It's Not Saving Lives...

I am extremely grateful that I have been given the opportunities to work on the projects that I have worked on and that my colleagues have put trust in me and my ability to do the work. However I often wonder when will I have the confidence to do any of this without fear of jacking something up? I can say that I am definitely more confident in my abilities now than I was 3 years ago when I began my first internship, but some days I still feel absolutely clueless. I wish there was there was an easy button that I could push that would automatically enlighten me. Unfortunately I’m starting to realize that in architecture, no two projects are alike. Each project offers new scenarios and issues that we all must address and solve on a continual basis ranging from unforeseen site conditions to budget issues.

With that said, I am getting pretty far in completing my IDP hours and am struggling to get experience in a few categories. Last week I invited myself to go to a subcontractor meeting on site of a project that I had worked on with my coworker. I felt rude at first for inviting myself but came to realize there’s no other way to get the experience. Nobody else is going to invite me along because they’re not thinking about my career and experience as much as I am. Why should they? They have their own careers and matters to worry about. It turned out to be a great learning experience for me and my coworker was happy to bring me along. It just proved to me that I need to be proactive to get things accomplished.

I am still curious as to how I’m going to gain all the necessary experience before becoming a fully licensed architect? I’ll probably be asking myself ‘when will I know it all?’ when I retire too!

For now I’ll put my mind to rest knowing that it’s not saving lives, it’s just architecture.

Building A Network

Last week I participated in a social networking event sponsored by AIA KS and Emerging Professionals. I was one of seven people to present a Pecha Kucha style presentation on “What Inspires Me”. The presenters represented all levels in the profession so there was a student, a recent grad (me), some recently licensed architects, and some nearing retirement. When this opportunity first presented itself to me, I immediately thought Hell No! Why would I put myself through the agony of speaking in front of a bunch of professionals of whom I don’t even know? As time passed and I found out that they needed one more presenter with approximately my level of experience I reconsidered the idea and decided to go for it…and I am so glad that I did!

This was a great opportunity for me to challenge myself and branch out and meet other professionals in my area. I really don’t know anyone in Kansas besides my coworkers and the few friends that I graduated with that still live nearby. This event allowed me to meet some great people who work at other firms in the same area as me. It also gave me the opportunity to give a public presentation while I am still somewhat familiar with how to speak in front of people! Trust me when I say I do not particularly enjoy giving speeches or presentations. I am quiet and shy and I can get very nervous. However, I feel that it’s a great skill to have and a skill that will get you far in this profession if you can pull it off. Considering this presentation was diligently structured by the Pecha Kucha style (20 slides, 20 seconds per slide) I figured I could handle the 6 minute-40 second ordeal. So I did and it was actually a lot of fun!

Here is a small sample of things I spoke about during my presentation that represent “What Inspires Me”:

Downtown Lawrence and the Lawrence Community.

Blogs, blogs, blogs!!!

Bruce Mau and Philippe Starck, two fascinating and brilliant designers.


Children and volunteer work.




The Earth and sustainable practices.

The creative process of movie production, especially Tim Burton's films!


Anyone care to share with me what inspires them?