The journey toward architecture is really an exercise in standing up for my beliefs. That is ultimately what architecture is. When you propose a model, there’s really no objectively “correct” answer. It’s a subjective act and so why should your work and ideas be selected over a myriad of qualified others’? You have to defend your model and the ideal(s) it stands for. You need to stand up for it because if you don’t believe in it, no one else will care.
As I transition toward architecture, I’m thinking about how I should engage with my fellow peers. Do I hide that I’m a doctor? I don’t like to stand out, yet I’m also not the type of person to ever act deceptively. I prefer to speak what’s on my mind and be honest with my choices. This way, people understand my motives and see me for who I really am, and I won’t likely have to ever go back on my word, which is a very valuable thing to me. I’m not the type of person who likes to be duplicitous. I think that’s also kind of what an architect is.
Architects are leaders. The literal definition of the word’s roots means ‘chief builder’, which implies that there’s only one. Yet, a building takes hundreds (if not thousands) of workers, both blue and white collar, to design and build. Why should all these people bow down to you? I think the answer to that is both strength and honesty. Workers like leaders that are genuine and hold steadfast to their vision(s). They like people who keep their promises and have a clear idea of the future to command society toward. People value truth and strength.
The Ivory Tower 
Leave a comment