutive year, Life of an Architect presents THE definitive holiday gift guide for architects. For the 12th consecutive year, Life of an Architect presents THE definitive holiday gift guide for architects. For the 12th consecutive year, Life of an Architect presents THE definitive holiday gift guide for architects. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 88 88 Holiday Gift Guide for Architects [2021] full false 1:13:15 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-087-architectural-model-making/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-087-architectural-model-making Sun, 31 Oct 2021 19:00:24 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=36679 Architectural model making is built into the creative process in school - so why do we quit once we leave school? Here is a case for making models: Architectural model making is built into the creative process in school - so why do we quit once we leave school? Here is a case for making models: Architectural model making is built into the creative process in school - so why do we quit once we leave school? Here is a case for making models: Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 87 87 Architectural Model Making full false 1:06:43 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-086-reimagining-the-path-to-licensure/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-086-reimagining-the-path-to-licensure Sun, 17 Oct 2021 21:00:27 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=36597 Getting licensed as an architect is difficult. It requires considerable time and dedication but what if we reimagined the Path to Licensure Getting licensed as an architect is difficult. It requires considerable time and dedication but what if we reimagined the Path to Licensure Getting licensed as an architect is difficult. It requires considerable time and dedication but what if we reimagined the Path to Licensure Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 86 86 Reimagining the Path to Licensure full false 1:09:52 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-085-design-and-fabrication/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-085-design-and-fabrication Sun, 03 Oct 2021 19:00:05 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=36531 Design and fabrication is a topic that all architects discuss. How does it inform the creative process, who gets involved, why does it make sense? Design and fabrication is a topic that all architects discuss. How does it inform the creative process, who gets involved, why does it make sense? Design and fabrication is a topic that all architects discuss. How does it inform the creative process, who gets involved, why does it make sense? Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 85 85 Design and Fabrication full false 1:01:42 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-084-building-an-architect/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-084-building-an-architect Sun, 19 Sep 2021 19:00:29 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=36494 There is a process in "Building an Architect" that starts when you are a shiny teenager, through college, with the process continuing for your entire career. There is a process in "Building an Architect" that starts when you are a shiny teenager, through college, with the process continuing for your entire career. There is a process in "Building an Architect" that starts when you are a shiny teenager, through college, with the process continuing for your entire career. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 84 84 Building an Architect full false 1:15:46 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-083-ask-the-show/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-083-ask-the-show Mon, 06 Sep 2021 19:00:42 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=36418 In today's 'Ask the Show' episode, we answer ten questions ranging from salary, quitting your job, the value of a prestigious degree, and more. In today's 'Ask the Show' episode, we answer ten questions ranging from salary, quitting your job, the value of a prestigious degree, and more. In today's 'Ask the Show' episode, we answer ten questions ranging from salary, quitting your job, the value of a prestigious degree, and more. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 83 83 Ask the Show - Fall 2021 full false 1:11:14 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/episode-082-the-side-hustle/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-082-the-side-hustle Sun, 22 Aug 2021 19:00:35 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=36347 Do you know what a Side Hustle is? And if you are an architect, it isn't if you have one, it's how many of them are you likely to have? Do you know what a Side Hustle is? And if you are an architect, it isn't if you have one, it's how many of them are you likely to have? Do you know what a Side Hustle is? And if you are an architect, it isn't if you have one, it's how many of them are you likely to have? Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 82 82 The Side Hustle full false 1:05:48 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/episode-081-motivation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-081-motivation Sun, 08 Aug 2021 21:00:57 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=36267 Motivation is the ingredient that defines the difference between desire and will in the process of setting and attaining goals … Motivation is the ingredient that defines the difference between desire and will in the process of setting and attaining goals … Motivation is the ingredient that defines the difference between desire and will in the process of setting and attaining goals … Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 81 81 Motivation full false 57:58 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-080-is-architecture-art/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-080-is-architecture-art Sun, 25 Jul 2021 19:00:42 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=36180 Is Architecture Art? THis is a question I have been asking architects for years and the answers are always interesting ... Is Architecture Art? THis is a question I have been asking architects for years and the answers are always interesting ... Is Architecture Art? THis is a question I have been asking architects for years and the answers are always interesting ... Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 80 80 Is Architecture Art? full false 1:04:05 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-079-designing-a-house/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-079-designing-a-house Sun, 11 Jul 2021 19:00:02 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=36104 Managing design vision, personalities, budget, and construction techniques are just a few things discussed today in Episode 79 “Designing a House” Managing design vision, personalities, budget, and construction techniques are just a few things discussed today in Episode 79 “Designing a House” Managing design vision, personalities, budget, and construction techniques are just a few things discussed today in Episode 79 “Designing a House” Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 79 79 Designing a House full false 56:34 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-078-redlines/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-078-redlines Sun, 27 Jun 2021 19:00:53 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=36033 “Redlines” is the word used by architects to reference the red ink that is used to mark up corrections that need to be made on architectural drawings. “Redlines” is the word used by architects to reference the red ink that is used to mark up corrections that need to be made on architectural drawings. “Redlines” is the word used by architects to reference the red ink that is used to mark up corrections that need to be made on architectural drawings. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 78 78 Redlines full false 1:01:48 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-077-design-better/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-077-design-better Sun, 13 Jun 2021 20:00:21 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=35953 Most architects design until the drawings leave the office so why is there so much bad architecture out there? We can all aspire to Design Better. Most architects design until the drawings leave the office so why is there so much bad architecture out there? We can all aspire to Design Better. Most architects design until the drawings leave the office so why is there so much bad architecture out there? We can all aspire to Design Better. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 77 77 Design Better full false 52:33 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-076-critical-skills-of-an-architect/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-076-critical-skills-of-an-architect Mon, 31 May 2021 19:00:53 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=35880 Here are the top 4 critical skills a person should have to experience success and satisfaction as a practicing architect. Here are the top 4 critical skills a person should have to experience success and satisfaction as a practicing architect. Here are the top 4 critical skills a person should have to experience success and satisfaction as a practicing architect. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 76 76 Critical Skills of an Architect full false 1:02:56 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-075-should-architects-do-it-all/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-075-should-architects-do-it-all Sun, 16 May 2021 19:00:08 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=35773 When developing architectural skills, should you focus on a specific area of expertise or do you attempt to do it all? Ep 075: Should Architects Do It All? When developing architectural skills, should you focus on a specific area of expertise or do you attempt to do it all? Ep 075: Should Architects Do It All? When developing architectural skills, should you focus on a specific area of expertise or do you attempt to do it all? Ep 075: Should Architects Do It All? Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 75 75 Should Architects Do It All full false 58:19 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-074-architectural-memories-that-matter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-074-architectural-memories-that-matter Sun, 02 May 2021 19:00:10 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=35707 There are a handful of moments in a person’s professional life that really make an impact, and today we are discussing "Architectural Memories That Matter" There are a handful of moments in a person’s professional life that really make an impact, and today we are discussing "Architectural Memories That Matter" There are a handful of moments in a person’s professional life that really make an impact, and today we are discussing "Architectural Memories That Matter" Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 74 74 Architectural Memories that Matter full false 55:51 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-073-being-your-own-boss/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-073-being-your-own-boss Sun, 18 Apr 2021 19:00:06 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=35648 Most architects dream of having their own architectural firm - There are many reasons why this makes sense, but it isn’t the right path for everyone. Most architects dream of having their own architectural firm - There are many reasons why this makes sense, but it isn’t the right path for everyone. Most architects dream of having their own architectural firm - There are many reasons why this makes sense, but it isn’t the right path for everyone. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 73 73 Being Your Own Boss full false 59:41 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-072-architectural-disconnect/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-072-architectural-disconnect Sun, 04 Apr 2021 19:45:18 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=35574 We are going to be talking about the fantasy of being an architect versus reality. Welcome to episode 72 “Architectural Disconnect” We are going to be talking about the fantasy of being an architect versus reality. Welcome to episode 72 “Architectural Disconnect” We are going to be talking about the fantasy of being an architect versus reality. Welcome to episode 72 “Architectural Disconnect” Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 72 72 Architectural Disconnect full false 58:34 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-071-architects-on-the-job-site/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-071-architects-on-the-job-site Sun, 21 Mar 2021 19:00:35 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=35415 For an Architect, being on the job site is a vital part of their work process, but job site visits are a series of obligations fraught with increased liability. For an Architect, being on the job site is a vital part of their work process, but job site visits are a series of obligations fraught with increased liability. For an Architect, being on the job site is a vital part of their work process, but job site visits are a series of obligations fraught with increased liability. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 71 71 Architects on the Job Site full false 55:08 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-070-dirty-side-to-clean-buildings/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-070-dirty-side-to-clean-buildings Sun, 07 Mar 2021 22:00:28 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=35358 When discussing the dirty side to clean buildings, we are focusing on Material Health and Transparency as it pertains to the practice of architecture When discussing the dirty side to clean buildings, we are focusing on Material Health and Transparency as it pertains to the practice of architecture When discussing the dirty side to clean buildings, we are focusing on Material Health and Transparency as it pertains to the practice of architecture Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 70 70 The Dirty Side of Clean Buildings full false 1:06:40 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-069-better-faster-cheaper/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-069-better-faster-cheaper Sun, 21 Feb 2021 22:00:59 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=35260 You've heard the phrase “Better, Faster, Cheaper, you can have 2” but is that true? This is really a conversation about quantity, quality, and ultimately value. You've heard the phrase “Better, Faster, Cheaper, you can have 2” but is that true? This is really a conversation about quantity, quality, and ultimately value. You've heard the phrase “Better, Faster, Cheaper, you can have 2” but is that true? This is really a conversation about quantity, quality, and ultimately value. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 69 69 Better Faster Cheaper full false 56:14 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-068-where-is-the-finish-line/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-068-where-is-the-finish-line Sun, 07 Feb 2021 22:00:41 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=35190 Becoming an architect is hard - You go to school for a long time and work and study but upon graduation, you are not an architect … so when does that moment happen? Welcome to episode 68 “Where is the Finish Line” Becoming an architect is hard - You go to school for a long time and work and study but upon graduation, you are not an architect … so when does that moment happen? Welcome to episode 68 “Where is the Finish Line” Becoming an architect is hard - You go to school for a long time and work and study but upon graduation, you are not an architect … so when does that moment happen? Welcome to episode 68 “Where is the Finish Line” Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2006 2006 68 68 Where is the Finish Line? full false 49:09 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-067-ask-the-show/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-067-ask-the-show Sun, 24 Jan 2021 22:00:04 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=35103 Should architects date one another? How do you get your first client? Your greatest challenge? We answer your questions today on Ep 067: Ask the Show. Should architects date one another? How do you get your first client? Your greatest challenge? We answer your questions today on Ep 067: Ask the Show. Should architects date one another? How do you get your first client? Your greatest challenge? We answer your questions today on Ep 067: Ask the Show. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 67 67 Ask the Show full false 54:29 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-066-architects-and-sketching/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-066-architects-and-sketching Sun, 10 Jan 2021 22:00:24 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=34974 There is a nostalgia associated with architects and sketching but is it still an integral part of the design process anymore? There is a nostalgia associated with architects and sketching but is it still an integral part of the design process anymore? There is a nostalgia associated with architects and sketching but is it still an integral part of the design process anymore? Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2021 2021 66 66 Architects and Sketching full false 52:02 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-065-the-hypothetical-show/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-065-the-hypothetical-show Sun, 20 Dec 2020 21:00:38 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=34901 It takes 5 people to answer 3 questions on this, The Hypothetical Show. Three questions of varying degrees of absurdity are discussed, but all will brighten up your Holiday week. It takes 5 people to answer 3 questions on this, The Hypothetical Show. Three questions of varying degrees of absurdity are discussed, but all will brighten up your Holiday week. It takes 5 people to answer 3 questions on this, The Hypothetical Show. Three questions of varying degrees of absurdity are discussed, but all will brighten up your Holiday week. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 65 65 The Hypothetical Show 2020 full false 1:12:51 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-064-a-day-in-the-life-of-an-architect/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-064-a-day-in-the-life-of-an-architect Sun, 06 Dec 2020 22:00:47 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=34837 Answering the question of what exactly does a typical day in the life of an architect look like is nearly impossible - but we are going to give it a go. Typical days for an architect vary wildly and are more often than not a reflection of your role, where you work, the market sector, the size of the firm, and how far along in your career you have journeyed. Answering the question of what exactly does a typical day in the life of an architect look like is nearly impossible - but we are going to give it a go. Typical days for an architect vary wildly and are more often than not a reflection of your role, Answering the question of what exactly does a typical day in the life of an architect look like is nearly impossible - but we are going to give it a go. Typical days for an architect vary wildly and are more often than not a reflection of your role, where you work, the market sector, the size of the firm, and how far along in your career you have journeyed. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 64 64 A Day in the Life of an Architect full false 1:03:31 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/063-holiday-gift-guide-for-architects/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=063-holiday-gift-guide-for-architects Sun, 22 Nov 2020 22:00:44 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=34662 It’s that gift-giving time of the year and if you have an architect in your life, you know that getting them a gift is rough since they are sooo particular – but that’s why we’re here. Now in its 11th consecutive year, Life of an Architect is once again putting out the definitive gift guide for architects so you don’t have to figure these things out for yourself. It’s that gift-giving time of the year and if you have an architect in your life, you know that getting them a gift is rough since they are sooo particular – but that’s why we’re here. Now in its 11th consecutive year, It’s that gift-giving time of the year and if you have an architect in your life, you know that getting them a gift is rough since they are sooo particular – but that’s why we’re here. Now in its 11th consecutive year, Life of an Architect is once again putting out the definitive gift guide for architects so you don’t have to figure these things out for yourself. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 63 63 Holiday Gift Guide for Architects full false 1:12:42 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/062-the-evolving-virtual-office/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=062-the-evolving-virtual-office Sun, 08 Nov 2020 22:00:59 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=34608 The phrase "Virtual Office" has a much different ring and connotation to it now than it did just a few months ago. As more and more people work from home (more times than not in a spare bedroom or from the dining room table) what changes will take place within the architectural profession moving forward? Has anyone else noticed that everyone seems to be nesting in their makeshift home offices these days?  The phrase "Virtual Office" has a much different ring and connotation to it now than it did just a few months ago. As more and more people work from home (more times than not in a spare bedroom or from the dining room table) what changes will take plac... The phrase "Virtual Office" has a much different ring and connotation to it now than it did just a few months ago. As more and more people work from home (more times than not in a spare bedroom or from the dining room table) what changes will take place within the architectural profession moving forward? Has anyone else noticed that everyone seems to be nesting in their makeshift home offices these days?  Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 62 62 The Evolving Virtual Office full false 1:08:16 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/episode-061-architectural-stereotypes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-061-architectural-stereotypes Sun, 25 Oct 2020 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=34437 When I say the word “architect” what do you imagine? It seems that most people imagine architects in black clothing, heavy rimmed glasses, and they most-likely possess other-worldly glue skills. We are going to set the record straight regarding the disconnect between the public’s perception and the reality of architects. When I say the word “architect” what do you imagine? It seems that most people imagine architects in black clothing, heavy rimmed glasses, and they most-likely possess other-worldly glue skills. We are going to set the record straight regarding the dis... When I say the word “architect” what do you imagine? It seems that most people imagine architects in black clothing, heavy rimmed glasses, and they most-likely possess other-worldly glue skills. We are going to set the record straight regarding the disconnect between the public’s perception and the reality of architects. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 61 61 Architectural Stereotypes full false 1:12:23 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/060-the-perfect-portfolio/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=060-the-perfect-portfolio Sun, 11 Oct 2020 21:00:58 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=34448 At one point or another, every architecture student or graduate has a portfolio of their work that they have agonized over creating. Portfolios are important, they demonstrate your range of skills and will most likely play a significant role in whether or not you land your dream job … so why are so many of them completely ineffective? Today we are talking about the “Perfect Portfolio” and what that actually means. [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player]  googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); }); Depending on the time of the year, about 15% of the emails I receive have something to do with portfolios in some form or fashion. There are a handful of questions that get asked over and over again ... What do they look like? What sort of information do I put in them? What do people want to see? How much information should I put in them? How much text versus graphics? People have questions, and we are going to answer them. So where do you start? Let's start with what a portfolio is and why do we still use them - Portfolios are all about illustrating your proficiency in the various skills of the trade and demonstrating that you know how to think and process information. Sounds pretty simple and considering all the moving parts, it is really simple. Most people still don't seem to understand some very basic considerations that surround the process of building a portfolio. How is it reviewed? What are people like me looking for? jump to 5:00  The key to having a successful portfolio is to think about how it will be viewed, what messages you are sending based on the content you are providing, and to consider how much time someone will actually be looking at your portfolio. I can promise you it won’t even be a fraction of what you think it will be. The work you spent weeks or even months agonizing over and trying to skillfully articulate in the forms of diagrams, plans, perspectives, collages, etc. etc… won’t be looked at for more than a few moments when it crosses my desk. I’m looking for the tone, trying to see how your brain works, how you process information, how you articulate information – not the specifics of the content itself. On my first pass through your portfolio - which could be your only pass - I am not reviewing the quality of your design solutions of the items you are displaying within your portfolio. I am treating your portfolio as a standalone project and what I am reviewing is the actual portfolio. Curate the content jump to   You need to carefully think about which projects, and how many, you want to include in your portfolio – pick only those that are supported with the visuals that tell the story you want to tell. The first time I look at someone’s portfolio, I might spend a maximum of 5 seconds on any given page - that's it - and that's not a lot of time to convey your message. What I do look for from your portfolio is how they are laid out on the page, the balance of positive and negative space, as well as the balance of white space versus the image you are putting on display. example from the portfolio of Prarthan Shah Let Your Images Tell the Story jump to 28:47  You should consider how much text you decide to include in your portfolio … because I probably won’t read it the first time I flip through your pages. This is something that I think about every time I look at a portfolio … or even write one of my blog posts. Most people like to look at the pictures, and if the images are evocative enough to catch someone’s attention, you might get them to go back and read the small bit of text associated with that image. The takeaway here is that you need to rely on your pictures and graphics to draw in the people who are reviewing your portfolio. Reading text comes later - maybe during pass number two or three. You should consider your text as a secondary or tertiary cont... At one point or another, every architecture student or graduate has a portfolio of their work that they have agonized over creating. Portfolios are important, they demonstrate your range of skills and will most likely play a significant role in whether... At one point or another, every architecture student or graduate has a portfolio of their work that they have agonized over creating. Portfolios are important, they demonstrate your range of skills and will most likely play a significant role in whether or not you land your dream job … so why are so many of them completely ineffective? Today we are talking about the “Perfect Portfolio” and what that actually means.<br /> <br /> [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player] <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); });<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Depending on the time of the year, about 15% of the emails I receive have something to do with portfolios in some form or fashion. There are a handful of questions that get asked over and over again ...<br /> <br /> <br /> What do they look like?<br /> What sort of information do I put in them?<br /> What do people want to see?<br /> How much information should I put in them?<br /> How much text versus graphics?<br /> <br /> <br /> People have questions, and we are going to answer them.<br /> <br /> So where do you start? Let's start with what a portfolio is and why do we still use them - Portfolios are all about illustrating your proficiency in the various skills of the trade and demonstrating that you know how to think and process information. Sounds pretty simple and considering all the moving parts, it is really simple. Most people still don't seem to understand some very basic considerations that surround the process of building a portfolio.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> How is it reviewed? What are people like me looking for? jump to 5:00 <br /> The key to having a successful portfolio is to think about how it will be viewed, what messages you are sending based on the content you are providing, and to consider how much time someone will actually be looking at your portfolio. I can promise you it won’t even be a fraction of what you think it will be. The work you spent weeks or even months agonizing over and trying to skillfully articulate in the forms of diagrams, plans, perspectives, collages, etc. etc… won’t be looked at for more than a few moments when it crosses my desk. I’m looking for the tone, trying to see how your brain works, how you process information, how you articulate information – not the specifics of the content itself.<br /> <br /> On my first pass through your portfolio - which could be your only pass - I am not reviewing the quality of your design solutions of the items you are displaying within your portfolio. I am treating your portfolio as a standalone project and what I am reviewing is the actual portfolio.<br /> <br /> Curate the content jump to  <br /> You need to carefully think about which projects, and how many, you want to include in your portfolio – pick only those that are supported with the visuals that tell the story you want to tell. The first time I look at someone’s portfolio, I might spend a maximum of 5 seconds on any given page - that's it - and that's not a lot of time to convey your message. What I do look for from your portfolio is how they are laid out on the page, the balance of positive and negative space, as well as the balance of white space versus the image you are putting on display.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> example from the portfolio of Prarthan Shah<br /> <br /> Let Your Images Tell the Story jump to 28:47 <br /> You should consider how much text you decide to include in your portfolio … because I probably won’t read it the first time I flip through your pages. This is something that I think about every time I look at a portfolio … or even write one of my blog posts. Most people like to look at the pictures, and if the images are evocative enough to catch someone’s attention, you might get them to go back and read the small bit of text associated with that image. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 60 60 The Perfect Portfolio full false 1:17:19 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/episode-059-architecture-visualization-with-alex-hogrefe/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-059-architecture-visualization-with-alex-hogrefe Sun, 27 Sep 2020 21:00:29 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=34246 Do you have architectural visualization skills? Maybe you’re asking yourself “what does even mean?” Well, you are in luck because today on the Life of an Architect Podcast we are dedicated to discussing all things related to architectural visualization and graphics and we have the perfect guest, Alex Hogrefe. Do you have architectural visualization skills? Maybe you’re asking yourself “what does even mean?” Well, you are in luck because today on the Life of an Architect Podcast we are dedicated to discussing all things related to architectural visualization... Do you have architectural visualization skills? Maybe you’re asking yourself “what does even mean?” Well, you are in luck because today on the Life of an Architect Podcast we are dedicated to discussing all things related to architectural visualization and graphics and we have the perfect guest, Alex Hogrefe. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 59 59 Architectural Visualization with Alex Hogrefe full false 1:15:06 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/episode-058-talking-shop-building-science-fight-club/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-058-talking-shop-building-science-fight-club Sun, 13 Sep 2020 21:00:53 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=34230 Understanding the physical behavior of the building as a system and how it impacts the energy efficiency, durability, comfort, and indoor air quality is pivotal in the creation of high-performance buildings. This means we are talking Building Science Fight Club with Christine Williamson. Understanding the physical behavior of the building as a system and how it impacts the energy efficiency, durability, comfort, and indoor air quality is pivotal in the creation of high-performance buildings. Understanding the physical behavior of the building as a system and how it impacts the energy efficiency, durability, comfort, and indoor air quality is pivotal in the creation of high-performance buildings. This means we are talking Building Science Fight Club with Christine Williamson. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 58 58 Talking Shop with Building Science Fight Club full false 1:14:30 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/057-renovating-your-house/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=057-renovating-your-house Sun, 30 Aug 2020 21:00:23 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=34207 Leaving your mark on the place where you live is built into the DNA of most architects and designers. This can manifest itself in many different ways but for many of us, working on the place where we live is the most obvious choice. Today we are talking about Renovating your House – the good, the bad, and (hopefully not) the ugly. Leaving your mark on the place where you live is built into the DNA of most architects and designers. This can manifest itself in many different ways but for many of us, working on the place where we live is the most obvious choice. Leaving your mark on the place where you live is built into the DNA of most architects and designers. This can manifest itself in many different ways but for many of us, working on the place where we live is the most obvious choice. Today we are talking about Renovating your House – the good, the bad, and (hopefully not) the ugly. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 57 57 Renovating Your House full false 1:07:43 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/056-starting-a-design-firm/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=056-starting-a-design-firm Sun, 16 Aug 2020 21:00:46 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=34109 If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own design firm, maybe you’ve just graduated from school, perhaps you’ve worked for another firm and seen first-hand what not to do and decided it’s time to go out on your own, today is the show for you because today’s topic is “Starting a Design Firm”. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own design firm, maybe you’ve just graduated from school, perhaps you’ve worked for another firm and seen first-hand what not to do and decided it’s time to go out on your own, If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own design firm, maybe you’ve just graduated from school, perhaps you’ve worked for another firm and seen first-hand what not to do and decided it’s time to go out on your own, today is the show for you because today’s topic is “Starting a Design Firm”. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 56 56 Starting a Design Firm (guest Eric Reinholdt) full false 1:17:17 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/episode-55-scale-this/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-55-scale-this Sun, 02 Aug 2020 21:00:56 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=34031 How does scale factor into the practice of architecture? For any architect, scale and proportion are two skills that appear to be the most challenging to master. How does scale factor into the practice of architecture? For any architect, scale and proportion are two skills that appear to be the most challenging to master. How does scale factor into the practice of architecture? For any architect, scale and proportion are two skills that appear to be the most challenging to master. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 55 55 Scale This full false 1:14:28 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/054-leadership/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=054-leadership Sun, 19 Jul 2020 21:00:43 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=33920 What exactly is leadership and what does it mean to be a leader? Leadership is thrust upon those who, through the strength of conviction and moral character, lead through personal example.  What exactly is leadership and what does it mean to be a leader? Leadership is thrust upon those who, through the strength of conviction and moral character, lead through personal example.  What exactly is leadership and what does it mean to be a leader? Leadership is thrust upon those who, through the strength of conviction and moral character, lead through personal example.  Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 54 54 Leadership with Guest Barbara Hulit full false 1:09:15 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/053-culture-of-design/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=053-culture-of-design Sun, 05 Jul 2020 21:00:54 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=33804 Do you have a design culture in your office? Why is it that some firms have it and others don’t? A culture of design isn’t something that just happens, there has to be a plan, it needs to be cultivated, and even then, without the right sort of people in place, you might be fighting an uphill battle. Do you have a design culture in your office? Why is it that some firms have it and others don’t? A culture of design isn’t something that just happens, there has to be a plan, it needs to be cultivated, and even then, Do you have a design culture in your office? Why is it that some firms have it and others don’t? A culture of design isn’t something that just happens, there has to be a plan, it needs to be cultivated, and even then, without the right sort of people in place, you might be fighting an uphill battle. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 53 53 Culture of Design full false 1:13:00 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/052-architectural-tools/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=052-architectural-tools Sun, 21 Jun 2020 21:00:44 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=33763 When an architect goes to work … what happens? Do they pull out a pen and sketch paper? Maybe they power up some hardware – quite possibly a bit of both. Ask and architect what they need to do their job and they’ll all give you different answers but we’ll give you the real scope on today’s episode … Architectural Tools When an architect goes to work … what happens? Do they pull out a pen and sketch paper? Maybe they power up some hardware – quite possibly a bit of both. Ask and architect what they need to do their job and they’ll all give you different answers but we... When an architect goes to work … what happens? Do they pull out a pen and sketch paper? Maybe they power up some hardware – quite possibly a bit of both. Ask and architect what they need to do their job and they’ll all give you different answers but we’ll give you the real scope on today’s episode … Architectural Tools Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 52 52 Architectural Tools full false 1:13:05 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/015-style-over-substance/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=015-style-over-substance Sun, 07 Jun 2020 21:00:28 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=33682 We are all familiar with the phrase “style over substance” but those words might mean something else to architects. If I were to look at a project and describe it with this particular phrase, there is no question that this would reflect a negative opinion ... but is it unnecessarily harsh or does it have a place in any conversation where architecture is discussed? We are all familiar with the phrase “style over substance” but those words might mean something else to architects. If I were to look at a project and describe it with this particular phrase, there is no question that this would reflect a negative opin... We are all familiar with the phrase “style over substance” but those words might mean something else to architects. Is this considered a negative concept in every circumstance? We discuss those notions in this episode. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 51 51 Style over Substance full false 1:03:04 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/050-talking-shop-with-marlon-blackwell/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=050-talking-shop-with-marlon-blackwell Mon, 25 May 2020 21:15:51 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=33572 We have special guest Marlon Blackwell, FAIA on the podcast today and if you are not intimately familiar with his work, I am excited to be in a position to share it with you. Marlon and I go back a long way and it seemed only fitting that we should finally ask him to be on the podcast. We have special guest Marlon Blackwell, FAIA on the podcast today and if you are not intimately familiar with his work, I am excited to be in a position to share it with you. Marlon and I go back a long way and it seemed only fitting that we should fin... We have special guest Marlon Blackwell, FAIA on the podcast today and if you are not intimately familiar with his work, I am excited to be in a position to share it with you. Marlon and I go back a long way and it seemed only fitting that we should finally ask him to be on the podcast. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 50 50 Talking Shop with Marlon Blackwell, FAIA full false 56:02 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/049-objects-of-design/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=049-objects-of-design Sun, 10 May 2020 22:06:31 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=33469 For every architect and designer, there are objects out there that resonate for them in a profound manner and can even shape their design philosophies. These can be buildings, products – even materials – but no matter what you call them, they are "Objects of Design". For every architect and designer, there are objects out there that resonate for them in a profound manner and can even shape their design philosophies. These can be buildings, products – even materials – but no matter what you call them, For every architect and designer, there are objects out there that resonate for them in a profound manner and can even shape their design philosophies. These can be buildings, products – even materials – but no matter what you call them, they are "Objects of Design". Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 49 49 Objects of Design full false 1:22:14 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/048-big-design-small-details/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=048-big-design-small-details Sun, 26 Apr 2020 21:00:15 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=33408 Today we are talking about the design process and how different that process is between residential projects and commercial projects. While you might think that this is a conversation about scale, budgets, and complexities, it's really about something quite different. Today we are talking about the design process and how different that process is between residential projects and commercial projects. While you might think that this is a conversation about scale, budgets, and complexities, Today we are talking about the design process and how different that process is between residential projects and commercial projects. While you might think that this is a conversation about scale, budgets, and complexities, it's really about something quite different. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 48 48 Big Design / Small Details full false 1:03:24 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/047-apps-for-architects/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=047-apps-for-architects Sun, 12 Apr 2020 23:00:13 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=33305 Architects are using technology more and more and with each passing day, more of this technology is available from the comforts of your cellphone or smart tablet. This list has been curated and categorized to provide the best mobile apps for architects. Architects are using technology more and more and with each passing day, more of this technology is available from the comforts of your cellphone or smart tablet. This list has been curated and categorized to provide the best mobile apps for architects. Architects are using technology more and more and with each passing day, more of this technology is available from the comforts of your cellphone or smart tablet. This list has been curated and categorized to provide the best mobile apps for architects. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 47 47 Apps for Architects full false 1:05:06 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/046-working-from-home/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=046-working-from-home Sun, 29 Mar 2020 22:00:46 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=33187 A lot can happen in just a few weeks. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, business as usual is anything but … and Andrew and I felt like we should interrupt our regularly scheduled podcast to take some time and talk about working from home – something that we all are going to have to deal with for the foreseeable future. Since so many of the people we listen to this podcast are single or small office practitioners, we thought that instead of running our scheduled (and completed - DOH!) podcast episode – which was titled “A Culture of Design” and will be released a bit later in the year - that we should take this moment in time and talk a little bit about how the current climate is impacting our daily routines, our jobs, the basic stuff that for the vast majority of us, are the givens that help ground us. A bit of this is purely selfish on my part because I wanted to make a record of sorts of this particular moment in time - talk about what is happening to our daily lives in what is unquestionably unprecedented activities. We will also be talking about working from home – what that actually looks like – home office setups, multiple people all working from home, teaching classes remotely, thinking about what that might be like from both the teacher and the student side of things, along with some more mundane realities that we are having to deal with. I will go on record and say that I am not really a "work-from-home" fan. As an employer, I will concede that I don't think that the vast majority of people really do their best work when left completely to their own devices, a big part of that is based on my own behavior, but as an employee, I really feed off the energy and conversations that take place within the work environment. [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player]  Traveling and Going to the Grocery Store [ 4:36 mark] Just about every part of our daily routines is being affected in ways that still don't make a great deal of sense to me. I'm not sure if it's hoarding behavior taking place, or something along the supply chain has been impacted (across the entire planet) but I don't know why it's so difficult to get your hands on some toilet paper. I was out of town for the week when most of the craziness took place where I live. I was in Northern California spending the week at a rental house in Sea Ranch (if you're not familiar with this landmark project, I've written about it in detail previously here: Sea Ranch, California) and from afar I watched more and more things close down and become unavailable. Friends were telling me about how everything in the grocery stores was gone and that by the time I get back into town all that will be left will be canned asparagus and potted meat. Luckily it wasn't that bad but there were limits put in place on the number of specific items you could purchase. Luckily, my wife and I do not exhibit hoarding personalities and most of the things on this restriction list were not an issue for us. Working from Home [ 15:12 mark] I would be interested to hear from people how their work from home situation is shaping up. Andrew and I recorded this episode on Sunday, March 22nd, and I have now spent 1 week working from home ... and my opinions on the matter have been profoundly impacted by this single week. I will say that my dogs LOVE having all of us at home all day. In the beginning, it was a bit overbearing - they wanted to be around me all the time and for them, they wanted me to pet them, throw the ball and play fetch, even a game of tug-of-war was not out of the question. On day one, I thought "Okay, I'll do some of this so you will leave me alone ..." They still aren't leaving me alone. Hopefully, they will start to tone down their neediness of my attention because I honestly don't have the time to pay attention to them. I was very surprised by just how much time I spent working last week. A lot can happen in just a few weeks. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, business as usual is anything but … and Andrew and I felt like we should interrupt our regularly scheduled podcast to take some time and talk about working from home – something that we a... A lot can happen in just a few weeks.<br /> <br /> Due to COVID-19 pandemic, business as usual is anything but … and Andrew and I felt like we should interrupt our regularly scheduled podcast to take some time and talk about working from home – something that we all are going to have to deal with for the foreseeable future.<br /> <br /> Since so many of the people we listen to this podcast are single or small office practitioners, we thought that instead of running our scheduled (and completed - DOH!) podcast episode – which was titled “A Culture of Design” and will be released a bit later in the year - that we should take this moment in time and talk a little bit about how the current climate is impacting our daily routines, our jobs, the basic stuff that for the vast majority of us, are the givens that help ground us. A bit of this is purely selfish on my part because I wanted to make a record of sorts of this particular moment in time - talk about what is happening to our daily lives in what is unquestionably unprecedented activities.<br /> <br /> We will also be talking about working from home – what that actually looks like – home office setups, multiple people all working from home, teaching classes remotely, thinking about what that might be like from both the teacher and the student side of things, along with some more mundane realities that we are having to deal with. I will go on record and say that I am not really a "work-from-home" fan. As an employer, I will concede that I don't think that the vast majority of people really do their best work when left completely to their own devices, a big part of that is based on my own behavior, but as an employee, I really feed off the energy and conversations that take place within the work environment.<br /> <br /> [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player] <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Traveling and Going to the Grocery Store [ 4:36 mark]<br /> Just about every part of our daily routines is being affected in ways that still don't make a great deal of sense to me. I'm not sure if it's hoarding behavior taking place, or something along the supply chain has been impacted (across the entire planet) but I don't know why it's so difficult to get your hands on some toilet paper.<br /> <br /> I was out of town for the week when most of the craziness took place where I live. I was in Northern California spending the week at a rental house in Sea Ranch (if you're not familiar with this landmark project, I've written about it in detail previously here: Sea Ranch, California) and from afar I watched more and more things close down and become unavailable. Friends were telling me about how everything in the grocery stores was gone and that by the time I get back into town all that will be left will be canned asparagus and potted meat.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Luckily it wasn't that bad but there were limits put in place on the number of specific items you could purchase. Luckily, my wife and I do not exhibit hoarding personalities and most of the things on this restriction list were not an issue for us.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Working from Home [ 15:12 mark]<br /> I would be interested to hear from people how their work from home situation is shaping up. Andrew and I recorded this episode on Sunday, March 22nd, and I have now spent 1 week working from home ... and my opinions on the matter have been profoundly impacted by this single week.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> I will say that my dogs LOVE having all of us at home all day. In the beginning, it was a bit overbearing - they wanted to be around me all the time and for them, they wanted me to pet them, throw the ball and play fetch, even a game of tug-of-war was not out of the question. On day one, I thought "Okay, I'll do some of this so you will leave me alone ..."<br /> <br /> They still aren't leaving me alone.<br /> <br /> Hopefully, Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2020 2020 46 46 Working From Home full false 1:04:21 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/045-documenting-architecture/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=045-documenting-architecture Sun, 15 Mar 2020 22:00:43 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=33094 The process of preparing construction drawings has evolved from “What do we need to do to “What can’t we do?” Today we are going talking about construction drawing best practices in what is essentially creating the graphic instruction manual of constructing a building. The process of preparing construction drawings has evolved from “What do we need to do to “What can’t we do?” Today we are going talking about construction drawing best practices in what is essentially creating the graphic instruction manual of constru... The process of preparing construction drawings has evolved from “What do we need to do to “What can’t we do?” Today we are going talking about construction drawing best practices in what is essentially creating the graphic instruction manual of constructing a building. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2 2 full false 1:23:28 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/044-architectural-technology/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=044-architectural-technology Mon, 02 Mar 2020 00:00:16 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=32983 Architectural Technology is changing how architects work and what’s in today might be irrelevant and out of date by next week, but ignore these developments at your own peril. For even your average run-of-the-mill architect, technology is a way of life … but despite knowing this information, I am frequently amazed by just how amazing technology actually is and the role it plays daily in my work and my office. Architectural Technology is changing how architects work and what’s in today might be irrelevant and out of date by next week, but ignore these developments at your own peril. For even your average run-of-the-mill architect, Architectural Technology is changing how architects work and what’s in today might be irrelevant and out of date by next week, but ignore these developments at your own peril. For even your average run-of-the-mill architect, technology is a way of life … but despite knowing this information, I am frequently amazed by just how amazing technology actually is and the role it plays daily in my work and my office. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 2 2 44 44 Architectural Technology full false 57:48 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/043-inside-the-firm/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=043-inside-the-firm Sun, 16 Feb 2020 23:00:46 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=32883 So you’ve graduated from architecture school and received a university degree in architecture - so what happens next? What exactly does an architect do? What if you don’t want to be a designer, maybe you have interests in how buildings are detailed and built, the selection of materials and finishes, firm management … so many directions you could go and today we are going to talk about a bunch of them and take you Inside the Firm! [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player]  googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); }); No matter the size of the architectural firm, almost all of them have a similar set of roles to be filled in order to run the firm and make it successful. These roles can be multiple people in a large firm but as the firm size decreases, the number of roles taken on by a single person most likely increases. I’ve talked many times about the multiple hats worn by those of us in the profession who work in small firms, and until recently,  this is the only environment I've known for the majority of my entire career. Considering that this is the 944th post I have personally written on this site, it's a little shocking to learn that this is really the first time that I've really dived into the various roles someone can pursue within an architectural office.  So, armed with that knowledge, let’s get into the roles and discuss how there is a place for all types of people within the architectural profession. We should point out – or maybe have a small primer conversation that not all of these roles are available at every firm but based on your interests, it is a consideration that might point you towards a particular-sized firm. In no particular order – well that’s not true, we’ve tried to group roles together that might make sense or share some path of growth and development, I suppose I am trying to stay away from implying there is any hierarchy to these roles. Production Manager / Production Staff [5:20 mark] – the backbone of any architectural firm. Everyone in this area is focused on the creation and coordination of the main deliverable of the firm . . . the construction documents. This is also the department of the firm that makes up the largest percentage of staff and effort. Typically this area is where most new graduates start their careers. Construction Administration [11:00 mark] – There is actually an entire department within this category. All the work in this department is concentrated on the execution of the products created by the production department. The effort of making sure that the project is built according to the construction documents by reviewing submittals, visiting the job site, and overall involvement in the process of construction. Specification Writer [14:12 mark] – Until I came to my current office, I’ve never had a dedicated specification writer. I have either written and assembled all the specifications or we hired a third-party to handle it for us, which for the record, never worked out very well. Reviews drawings and other project information to write and edit project specifications. Uses a thorough understanding of project design requirements to translate project needs for specific materials, equipment, installation, certifications, testing, and methods applicable to the project. Performs product research, assists in material selection, develops and maintains relationships with vendors, performs quality management reviews, and provides technical advice to project teams. Business Development [17:25 mark] – While this doesn’t have to necessarily be an architect, I think it helps. To a certain extent, all the people in leadership positions do business development just be doing good work and making clients happy. Business development is about making connections. It’s building upon the brand that you have established through marketing efforts to connect your audience to you... So you’ve graduated from architecture school and received a university degree in architecture - so what happens next? What exactly does an architect do? What if you don’t want to be a designer, maybe you have interests in how buildings are detailed and... So you’ve graduated from architecture school and received a university degree in architecture - so what happens next? What exactly does an architect do? What if you don’t want to be a designer, maybe you have interests in how buildings are detailed and built, the selection of materials and finishes, firm management … so many directions you could go and today we are going to talk about a bunch of them and take you Inside the Firm! Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins 1 1 43 43 Inside the Firm full false 58:17 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/042-mentorship/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=042-mentorship Sun, 02 Feb 2020 22:00:17 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=32785 Finding the right sort of person who can help guide you through the various stages of your career can be incredibly valuable and beneficial. Today, Andrew and I are talking about mentorship and what that means, what can make it great, why it doesn’t necessarily work, what you can do so that you might actually benefit from the experience, and what sort of relationship can make a mentor a great fit for you. That's a fairly tall order of things to accomplish but we are going to give it a go. [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player]  googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); }); Mentorship is intended to be a mutually beneficial arrangement between two interested individuals, but it can really only be instigated by the younger party. I often hear that the entire Life of an Architect site is a form of mentorship … sort of a “mentorship by proxy”, but I couldn’t disagree more. At best, my website is full of unsolicited advice made available to people who are looking for some sort of information or guidance, but without the give-and-take of a meaningful dialog over an extended period of time, it is lacking at its core the real value that mentorship provides. Mentors are more than advisers, they are interested in your professional development and career advancement.  Mentors are those individuals or research teams who are excited, willing and able to share their experience and expertise. At the end of 2019, Andrew and I got together to work on a topics list for what we might want to discuss on our 2020 because surprise surprise, these episodes take some planning and preparation. Based on the emails I receive, one of the topics we knew that we would include was on "Mentorship" and we penciled this is as today's topic for discussion. About a week before we recorded today's episode, I received an email from Max Underwood, AIA who teaches at Arizona State University, and in his email, he suggested that we have an episode on this very topic. In his effort to be helpful, Max included some information from a University-wide grad-mentoree workshop and Andrew and I ended up using part of this information as the basis for today's conversation. Ten Essential qualities that should be sought or cultivated in your mentor are: 1)    Enthusiasm for our discipline, field, and profession [20:24 mark] 2)    Experience and insight into what works and what does not [20:59 mark] 3)    High standards and expectations for oneself [23:30 mark] 4)    An open mind with regard both to complex issues such as definitions of success and to the changing nature of our field and its support structures [24:44 mark] 5)    Inquisitiveness, to be able to help identify and evaluate underlying assumptions [31:20 mark] 6)    Empathetic, the ability to articulate and address sensitive issues is helpful in dealing with the realities and needs of relationships. [32:53 mark] 7)    Excellent communicator, the capacity to be both a good questioner and a good listener [35:43 mark] 8)    Clear decision maker, to be able to help examine difficult situations and/or choices [41:41 mark] 9)    A willingness to expend time and effort to provide relevant mentorship [42:31 mark] 10) An appreciation of diversity in perspective and worldview.  A belief of what individuals can and should be in our discipline, field, and profession regardless of gender or ethnicity. [43:42 mark] One item that we would have like to have spent more time on is that you should not confuse someone who is giving out advice for someone in the role of mentor. The main distinction between these two is that someone giving advice can simply pop onto the scene, drop some possibly poorly considered advice bomb on you, and then enjoy the luxury of not necessarily being around to pick up the pieces or deal with the consequences. A real mentor is someone who evolves with you, Finding the right sort of person who can help guide you through the various stages of your career can be incredibly valuable and beneficial. Today, Andrew and I are talking about mentorship and what that means, what can make it great, Finding the right sort of person who can help guide you through various stages of your career can be incredibly valuable and beneficial. Today we are talking about mentorship and what that means, what can make it great, why it doesn’t necessarily work, what you can do so that you might actually benefit from the experience, and what sort of relationship can make a mentor a great fit for you. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 59:29 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/041-talking-shop-with-omar-gandhi/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=041-talking-shop-with-omar-gandhi Sun, 19 Jan 2020 23:00:24 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=32665 Today is a special episode because we are sitting down with my very close and personal friend, even though we have never actually met, Canadian architectural rock star Omar Gandhi. This is the first in a series of posts we are rolling out for the 2020 podcast season titled “Talking Shop with __________.” We anticipate doing around four of these specialty episodes this year and we decided to come out the gate strong with our first guest - Canadian Architect and Emerging Voice in the architectural community - as well as my friend - Omar Gandhi. [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player]  Before we get into all the pretty photography, drawings and models, here is a professional bio from Omar that should help you understand who we are talking with today. [l-r: Canadian Architect Omar Gandhi; the letter from Omar to Bob Borson ... to hear how this letter came to be, listen at the 16:26 mark]Omar Gandhi is a Canadian architect currently practicing and residing in both Halifax, Nova Scotia and Toronto, Ontario. After studying in the Regional Arts program at Mayfield Secondary School (Caledon) and then the inaugural Architectural Studies Program at the University of Toronto Omar moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia where he received his Master’s degree in 2005 at Dalhousie University. After graduation, Omar worked for Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects, Young + Wright Architects, and finally MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects upon his return to Halifax. Gandhi started his own design studio in 2010 and became a registered architectural practice in 2012. Omar is the recipient of the 2014 Canada Council for the Arts Professional Prix de Rome and was listed in Wallpaper* Magazine’s 2014 Architects Directory – their list of the top 20 Young Architects in the World. Omar was named one of the Architectural League of New York’s ‘Emerging Voices’ of 2016, one of Monocle Magazine’s 20 most influential Canadians, and was named one of Architectural Record Magazine’s Design Vanguard for 2018. Most recently the studio was the recipient of the 2018 Governor General’s Medal in Architecture for the cabin at Rabbit Snare Gorge – Canada’s highest honor for built projects. Omar was appointed as the Louis I. Kahn Visiting Assistant Professor in Architectural Design at the Yale School of Architecture for the Fall semester of the 2018-19 academic year. Just to help you understand the context and talent of who we are speaking with today on the podcast, we decided to isolate a single project and put it on display so you could see the finished product, the rigor associated with the floor plans, and the creative process which includes model-making as well a hand-drawn concept sketch. The project we are focusing on today is The Lookout at Broad Cove Marsh located in Inverness, Nova Scotia. While I have included several images here, I did not include all that are available - not that you need an additional reason to visit Omar's website but go here to see more images, including several from the interior of the project.  This is a beautiful project and we promised Omar that we would recognize the individuals who contributed to its creation. Architect Omar Gandhi, Jeff Shaw, Peter Kolodziej, Amber Kilborn Engineer Andrea Doncaster Engineering Structural model Ben Angus Contractor Joseph ‘MacGee’ MacFarlane Photography Doublespace Photography Okay, time for the hypothetical question – which is really the only reason why the first part of this podcast exists … it’s all just leading up to this moment. As it turns out, Omar is familiar with how this works except I had to clarify that either Omar or Andrew could answer first, but no matter what order, I will go last so I can change the rules and make fun of everybody's answers. Andrew is very familiar with how this works! [46:00 mark] Would you rather only age from the neck up or the neck down? Today is a special episode because we are sitting down with my very close and personal friend, even though we have never actually met, Canadian architectural rock star Omar Gandhi. This is the first in a series of posts we are rolling out for the 2020... Today we are introducing a new series we are rolling out for the 2020 season of episodes titled “Talking Shop with __________” and we will do around four of these sorts of episodes this year and we decided to come out the gate strong with our first guest - Canadian Architect and Emerging Voice in the architectural community - as well as my friend - Omar Gandhi. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 57:50 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/040-changing-jobs/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=040-changing-jobs Sun, 05 Jan 2020 23:00:34 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=32604 Changing jobs is exciting and terrifying at the same time – particularly if you are making a drastic change wither in the type of work or the size of the firm. Today we are talking about “Changing Jobs” a topic that seems somewhat fitting given that it is the first podcast episode of 2020 and both Andrew and me have changed jobs. Changing jobs is exciting and terrifying at the same time – particularly if you are making a drastic change wither in the type of work or the size of the firm. Today we are talking about “Changing Jobs” a topic that seems somewhat fitting given that it... Changing jobs is exciting and terrifying at the same time – particularly if you are making a drastic change wither in the type of work or the size of the firm. Today we are talking about “Changing Jobs” a topic that seems somewhat fitting given that it is the first podcast episode of 2020 and both Andrew and me have changed jobs. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 56:43 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-039-the-hypothetical-show/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-039-the-hypothetical-show Sun, 08 Dec 2019 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=32348 Andrew and I really enjoy answering hypothetical questions as part of each Life of an Architect podcast episode. In our final recording of the year, we are happy to present to you the "Director's Cut" on three of our most favorite Hypothetical questions from 2019, as well as two new questions as our way of saying thanks for listening to the show this year. Andrew and I really enjoy answering hypothetical questions as part of each Life of an Architect podcast episode. In our final recording of the year, we are happy to present to you the "Director's Cut" on three of our most favorite Hypothetical question... Andrew and I really enjoy answering hypothetical questions as part of each Life of an Architect podcast episode. In our final recording of the year, we are happy to present to you the "Director's Cut" on three of our most favorite Hypothetical questions from 2019, as well as two new questions as our way of saying Thanks for listening to the show this year. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 1:41:23 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/038-what-to-get-an-architect-for-christmas-2019/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=038-what-to-get-an-architect-for-christmas-2019 Sun, 24 Nov 2019 22:30:30 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=32290 Buying gifts for Architects can be tough for some people because architects are very specific about the sorts of things they want. This is the 10th consecutive year of "What to Get an Architect for Christmas" and there is something here for every sort of architect. Buying gifts for Architects can be tough for some people because architects are very specific about the sorts of things they want. This is the 10th consecutive year of "What to Get an Architect for Christmas" and there is something here for every sort ... Buying gifts for Architects can be tough for some people because architects are very specific about the sorts of things they want. This is the 10th consecutive year of "What to Get an Architect for Christmas" and there is something here for every sort of architect. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 1:01:26 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/037-ask-the-show/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=037-ask-the-show Sun, 10 Nov 2019 23:00:44 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=32255 What music do you listen to? What’s your design process? What is your favorite building and why? What do you eat for breakfast? All this and more today as architects Andrew Hawkins and Bob Borson answer your burning questions where almost no topic is off-limits. What music do you listen to? What’s your design process? What is your favorite building and why? What do you eat for breakfast? All this and more today as architects Andrew Hawkins and Bob Borson answer your burning questions where almost no topic is o... What music do you listen to? What’s your design process? What is your favorite building and why? What do you eat for breakfast? All this and more today as Andrew and I answer your burning questions where almost nothing is off-limits. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 1:02:45 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-036-labor-is-cheap-skill-is-not/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-036-labor-is-cheap-skill-is-not Sun, 27 Oct 2019 22:00:38 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=32147 Architecture and skilled craft go hand in hand, but you may not be aware that the number of skilled individuals that are required to bring an architect’s ideas to reality and in today's episode, Andrew and I are talking about the state of skilled labor in the construction industry.  Architecture and skilled craft go hand in hand, but you may not be aware that the number of skilled individuals that are required to bring an architect’s ideas to reality and in today's episode, Andrew and I are talking about the state of skilled labor... Architecture and skilled craft go hand in hand, but you may not be aware that the number of skilled individuals that are required to bring an architect’s ideas to reality and in today's episode, Andrew and I are talking about the state of skilled labor in the construction industry.  Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 1:01:56 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/035-architecture-and-math/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=035-architecture-and-math Sun, 13 Oct 2019 22:00:40 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=32099 If you ever thought about being an architect but thought you couldn’t handle the math, you aren’t alone. At parties across the land, as soon as someone finds out there is an architect in the crowd, there is a story being told about how they wanted to be an architect but since they couldn’t draw or weren’t very good at math, they decided to do something else. If you ever thought about being an architect but thought you couldn’t handle the math, you aren’t alone. At parties across the land, as soon as someone finds out there is an architect in the crowd, there is a story being told about how they wanted to b... If you ever thought about being an architect but thought you couldn’t handle the math, you aren’t alone. At parties across the land, as soon as someone finds out there is an architect in the crowd, there is a story being told about how they wanted to be an architect but since they couldn’t draw or weren’t very good at math, they decided to do something else. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 54:35 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/034-lets-get-physical/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=034-lets-get-physical Sun, 29 Sep 2019 22:00:24 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=32023 Architectural models are clearly within the architect's domain but are you within the "physical models are better" or "digital models are better" camp? Physical models have a bigger impact on the space when people can interact with them, but digital models are a more powerful tool for the act of creating architecture. Architectural models are clearly within the architect's domain but are you within the "physical models are better" or "digital models are better" camp? Physical models have a bigger impact on the space when people can interact with them, Architectural models are clearly within the architect's domain but are you within the "physical models are better" or "digital models are better" camp? Physical models have a bigger impact on the space when people can interact with them, but digital models are a more powerful tool for the act of creating architecture. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 59:39 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/033-taking-the-architectural-registration-exam/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=033-taking-the-architectural-registration-exam Mon, 16 Sep 2019 00:00:41 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=31963 Taking the architectural registration exam is a crucial step in the process of becoming an architect. The test is long, difficult, and stressful, but it is an absolute necessity if you want to be an architect. Taking the architectural registration exam is a crucial step in the process of becoming an architect. The test is long, difficult, and stressful, but it is an absolute necessity if you want to be an architect. Taking the architectural registration exam is a crucial step in the process of becoming an architect. The test is long, difficult, and stressful, but it is an absolute necessity if you want to be an architect. Graduating from school is not our finish line, becoming licensed is. IF you find yourself in a position where you need to take the registration exam and you are nervous ... don't be. You can do it, all it takes is the same sort of effort you've already demonstrated you are capable of, evidenced by the fact you went to and graduated from, architecture school.  Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 1:07:37 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/032-projects-in-architecture-school-are-silly/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=032-projects-in-architecture-school-are-silly Mon, 02 Sep 2019 17:33:23 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=31720 Your college architecture projects will be silly because they are designed to make you think outside what you already know. They are also supposed to force you to evaluate your own belief system, your own understanding of how spaces work, and the things that shape your ideas. Your college architecture projects will be silly because they are designed to make you think outside what you already know. They are also supposed to force you to evaluate your own belief system, your own understanding of how spaces work, Your college architecture projects will be silly because they are designed to make you think outside what you already know. They are also supposed to force you to evaluate your own belief system, your own understanding of how spaces work, and the things that shape your ideas. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 56:37 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/031-obsession/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=031-obsession Sun, 18 Aug 2019 22:00:24 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=31716 Do Architects have obsessive personalities? I tend to think so, and only partially based on my own behavior. I should throw out the caveat that I don’t think you should have to explain why you obsess over something. Isn’t that the nature of any obsession – that there is some level of irrationality associated behind it? Of course, people seem to typically feel that their logic is flawless and that they are completely justified in their behavior and if you can’t see the wisdom in their position, the fault lies with you. Do Architects have obsessive personalities? I tend to think so, and only partially based on my own behavior. I should throw out the caveat that I don’t think you should have to explain why you obsess over something. Do Architects have obsessive personalities? I tend to think so, and only partially based on my own behavior. I should throw out the caveat that I don’t think you should have to explain why you obsess over something. Isn’t that the nature of any obsession – that there is some level of irrationality associated behind it? Of course, people seem to typically feel that their logic is flawless and that they are completely justified in their behavior and if you can’t see the wisdom in their position, the fault lies with you. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 59:28 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/030-starting-your-own-architecture-firm/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=030-starting-your-own-architecture-firm Sun, 04 Aug 2019 22:00:52 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=31681 Is It the dream of every architect to start their own architecture firm? Most architects think about it at one point or another and Austin Architect Michael Hsu sits down to talk about how he started his own firm. Is It the dream of every architect to start their own architecture firm? Most architects think about it at one point or another and Austin Architect Michael Hsu sits down to talk about how he started his own firm. Is It the dream of every architect to start their own architecture firm? Most architects think about it at one point or another and Austin Architect Michael Hsu sits down to talk about how he started his own firm. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 58:38 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/029-architects-should-work-construction/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=029-architects-should-work-construction Sun, 21 Jul 2019 21:00:58 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=31574 If I have one regret during my college education is that I never worked on a construction site. Once I graduated from college, I went straight to work in an architectural office, drawing up all sorts of stuff that I had literally never seen before in my life. I managed to get along but I was acutely aware of my lack of practical knowledge and I have been trying to make up for it over the last 20+ years. [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player]  googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); }); We'd like to thank today's guest, Nicholas Renard, the owner, architect and registered residential contractor of Dig-Architecture, an architect-led design-build firm in Jacksonville, Florida. We recorded today's episode live in Las Vegas from the Expo floor of the 2019 AIA Conference on Architecture as special guests of Huber Engineered Woods.  a small portion of Bob's tool collection My practical experience, and I suppose formal construction education, really didn’t start until I bought my first house and didn’t have the money to pay someone else to do the work. My wife had a job that required an extensive amount of traveling and since I am not a “go out to the bar” kind of dude (despite what others might think) I would stay home in the evenings and work on projects around the house. It was during this time that I started building up my tool collection. Did either of you work construction when you were in architecture school? [2:30 mark] Both Bob and Nick worked on projects with their father around the house and this gave them their initial exposure to the basics of the construction process. They spent time either watching or helping their fathers around the house as they took on projects of various scales. But of the three, Andrew is the only one who has ever actually worked in the construction industry during their architectural education.  Andrew worked in construction during the summers as a high school student. Then, while in grad school, he worked in a cabinetry shop construction custom cabinetry in a small shop in Oregon. Apparently, the common thread among the three of us is having built a deck in our backyards at some point in our lives. How do you think working in construction would benefit an architect? [10:17 mark] The translation from the drawing environment to the built environment typically takes time for a new professional in architecture. The knowledge of the process of construction, the tolerances involved, the order of operations and other physical activities all have an impact on the design and final product. So being able to understand all of these aspects of the downstream portions of your design is very beneficial and can impact your ability as a designer to impact the final result, the budget, and the overall process. Being able to understand and apply this to your projects is a valuable skill for any architect. Understanding the differences between the exactness of the drawing environment versus the built environment.  [14:30 mark] The system of education tends to push you as an architecture student to strive for perfection in your processes. This seems to translate over into your career and the way you design or draw digitally. The reality of the construction site is that there is not a possibility for perfection. Part of being on a construction site allows you to understand the tolerances of this process. Every part of the assemblies on a job site has built-in tolerances. And as they are assembled, those tolerances compound and create project dimensions that cannot be held to the digital perfection. Understanding this concept and how it affects your design is something that takes time as a young professional. One of the benefits of being on construction sites early in your education or career is that it reduces this time frame and allows you to grasp that concept quicker, If I have one regret during my college education is that I never worked on a construction site. Once I graduated from college, I went straight to work in an architectural office, drawing up all sorts of stuff that I had literally never seen before in m... If you are a young architect or plan on becoming an architect one day, I think the best advice I can give you is to find your way onto a construction site – even if that construction site is your own. I can’t help but think how working on my own houses over the years has fundamentally shaped how I think as an architect when I walk onto a job site. As a result of all the time I spent trying to get things right when I’m the one swinging the hammer, I have a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship I am hopefully observing and a better understanding of the effort it takes to create the desired result. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 54:41 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/028-social-media-for-architects/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=028-social-media-for-architects Sun, 07 Jul 2019 22:30:36 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=31569 In order for social media to have an impact, you first have to decide on what you want to achieve and from there, you actually have to put yourself out there as an individual because social media only functions when you are social - which means there has to be a 1st person narrative. I should point out that this doesn't necessarily mean talking about yourself, it means talking about things from your perspective. In order for social media to have an impact, you first have to decide on what you want to achieve and from there, you actually have to put yourself out there as an individual because social media only functions when you are social - which means there h... In order for social media to have an impact, you first have to decide on what you want to achieve and from there, you actually have to put yourself out there as an individual because social media only functions when you are social - which means there has to be a 1st person narrative. I should point out that this doesn't necessarily mean talking about yourself, it means talking about things from your perspective. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 56:33 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-27-is-that-even-legal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-27-is-that-even-legal Sun, 23 Jun 2019 23:00:05 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=31482 How much time have you spent thinking about the legal side of architecture?  If you are like most architects, you probably haven't spent enough time thinking about it. While it may not be the sexiest part of the architectural profession,  it is something that every licensed architect must consider on every single project. How much time have you spent thinking about the legal side of architecture?  If you are like most architects, you probably haven't spent enough time thinking about it. While it may not be the sexiest part of the architectural profession, How much time have you spent thinking about the legal side of architecture?  If you are like most architects, you probably haven't spent enough time thinking about it. While it may not be the sexiest part of the architectural profession,  it is something that every licensed architect must consider on every single project. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 54:12 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/026-first-jobs/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=026-first-jobs Sun, 09 Jun 2019 22:30:49 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=31442 “Your first architectural job is important.” I’m not talking about summer jobs or internships … those don’t really count because they have a known shelf-life associated with them. I’m talking about the first job a person takes once they’ve graduated from college – the job that signals the beginning of their professional career. “Your first architectural job is important.” I’m not talking about summer jobs or internships … those don’t really count because they have a known shelf-life associated with them. I’m talking about the first job a person takes once they’ve graduated fr... “Your first architectural job is important.” Let me clarify that I’m not talking about summer jobs or internships … those don’t really count because they have a known shelf-life associated with them. No, what I’m talking about is the first real job a person takes once they’ve graduated from college – the job that signals the beginning of their professional career. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 59:44 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/025-architectural-bucket-list/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=025-architectural-bucket-list Mon, 27 May 2019 22:30:46 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=31350 Today we are talking about Architectural Bucket lists. Everyone knows what a bucket list is – things you want to do or achieve in your life. For an architect, this could be visiting Therme Vals in Switzerland by Peter Zumthor, or if this was prior to 1969, maybe it would be smoking cigars with Mies van der Rohe. [Note: If you are reading this via email, you will have to click here to access the on-site audio player]  Items that an architect would put on their Architectural Bucket list could cover a lot of ground, but that’s what we are going to be talking about today. Preparing for this show was actually agony for me because I tend to not identify with favorites. There is an ebb and flow to my interests and while I might really like something today, chances are better than good that I will replace this current object of my fascination with something else before too long. Never the less, let's see where our current interest lies as of today. Person Who would you like to have as an ideal "Architect" buddy for your life/practice? I would assume that this would be a famous architect but it doesn’t have to be. But let’s put the caveat on here that they have to be living? Photo of Renzo Piano Photo: Eric Feferberg/AFP/AFP/Getty Images  Photo of the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre Photo: Sergio Grazia/ADCK/Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre/RPBW Andrew I chose Renzo Piano. While there may be a language issue, as pointed out by Bob, I went a more professional route and chose him based on my appreciation for his work and the impact his friendship might have on my own work. So for this one, it would be a true "architecture buddy". I think Renzo is thoughtful in his work and he has a fantastic sense of detail and creativity. He has long been an architect that I admire, so therefore I would want him for my practice side of life.  As noted in our conversations, I chose a different direction of thought than Borson on this one. Photo of Tom Kundig: Juliana Sohn for The Wall Street Journal.Photo of the Delta Shelter: Tim Bies/Olson Kundig Architects. Bob This was a tough one for me because most of the architects who I admire are probably too mature to actually enjoy spending time with me. Answering this question came down to narrowing a few perceived character traits. Do they like to party? Could we talk about something other than architecture? And for what traits have I selected them? Design? Technical prowess? Business acumen? Originality in their thinking? How about all of these items? For that reason, I went with Tom Kundig. On one hand, this seems like it would be a popular choice, the non-architect’s choice, but I chose Tom because I like the technical nature in which he designs appeals to my own process. I would live in every house he has ever designed, he looks like he enjoys what he does and despite the ability to change the scale of the projects he tackles he has continued to accept and design single-family residential works. I almost went with Omar Ghandi but he seems either so cool as to appear disinterested in everything or maybe he’s mean. Every project of his I love but whenever I see pictures of him, he seems too intense to be my friend ... but maybe I'm wrong about that. Place This would be a location you would like to visit. It could be a broad point and/or a very specific one … I’m not even sure that it has to be “architectural”. A riverside view in Bavaria, Bamberg, Germanyphoto credit FOROLIA/AP Andrew I chose a region of a country for this one. Bavaria Germany was my choice as a "place". I have never been to this area so it holds a romantic mystique for me. I feel drawn by my ideas of the mixture of landscape, history, architecture, food, and drink. I believe I would enjoy this area for all of those reasons and more. While I am a "modernist" at heart, the idea of traveling through medieval towns and visiting castles while enjoying great food and beer sounds like the best experience imaginable. Today we are talking about Architectural Bucket lists. Everyone knows what a bucket list is – things you want to do or achieve in your life. For an architect, this could be visiting Therme Vals in Switzerland by Peter Zumthor, Everyone knows what a bucket list is – things you want to do or achieve in your life before you kick the bucket. Today we are talking about Architectural Bucket lists. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 59:47 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/024-presentation-skills-tips-and-techniques/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=024-presentation-skills-tips-and-techniques Sun, 12 May 2019 23:00:15 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=31261 Unlike most professions, architects are fairly accustomed to standing up in front of a group of people and public speaking ... but that doesn't mean they like it (or even worse)  - that they are any good at doing it. The concern going through almost everyone's head before they get up in front of a group is that they will look stupid, sound stupid, or generally come across as someone who shouldn't be talking about whatever it is they are talking about. If that's you, the good news is that you are not alone. Unlike most professions, architects are fairly accustomed to standing up in front of a group of people and public speaking ... but that doesn't mean they like it (or even worse)  - that they are any good at doing it. Unlike most professions, architects are fairly accustomed to standing up in front of a group of people and public speaking ... but that doesn't mean they like it (or even worse)  - that they are any good at doing it. The concern going through almost everyone's head before they get up in front of a group is that they will look stupid, sound stupid, or generally come across as someone who shouldn't be talking about whatever it is they are talking about. If that's you, the good news is that you are not alone. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 47:45 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/023-the-fun-show/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=023-the-fun-show Sun, 28 Apr 2019 23:00:35 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=31214 Sometimes bad things happen, and it impacts you in a way that you weren’t anticipating – takes you out of your normal head space. Since I don’t like feeling bad, we’re going to do something about it. Welcome to "The Fun Show". [Note: If you are reading this via email, you will have to click here to access the on-site audio player]  Just like the occasional blog post, the podcast (and blog post) today will be a "life" day because we are talking about, well, whatever we want to a certain extent. As of this writing, Notre Dame Cathedral suffered a tragic fire this last week and it put Andrew and me in a somber mood … but I’m ready to have some fun so today is a bit of a course correction and we are going to have a good time. For almost a year now I have wanted to record a podcast episode that was centered around a more "life" centric theme. I don't know if you are a regular visitor on the site or not but the last few podcast topics have been: Episode 19 - Architectural Fees Architectural Fees are a mystery to most people and there is no shortage of methods that architects charge for their services. How do you make sense of which method works best for you and your clients? Episode 20 - The Construction Bid Process Every client wants to know what their project is going to cost and who’s going to build it. That means sending the drawings out and getting contractors involved. Episode 21 - Making an Architect Becoming an architect is the dream of many people, but it is rare that these individuals learn enough about themselves and what it means to be an architect prior to finding themselves in a position to have to make the decision to actually become an architect. Episode 22 - Residential Construction Costs Architects and General Contractors typically use certain rules of thumb to determine residential construction costs at various stages of development. Here is a guide of approximately what you get per square foot when building a new home. While I think all of these are important topics to cover, they are really focused on some very technical aspects of the profession and according to some of the feedback we received, pretty technical in nature. Andrew and I did not take this feedback as critical, we actually appreciate when people take the time to give us feedback on the show, we did take as the opportunity I've been looking for to do a "life" episode. Well, that and the whole Notre Dame Cathedral burning thing I mentioned earlier. To get our heads right, this episode is really Andrew and I sitting around the proverbial campfire (otherwise known as my bedroom) and telling adventure stories from some of the trips we've taken in our life. As in the image above [11:02-minute mark] when Mike Buesing, one of my friends from architecture school, and I decided to take a trip through the great Southwest visiting destinations like Chaco Canyon and Monument Valley which is where this picture was taken. This was 1992 and there aren't many pictures from this time in my life. I captured the image above by balancing my 35mm Nikon SLR on a boulder with some smaller rocks in my attempt to level the image. I set the timer and depressed the photo button and ran like mad to try to get back to this spot before the photo was taken. While I almost fell off a Mesa taking this picture, I almost died climbing up to this spot with lawn furniture around my neck. This entire trip was amazing for me since I had never visited this part of the country before but as I think back to this trip, just about all of the memories I have, start with the moment when things start to go sideways on us. Even when I scheduled trips that I believed were basically architectural vacations, just with my family in tow, turned out to be something completely different. The now infamous "Borson-Paris" trip of 2010 was the moment when I realized that while vacations and trips are great for opening your mind to different cul... Sometimes bad things happen, and it impacts you in a way that you weren’t anticipating – takes you out of your normal head space. Since I don’t like feeling bad, we’re going to do something about it. Welcome to "The Fun Show". Sometimes bad things happen, and it impacts you in a way that you weren’t anticipating – takes you out of your normal headspace. Since I don’t like feeling bad, we’re going to do something about it. Welcome to the “Fun Show". Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 58:15 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/022-residential-construction-costs/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=022-residential-construction-costs Sun, 14 Apr 2019 23:00:19 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=31101 Residential construction costs are not that complicated unless you really want to make them that way. There are some general broad stroke pieces of information that if you know them, you will not be surprised when it comes time to plan your budget. Residential construction costs are not that complicated unless you really want to make them that way. There are some general broad stroke pieces of information that if you know them, you will not be surprised when it comes time to plan your budget. Residential construction costs are not that complicated unless you really want to make them that way. There are some general broad stroke pieces of information that if you know them, you will not be surprised when it comes time to plan your budget. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 55:48 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/021-making-an-architect/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=021-making-an-architect Sun, 31 Mar 2019 23:00:27 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=31039 Becoming an architect is the dream of many people, but it is rare that these individuals learn enough about themselves and what it means to be an architect prior to finding themselves in a position to have to make the decision to actually become an architect. Becoming an architect is the dream of many people, but it is rare that these individuals learn enough about themselves and what it means to be an architect prior to finding themselves in a position to have to make the decision to actually become an arc... Becoming an architect is the dream of many people, but it is rare that these individuals learn enough about themselves and what it means to be an architect prior to finding themselves in a position to have to make the decision to actually become an architect. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 58:37 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/the-construction-bid-process/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-construction-bid-process Sun, 17 Mar 2019 23:00:02 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=30985 Every client wants to know what their project is going to cost and who’s going to build it. That means sending the drawings out and getting contractors involved … Let’s get ready to rumble because “The Construction Bid Process ” is today’s topic. [Note: If you are reading this via email, you will have to click here to access the on-site audio player]  For those of you who might not know, a construction bid is the process in which the contractor takes the drawings and specifications as prepared by the architect and their consultants, reviews them for materials, quantities, and submits a price in which to undertake the scope of work as defined in those construction documents. This should all sound pretty normal because this is what happens for any professional scope of service. I tell you what I want, you tell me what it’s going to take to give it to me, and I either agree or disagree to pay this price. In the construction world, it basically works the exact same way but there are some nuances and subtleties to discuss. Let’s get into it and let’s start by discussing how projects are bid. I am going to start by stating that there is a difference between how public and private projects are bid but the basics are the same but there is a lot less formality and procedures for residential projects. The bid process has several steps that are typically standard no matter what “delivery method” you are utilizing for your project. (We will get to those "delivery methods" in a future episode). So the basics of the bid process are as follows: Step 1: Construction Docs Completed The Architect and their team have completed a full set of construction documents that should include all of the important information required for contractors to provide a price to build the project. Step 2: Advertise the Project (at large or to invited bidders) During this period, the construction documents are provided to contractors and tradesmen to review, question, and price. This process can be handled in several ways depending (once again) on the delivery method. These days the majority of this process occurs electronically, though some forms of paper distribution still take place. The future for this step will be completely electronic at some point and may not even involve drawings. Step 3: Bidding Q&A Period During this step a set period of time is established, typically 3-4 weeks, that the documents are reviewed and such by anyone who hopes to provide a price to construct the work. This is directly tied to Step Two. The contractors can ask for clarifications or product substitutions or additional information within this set number of days. Also during this period it is the architect’s job to continue to distribute information to all those contractors who are bidding the work. This is always a set period of time, that once it ends, the pricing is due… the bid. Step 4: Reception of Bids So this is the step, usually an exact day and time, when everyone is required to provide their bid. Many times this is a frantic race to the end with bids coming in at the very last minute. The general contractor or construction manager assemble all of the trade bids they receive into a single number that is considered the price to build the project. Step 5: Evaluation and Selection This step involves reviewing all the bids and requirements of the bid documents by the owner, architect and other involved stakeholders if any. The goal here is typically to identify the best value for the project; this is not always the lowest bid. This review process is also ensures that the bidders meet all the requirements put forth in the request. It can also give time to get some clarifications on the bid number from the contractors. This part of the process varies again based on delivery method and the number of stakeholders in the project. Step 6: Contract Negotiations & Start This is the last one. At this point, bids have been evaluated and the contractor that is going t... Every client wants to know what their project is going to cost and who’s going to build it. That means sending the drawings out and getting contractors involved … Let’s get ready to rumble because “The Construction Bid Process ” is today’s topic. Every client wants to know what their project is going to cost and who’s going to build it. That means sending the drawings out and getting contractors involved … Let’s get ready to rumble because “The Construction Bid Process ” is today’s topic. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 59:28 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/019-architectural-fees/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=019-architectural-fees Mon, 04 Mar 2019 00:00:17 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=30943 Architectural Fees are a mystery to most people and there is no shortage of methods that architects charge for their services. How do you make sense of the options, which method works best for you, and how do you provide a method that suits the needs of both the architect and their clients. Architectural Fees are a mystery to most people and there is no shortage of methods that architects charge for their services. How do you make sense of the options, which method works best for you, and how do you provide a method that suits the needs o... Architectural Fees are a mystery to most people and there is no shortage of methods that architects charge for their services. How do you make sense of which method works best for you and your clients? Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 54:48 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/018-crafting-an-image/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=018-crafting-an-image Mon, 18 Feb 2019 00:00:32 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=30900 For today's episode, Andrew and I sit down with photographer Poul Ober to discuss the role photography plays in telling an architectural story, as well as the evolving impact photography is having on popular culture. For today's episode, Andrew and I sit down with photographer Poul Ober to discuss the role photography plays in telling an architectural story, as well as the evolving impact photography is having on popular culture. Architecture and photography have a symbiotic relationship with one another and every architect knows that a picture is worth a 1,000 words. For today's episode, Andrew and I sit down with photographer Poul Ober to discuss the role photography plays in telling an architectural story, as well as the evolving impact photography is having on popular culture. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 54:01 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/017-quitting-your-job/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=017-quitting-your-job Mon, 04 Feb 2019 00:00:24 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=30830 It happens to almost all of us eventually, and for pretty much everybody, the experience ranges from unpleasant to downright panic-inducing … so get your moving box ready because “Quitting Your Job” is today’s topic, something that I, unfortunately, know a lot about. It happens to almost all of us eventually, and for pretty much everybody, the experience ranges from unpleasant to downright panic-inducing … so get your moving box ready because “Quitting Your Job” is today’s topic, something that I, unfortunately, It happens to almost all of us eventually, and for pretty much everybody, the experience ranges from unpleasant to downright panic-inducing … so get your moving box ready because “Quitting Your Job” is today’s topic Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 58:55 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/016-architecture-in-the-real-world/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=016-architecture-in-the-real-world Mon, 21 Jan 2019 00:00:07 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=30766 What is it like to be an architect? Architecture in the real world is a lot different than people think. Does school prepare you for being an architect? What is it like to be an architect? Architecture in the real world is a lot different than people think. Does school prepare you for being an architect? What is it like to be an architect? Architecture in the real world is a lot different than people think. Does school prepare you for being an architect? Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 48:25 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/015-tools-of-an-architect/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=015-tools-of-an-architect Mon, 07 Jan 2019 03:24:25 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=29903 All industries have specific tools that make their business work - and architects are no different in this regard. Today, we will be discussing virtual reality, 3D printers, drafting software and many more modern day tools for architects. All industries have specific tools that make their business work - and architects are no different in this regard. Today, we will be discussing virtual reality, 3D printers, drafting software and many more modern day tools for architects. All industries have specific tools that make their business work - and architects are no different in this regard. Today, we will be discussing virtual reality, 3D printers, drafting software and many more modern day tools for architects. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 56:14 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/014-being-an-architect-is-hell/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=014-being-an-architect-is-hell Mon, 10 Dec 2018 00:00:03 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=29814 As an architect, every space I walk in to, I look at … intensely. I scrutinize, evaluate, process, and redesign. Every. Single. Space. As an architect, every space I walk in to, I look at … intensely. I scrutinize, evaluate, process, and redesign. - Every. Single. Space. As an architect, every space I walk in to, I look at … intensely. I scrutinize, evaluate, process, and redesign. <br /> Every. Single. Space. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 48:56 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/what-to-get-an-architect-for-christmas-2018/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-to-get-an-architect-for-christmas-2018 Sun, 25 Nov 2018 19:39:25 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=29348 For the 9th year in a row, Life of an Architect presents its "What to buy an architect for Christmas" - gift ideas that will please even the most particular and demanding of architects. For the 9th year in a row, Life of an Architect presents its "What to buy an architect for Christmas" - gift ideas that will please even the most particular and demanding of architects. Architect Gift Guide - For the 9th year in a row, Life of an Architect presents the "What to buy an architect for Christmas" - gift ideas that will please even the most particular and demanding of architects. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 1:03:43 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/012-a-day-in-the-life-of-an-architect/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=012-a-day-in-the-life-of-an-architect Mon, 12 Nov 2018 02:21:36 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=29576 What does a day in the Life of an Architect look like? There are a lot of different answers to that question and even if I look at what my day looks like, it has varied over the years as I move through my career and took on different roles and responsibilities. What does a day in the Life of an Architect look like? There are a lot of different answers to that question and even if I look at what my day looks like, it has varied over the years as I move through my career and took on different roles and responsi... What does a day in the Life of an Architect look like? There are a lot of different answers to that question and even if I look at what my day looks like, it has varied over the years as I move through my career and took on different roles and responsibilities. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 55:19 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/011-an-architects-salary/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=011-an-architects-salary Sun, 28 Oct 2018 23:00:41 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=29483 So how much money do architects make? They're all rich, right? Well, that's the topic today and we are going to take a look at how best to answer that question. So how much money do architects make? They're all rich, right? Well, that's the topic today and we are going to take a look at how best to answer that question. How much money does an architect actually make? Most people assume that architect's make a substantial salary, which would make sense considering how difficult and how long it take to become an architect. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 1:11:58 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/010-what-makes-you-a-designer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=010-what-makes-you-a-designer Sun, 14 Oct 2018 20:23:34 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=29383 There are many things I do during a typical day – designing “stuff” is just one very small portion – but I still consider myself a designer more so than a project architect. Since I work at a smallish firm, everyone wears many hats and nobody has just one task or label. To be considered a designer just means you need to think about the design of everything – and I mean everything. Not everything I do is BIG picture design – compared with the overall time spent, very little of it is – but I consider the creation and coordination of the details of every project integral to the process that yields a successful design. [Note: If you are reading this via email, you will have to click here to access the on-site audio player]  How do you define Designer? [0:45 mark] This is a pretty generic definition and fails to recognize allied design professionals. Where does Creativity fit in? [2:00 mark] I started thinking that creativity has more to do with how a person thinks, views, and processes information rather than their ability to draw or paint well. As a result, I think some of the most creative people are scientists – people who don’t generally come to mind when the topic of creativity comes up. But you don’t have to be a genius level intellect to demonstrate creativity. Sometimes it’s about being clever and noticing what’s around you and realizing that you can do something with what you see. If you don't see yourself as a designer when you're doing construction drawings - you're not in the right job. [10:40 mark] "You don't just design buildings, you design details, you design execution ... you design the entire process".  There are many skills a designer must demonstrate, but in my opinion, here are the 6 most important: Observation [14:17 mark] If you consider yourself a designer, you make it a point to notice your surroundings. As a characteristic, designers are curious and they take notice and make notes of things others overlook. Communicators [19:44 mark]  Designers need to be able to articulate their ideas in a way that builds consensus and fosters an atmosphere of confidence. Integration [26:18 mark] And by this I mean they are able to take their ideas and put them into play. Evaluate [29:18 mark] Designers need to be able to look at their own work critically and keep the good bits and get rid of the parts that don’t work. Context [33:18 mark] Designers are great at understanding context, and context is what enables us to make sense of things and put some sense of order to the task at hand. Context is the bit that allows us to decide if something is relevant ... and determining if something is relevant is crucial when designing because if you design a solution to a problem that isn't relevant in a given context it’s worthless. Forge Their Own Path [37:39 mark] Rather than forming a belief of what a solution can or can’t be, designers tend to look at the process and ask themselves "What if?" and "Why not?" Designers often see rules as guidelines and will work along the edges and as a result generally feel unbound by rules that others follow.  We have decided to introduce a new segment to the podcast. We have been ending each episode with a segment meant to humanize us as individuals while taking a few minutes to talk about what we are doing in our spare time - a segment aptly titled "In My Spare Time". However, and after some reflection, since there are times when I don't really seem to have any spare time, I felt like I was forcing the issue and trying to come up with something to talk about (and if you really knew me, you'd know that this is not normally a problem). So after talking with Landon, I decided that in these moments we will cut the IMST segment and add in this new segment that I am going to call "Hypotheticals". If you are not familiar with the concept of a hypothetical, let me take a minute and explain it. I will present an imaginary situation or concept (that will almost always ... There are many things I do during a typical day – designing “stuff” is just one very small portion – but I still consider myself a designer more so than a project architect. Since I work at a smallish firm, What are the traits that a designer must have? There are many skills a designer will demonstrate, but here are the 6 most important traits. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 53:39 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/009-the-low-cost-modern-house/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=009-the-low-cost-modern-house Sun, 30 Sep 2018 23:20:04 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=29282 With their clarity often confused with simplicity, modern houses require a far greater attention to execution and as a result, seem to surprise everyone with how expensive modern houses actually cost. With their clarity often confused with simplicity, modern houses require a far greater attention to execution and as a result, seem to surprise everyone with how expensive modern houses actually cost. With their clarity often confused with simplicity, modern houses require far greater attention to execution and as a result, seem to surprise everyone with how expensive modern houses actually cost. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 55:29 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/008-top-ten-reasons-to-be-an-architect/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=008-top-ten-reasons-to-be-an-architect Thu, 20 Sep 2018 13:00:59 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=29219 If you are interested in becoming an architect, what are the best reasons to pursue your dream? The field of architecture can be extremely rewarding and today we discuss a few of the reasons why. If you are interested in becoming an architect, what are the best reasons to pursue your dream? The field of architecture can be extremely rewarding and today we discuss a few of the reasons why. If you are interested in becoming an architect, what are the best reasons to pursue your dream? The field of architecture can be extremely rewarding and today, we discuss a few reasons why. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 53:40 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/007-a-survivors-guide-to-architecture-school/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=007-a-survivors-guide-to-architecture-school Mon, 03 Sep 2018 22:55:24 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=29129 Fall is just around the corner and that means it's time for students around the country to return to their desk at architecture school. For most, this time is a mixture of excitement and enthusiasm while for others, it's a mixture of anxiety and sleepless nights ... Fall is just around the corner and that means it's time for students around the country to return to their desk at architecture school. For most, this time is a mixture of excitement and enthusiasm while for others, Fall is just around the corner and that means it's time for students around the country to return to their desk at architecture school. For most, this time is a mixture of excitement and enthusiasm while for others, it's a mixture of anxiety and sleepless nights ... Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 56:37 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/006-inside-an-architects-office/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=006-inside-an-architects-office Sun, 19 Aug 2018 23:45:59 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=29041 Architectural offices do a lot more than simply provide a space in which the occupants do their job ... they represent the culture of the office and provide a context in which people imagine what they are capable of doing. Architectural offices do a lot more than simply provide a space in which the occupants do their job ... they represent the culture of the office and provide a context in which people imagine what they are capable of doing. Architectural offices do a lot more than simply provide a space in which the occupants do their job ... they represent the culture of the office Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 54:33 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/architects-and-chefs-episode-0005/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=architects-and-chefs-episode-0005 Sun, 05 Aug 2018 16:35:19 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=28939 In this fifth episode of the Life of an Architect podcast, Landon and I take on the topic of Architects and cooking and how those two things come together in a way that could be unique. In this fifth episode of the Life of an Architect podcast, Landon and I take on the topic of Architects and cooking and how those two things come together in a way that could be unique. In this fifth episode of the Life of an Architect podcast, Landon and I take on the topic of Architects and cooking and how those two things come together in a way that could be unique. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 49:17 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/episode-0004-architects-and-traveling/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-0004-architects-and-traveling Mon, 23 Jul 2018 16:00:21 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=28841 Architects like to travel, at least that's what all my friends who are architects would like you to believe. While I will agree that this is a true statement, I think it's a fairly generic statement because don't all people like to travel? In this fourth episode of the Life of an Architect podcast, Landon and I take on the topic of traveling - or at least we start a conversation about traveling. When we sat down to prepare our show notes, it quickly became apparent that this was a topic worthy of several episodes. So to that end, we start with some of the up-front bits of traveling - traveling as a young person compared to a more "mature" person, traveling with children, packing, architectural bucket lists, and traveling for work. So much good stuff - so check out the podcast and be sure to stick around to the very end ... the last two minutes are quite memorable. [Note: If you are reading this via email, you will have to click here to access the on-site audio player]  Hard to believe that this is what I used to look like ... young. Traveling in Europe as a Student (6:10 mark) 27 years ago, as a fourth-year architecture student, I spent the Fall semester traveling around Western Europe soaking in all the architectural wonders I could find. I was 22 years old and had done very little traveling of any kind … through the good graces of my parents, The University of Texas School of Architecture, and Virginia Tech, I was able to travel extensively at an age when I was barely prepared to do much of anything in the real world. Most of what I learned from that time didn’t have as much to do with architecture as I anticipated … I grew up. Since my college trip to Europe predates the widespread use of the internet, the only way to really communicate with people back home was through letters and postcards. I will admit that my parents kept every postcard and letter I sent home and gave them to me once I got back ... and I have kept all of them to this day. Kate Borson riding a go-cart in a park in Paris Traveling with Children (8:20 mark) During a trip to the Museé d'Orsay, I was reminded of how to look at something by my 5-year-old daughter. Sometimes you have to slow down in order to see what you are looking at - a lesson that I didn't learn until I was forced to learn it when my wife and I took our daughter to Paris. Little kids are great at doing lots of things but walking around fancy museums for hours on end is not one of them. As expected, after about 30 minutes my daughter said she was bored and I wasn't ready to leave. In an effort to extend our stay, I picked her up and started carrying her around with me as we looked at the paintings. Distraction tactics commenced. Au Café dit L'Absinthe by Degas, Museé d'Orsay, Paris, France Sad Woman in a Bar (10:30 mark) This painting in particular, by Edgar Degas, captured the imagination of my daughter and she spent the better part of 15 minutes coming up with a narrative on why this woman looked so sad. Kids are funny that way, their impatience or intolerance with a thing typically comes from not understanding it or from being disinterested in the current activity. The slightest of changes will impact the way they see something, and as a result, their behavior will change your behavior. Bring your kids to museums. Packing (24:40 mark) I am a packing master - and this is the weekend bag that I use as often as I can. I will readily acknowledge that roller-bags are easier to move around but the old-school version of me thinks this is more manly. I have already taken about a dozen trips through the first seven months of the year, and have another Five taking place within the next two months - somewhere in the neighborhood of 40,000 miles - and my average trip lasts no more than 3 days. Unless I am packing 3" D-ring binders and stone samples, I prefer to carry a bag with some style. Favorite Building in Paris and "The Herd" (21:14 mark) Architects like to travel, at least that's what all my friends who are architects would like you to believe. While I will agree that this is a true statement, I think it's a fairly generic statement because don't all people like to travel? Architects like to travel and in this episode, Bob Borson and Landon Williams cover some ground on what that actually means - traveling for work, architectural bucket lists, and much more. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 50:42 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/sketching-episode-0003/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sketching-episode-0003 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 21:32:02 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=28759 Sketching is a hot topic regardless of the people having the discussion, but I have learned over the last nine years of writing this site that sketching is one of the more hotly contested topics. While few architects would dispute the value in sketching, HOW that sketch is generated seems to fall into camps of individuals: Team Analog versus Team Digital and I don't think anyone would be surprised to learn that the age of the individual seems to decide (more times than not, but not a guarantee) which camp an individual belongs. These are the show notes to accompany the 3rd Life of an Architect podcast, and I hope that these notes will help bridge the gap between a pure blog post and a pure podcast. Unlike some other podcast show notes, my goal - at least for the foreseeable future, is going to include as many graphics as possible to support the podcast content, so that even if you don't listen to the podcast, there is something here that is of value. I will also concede that after several lengthy conversations with my wife, I have finally conceded to her point that I should include links to the items I mention or reference so that you don't have to go hunt them down yourself. This was a practice that I have generally avoided since I started writing this blog, but hopefully, this is also of some value. So let's get to it! [Note: If you are reading this via email, you will have to click here to access the on-site audio player]  Architectural Sketching - or - How to Sketch like Bob Borson (6:40 mark) Without trying to present you with false modesty, I am fairly comfortable with my ability to sketch ... but this was not always the case. A friend of mine gave me a handful of tips that made a fundamental change to how my sketches appeared. While I don't typically draw perspectives or try to capture the mood of a space, I have been sketching almost daily to create the sorts of sketches I do produce. Sketchbook - (36:04 mark) My business partner Michael Malone is many things, and right at the very top of traits I would assign him is prolific sketcher. He literally is at it every single day and his sketches are rather amazing and absolutely recognizable in their style. I have no doubt that I could pick one of his sketches out amongst thousands of other sketches. The image above is a cabinet in Michael's office and you can see that lining a few of the shelves are loads and loads of sketchbooks. Towards the top are fairly simple, hardback covered volumes, whereas on the bottom are these incredibly nice leather-bound volumes - all of which represent decades worth of ideas and thoughts. Almost 4 years ago I wrote a post on sketchbooks and Michael's handiwork is on full display in this post - Architectural Sketchbooks. These leather-bound sketchbooks are ridiculously nice - almost too nice for me - but Michael uses these types of books to record meeting notes and other "this is what's going on in my life" sort of items. He has been buying these 8.75" x 11" leather journals from Graphic Image for decades - and they certainly have an archival feel to them. The pages are lined and while Michael does produce sketches in them, they are primarily used for record notes and for keeping track of other items ... Like parking passes, museum receipts ... even stickers from jeans. While it might sound a bit random, when taken in as a whole, they are ridiculously cool. And then there are the "regular" sketchbooks that both Michael and I use - they aren't anything fancy ... See? Nothing fancy and if I'm being honest, while they take a fair amount of abuse, they aren't indestructible. I have a few that are in fine working order that dates back to 1990 ... but they sorta look like they date back to 1990. Almost all of mine are 8.5" x 11" hardback books from Strathmore but Michael said he also buys Canson sketchbooks as well. In addition to design concept sketches, Michael will put anything that motivates him in these ske... Sketching is a hot topic regardless of the people having the discussion, but I have learned over the last nine years of writing this site that sketching is one of the more hotly contested topics. While few architects would dispute the value in sketchin... Sketching is a hotly contested topic amongst architects - sketchbooks, trace paper, pen and paper versus digital media ... Architects Bob Borson and Landon Williams discuss sketching in their latest podcast. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 50:13 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/the-college-years-episode-0002/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-college-years-episode-0002 Wed, 27 Jun 2018 05:01:31 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=28702 Life of an Architect podcast discusses the College years in this second episode. How do you pick the right architecture school? Is there a portfolio requirement? What sort of classes should I take? This and more are discussed. The College Years - Life of an Architect podcast episode 0002 Life of an Architect podcast discusses the College years in this second episode. How do you pick the right architecture school? Is there a portfolio requirement? What sort of classes should I take? This and more are discussed. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 53:50 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/episode-0001-character-development/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-0001-character-development Thu, 14 Jun 2018 15:04:41 +0000 https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/?p=28686 Life of an Architect has finally entered the podcasting world! In the first episode, Bob Borson and Landon Williams discuss why they decided to start a podcast, their objectives for the podcast, as well as possible future topics. Episode 0001 - Character Development Life of an Architect has finally entered the podcasting world! In the first episode, Bob Borson and Landon Williams discuss why they decided to start a podcast, their objectives, as well as possible future podcast topics. Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins full false 41:08