10 life tips for architecture school

Summary

In this video, the speaker reflects on their experience in architecture school, offering 10 valuable life tips for aspiring architects. From navigating group work challenges to learning how to monetize skills, the speaker shares insights on developing effective communication, managing time, and building meaningful relationships. They also discuss the importance of learning from critiques, understanding design processes, and creating systems for productivity. The speaker emphasizes that, beyond grades, the true value of architecture school lies in the bonds, memories, and personal growth it fosters.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on building both meta skills (communication, problem-solving) and hard skills (design, drafting) during architecture school.
• 😀 Develop a skill you can monetize to pay off student loans or earn extra income, such as drafting, rendering, or photography.
• 😀 Grades don't matter as much as the quality of your portfolio; prioritize understanding the concepts over finishing assignments quickly.
• 😀 Design is iterative – don't fall in love with your first idea. Always document your design process and the evolution of your ideas.
• 😀 Understand the law of diminishing returns: know when to stop working on a design to avoid burnout and inefficient results.
• 😀 Take advantage of feedback from critiques (crits) – view them as opportunities to improve your work and thought process.
• 😀 Never be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem dumb. It’s an important way to learn and clarify concepts in architecture school.
• 😀 Effective communication is key in architecture – whether presenting designs, explaining ideas, or collaborating with others.
• 😀 Stay organized and build systems around your workflow, as this will save you time and energy in the long run.
• 😀 Build strong relationships with peers – architecture is a social profession, and these connections will form your professional network.

Q & A

What is the main takeaway about architecture school from this video?

The main takeaway is that architecture school is a challenging, transformative experience that teaches perseverance, work ethic, and the importance of developing both technical and interpersonal skills. It's about maximizing the return on time and energy invested in education while building lifelong connections.

Why does the speaker suggest focusing on meta-skills in addition to hard skills?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of meta-skills like communication, problem-solving, and leadership because they are just as critical in real-world architectural practice as technical skills. These skills help you navigate complex group dynamics, manage clients, and inspire others in collaborative settings.

What advice does the speaker give for handling group projects in architecture school?

The speaker suggests viewing difficult group projects as opportunities to practice communication and leadership. Even when working with people who have different working styles or standards, you can develop essential skills in explaining, teaching, and inspiring others.

How did the speaker approach paying off student loans after architecture school?

After finishing architecture school, the speaker used side jobs like drafting, rendering, and photography to earn extra income. They learned to better monetize their skills over time, improving their service quality and pricing structure to be more professional.

Why does the speaker believe grades don’t matter as much in architecture school?

The speaker argues that while it's important to do your best, grades are secondary to building a strong portfolio. Employers care more about your ability to showcase your design thinking and process rather than focusing on specific grades in assignments.

What does the speaker mean by the 'law of diminishing returns' in design?

The 'law of diminishing returns' refers to the idea that after a certain point, adding more effort or time to a design process yields lower returns in quality. The speaker advises recognizing your peak creative times and avoiding overworking to the point of diminishing productivity.

What should students focus on during critiques (crits)?

During critiques, students should view feedback as a critical learning moment. Even if the feedback is harsh or difficult to hear, it provides valuable insights into how others perceive your work and can help improve your design and communication skills.

How can students improve their communication skills during architecture school?

The speaker recommends actively engaging with professors and peers by asking questions, even if they feel 'dumb'. Improving communication skills will be crucial in future presentations, client interactions, and leadership roles within the field.

What is the importance of building systems around your workflow?

The speaker stresses the importance of building systems and staying organized to save time and energy. Having standardized processes for tasks like renderings, note-taking, and project management helps you become more efficient and ensures a streamlined approach to work.

What does the speaker mean by 'building good relationships' in architecture school?

The speaker highlights the importance of building strong, supportive relationships with peers. Architecture is a collaborative profession, and the people you work with in school can become lifelong professional connections. These bonds help you succeed both academically and in your future career.