21 Things You Won't Learn in Architecture School

2014 | Architecture & Design

This book will open your eyes to the realities of practice as an architect. There is sometimes a disconnection between what is taught during architectural education and the actual experience of entering the work place. With relatively little space in the packed architectural school curriculum, professional practice content tends to focus on the facts a " legislation and contracts - rather than practical skills and lessons from experience. Yet understanding the value of good communication and business skills or how to promote yourself and your work may just make the difference to your survival in this highly competitive marketplace. This concise and punchy guide aims to challenge your assumptions about what a "successa (TM) in architecture is and how to achieve it. In Part 1 Adrian Dobson, the RIBAa (TM)s Director of Practice, gives you an insight into the 21 a "principlesa (TM) he thinks all architects should grasp when trying establish their professional careers. He draws lessons from psychology, sociology, marketing, economics, persuasion and resource management all of which are highly relevant to success in architecture.

In Part 2 a diverse selection of highly individual, creative and respected architects, with very different business models, specialisms and approaches, give you the inside story on their journey to prominence a " offering you invaluable insights into the makeup of a successful architect and how to approach the years of practice ahead of you. The interviewees include Caroline Buckingham, John Assael, Simon Allford and David Partridge. This is an invaluable source of advice for architecture students, particularly those at Part 3, but also those who are recently qualified and in their first few years of practice.

Adrian Dobson (Author)