Value by Design: Resilient businesses. Individual security

Architects aren’t the lowest paid workers in the building industry, but they often earn less than other trades. Given the cost of education, demands of licensure, and fee-related pressures, it’s not surprising that financial stability is challenging for many architects. Additionally, women and minority architects often have to contend with gender and racial bias. Firm leadership and firm ownership can be a path to financial success, yet emerging leaders – especially those outside of traditional frameworks – often encounter unclear paths to career advancement.

In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore pathways to firm leadership and firm ownership. Attendees will diagram career ladders at their firms and define their place on this trajectory. We’ll discuss the qualities and skills required to advance to leadership positions – and how to attain them – including business literacy, entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, relationship building, and more. Rising leaders will leave this workshop with a proactive mindset focused on achieving their career goals, and existing firm owners will leave understanding how to guide and support the next generation of women and minority leaders in architecture.