As hard as it is to accept, we should be training our replacements. If you own your firm then you need to think about who will take over when you are gone. If you are working your way up the ladder, who is going to be your go-to person when you move into a new role?
I thought of this topic after seeing the word pedagogy used in an article. Merriam-Webster defines it as “the art, science, or profession of teaching.” I like the art part of the definition because I think teaching is an art and requires serious thought.
Even if you aren’t an architecture professor, you still need to think about pedagogy. This is true at work or at home if you have children.
Every person is different so it is important to figure out how people learn and mould your teaching style to that. A lot of us in design are visual learners, but others are verbal or auditory learners. Some people react to strong language well, while others stop listening.
Think about the people you are actively mentoring. Are you teaching them the way they need to be taught?
-Michael
Are Your Sure That Product is Green?
Greenwashing is a concern in the building industry. I’m always a bit skeptical when sales reps talk about how environmentally friendly their products are. It is even harder when you have to balance sustainability with durability. This is why audited declarations (HPD and EPD) are so important. Sustainability or energy use claims on your projects should also be audited.
Can Construction Refrain from Greenwashing?
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Protect Client Privacy While Using AI
It is likely that some of the younger staff in your office have dabbled in AI tools like Midjourney or ChatGPT. You should think carefully about what information they are sending to these AI tools, especially if you have non-disclosure or confidentiality agreements in place.
How to ensure data privacy in a ChatGPT world
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Construction Input Prices Fell in December
The Associated Builders and Contractors reported that construction input prices decreased by 0.6% from November to December last year. Non-residential construction costs fell by 0.4% in the month.
Monthly Construction Input Prices Fall Sharply in December
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Responses to NCARB Paths to Licensure Op-Ed
Last month, we linked to NCARB President Jon Baker’s article about supporting alternate pathways to licensure. This has been a battle waged for decades. The Architect’s Newspaper collected responses to his article, including one from the President of the National Architectural Accrediting Board.
Three responses to NCARB’s licensure op-ed challenge ideas related to equality and education
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Hybrid Work Isn’t Going Anywhere
Most firms I know have a hybrid work agreement that allows employees to work from home a couple of days per week. While we all know that you learn from being in the office and on the job site, life dictates flexibility. We have to find that balance between providing flexibility and making sure the next generation of architects is ready to take over. Contractors are having the same issue.
