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.

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.

HDR Chicago on Learning From Other Industries, Employee Empowerment, and Representing the Community

2019-10-11T06:00:00-04:00

Over the past few years, the field has received a growing amount of attention that has highlighted long-standing labor issues within the architecture industry, ranging from unsustainable pay models to unwelcoming work environments. Looking for an alternative, the Architecture Lobby created the Just Design Initiative, which recognizes fair labor practices in architecture. Beginning with nominations submitted by employees, and followed by an evaluation process, the team looked at practices that can serve as models of a new status quo within the profession.

Archinect has teamed up with the Just Design crew to profile firms across the country that meet the initiative's standards. Whether it is a family-friendly work schedule or a health coverage plan that goes above and beyond, the series spotlights practices that honor the basic rights of their employees and can serve as exemplary models of what should become standard for the field.

How Shore Point Architecture Values Its Team Members

2019-08-09T07:00:00-04:00