10 tips to be a successful architect

[Reyed Mia (Apprentice, DIU)]

10 tips to be a successful architect

1. At any stage of a career, exceptional work is key to success. Good work transcends barriers to entry. This does not mean you've got to be a great designer. One may be an exceptional designer but a poor manager. Another may be an exceptional manager but poor designer. You don't have to be an amazing designer to be a successful architect. You've got to be exceptional at something clients desire, i.e. management, interpersonal skills, business, design, etc...

2. A good portfolio and resume will get your foot in the door. Create something that's uniquely you, not like everyone else. If you do make sure it's well made. Otherwise it's gonna fall flat. When you go out on a limb make it's sturdy.

3. Make the right contacts (NETWORK) to get into an office you can thrive. Networking means, be nice. Stay in touch. Follow up. Meet in person. Have lunch. Call. Email. Be a friend. It will pay off. It may not mean a job, but it will mean a contact, friendship, learning relationship, mentor and maybe something more valuable long term - a person that will recommend you for the best job you could ever imagine.! You never know. Network through friends. Friends of friends. Teachers. Find emails online. Linked in. Twitter. facebook, etc...

4. Be persistent.

5. Get through the early years of drudgery. From stair details and schedules to endless hours of drafting. Interns pay their dues.

6. Be patient. The architect does drafting, visualization, project management, office management, design, specifications, contracts, client relations, marketing, and construction. If you're meant to be an architect, you'll find something you enjoy in that list.

7. Find a good boss. If you work for an architect that values diligence they'll trust you with more, more quickly.

8. The harsh reality about architecture (I never wanted to believe this is true) is that some successful architects start out with wealth or make wealthy friends – they simply get interesting opportunity sooner or more often. If you're not rich, make wealthy friends.

9. Word of mouth is important and reputation matters. Get a job, do it well and you'll get more.

10. Take on as much responsibility as you can. Trial by fire is painful, but it makes
 for a better architect.

Source:http://howtoarchitect.tumblr.com/post/19248198842/10-tips-to-be-a-successful-architect