Frank Lloyd Wright - 1926
Yesterday, June 8th, was Frank Lloyd Wright’s birthday. Well, it would have been if he was 143 years young. Of course, I wrote an article over at Examiner.com, but over here, its a little more personal.
I am a big fan of Wright. Yeah, sure is a great architect and all the world adores him. By the way, if you don’t like his work, tell me why…I’d like to hear from the dissenters. For me though, its not just the work or the style – which is undoubtedly beautiful – I love the passion… Wright had a passion for buildings and the art of building. Although, he did not have a reputation for being easy to work with.
I have a passion for my chosen profession as well. I love the business and the art of building…from concept to drawings to construction. The part I am most passionate about is craftsmanship. The skill required to properly detail and construct a building is often taken for granted. Any Joe can cut wood, right? Yes, but not every Joe can cut wood right…or lay a brick, or weld steel. I’ll admit, I’m no master carpenter or mason. My skills are decent and maybe with some practice, I could do better. But, I am the architect and I respect the craftsman.
The passion for the trades and the art of building is reflected in my approach to project and client management. The underlying foundation is the desire to have a successful project. Of course, “successful project” can mean different things to many people…is the client happy…is the architect happy…is the contractor happy? For me, successful means all of us are in pursuit of the best solution for the project while respecting time and budget. We all work together and if something can be done better – a detail, schedules, specified material – we all get together, talk about it, and make decisions.
Not everyone has this approach (like Wright), and it has lead to thousands of battles on job sites around the world. It also generates a lot of stereotypes and destroys relationships. Bottom line, no one wins. This is not the way to do business and be satisfied at the end of the day. Ours is a business built on relationships, not how many conflicts we’ve won.
So, on your next project…consider the guy on the other side of the table and appreciate their perspective. Everyone will be much better for it, including the project.
The other day, I was questioned by Collier over at Building Content about my firm and 2010. He asked, “Do you have any big plans/resolutions/new initiatives for your firm in 2010?” Great question. I certainly had some things bouncing around in my head, but I had yet to put it down on paper. So, perfect opportunity to put it down for evaluation and critique.
Here’s my response…
Happy New Year to you…
That’s a great question. One that was touched on in a mastermind group I recently joined, but haven’t sat down to pull it together. Having just launched my business in 2009, I am looking in all directions to take the next step.
I would say in a nutshell, that my goal is to continue to build on the momentum I’ve gained in 2009. Using that as the force behind me, push forward to more exposure in the market and pursuit (and award) of larger projects. The response my hanging out my own shingle has been very positive and I am finding opportunities where I thought none existed.
I do want to refresh my branding… using my “one year in business” as a targeted launch point. I have a ton of ideas on my company website, my blog, appearance of plans, letterhead, etc. I have until July to get it done… There seems to be something about a one year anniversary that shows the world that your in it for the long haul. I want to use that moment to reintroduce my firm.
I also want to get more consistent in my blog posting and writing for Examiner.com. I have been getting better, introducing some weekly features to help build content. Using these, I’m looking into generating other revenue streams to supplement the professional services fees.
So, I guess I have thought about it…
I wish you good luck and prosperity for 2010! Hopefully things turn around for architects this year.
Dave
You have to clear space for new things, mentally and physically…
My family spent a few days this week cleaning house and organizing. My wife’s workspace, as well as mine, were the focus really. We juggle many different things throughout each day, and having a mess of disorganization stifles the creative flow (as well as sanity). So, the trash collector has a little extra to pick up today.
From the mental side, I am now able to put 2009 behind me. There were a lot of changes in this year and there is a distinct dividing line of when the clouds parted and the sun returned. Making the decision to leave a midsize firm and going it alone is scary stuff, but four months of success in the midst of a deep recession can build confidence in yourself and your abilities. More importantly, it helped me regain a passion for architecture and building.
I’m excited about 2010…
Opportunities abound, if you know where to find them and are willing to take the steps necessary to get there. Scrape away the old, get back to the basics and find your passion.
Happy New Year…
I’d love to hear what great things you are going to do this year.
