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The Practice Management Knowledge Community (PMKC) identifies and develops information on the business of architecture for use by the profession to maintain and improve the quality of the professional and business environment.  The PMKC initiates programs, provides content and serves as a resource to other knowledge communities, and acts as experts on AIA Institute programs and policies that pertain to a wide variety of business practices and trends.

   

ArchEX2011: Challenging the paradigms about the practice of architecture in the coming decade (306 What’s Your Plan B?)

By A. Lira V. Luis posted 11-03-2011 05:21 PM

  
Architecture Exchange East conference is in full swing in Richmond, Virginia. Read some of the Take-aways from this session:

306 What’s Your Plan B?

Does the present economy make you feel like there is more truth to Murphy’s Law than fiction? Do you wonder about alternative career paths for architects? An expert panel of professionals who have not followed typical career paths considers the options.

Presented by
Rob Rosenfeld
Heather Simmons, AIA, HDR, Inc.
Kathryn T Prigmore, FAIA, NCARB, CDT, LEED AP, Vice President, HDR, Inc.
Leslie McDonald, Architectural Designer at Abrahamse & Company Builders
Amy Eichenberger, AIA, Senior Project Manager, University of Virginia


The public perceives architecture as a career for the creative, free spirits who also seem to earn good money while designing cool new buildings.

AIA Stats:
Only 30% architecture students go on to become licensed architects
77% of current interns are pursuing traditional paths in architecture


Rob Rosenfeld:
Plan B in high school is to be a mortician
Never be afraid to take chances even when times are tough.
The best time for innovation is during tough times.
Never be threatened by anybody else’s success.
Energy management (proper health, etc.) = allow us to do amazing things
Been through a number of recessions

Kathryn T Prigmore:
Peanut Butter Club Sandwich generation = those who are taking care of high school/college kids, at the same time taking care of elderly parents
Been through 2 recessions
It’s important that you have laid the groundwork for your Plan B, Plan C, etc.


Amy Eichenberger
Looks to combine experience in architecture and project management







#PracticeManagementKnowledgeCommunity #Seminars #Conferences
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Comments

A. Lira V. Luis
11-20-2011 09:20 PM

Isn't it great when there are options available to pursue other than placing bets on a single option as "Plan A" only? Options are available to those who create various plans.

John J. Egan AIA Member Emeritus
11-16-2011 10:30 AM

I also attended a Bucky Fuller lecture (5/2/72) and was blown away. I was trying to take notes but his words/ideas flowed so fast, I got writer's cramp. Among his ideas "The brain is the special application of the general principle of the lever - i.e. man's special tool. Man has to use his brain to find his way. Yet it can be expoited foolishly - we still learn by by our mistakes." I felt like I was in the presence of another "Horatio Alger" giving the design profession's view of Manifest Destiny.
Plan B is a variation of Plan A. Never give up your dream to design. It is in your intellectual DNA!

Charles A. Elliott Sr
11-03-2011 06:36 PM

Back in the early 1970's I had a chance to hear a lecture presented by R. Buckminster Fuller. During his four hour lecture he presented me with a profound statement, "Specialization leads to extinction". From that point on I decided to learn a lot of stuff and diversify my portfolio. I love architecture, design, art, iPhone apps, CAD, 3D modeling, music, and blogging. I am having fun with Plan B, C, D and E.