3 minute read
Proactive evolution or passive irrelevance?
YAF Chair’s message: Design for evolution
The topic of career evolution is fascinating to me. How do we as architects continue to grow our expertise and value within our profession? How do we adapt to new technologies and changing availability of raw materials? How do we break the cycle of “we are doing it this way because this is how we have always done things”? There is more to life than work, so how do we home in on what brings us joy as an individual and blend that into our work? How do we find a balance between family time and office time?
Career evolution does not look the same for everyone and it is not a one-time thing. It can be large scale evolution such as coming from a non-traditional background in science or literature then going into architecture, or starting off in the architectural field after graduation and then moving on to a tech startup or a career in politics. Career evolution can also be small scale elements that shift your work schedule to align with other life priorities. It all comes down to the opportunities you create and the decisions you make.
I took a traditional path to architecture and at first glance nothing stands out as evolutionary. Over the past decade since I graduated from college, I have worked in several traditional architectural firms. My volunteer involvement with several organizations has given me access to a multitude of different practice models, design typologies, unique perspectives, and some wonderful people. Everyone that I have connected with has influenced my personal career evolution. I have taken some career chances that were a little unnerving at the time, but I would not be where I am if I had not done so. Today, I am a project architect, BIM manager, volunteer, horsebackrider, dog-mom, and hobby gardener. My current life balance energizes me to try new things, challenge the status quo at the office, and get the most out of my days. I am excited to see where things go from here!
- Jessica M. O’Donnell, AIA Looking back, two guiding elements stand out through my evolution:
Broaden your horizons. Change is not easy, and it can even be downright scary. Change can also lead you to wonderful things you never imagined. Intentionally try something new — you never know what you will learn. Maybe this means asking to work on a different building typology at work or volunteering to become a mentor. Take that new job you were offered or start looking for opportunities within your office to expand your knowledge.
Pareto principle (80/20 rule). Many years ago, this was explained to me as “find a job where you spend 80% of your time doing what you enjoy and 20% of your time doing things you may dislike but need to do.” That is a loose translation of the actual principle, but its underlying message can be applied to many facets of life and business. Finding a work environment that enables you to be your best self is not always easy. Sometimes it comes with trial and moving on, while sometimes you need to create that environment yourself by starting your own firm.
Looking forward, my hope for the architectural profession is that we can collectively evolve to embrace what is considered nontraditional in 2022 so that it becomes commonplace in short order. Nontraditional paths to architecture, within architecture, and after architecture all bring value to our profession as a whole and the spaces we create.
Jessica M. O’Donnell, AIA
O’Donnell is a project architect at Kitchen & Associates in Collingswood, N.J., where she specializes in multifamily housing. She is a 2022 AIA Young Architect Award winner and the 2022 chair of the YAF.
