3 Best Strategies to Follow as a Fresh Architecture Graduate

Over the years, the architecture profession has been considered one of the most demanding career paths. There are multiple reasons for this thought, however, the common one is the lack of knowledge among architecture graduates. The idea of pursuing architecture requires a lot of perseverance and the ability to tackle challenges right from day one. Acquainting oneself with a clear direction is great, although that is not always the case. Some graduates plan to figure out what they want to become after they graduate. Well, this has both pros and cons. Pros are that they are open to multiple career paths and carry a positive mindset. On the contrary, it can put a lot of burden on them and most commonly lead to dropping out of the architecture profession. 

To avoid this constraint, let’s debug the 3 most important things to consider as soon as you graduate from an architecture school.

Build a Professional Online Presence

An online portfolio allows you to display your skills, creativity, and unique approach to design. It acts as a dynamic resume, showcasing your projects, sketches, and design philosophies to potential employers, clients, or collaborators worldwide. Unlike traditional resumes, a digital presence is accessible 24/7, broadening your reach significantly.

A professional online presence helps you stand out in a competitive field. By sharing thoughtful content, engaging with industry trends, and maintaining a polished portfolio, you position yourself as a knowledgeable and credible architect. By doing so, you enhance your reputation as well as build trust with your audience.

Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Behance and YouTube enable you to connect with fellow architects, mentors, and industry leaders. Engaging with their content, joining discussions, and sharing your insights can lead to valuable relationships, collaborations, or job opportunities. An online presence serves as a bridge to the broader architecture and construction community.

Learn, Unlearn and Relearn

The one valuable aspect that will help you grow as a better architect is to ‘Learn, Unlearn and Relearn’. But, what exactly does it denote?

To Learn – As an architecture graduate, you will be introduced to several new terms and techniques to understand the working culture. This will include acquiring new knowledge and skills, such as mastering sustainable certifications (LEED, WELL) or advanced design tools (BIM). This ensures you remain relevant and capable of meeting evolving industry demands.

To Unlearn – The architecture syllabus is a unique compilation of theoretical and practical knowledge. However, it is prudent to let go of outdated practices or rigid mindsets to adapt to innovative trends like generative design and AI integration. This flexibility prevents stagnation and promotes growth.

To Relearn – You might overarch certain methodologies you learnt from university and assume they just require a read to work with. In practice, though, it is prudent to update and refine existing knowledge with current best practices, such as reinterpreting traditional design principles to meet modern needs like net-zero buildings.

Preparing for Licensure and Certification

In every country, the pathway to becoming an architect is different. Generally, in developed nations such as the US, the UK and European countries, the career can be a challenging one as it requires years of long procedure to call yourself an architect. While this can be laborious, in the end, it will bring forth valuable takeaways that will help you shine as a responsible architect.

Preparing for Licensure allows you to familiarize yourself with building codes, ethical practices, and safety standards, which are critical for creating safe, functional, and compliant structures. Some countries have reciprocal agreements for licensed professionals, allowing greater mobility and the ability to work internationally.

Many roles in architecture firms, government bodies, and large-scale projects require licensed professionals. Without licensure, career progression can be limited. It also grants architects the legal authority to sign off on designs and oversee projects. This recognition establishes credibility and trust with clients, employers, and the public.

As the famous quote by Graham Bell goes –

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success”,

It is important to be prepared for the outcomes once you graduate from architecture school. Even if you haven’t yet decided on a career, it is highly recommended that you have a list of ideas to consider. This way, you can find a direction without being lost in the journey of finding your niche.

This is also an appropriate period to discover if you are up for the challenge of pursuing a freelance career a.k.a – becoming an archipreneur or specializing in an academic field of architecture. To be streets ahead of the crowd, learn more about the architecture practice from industry professionals from Archipreneur interviews.