1. SEEK INCREMENTAL PROGRESS-
NOT BEING THE BEST
When you start your first year of architecture school, getting into the mindset of a designer may not come easily. In fact, it was abstract to understand – the verbiage, developing a concept, or describing how the user would feel like as they enter a space. This all will come with time, though do not hesitate to look for resources from your school’s library, or talk to a friend or teacher to get more insight.
There will be people who have strengths in sketching, model making, drafting, or composing graphics. This might sound like a lot of pressure, but it is about focusing on YOU, and where you want to improve. Realize your strengths, and sharpen your weakness. If you take the extra step, on your own time, to research on other architect’s work can be a huge help to understand their perspectives on design.
2. SEEK COMPETITION BEYOND THE STUDIO
Honestly, all of us either felt competitive towards each other in studio. There are people who will talk down on you claiming that you’re arrogant. They may even talk down on you because how far you’ve improved. For me, in my experience, it creates a division. When I started my first year of architecture school, I wasn’t the best but I seek improvement.
3. ''DON'T LET PERFECTION BE THE ENEMY OF THE GOOD''
Have you worked on a sketch, model, project, and wanted to focus on just that one thing? As architectural designers we have trace paper for a reason! We need to create layers on our drawings to generate more ideas! You never know if you’ll develop something interesting. My boss would always say to me ”Don’t let perfection be the enemy of the good”. I like to follow this because as designers we tend to get to attached to just one idea, we have to learn how to create options.
4. DON'T TAKE STUDIO CRITIQUES PERSONALLY -
USE THEM AS LESSONS LEARNED
Studio critiques can be nerve-wracking, but it allows us to be better designers. For some designers, it can be difficult to take in the criticism because they worked hard in developing the design and is suddenly torn down.
5. WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER
This tips follows similarly to #3, which explains on improving your work ethic. Though, this tip is a reminder that you do not need to stay overnight to prove that you are a hard worker to others. You’re just going to end up sleep deprived. The case is understandable when there are students who work jobs in the evenings and need time to finish your work. Doing all-nighters are fun with studio mates, and getting a late-night snack but it is not healthy at all. Schedule a time to get efficient, doctor-recommended sleep. I do not miss those days when I see complete night darkness to sun rises!