Architecture firms across the country (and around the world) have had to find innovative ways to work from home and complete their contractual responsibilities for Construction Phase services. While using technology to work remotely and to access or view construction site progress have kept the work moving, there is growing concern that staff (particularly emerging professionals) are missing out on the invaluable learning opportunities that being in an office or visiting a job site brings. Many are calling this a "lost year."
However, there is also greater virtual access to client meetings, team meetings, and electronic video observation of sites that can be viewed or attended by people who might not otherwise be involved. While there are limits to what activities remote involvement can replace, are we ready to concede that professional growth is "temporarily lost"? Or are we finding ways as a profession to fill these voids and expose staff to opportunities that, while different, are nonetheless educational in other ways?
We'd love to hear from members that are newer to the profession, as well as practice leaders that are looking at the issue from a management perspective.
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Jeffery Reynolds AIA
HOK
Washington DC
AIA Construction Contraction Administration KC- Chair
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