Archinect - Features

Insights on Contemporary Mentorship in Architecture and How to Navigate It

2021-07-16T08:49:00-04:00

Every so often in conversations and considerations regarding employment, the topic of mentorship gets brought up. Regardless of whether as mentors or mentees or both, most people agree that mentorship is a vital component of an architect’s career. Despite it being recognized as important, mentorship often remains ill-defined and sometimes even fear or shame-inducing.

Archinect has recently organized an insightful panel called “The Importance of Positive Leadership and Mentorship” where Paul Petrunia discussed the topic with Donna Sink from Roland Design, Rosa Sheng from SmithGroup, Jonathan Moody of Moody Nolan, and Alan Maskin of Olson Kundig. The panel brought up numerous points for strengthening communication within a project team and company.

Below we bring a further analysis of the topic and provide actionable tips on establishing and nurturing relationships between mentors and mentees.

The Architecture Industry on Workplace Design and Returning to the Office

2020-07-02T10:25:00-04:00

As many prepare to transition back to the office, it would be safe to conclude that things will not “go back to normal.” With a long list of requirements for businesses looking to get back in-house, it can seem dreadful to coordinate one’s office space in compliance with the seemingly countless precautions. However, this recent time has introduced a new need for spatial experts, a role architects have filled for centuries. Today, we are seeing more firms embrace a role as a consultant in contrast to a more traditional designation as “designer.” Firms are stepping up to capitalize on workplace expertise, informing and guiding clients to fruitful re-opening strategies. Moreover, architects themselves have also been planning their return-to-office strategies, many of whom have communicated their thoughts with us, as we will share in this article.

In this piece, we’ll look at some insights from the industry concerning the return to work, reviewing the new research done by a handful of p...

In the Face of the Coronavirus, Workplace Wellness is Key

2020-03-13T09:10:00-04:00

By Janet Pogue McLaurin and Tama Duffy Day of Gensler
Originally published to Gensler's Dialogue Blog

As companies are faced with another global health crisis, they are shifting into emergency preparedness mode to protect their most important assets: their people. While much remains unknown about the new coronavirus, which causes the disease known as COVID-19, as we work to control the spread, analysts predict major implications for the global economy, supply chains, and businesses around the world.

Public officials advise the best line of defense is implementing health and safety precautions to prevent the spread of disease, particularly in the workplace, where people spend the majority of their workweek indoors. In an increasingly connected and mobile world, employers must also develop a clear and coordinated emergency response plan that protects their employees while maintaining effective levels of productivity.

Exploring Remote Work and 'Radical Flexibility' in Architecture With Diana Nicklaus

2020-01-30T09:26:00-05:00

Alternative work models have been a topic of much discussion within many professions. Architecture isn’t any different. With talks of 4 day work weeks, addressing burnout, and providing healthy flexibility for modern professionals to navigate their personal lives, alternative ways of working are pushing to the forefront of workplace discussions. What about working remotely? It may seem to be an impossibility in this fast-paced and demanding profession, but Boston-based Saam Architecture has been running strong for years on a remote work model, operating under an ideology they’ve called radical flexibility. Archinect had the pleasure to connect with Principal and Co-founder of Saam, Diana Nicklaus to discuss her team’s unique operational structure, the challenges that come with it, and how radical flexibility can augment the way design professionals work together.