Archinect - Blog Posts

EOM (Eric Owen Moss)

2023-03-23T11:11:50-04:00

A

personal take on EOM:

context > the one Eric has in his mind.
building concept > the one Eric has in his mind.
building design > the one Eric has in his mind.
end user > market rate.
theory > the one he says.
sensationalism gage > now you are talking, it always explodes as some painting trend.
currency > Hayden Tract banknotes.
was Philip Johnson right in saying "Eric Moss is a jeweler of junk" > a pretty good nickname.
does he care? > he is beyond that kind of stuff.
is he a good teacher in school? > he is a good one to challenge as a student, he plays. yes, he is good.

more later...:)))

Business and Entrepreneurship in Architecture

2023-03-15T17:12:39-04:00

Architects are known for their creative and artistic abilities in designing beautiful and functional buildings, but they are also increasingly interested in the business and entrepreneurship aspects of their profession. As the architecture industry becomes more competitive and technology-driven, architects must develop a range of skills beyond design to succeed in the business world.

Architects who are interested in entrepreneurship are taking a proactive approach to grow their careers and building successful firms. They understand that business skills are essential for managing projects, attracting clients, and achieving financial stability. By developing an entrepreneurial mindset, architects can take advantage of new opportunities and stay ahead of the competition.

One key area of interest for architects is marketing. Architects who are skilled at marketing can effectively communicate their design vision to potential clients and stakeholders. They can also build their reputation ...

8 Factors that Affect an Architect’s Salary

2023-03-07T14:02:51-05:00

Overall, an architect’s salary level has various factors playing a role, and architects must consider these factors when determining their earning potential.

The salary of an architect can vary widely depending on several factors, such as their experience, location, and the type of work they are engaged in. While some architects may earn lower salaries, there are several reasons why this may be the case:

Supply and Demand: There are more architects than available positions, which can drive down salaries.
Industry Competition: The architecture industry is highly competitive, and firms may be willing to hire less experienced architects at lower salaries.
Project Budgets: Clients may have limited budgets for architectural services, which can result in lower fees for architects.
Time and Effort: Architecture is a time-intensive profession that requires years of education and training. It can take a long time for an architect to become established and earn higher salaries.
Public Perception:...

BAC Channel with Mahesh Daas: Moshe Sadie

2023-03-07T11:46:12-05:00

WATCH EPISODE

Fearless, experimental, revolutionary, earth shattering—all words used to describe our next guest featured on BAC Channel with President Daas. Not one to be defined by labels or constrained within any boundaries, Moshe Safdie is an architect, urban planner, educator, theorist, and author. His immense impact on how we see the built environment is spread around the globe—with each of his projects informing how humans connect and relate to architecture and each other.

We welcome you to accompany President Daas during this candid and thoughtful conversation about a career spanning 50 years, lessons realized, utopian ideas, his legacy, and a newly released memoir of his life–and what comes next for Moshe Safdie.

Team Player: Carolyn Day is Advocating for Sustainability in Design

2023-03-07T11:43:16-05:00

As a young professional with an engineering background, Carolyn Day, M.Arch'08, was attracted to The Boston Architectural College (BAC) because its educational model would support her studies while simultaneously allowing her to take on increasing responsibility at work.

Starting out as a Sustainable Design certificate student, Carolyn naturally took to the project-based curriculum and quickly enrolled in the Master of Architecture program.

“At the BAC, I learned how to pace myself and I learned time management,” the 2022 winner of the AIA Young Architects Award says with conviction. Those lessons have become even more relevant as the new mom juggles parenting responsibilities and a meaningful job as a project manager at Perkins Eastman in Boston.

“As a culture of architects, we really need to be better to ourselves in work-life balance,” she says before admitting, “Yes, I do put in overtime, but I don't put in the crazy time that people might think I do.”

Drawn to architecture “to ...

a LARGER idea

2023-02-18T23:07:15-05:00

“The evolution of drawing in these days opens a field of
new interaction in the universe of the cultures. Cultural
pragmatism can easily transverse borders. The barrier
that separates cultural evolution is a complex matrix
with interplay of differences ranging from those of
language and region to dietary habits. Every culture is
aware of the existence of other cultural universes foreign to its own.

Current Exhibit On View: February 8 - March 22, 2023
Location: The LIC-A Art Space at The Factory
30-30 47th Avenue, Suite 105a, Long Island City, NY 11101

Main entrance. View Map.
Opening reception: Wednesday, February 8, 5-8pm
Pick up/De-install: March 22 (Time TBD)
Gallery Hours: 8am-5pm
Curated by: Alexis Mendoza & Jorge Posada
347-785-2589

My professors said I wouldn’t make money

2023-02-17T12:35:41-05:00

The salary of an architect can vary widely depending on several factors, such as their experience, location, and the type of work they are engaged in. While some architects may earn lower salaries, there are several reasons why this may be the case:

Supply and Demand: There are more architects than available positions, which can drive down salaries.
Industry competition: The architecture industry is highly competitive, and firms may be willing to hire less experienced architects at lower salaries.
Project Budgets: Clients may have limited budgets for architectural services, which can result in lower fees for architects.
Time and Effort: Architecture is a time-intensive profession that requires years of education and training. It can take a long time for an architect to become established and earn higher salaries.
Public perception: The public may not fully appreciate the value of architectural services, which can limit the amount that clients are willing to pay for them.
Economic factors:...

This is the Place for You

2023-02-01T10:40:33-05:00

To say that Ines Latorre is busy is an understatement—but she thrives on the wavelength of determination and hustle. The t-shirt she’s wearing in her Instagram profile reads, “I CAN & I WILL.” That’s pure Ines. The founder and principal of Latorre Architecture decided to go back to school after receiving her undergraduate degree in 2001 from Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA). She will graduate in 2024 with her Master of Interior Architecture from The Boston Architectural College.

Between raising three school aged kids in Manhattan, working on her firm’s major residential projects taking place in Mexico, and studying in Boston, she has to stay laser focused on her goals to keep things moving in the right direction.

“When I studied architecture 25 years ago, sustainability was not a word, it wasn’t a concept, it didn’t even exist,” she says, shaking her head. “In this profession, you have to keep learning at every stage in your career.”

At the BAC, the mid-career professional aimed to...

LEED Certification 101

2023-01-17T14:36:38-05:00

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a widely recognized and respected certification for environmentally sustainable building design and construction. Having a LEED credential can be valuable for architects and designers, as it demonstrates their knowledge and expertise in green building practices and can help them stand out in a competitive job market. Additionally, many building owners and developers are increasingly looking for professionals with LEED experience or certification, as it can help them meet their own sustainability goals and comply with local regulations. However, the value of a LEED credential may vary depending on the region and the specific market.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings are structures that have been designed, constructed, and operated in an environmentally responsible manner. They are designed to use less energy, water, and other resources, and to produce less waste and pollution. To become LEE...

Salary Transparency Laws

2023-01-09T13:41:07-05:00

I'm seeing complaints coming up in the forums as jurisdictions are implementing salary transparency laws and companies posting jobs on Archinect are allegedly not immediately following legal requirements to disclose salary ranges on those postings. These complaints seem to focus on Archinect not doing enough to enforce these laws on the job posts they publish. I get it, Archinect could hold a lot of power here to refuse to post jobs where the posting is not written to comply with these laws, but it's not their responsibility or their job.

I think the target of the complaint is misplaced when we focus on Archinect and not the company who is actually required to comply with the law (don't shoot the messenger etc.). I'm not trying to say Archinect can't do more, but I'm saying if you want to make an effort to fix these posts, you should first be going to the companies, and/or the authorities that enforce these laws.

So with that in mind, here are a list of the jurisdictions that have ...

Boston Architectural College Commissions International Exhibit Debuting January 2023

2022-12-20T15:18:18-05:00

The Boston Architectural College (BAC) is pleased to announce an original international exhibit featuring works by Pritzker Prize winning Indian architect and BAC’s honorary alumnus Balkrishna Doshi, Architecture is Within Us: The Selected Works of Balkrishna Doshi. Doshi is considered one of the leading architects of our time having worked with Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn. As a pioneer of culturally-rooted modernist architecture and urban design, Doshi has contributed to elevating architectural discourse throughout his life's career.

Considerable planning went into bringing this distinctive collection of Doshi’s work to the BAC—led by the BAC’s President, Dr. Mahesh Daas and Dean of Architecture, Karen Nelson—along with close collaboration with architect Khushnu Panthaki Hoof, curator of the exhibition, who notes, "For Doshi, humanism and empathy have been the guiding principles that inform his approach to architecture. This exhibition of selected projects further explores and unde...

Architecture Firm Owners and Employees Continue to Weigh Trade Unions

2022-12-15T15:26:00-05:00

In recent years, employees of architecture firms have increasingly attempted to join unions. This trend is driven mainly by the need for workers to protect and secure their rights as professionals. Unions provide a platform for employees to come together and negotiate fairer wages, better working conditions, and greater job security. Members can also access additional benefits such as legal advice, collective bargaining, and representation. Joining a union gives workers in the architecture field more control over their professional lives and helps to ensure that they are treated fairly and equitably by employers. As architectural firms continue to grow, the rights of employees must be protected and respected. Unions play an essential role in providing this protection, giving individuals the peace of mind that their rights and interests are protected.

By joining a union, architecture firm employees can help improve the industry. By negotiating better wages and working conditions, the...

BAC Channel with Mahesh Daas: Billie Tsien

2022-12-01T09:48:46-05:00

During this second episode of BAC Channel, President Daas speaks with noted architect, educator, and practitioner, Billie Tsien, architect of the Obama Presidential Center, founding partner of New York City based studio Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, and the BAC’s 2022 Honorary Doctorate recipient.

Join us as she shares her insights and ideas across a wide range of topics that span from the BAC’s place in Boston, anime, India’s transformational impact on her work, the meaning of beauty in architecture and design as well as her deep roots in art and her commitment and contributions to enacting a more resilient, beautiful, and diverse world.

Watch the Episode

World-destroying Architects Wanted

2022-11-07T15:53:36-05:00

What started as a comment has become a short post in response to an opinion article by Adam Greenfield in the current edition of Dezeen online titled “All those complicit in Neom’s design and construction are already destroyers of worlds.”

In Sum.

• Adam Greenfield’s opinion article titled “All those complicit in Neom’s design and construction are already destroyers of worlds” argues that anyone who accepts money to work on any aspect of the Neom project is automatically complicit in everything that the project does.

• I disagree with this opinion. I believe that everyone is responsible for choosing which parts they work on and to what extent. If they are not comfortable with a particular aspect of the project, they can always decline to work on it or limit their involvement.

• Architecture is often seen as a symbol of power and authority, but it can also be seen as a reflection of the political and economic ideologies of the society in which it is built. In some cases, architecture ...

End of the Road For the Gig Economy?

2022-11-03T16:06:20-04:00

As the gig economy continues to grow, so do the number of questions about how the law will be regulated. President Biden’s proposed legislation, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, includes several provisions that could significantly impact gig workers, including freelance architects and interior designers.

The PRO Act would make it easier for gig workers to unionize by clarifying that they are employees, not independent contractors. It would also give them the right to bargain collectively with their employers.

The bill would also make it illegal for companies to misclassify their workers as independent contractors to avoid paying benefits or complying with labor laws, even in cases where the worker is an independent contractor and prefers to work that way.

Working as an independent contractor has many benefits for architects and interior designers. These professionals can enjoy greater control over their work, schedule, and income. Additionally, they are not tied to on...

This is the Place for You

2022-10-31T11:25:44-04:00

To say that Ines Latorre, M.Arch'24, is busy is an understatement—but she thrives on the wavelength of determination and hustle. The t-shirt she’s wearing in her Instagram profile reads, “I CAN & I WILL.” That’s pure Ines. The founder and principal of Latorre Architecture decided to go back to school in 2020 to get her Master of Architecture at The Boston Architectural College.

At the BAC, the mid-career professional aimed to gain a deep understanding of the latest innovations in her field including a knowledge of new materials...

Increase Your Bottom Line and Keep Your Employees Happy

2022-10-25T13:54:02-04:00

Flex-core staffing is an excellent way for architecture firms to break the hiring-firing cycle, increase their firm’s bottom line, and keep their employees happy. By hiring Project-based (temp) architects to fill in the peaks and valleys that always occur, firms can keep their core staff intact and avoid the need to engage and fire employees constantly. This practice can save firms both time and money, and it can also help them maintain a higher level of quality control.

Few things are more costly to a business than the hiring and firing cycle. Not only does it take a toll on your human resources department, but it can also significantly impact your bottom line.

Fortunately, there are ways to break the cycle and improve your financial situation. You can improve your bottom line and increase profits by taking some simple steps.

1. Review your hiring practices. Poor hiring practices are the most common causes of the hiring and firing cycle. If you’re constantly hiring and then firing ...

Benefits of Working in Architecture on a Project Basis

2022-10-10T12:59:36-04:00

There are always peaks and valleys in the work of an architectural firm. Sometimes we work on multiple projects at different phases. Other times we are focused on a single project. Design Development and Construction Documents phases can be exceptionally hectic, with deadlines looming.

There are many reasons to pursue a career as an architect on a project basis. Perhaps you are looking for a way to accelerate your career growth, or you want to avoid pigeonholing into one particular type of architecture. Either way, working on back-to-back projects at different firms can give you the necessary experience to be more marketable than your peer group.

Most architects begin their careers working at one firm for several years. However, there are many benefits to pursuing a career as an architect on a temporary or project basis. Here are just a few:

1. You will gain experience working on a variety of different types of projects.

2. You will have the opportunity to work at different firms, e...

The (Post-Pandemic) Job Hunt

2022-09-29T15:46:00-04:00

Image originally published in Rethinking The Future

The post-pandemic job hunt is in full swing, and for architects and interior designers, the demand is higher than the supply. With businesses reopening and new companies starting, there is a greater need for these professionals' design services. If you are an architect or interior designer looking for a job, now is the time to start your search!

There are a few things that you can do to increase your chances of landing the job that you want. First, ensure that your resume and portfolio are up-to-date and highlight your experience in the industry. Next, reach out to your contacts and let them know you are looking for work. Don't be afraid to apply for jobs outside your usual area of expertise; sometimes, the best opportunities come from unexpected places. Seek out a salary and compensation package that takes inflation into account. And finally, enlist a qualified placement firm on your behalf to uncover "hidden" openings.

With a li...

Boston Architectural College: Just Environments Fall 2022 Lecture Series

2022-09-28T16:05:26-04:00

Boston Architectural College: Just Environments Fall 2022 Lecture Series

The Hiring War To Find And Retain Architecture And Design Talent

2022-09-27T16:37:00-04:00

Image from Spaces Architects@ka

There is no doubt that the architecture and design industry is booming. With new buildings and other projects popping up all over the country, the demand for talent is higher than ever. However, with a large percentage of the workforce leaving the industry during the pandemic, there is a significant gap in the supply of qualified workers.

The shortage has created a fierce hiring war, as companies are fighting to find and retain the best talent. With so many job openings and high demand, architects and designers can be picky about where they work. So, how can you make your firm stand out from the rest?

Here are a few tips:

- Offer competitive salaries and benefits.

- Provide opportunities for career growth.

- Offer a flexible work environment.

- supplement full-time with short-term staff to reduce work hours

- Thoughtfully designed workspace & brand

- Have a strong company culture

By offering competitive salaries, benefits, and opportuni...

AIA NJ WOMEN IN ARCHITECTURE SPOTLIGHT

2022-09-16T13:15:34-04:00

Erin Sharp-Newton, M. Arch, Assoc. AIA, in Today’s AIA New Jersey Women In Architecture Spotlight

By Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, AIA NJ Advocacy Consultant | Posted in AIA Central New Jersey, Associates, Women in Architecture

TV Architecture (Source: HGTV)

Growing up in my world, the only architects around were on TV, and they were all male.

In High School, I was the only female in mechanical and technical classes. Then I went to study and work in a design firm in Europe. There it appeared to be equally balanced between male and female architects and designers. The field seemed to have more of a gender-neutral perspective.

Technical Drafting

Brady Model (Source: HGTV)

Coming back to the US, it felt different.The number of men seemed to outweigh those of women, and it was frustrating at times having to answer for my gender in the field. These days, the subject of “woman-ness” is usually interesting or annoying, depending on the perspective.

For example, interestingly, I was lucky to have ...

The Boston Architectural College is Building Careers - Karen's IPAL Story

2022-09-15T15:11:13-04:00

Fulfilling a dream to become a licensed architect can be an arduous process. First, students must earn a degree from an accredited school; then, they have to complete 3,740 hours practicing under a licensed architect; and finally, they are required to pass exams in six different practice areas. “All of that is very hard on people,” says Mark Rukamathu, faculty and Director of Special Projects at The Boston Architectural College (BAC). “On average it takes 12.8 years from the time somebody starts school to when they become a licensed architect.”

Making matters worse, Mark adds, in most cases, the state licensing laws do not allow students to take exams while earning their degree, but require them to figure out how to complete them on their own after graduation. “Especially if they have special circumstances, such as a family, achieving all of these requirements within a timely fashion can be very difficult.”

To respond to those demands, the BAC has implemented the Integrated Path to A...

Above Sunset

2022-08-23T00:18:13-04:00

A Cherry On Top Of The Design Cake

2022-08-15T14:29:50-04:00

There are many connotations to the word “home.” In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy famously proclaimed that there’s no place like it. Home is where the heart is, after all, and “Home Sweet Home” has adorned many doormats.

At the same time, how can a structure of wood, brick, stone, or cement become a place where we can feel happy and safe? There is no one answer to that question, of course, because it greatly depends on the person and their background. But human beings also like to feel happy, or at least safe and relaxed, in environments that aren’t their homes. We’re all familiar with the phrase “make yourself at home,” which means “to become comfortable in a place one does not live.”

But we also know that that is easier said than done, especially in high-stress environments like subways, airports, hospitals, schools, and even battlefields. Fortunately, there is an architectural movement called salutogenic design, an evidence-based design strategy focused on improving human health and w...

ANATOMY OF CUTTING EDGE: SCI-Arc’s Original Curriculum (Pt 4)

2022-07-30T16:51:16-04:00

Evaluations, Degree Requirements and Classes:

ANATOMY OF CUTTING EDGE: SCI-Arc’s Original Curriculum (Pt 3)

2022-07-30T16:40:49-04:00

Names:

Part 4: Evaluations, Degree Requirements, and Classes

ANATOMY OF CUTTING EDGE: SCI-Arc’s Original Curriculum (Pt 2)

2022-07-30T16:26:13-04:00

Decision Making, Fees:

Part 3: Names

ANATOMY OF CUTTING EDGE: SCI-Arc’s Original Curriculum (Pt 1)

2022-07-30T16:17:00-04:00

Introduction:

SCI-ARC was radical. Back then, in 1972 when it all started, when the way of thinking was fresh, revolutionary, and accessible. In a warehouse, now mostly gone industrial part of Santa Monica where forward-thinking people from all walks of life students and educators alike, manifested that the architectural school should teach things that matter.

This was no art district, no gentrification zone, no marketing, no nothing but everybody showed up. The architecture of important things mattered to people, future communities, and their environments. This was the idea. The school was set, and the curriculum was co-operatively designed and offered by the faculty and the students. It was shaped by its ideals, with a new way of teaching and learning architecture. It was a go. It happened. No ifs and buts, it happened. Full speed and alive. They talked the talk and walked the walk. Even 50 years later, it is up and ahead.

This is an important glimpse into where SCI Arc came from. ...

Illuminating Times with Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen

2022-07-18T20:50:00-04:00

Claes Oldenburg had a special place in my formative years as an architecture student. In 1980, our traveling SciArc - New York studio and our instructor John Knight visited his house studio in SoHo where he was living with his wife and great collaborator Coosje van Bruggen. She and I got into a conversation about politics and missed most of his studio talk on the upper floor. In the end, he gifted each one of us a book about his large-scale projects and sent us to the steel shop where they were fabricating the Las Vegas "Flashlight." He was particularly influential on urban design, siting projects, and pop art. I feel very privileged to have met such great artists in my fourth year in architecture school.
Rest in peace Coosje and Claes and thank you for your wonderful influence on my grasp of art and architecture.

The Guardian Obituary
Flashlight

Archinect - Blog Posts

EOM (Eric Owen Moss)

Business and Entrepreneurship in Architecture

8 Factors that Affect an Architect’s Salary

BAC Channel with Mahesh Daas: Moshe Sadie

Team Player: Carolyn Day is Advocating for Sustainability in Design

a LARGER idea

My professors said I wouldn’t make money

This is the Place for You

LEED Certification 101

Salary Transparency Laws

Boston Architectural College Commissions International Exhibit Debuting January 2023

Architecture Firm Owners and Employees Continue to Weigh Trade Unions

BAC Channel with Mahesh Daas: Billie Tsien

World-destroying Architects Wanted

End of the Road For the Gig Economy?

This is the Place for You

Increase Your Bottom Line and Keep Your Employees Happy

Benefits of Working in Architecture on a Project Basis

The (Post-Pandemic) Job Hunt

Boston Architectural College: Just Environments Fall 2022 Lecture Series

The Hiring War To Find And Retain Architecture And Design Talent

AIA NJ WOMEN IN ARCHITECTURE SPOTLIGHT

The Boston Architectural College is Building Careers - Karen's IPAL Story

Above Sunset

A Cherry On Top Of The Design Cake

ANATOMY OF CUTTING EDGE: SCI-Arc’s Original Curriculum (Pt 4)

ANATOMY OF CUTTING EDGE: SCI-Arc’s Original Curriculum (Pt 3)

ANATOMY OF CUTTING EDGE: SCI-Arc’s Original Curriculum (Pt 2)

ANATOMY OF CUTTING EDGE: SCI-Arc’s Original Curriculum (Pt 1)

Illuminating Times​ with Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen

Illuminating Times with Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen