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What have you done with your license that you are proud of?
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Cannondale
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Mana: 
 Posted: Fri Oct 17th, 2008 09:12 pm

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May I ask for everyone's input?

I am contemplating after my recent licensure, what can I do with it that I couldn't do before, that can really make a difference in someone's life.  Does anyone has some good idea to share?  I am married, so I can't move to middle of no where to do humanity work.  But I like that kind of idea though, except closed by.

I am not talking about building more buildings, doing pro-brono service for non-profit...etc.

Something deeper, something that can really touch someone as a result of my professional knowledge.  Something like when I was in school, on top of all the school works, I also served on the AIAS board, and did many interconnections between the different local schools and attended faculty meetings trying to offer student inputs.

I am already helping with my church with their new facility, volunteering to teach the student intern CAD, have done a little habitat for humanity.  But somehow, I feel like there has to be more.  It will be so sad personally if after getting license, all I do is practice architecture and not evolved somehow.

Anyone has good ideas that they can share?  Thanks



King
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Mana: 
 Posted: Fri Oct 17th, 2008 10:27 pm

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So far, I make my office wall looks a lot better...:D

Last edited on Fri Oct 17th, 2008 10:27 pm by King

tropical-hut
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Mana: 
 Posted: Sat Oct 18th, 2008 04:34 pm

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Cannondale wrote: May I ask for everyone's input?

I am contemplating after my recent licensure, what can I do with it that I couldn't do before, that can really make a difference in someone's life.  Does anyone has some good idea to share?  I am married, so I can't move to middle of no where to do humanity work.  But I like that kind of idea though, except closed by.

I am not talking about building more buildings, doing pro-brono service for non-profit...etc.

Something deeper, something that can really touch someone as a result of my professional knowledge.  Something like when I was in school, on top of all the school works, I also served on the AIAS board, and did many interconnections between the different local schools and attended faculty meetings trying to offer student inputs.

I am already helping with my church with their new facility, volunteering to teach the student intern CAD, have done a little habitat for humanity.  But somehow, I feel like there has to be more.  It will be so sad personally if after getting license, all I do is practice architecture and not evolved somehow.

Anyone has good ideas that they can share?  Thanks




Have you thought about missionary work/ voluntary work in other countries.  Join your church mission trip, or maybe you can organize one.

slhill
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Mana: 
 Posted: Sun Oct 19th, 2008 12:18 am

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tropical-hut wrote: Have you thought about missionary work/ voluntary work in other countries.  Join your church mission trip, or maybe you can organize one.
Along this line, you can check out engineering Ministries international: http://www.emiusa.org/.  They do 1-2 week trips usually, so moving to the middle of nowhere isn't required (just visiting it ;)).

Since you were active in AIAS, getting involved in your local AIA chapter might be a logical extension.

jmcarr
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Mana: 
 Posted: Mon Oct 20th, 2008 01:34 am

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Not sure if this is what you are seeking. But, I share your post-licensure search for meaning, and the group appeals to me.

http://www.architectureforhumanity.org/

Jonathan

redeye
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Mana: 
 Posted: Mon Oct 20th, 2008 02:43 am

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check out sambo....a pretty inspiring fellow.

http://www.cadc.auburn.edu/soa/rural-studio/mockbee3.htm

JChapinCP
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Mana: 
 Posted: Mon Oct 27th, 2008 06:24 pm

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I have a great friend who hooked up with EMI as Slhill mentioned. They went to Africa this past summer and master planned a community center. She loved it.

As others mentioned church missionary trips are great as well-though I have yet to be able to attend. My church goes to mexico every summer to build houses and orphanages. That could be something you could do as well.

I admire your desire to step out in such a way now that you have your liscense.

Yu
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Mana: 
 Posted: Tue Oct 28th, 2008 06:44 pm

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Cannondale

I do find interesting is that we as architects are constantly struggling with our undercompensated salaries. With a wife (and possible a kid at home) and at the same time a monthly mortgage to pay every month, i just wonder how could you manage to do so many other things. I guess it takes true dedications to do like this. I truely admire your thoughts and what you are doing. I know there are some programs that help victims of Katrina (the hurricane) in New Oreland to rebuilt their home. As an archtiect or any design professional,  you could help them design their houses for free.

Yu

rdenks
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Mana: 
 Posted: Wed Oct 29th, 2008 04:06 pm

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What about working for a non-profit firm?  I know there are several in my area that work off grants and donations, and then help design, master plan and redevelop land in areas underprivileged neighborhoods.  Sometimes they do it for a city that can not afford it, but need the help.  Other times they do it for neighborhoods/areas that are trying to turn things around, but can not get over the hump. 

With the economy and foreclosure issues going on in this country and abroad, I am sure there is going to be a lot aid needed in the years to come in the way of run down properties and land.

If Northeast Ohio has several of these non-profits I have to believe there more in No-Cal.  If not start your own.

gleearch
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Mana: 
 Posted: Thu Oct 30th, 2008 07:00 pm

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Have you considered teaching? As an adjunct faculty/ part time?
Not just at a 4 or 5 yr college but at a community college.

Have you considered providing advice and service to high school pathway programs for students considering architecture/ engineering as a future career?

You specifically crossed out pro bono work.  Why? 
Habitat for Humanity or architects without borders is always looking out for volunteers.

So are many non profits that cannot afford professional services.  Note that not getting paid still exposes you to liability. 

Have you considered providing your time as a guest critic at your alma mater?

Have you considered serving other architects by being a committee member of your local AIA chapter?  It's not paid and there are no perks but you learn a lot and can  help others.  Yes, I know that not all local chapters are equal and some are terrible.  Why not change that?

Serve on your local design review board. 

Serve on you local HOA.

Work for the state architect and diligently review the work of other architects.  You'll be roundly disliked by some architects but would be serving the greater good by ensuring the safety, welfare and health of the general public.  More so if you review schools.

Stand for local office.  You will be surprise what leadership qualities or management skill your education has provided you. 

Yes, there is more to your architecture education and experience but you have to want to use it. 

jmcarr
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Mana: 
 Posted: Thu Oct 30th, 2008 07:30 pm

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gleearch wrote: Have you considered teaching? As an adjunct faculty/ part time?
Not just at a 4 or 5 yr college but at a community college.

Have you considered providing advice and service to high school pathway programs for students considering architecture/ engineering as a future career?

You specifically crossed out pro bono work.  Why? 
Habitat for Humanity or architects without borders is always looking out for volunteers.

So are many non profits that cannot afford professional services.  Note that not getting paid still exposes you to liability. 

Have you considered providing your time as a guest critic at your alma mater?

Have you considered serving other architects by being a committee member of your local AIA chapter?  It's not paid and there are no perks but you learn a lot and can  help others.  Yes, I know that not all local chapters are equal and some are terrible.  Why not change that?

Serve on your local design review board. 

Serve on you local HOA.

Work for the state architect and diligently review the work of other architects.  You'll be roundly disliked by some architects but would be serving the greater good by ensuring the safety, welfare and health of the general public.  More so if you review schools.

Stand for local office.  You will be surprise what leadership qualities or management skill your education has provided you. 

Yes, there is more to your architecture education and experience but you have to want to use it. 



great, inspiring post....makes me think there is something more valuable to being licensed than the "almighty" dollar.

As far as under-funded projects serving the greater good, to public schools I would add community healthcare projects, outreach facilities, public park and rec buildings, and affordable housing.

 

Cannondale
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Mana: 
 Posted: Fri Oct 31st, 2008 05:03 pm

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Thank you all for your comments and suggestions.

A few things, I tried to avoid pro-bono work because I want to do more than just architecture with my humbly little knowledge.

When I mentioned that I served on the local chapter of AIAS, I found that to be a very rewarding experience that was a "result" of my education.  To me, that value is much more than doing pro-bono.  The AIAS role was doing everything related to architecture, but not directly architecture, changing the school environment along the way.  An evolution from my time in school.

Besides, I am already doing pro-bono service for my church with their new up and coming facility.  At the current time, with a wife, I can't leave for Africa or even the East coast and disappear for a few weeks.  Is a bit selfish for my marriage to do that.  (Wife is a grad student, so she can't go with me)

What I am after is to do more than just architecture.  Something that evolve out of it, but all the while keeping the goal that I want to "touch" someone's life with the license. 

Perhaps I am asking for too much? 

Many of the ideas are very interesting.  I clicked into many of the links.  Please feel free to keep the suggestions coming.

Appreciate your time!

Last edited on Fri Oct 31st, 2008 05:04 pm by Cannondale

arcrap
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Mana: 
 Posted: Sat Nov 1st, 2008 06:24 pm

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I think I understand what you are getting at. I often feel that its a shame and a waste that my expertise, education, and time is spent essentially providing more 'stuff' for people that don't need it.
Might you consider changing how you, personally, practice architecture? The buildings around us truly do affect our lives, relationships, attitudes, and understanding of the world. Maybe you could be an architect whose practice addresses the terminally ill, the aged, people suffering from drug addiction or abuse. Its a whole new can of worms compared to what we were taught in school, but you could make a real difference.

stl-guy
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Mana: 
 Posted: Sat Nov 1st, 2008 10:30 pm

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The word "architect" is a powerful professional title. You can influence the built environment in many ways. Sustainable design is of great importance to me. Educating clients of this need is an ongoing effort and part of the job.

Two other things I try to keep in mind when designing new buildings is that people live inside buildings not on the outside. Function first.

Second, remain humble and don't endeavor to build monuments to yourself. 

invision
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Mana: 
 Posted: Fri Nov 7th, 2008 11:48 pm

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slhill wrote: tropical-hut wrote: Have you thought about missionary work/ voluntary work in other countries.  Join your church mission trip, or maybe you can organize one.
Along this line, you can check out engineering Ministries international: http://www.emiusa.org/.  They do 1-2 week trips usually, so moving to the middle of nowhere isn't required (just visiting it ;)).

Since you were active in AIAS, getting involved in your local AIA chapter might be a logical extension.

I did work with EMI in Africa right after college... you do not even have to be licensed to work with them (for others who aren't licensed who may read this post and be interested).  They are a good group and it was a rewarding summer.


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