EQxD : Meaning & Influence

Meaning & Influence: Knowledge Session (Click for Agenda PDF)

Based on our survey results, a large number of respondents are dissatisfied, looking for new opportunities within the profession as well as alternate career paths.  In the Meaning and Influence Knowledge Session, we will explore the opportunistic juncture we have in the architectural profession -- to evaluate traditional models of practice in comparison to newer models that promote and elevate the Value of Design; partnerships with clients, integrated delivery with multidisciplinary teams, recapturing talent with diverse skills and increased engagement in the workplace. Re-designing Architectural practice to be inspiring, stimulating and gratifying is the best way to increase job satisfaction, prevent additional loss of talent, and support generational renewal.

Meaning & Influence: Break Out Sessions (Select 1 out of 3)

Meaning & Influence: Break Out Sessions (Select 1 out of 3)

MI 1. Entrepreneurship: Lessons Learned when Starting your Own Practice

What are the most important steps to take when starting a small business? What are the common, business plan pitfalls for fledgling solo-practitioners or partnerships? When is it the right time to open your own firm? Should you consider a partner or incorporate? What are the most important steps to take when starting a small business? What are the common, business plan pitfalls for fledgling solo-practitioners or partnerships? Gain confidence in prioritizing your investments of time, money and resources when all are scarce.

MI 2. Architecture and... (Expanding Influence by way of Multidisciplinary Practice)

Developing a diverse practice that straddles several related fields can be good idea from both a business and creative standpoint. How can a multidisciplinary practice broaden our creative thinking when times are good and help protect against a volatile building market when times are bad? What does the Architecture firm look like 20 years from now and what are potentially the evolution of services that we can provide that reinforces the Value of Design? What kinds of divergent/convergent work make sense for architecture firms to take on that will increase resiliency and relevance into the future?

MI 3. Welcome Back! Recapturing the Missing 32%  

There is a stigma that leaving the professional practice of architecture (Leave of Absence/Economic Factors/Other Career Exploration) is detrimental to your career path when in fact time away can be celebrated as an opportunity to gain alternative skills, strength and focus. Can we provide a path to re-entry for those who have left the profession due to family or medical needs, financial concerns, unfavorable job markets, or divergent career exploration? What are the precedents for returnships and on-ramping by corporate workplace that can be applied to Architecture? What are potential, radically fresh ways that we can design this transition process so it is mutually beneficial for firms and returning employee?