In addition to design skills, there are many other skills necessary to succeed in the architecture and design fields, especially as you move into leadership roles. Here are some of the most critical executive skills that can help you thrive as an architecture and design leader.
Project Management
Management skills are some of the most critical executive skills you can have in architecture. Project management is the ability to oversee a project from inception through delivery. If you are leading a project, you need to adhere to deadlines, stick to a budget, account for risks, coordinate communication between the design team, stakeholders, and clients, and ensure that the project concludes in a way that exceeds expectations.
Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is crucial if you want to succeed as a leader. You need the ability to objectively evaluate your work, accurately identify your strengths, and acknowledge your mistakes and shortcomings. Many business leaders struggle because they lack humility. They see themselves in a way that is different than how their team members and clients see them. Practicing self-awareness will make you a better leader because it will give you more clarity, improve your ability to learn new skills, and allow you to identify biases that may affect how you treat team members.
Business Expertise
To succeed as a designer, you also need to have an understanding of general business principles. You need to know how to create value for your clients. That skill requires an understanding of architectural trends, as well as the real estate market. Financial planning is a related skill that is equally important. You need to know how to track spending, analyze profitability, and identify where to invest your money in equipment, technology, and human resources.
Change Management
Another essential executive skill is change management. This skill is the ability to identify suitable business opportunities and initiate the necessary changes to capitalize on those opportunities. The market constantly changes, so organizations often have to evolve. Change management may mean adopting a new business approach, making changes to your design team, restructuring, or more. As a leader, you need to see the big picture and be quick to react.
When it comes to being a successful architect, design talent is only part of the equation. This is especially true for architects who aspire to have greater responsibility and impact. Some of the most valuable executive skills you can have as an architect include project management skills, self-awareness, business acumen, and change management skills.
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