Notes on being an Architect

• Contrators are mean. But, don’t worry, you’re always right.
• You’re not hot, and they’re just jealous of your black sweater anyway.
• You can’t align all the things. Repeat this as needed.
• You’ll sit all day. You’re going to be out of shape if you don’t exercise more.
• There’s a grain of disappointment in all of your successes.
• It’ll take a long time to become the architect you’ll become. A lifetime.
• A bad client will kill a project, no matter how good the design may be.
• Design can’t solve everything. But, it’s the only tool we have.
• You’ll be proud of your collection of buildings you leave behind.
• Glass is good. Don’t let them tell you otherwise.
• Your structural engineer is your ally. But, push them. They aren’t creative by nature.
• It’s tempting to give more and more of yourself to your work. But, resist. Find a healthy work-life balance.
• Buildings don’t love.
• Architecture is a long game, and you’re only there at the beginning.
• There will always be more to do. It never ends. Turn off, and go outside.