Valuable lessons from 10 years in the Architecture industry

Architecture is a language of its own and to use one of its fancy words in context, the allure of being the next great Starchitect versus the realities of the industry is a ‘juxtaposition’. In ten years real-world experience in Australia and overseas I worked on everything from garages to multi-million dollar buildings. It enriched my creative life and knowledge is so many ways. There was also an accumulation of massive student debt, a loss of passion and burn out. There are no regrets but I would have appreciated a heads up about what to expect before I dived in. Here are a few insights for any budding designers out there.

When I was a kid I drew meticulously with careful attention to detail. Before I knew it people around me were telling me ‘when you grow up you’ll be an architect’. If we hear something enough we start to believe it. After high-school I’d lost sight of the things I wanted to do, it felt like the walls were closing in fast and I should have it all worked out. I enrolled in a two year drafting diploma to dip my toes in the architectural waters. Having moved out of home it was a rude awakening to be told I needed to devote at least 40 hours a week to the course and couldn’t work a part-time job. After 1000’s of hours at the drawing board I was equipped with the technical skills to enter the industry.