Architecture Exchange East conference is in full swing in Richmond, Virginia. Read some of the Take-aways from this session:
101 Taking the Plunge
Hear the reasons behind their career choices and their advice for young entrepreneurs. Learn how they have each leveraged their skills to build their businesses and enhance their careers. A moderator will lead a lively dialogue followed by time for audience questions. Both men and women are invited to attend.
Presented with Virginia Women In Design (Panelists: Kathy Browning, Cathy McEntire, Anna Lee Bamforth, Donna Phaneuf)
On Gender Issues in the Profession:
It can no longer be about male/female, it’s about the same values--that’s how you get work, as a business owner. -Cathy McEntire
I never saw myself as a female architect. I see myself as an architect with work being your strongest tool. Doing good work will speak for itself. -Donna Phaneuf
From Engineering standpoint: Learning how to do things yourself earns you the respect as a woman. -Anna Lee Bamforth
There’s people will never embrace the same things that you do.
If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Trust your gut.
-Kathy Browning
If you don’t want to pay the taxes, don’t make the money.
Prepare for the legal beagle side of the business.
-Donna Phaneuf
Advice to those who are thinking of starting their own firms:
2008/2009 was a big shift in/ tough times for the entire industry. Actually raised her fee and has been most profitable during those years. -Donna
Started marketing very hard.
Be naively optimistic. You can’t be an entrepreneur if you are not.
You will work harder and work longer hours if you don’t have a lot of work.
-Cathy McEntire
50% signing the contract
40% at delivery
10% completion
50-40-10 fee structure
If you want someone to finance you, I’m not the person for it.
-Kathy
Architects undersell themselves. The more people pay for your services, the more they value you.
-Donna
Work/Life Balance:
It has to do with where you are in your life. Phases in your life. Balance can be anything. As a business owner you can make choices not as much as an employee. It’s whatever you do to have fun.
-Cathy McEntire
Bus stops for kids are closer to office. Family time is critical.
-Anna Lee
Have fun with yourself.
-Kathy Browning
There is little line separating the two. Personal, Architecture. Make sure having fun 99% of the time. Do something that refreshes your mind. Have a supportive family who understand the hours that your have to put in architecture.
-Donna Phaneuf
On Women in Design Profession:
Women in architecture are not sure if they want to be in the profession. (in reference to interns)
-Cathy McEntire
It’s a tough profession. There’s no male/female in the fallout in the profession. The strong survives.
Hiring Selection and Practices:
Careful with the ads and very specific in what I want.
Address the line items in the ad
-Cathy McEntire
Words of Wisdom:
How the business of design.
Discpline, Talent, Commen Sense, Tenacity, Risk Taker, Treat others well.
-Kathy Browning
Take ownership of anything you do.
Own it. Make sure everything you do you did to the best of your ability.
Your career is your own responsibility. You have to ask your own questions
-Cathy McEntire
Realistic expectations about salary and work hours.
-Anna Lee Bamforth
Have a vision, 20 or 30 years. Where do you want to be? What do you want to be? Own that vision. Don’t let anybody else take that away from you.
Find mentors. Someone you admire. It’s important to have a guiding light that way.
-Donna Phaneuf
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