Architecture AND...Exploring Meaning & Influence by way of Multidisciplinary Practice
Based on the results of the Equity in Architecture Survey, less than 50% of male and female respondents were satisfied with their current job situation. In the same question, a large number responded that they were looking or open to new opportunities within the profession as well as alternative career paths. Architecture AND... allows us the forum to evaluate traditional models of practice in comparison to emerging models that expand the exploration of design as an addition to practice; partnerships with clients and allied partners, integrated project delivery with multidisciplinary teams, recapturing talent with diverse skills and increased engagement in the workplace. Cultivating Architectural practice to be expansive, innovative, meaningful and influential explores a new way to increase job satisfaction, improve talent retention and sustainability of the profession.
What does Architectural practice look like 20 years from now and what are the potential in expanding the spectrum and adaptation of services that we can provide; reinforcing the value proposition of design as a societal necessity? Developing a diverse practice that straddles several related fields can be lucrative from both a business and creative standpoint. How can a multidisciplinary practice broaden our creative thinking when times are prosperous and deplete the potential risks of volatile building market? What kinds of divergent/convergent work make sense for architects and architecture firms to take on that will promote resiliency and relevance into the future?
Join us on Thursday, October 22nd 6pm-8:30pm for EQxD "U" Architecture AND, the last (and most provocative) workshop discussion of the EQxD Series at AIASF. We will feature 4 diverse panelists from the AIASF community that are actively engaged in multidisciplinary practice models. The second half of the workshop will feature a highly interactive "gamestorming" style design thinking exercise that will explore the possibilities of engage in professional practice in a multidisciplinary approach.
10/22 Sample Workshop Agenda
Networking & Refreshments 6pm - 6:15pm
Introductions/Welcome 6:15 - 6:25pm
Panel Discussion 6:25 - 7:15pm
Break/Transition 7:15 - 7:20pm
Break Out - Design Thinking Exercise 7:20 - 8:10pm
Conclusions 8:10 - 8:30pm
Learning Objectives
1. Upon completion, participants will be able to identify which skills within the architect’s toolkit are transferrable to other services beyond “Traditional Practice.”
2. Upon completion, participants will be able to understand how to better position themselves individually within a multi-disciplinary firm, or which services they may consider pushing to expand within their firm.
3. Upon completion, participants will be able to understand how to better position their firm to function as a multi-disciplinary firm, as well as how to better cultivate innovation, exploration and partnership opportunities with other firms.
4. Upon completion, participants will be able to identify service areas outside of “traditional practice” that architecture practices are equipped to take-on.