Advice I Would Give My Younger Self About Architecture

If I could sit down with my younger self—the one who had just started dreaming of working in architecture—I’d have a lot to say. Not because I regret the path I’ve taken, but because the journey has taught me more than I could’ve ever imagined when I first opened a drafting program or picked up a set of plans. Back then, I thought architecture was just about buildings. Now, I know it's just as much about patience, persistence, and people.

First, I’d tell my younger self: be patient with the process. Working in the industry—or even becoming an architect—takes time. There’s a steep learning curve, and it doesn’t all come from school. Some of the most valuable lessons come from trial and error, from revisions, from those quiet moments where you realize you still don’t know what you don’t know. That’s okay. Everyone starts somewhere.

Next, I’d say: don’t let setbacks define you. I stepped away from this career path at one point to work in factories and weld. It wasn’t failure—it was part of the journey. Every job, every detour, added something to my perspective. That grit I gained by taking different paths? It shows up every day in how I approach my work and run my firm.

I’d also remind myself that architecture isn’t just about what you build—it’s about who you build it for. Learn to listen. Learn to collaborate. Learn to take feedback with humility, not defensiveness. Your job isn’t just to draw—it’s to serve, to solve problems, and to bring someone’s vision to life in a way that makes sense and stands strong.

And maybe most importantly, I’d say: trust yourself. When no one else gave me a chance, I had to create my own. Starting my own drafting firm wasn’t the plan early on—but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Because I knew what I was capable of, even when others didn’t. And that confidence—combined with hard work—has carried me through.

To my younger self: dream big, learn constantly, and never lose that spark that made you fall in love with architecture in the first place. The road ahead is long, but it’s worth every step.