By Jason Larrison
My daughter’s high school recently held a “college spirit week” where they had a theme each day. One day, students were asked to wear an outfit themed to the school they want to attend; she wore a shirt from my alma mater Ball State University (chirp chirp). Another day, students were asked to dress for a profession they might want to join. She asked me what an architect’s outfit looks like; I gave her a common stereotype… black shirt, black pants, black shoes, trendy glasses, a notebook in hand, and a fine tipped pen. I gave her a scale for good measure (dad joke intended).
I’ve know for a while that she wants to be an architect. She showed good design sense since an early age. I would say that I have been an inspiration and that is partially true. But she has been around my activities and found many other architectural leaders that inspire, including many women architects. I don’t know if any of my colleagues realize the impact they have had on my daughter’s life; hopefully they are reading this and recognizing now.
I share this because it is important for all architects to remember that they are leaders and the importance of the work they do day-in and day-out. It is easy to forget the impact we make when we are buried in drawings and specs and shops and submittals and RFIs and meeting notes and proposals and on and on.
This work isn’t always fun and exciting, something I remind my daughter as she continues to consider her professional future. But it is important. And how we carry ourselves through the mundane moments in our career is important. Because you never know who is paying attention… children, students, young professionals, clients, potential clients, community leaders, the general public.
So stay sharp. Stay engaged. Take the opportunity to improve your game. Get involved with your AIA chapter. Collaborate with others in the knowledge communities. Connect with colleagues at a conference (like the RUDC Symposium… shameless plug). Because you’re an architect. And the world is watching.