As a current student of architecture, I work with design related problems on a daily basis. Working within the graduate program at UNCC, we are expected to tackle a project and take it to completion. This includes design, layout, presentation and documentation. Each of these steps requires rigorous attention to detail and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.

I am currently in the Professional Practice class within the curriculum, where we are learning about the challenges that face architects in the real world, both large scale and day-to-day. Hearing from practicing architects and consultants has gotten me very excited to get more involved with the whole design process, not merely the schematic portion that we so often practice in school. I have always enjoyed working in groups and coming together to accomplish a common goal. I am looking forward to this type of structure out in the field.

Through my work experience, I have witnessed the importance and power of communication. Working at Beacon Architecture, I was an important part of the design feedback loop. We were constantly in communication with our clients, sending them updates almost daily and showing them new concepts and ideas. Working in restaurants and coffee shops has taught me to constantly be a step ahead of the task at hand. In a kitchen, things are constantly changing, and working as a team is necessary for a professional level of consistency.