In October, the Turner Classic Movies channel presented series of films about architects: 'The Fountainhead' starring Gary Cooper and 'The Towering Inferno' starring Steve McQueen, to name a few. Of course, there are more recent films such as 'Indecent Proposal' (Woody Harrelson) and 'Intersection' (Richard Gere). What do you think of the way films portray architects? Are the portrayals more or less interesting and glamorous than real life? Who's your favorite architect of the movies?
Where to even begin on this topic?! All of us have thousands of stories about the contractor who is five months late on a six month construction schedule (and somehow it's all the architect's fault); about the janitor who thought the bathroom tile was 'just dirty' and proceeded to bleach out the brand-new integrally-colored grout; about the time the owner just didn't understand why we couldn't produce construction documents on his new laboratory project in just two weeks. These stories don't describe the internal fun, like the Person In The Office Who Never Orders More Plotter Paper Even When They Use The Last Roll or the time someone 'accidentally' deleted the project directory from the server. It's enough to make you scream and quit; thank goodness, we love what we do. What happened to you this week that nearly drove you over the edge?
One of the three parts of the YAF mission is Mentorship. For years, the profession has struggled with the understanding that mentoring is important, but how do we make good mentors, encourage seasoned practictioners to give their time, make matches that will sustain over time...the list goes on. Finding a counselor who can help to guide you through your professional and personal growth is an essential for any aspiring architect. Most people want to connect with someone local, but technology also enables us to have mentors in other states, even other countries. So, how can the YAF provide support for young architects who are seeking ADVICE and COUNSEL?
One of the most important areas of the YAF mission is providing leadership opportunities for young architects. There are many issues to consider as one transitions into the profession following licensure. How do you take on more responsibility in your firm? How do you let others know you are doing good work? How do you get into the promotion track? What about firm transition? Frequently, we see young architects who leave 'mainstream' practice to make a difference in government and NGOs. How do you take on leadership roles in your firm and/or community?
The YAF provides a support network of individuals who are sharing like experiences: fellowship. Work/life balance is one of the biggest common issues for this generation. Particularly for young architects, in transition to new phases of life which involve juggling a career, children, aging parents and a variety of responsbilities, how doesn't one do it all? Does the culture of your firm reflect the demands of your life? Generational differences in firms along can bring communication on project teams to a screaching halt and increase stress te-fold. Doctors and lawyers work hard, too, but don't they get paid more? How do you managing the young architect's balancing act?
It goes without saying that architects love to look at buildings. We'll travel far and wide to do just that. But of course, just looking isn't enough--we must experience them, inside and out. So when a friend tells us that there is in fact a Frank Lloyd Wright house in a sleepy, unremarkable Tulsa, Oklahoma neighborhood, we will drive by it. We will get out of the car and admire it from the sidewalk. Before you know it, we will be inching up the driveway, peering through the windows. Then, as if lured by some mysterious force, we're in the back yard...until an angry homeowner comes out in his bathrobe and kindly asks us to leave. What's the craziest thing you've done to get into a building? Did it work??
