Life of an Architect

Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins
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Podcast Life of an Architect

A gifted storyteller communicating the role and value of architecture to a new audience, host Bob Borson uses the experiences acquired over a 25-year career to inform his podcast. A small firm owner, architect, and college design instructor, co-host Andrew Hawkins brings his insight from his 20 years in various roles within the profession. It responds to the public curiosity and common misunderstanding about what architects do and how it is relevant to people’s lives, engaging a wide demographic of people in a meaningful way without requiring an understanding of the jargon or knowledge of the history of the profession. With a creative mix of humor and practicality, Borson’s stories are informative, engaging, and approachable, using first-person narratives and anecdotes that have introduced transparency into what it really means to be a practicing architect. To learn more about Bob, Andrew, and what life is like as an architect, please visit Lifeofanarchitect.com

  1. 8. SEPT.

    Ask the Show Fall 2024

    It is time for the second and last installment of the Life of an Architect “Ask the Show” episode for 2024. Once again, as is our practice we solicited questions to be submitted through our Instagram channels and selected as many as we thought we could reasonably get through in the time allocated for the show. If there were duplications, that simply made that question more likely to get answered. All this and more on today’s episode as Andrew and I answer your burning questions… Welcome to EP 159: Ask The Show Fall 2024 [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player] googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); }); What are some challenges facing part-time workers? Or for those hiring them? jump to 3:50 Question submitted by Makieliamir Bob: From a management position, I've found that part-time work can be a challenge, especially when it comes to workflow and productivity. We don't have a formal policy for or against part-time workers, but I can't deny that it complicates things—scheduling, coverage, and overall productivity management can become harder to manage. My main issue stems from the impact on the company's bottom line, where part-time employees often receive the same benefits as full-time workers, even though they're working less. Additionally, it affects opportunity distribution within the firm. Part-time workers don't get the same opportunities for leadership and career advancement because those responsibilities are usually added on top of a regular job. When someone is capped at working part-time, I have to be mindful of what I assign to them, and that limits their potential growth. It's a tricky balance, and while part-time workers can be incredibly efficient, there are inherent limitations in what they can accomplish compared to full-time staff. Andrew: From my experience, having many part-time employees in my office, especially students, the key challenge is balancing their workload and availability with the needs of the firm. Setting consistent schedules is important; if someone is always available in the morning or afternoon, that works fine, but it can still be tricky ensuring that all tasks are covered effectively. The major issue is that part-time work might slow career advancement. While it works in smaller firms with proper management, larger firms might struggle with maximizing productivity or providing growth opportunities to part-timers. I believe it's important for part-time workers to find employers who don't have a bias against them and to have conversations about growth, even though it may take longer to climb the career ladder when you're part-time. Finding the right balance is critical, and part-timers should know the potential limitations upfront. What can a new employee in the office do to stand out amongst the seasoned individuals? jump to 9:35 Question submitted by arch_jbrown Bob: This is a question that comes up in my mentor/mentee meetings fairly frequently in my office. Standing out in an office, whether it's a small or large firm, starts with involvement. In a small firm, where everything you do is highly visible, participation is key. You can't just sit back and blend in; you need to actively engage with those around you. Even in larger firms, where you may primarily work with a smaller team, finding ways to connect outside of your immediate circle, such as joining design groups or attending firm-wide meetings, is essential. I’ve seen that new employees who are willing to step out of their comfort zones and get involved across the board are the ones who stand out the most. It’s not about mastering every technical aspect right away but rather showing that you care about your work and are eager to participate i...

    1 Std. 7 Min.

  2. 25. AUG.

    Architects and iPads

    For architects, todays post is a analysis of why you want to use an iPad and what applications are worth your consideration and money.

    1 Std. 9 Min.

  3. 11. AUG.

    Project Constraints

    You sit down at your desk, you turn your computer on, maybe you sharpen your pencils, you lay out your rolls of trace and your sharpie pens – whatever your creative process - and you are about to start work solving the problems at hand … But where do you start? Sitting before you are all the normal tools and a big fat blank piece of paper. This is a moment where you have to make a make a decision on what happens next. Where do you start? How do you set the priorities to the issues you will be addressing? Andrew and I are going to discuss the process of when you start, what happens next. Welcome to Episode 157: Blank Page versus Project Constraints. [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player] googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); }); The word "constraints" often carries a negative connotation, as if they are problems we have to deal with. When starting a new project and hearing about constraints, it can feel like they are already limiting our ability to pursue our passion and creativity. However, I believe that constraints are not something to complain about. They help us make decisions, prioritize, and move forward. Constraints are like rules that guide us, almost like a how-to book. Andrew and I both agree that having complete freedom might actually freeze us. Too many options can be overwhelming, and without any limits or rules, it’s hard to know which direction to take. Even with the same constraints, different architects can come up with multiple solutions because we all have different values and priorities. Constraints shape our creativity and force us to think critically. Budget jump to 7:00 Scope Limitation: A tight budget can limit the overall scope of the project, potentially necessitating compromises on materials, finishes, and features. Quality Compromises: Lower budget constraints might force the selection of cheaper, less durable materials, which could affect the building's longevity and performance. Design Adjustments: Innovative design solutions might be required to meet budget constraints, which can lead to creative outcomes but also might limit some design aspirations. Project Delays: Insufficient budget can lead to delays if additional funds need to be sourced or if cost overruns occur. In my conversation with Andrew, we spent a fair amount of time talking about budget as possibly the most critical constraint that owners and architect have to address. Many architects, myself included, fantasize about the ideal scenario where there is unlimited time, budget, and creative freedom. However, I have come to realize that this notion is neither realistic nor desirable. Constraints are essential and beneficial, as they provide a necessary framework that guides the design process and helps prioritize decisions. At first glance, constraints might seem limiting, but they actually facilitate creativity and problem-solving. Constraints can include budget limitations, client requirements, existing structures, and site conditions. Andrew was of the opinion that having too much freedom could be paralyzing, with endless possibilities leading to indecision. I used residential projects to illustrate how constraints function - mostly because it is easier to explain because residential projects typically have fewer constraints. Building a new house on an empty lot might seem closer to having a blank page, but it still comes with constraints like zoning laws and environmental regulations. On the other hand, renovations and additions have more obvious constraints due to the existing structure. However, these constraints help narrow down options and inform design choices.

    1 Std. 8 Min.

  4. 28. JULI

    Build a Better House (w/ Steve Baczek)

    We are discussing residential projects that focus on incorporating high value building science techniques with guest Steven Baczek.

    1 Std. 14 Min.

  5. 14. JULI

    Optimism

    The vast majority of practicing architects view the time spent practicing their craft as a calling, but what happens when you don’t want to get out of bed? Today we discuss the role of "optimism" in architecture.

    56 Min.

  6. 30. JUNI

    Networking

    Today we are tackling a topic that we have never covered before, not even a little. Imagine walking into a crowded room and not knowing who to talk to or what to say, a situation I have found myself uncomfortably in more times that my therapist can ignore. The ability to build meaningful relationships and strategic alliances is a critical part of the success of any business. Today, Andrew and I will discuss a topic that at least from my side of things, have zero training in but is nonetheless a part of my job description and responsibilities in the office. Time to have a frank conversation about the indispensable practice of turning professional interactions into valuable assets. Welcome to EP 154: Networking [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player] googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); }); Today we are going to be discussing the topic of Networking as it pertains to business development, not the cat5 cables running from your computer to some windowless closet in the building. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate myself as a solid 5 when it comes to networking - which I define as “better than most” but worse than those that are actually skilled at the process, and my skills drop off once you get past charm and Leprechaun stories. So when I decided to make "networking" as a topic for today's conversation, I knew it would require a lot of research and a fair amount of self-reflection specific to what I think I am actually good at doing. In preparation I started with the most basic definition of what networking actually is: Networking is a part of business development that ultimately addresses the question of how leads come into the office. This is a topic that I have wanted to talk about for a long time, mostly because I have some pretty significant responsibilities in my office to network and bring in business. I am constantly asking myself “How do I go about networking?!?” There are a million questions on this and depending on your goals, or responsibilities, there are a million different answers to this question. When I talk to the more experienced principals and owners in my office, they tend to answer the “How do you network” question in a similar manner - almost all of them say that it has very little to do with talking about work, but rather it's about making a personal connection and finding people you like and want to work with. What is Networking and Why is it Worth Your Time jump to 7:53 Networking is the eventual evolution for anyone who is in a professional services profession if you have any sort of leadership and business responsibilities. The long and short of it is that networking is the engine that drives your business and as a result, its value is self-evident. Now that I am 15 years into that portion of my career where I have some responsibility to bring in work, I have come into the decision the hardest part of networking is showing up. The second hardest thing is walking up to someone and saying hello and asking people questions. What makes these simple things hard is the idea that you are putting yourself out there and have opened yourself up to some level of embarrassment and rejection. Andrew and I talk about our own experiences networking, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and with the experience and success we have achieved, we have broken this topic down into 8 key areas for consideration. 1. Relationship Building:  Initial Contact: Making the first connection, often through introductions, events, or online platforms. Nurturing Relationships: Consistently maintaining and strengthening these connections over time through regular communication and engagement. 2.

    1 Std. 5 Min.

  7. 16. JUNI

    Inspiration

    Inspiration can come from many different sources - but can you actively seek it out when you are feeling like you are in a dry spell?

    1 Std. 9 Min.

  8. 2. JUNI

    Starting a New Job

    When you are starting a new job, even you very first job, here are some tips that might make the transition a bit easier and potentially, more fruitful.

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Info

A gifted storyteller communicating the role and value of architecture to a new audience, host Bob Borson uses the experiences acquired over a 25-year career to inform his podcast. A small firm owner, architect, and college design instructor, co-host Andrew Hawkins brings his insight from his 20 years in various roles within the profession. It responds to the public curiosity and common misunderstanding about what architects do and how it is relevant to people’s lives, engaging a wide demographic of people in a meaningful way without requiring an understanding of the jargon or knowledge of the history of the profession. With a creative mix of humor and practicality, Borson’s stories are informative, engaging, and approachable, using first-person narratives and anecdotes that have introduced transparency into what it really means to be a practicing architect. To learn more about Bob, Andrew, and what life is like as an architect, please visit Lifeofanarchitect.com

Informationen

  • Erstellt von
    Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins
  • Jahre aktiv
    2018 - 2024
  • Folgen
    159
  • Bewertung
    Unbedenklich
  • Copyright
    © Bob Borson
  • Sendungswebsite
    Life of an Architect

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