Blueprint for Design

I realize there may be some confusion about what an architect…is. I thought this post would help shed some light. At least, I’ll go over some generalities about us!

Rich

HA! I’m laughing as I type this out. But, I’ll get people wondering why I drive a pickup truck. “Where’s my BMW?” So far from the truth. I have no idea where this stereotype started. I don’t think I know any architect that’s rich. Maybe rich on life! But, not sure who’s wealthy.

Clothes

Okay, we all don’t wear black turtle necks. I hate turtle necks. Always feel like I’m being choked. And, we all don’t look like lumberjacks. At least, I try not to in summertime… But, I am guilty of wearing a tie with a nicely worn pair of jeans. I think we’re the few that can get away with it.  And, yes I do sport the glasses most of the time.

Big Words

I hate big words. I read with a pocket dictionary by my side. I never understood why someone would want to confuse another with big words. My goal is to try my best to explain myself. Big words get in the way.

Snobby

I am happy to say that I have only a few friends that are archi-snobs. All the rest are down-to-Earth kinda people. Why we have that stereotype is beyond me. I like being approachable.

Designers

Believe it or not, we’re all not designers. In fact, there’s only a few that I really admire. I consider myself to be more practical. Maybe that’s a flaw, I don’t know. But, every great design solution starts with a great problem to solve. Many architects are great problem solvers, managers, and technical experts.

Boring

I would have to say we all aren’t boring. We may be quiet, but that’s just the gears turning. Though time usually doesn’t permit, we enjoy doing other things than architecture. Though I am fond of ‘This Old House.”

Old

I had no idea how many people associated architects with having to be old. Do I have to wait until retirement to get some street cred?? I do know some wise older architects, but then again, I know some younger ones, too.

Babble

Okay, I am SO part of this group. It might be a stereotype, but it’s true!! The one trait I try so hard to fix is babbling. I can go on and on if someone lets me. I once was in a focus group with a dozen other architects. What was our common trait? Babbling!

Writing Instrument

This too is true. We all carry some kind of writing instrument. It was pounded into me to always carry a pen. And more times than not, it’s always been helpful. Same is true about pocket knives.

So, any other architect stereotypes I’m missing? (Keep it clean.)

photo credit: radiant guy