September 10, 2014
The beginning of the fall semester brings an opportunity to connect with friends you haven’t seen since last year, and probably won’t see much of again once studio projects hit full stride in October. However, this year, I challenge you to work hard to keep those friendships and relationships alive and growing throughout the semester.
Most architecture students invest their time, resources, and energy heavily into studio. Which, for design students, isn’t a terribly risky bet. However, as I reflect on my own studio projects that now lay lifeless and dusty in the attic, I’m beginning to realize that it’s the personal friendships and relationships I’ve developed that have truly helped me succeed. It’s not that I look to them in terms of a cost-benefit analysis, or kick them to the curb if they’re not performing. It’s just the nature of relationships – the more you put in, the more you get out. Further, the potential for compounding is always there. My portfolio today is composed of strong relationships and lasting friendships.
So this semester, consider investing your time in a variety of efforts, particularly those that grow relationships. Perhaps we can all celebrate them, as well as new ones, at this year’s AIAS FORUM in Nashville. And, to put our money where our mouth is, the AIAS National Office is launching two competitions to spur membership growth, one of which could facilitate your entire chapter coming to FORUM at a reduced rate. Check it out here:
See you at FORUM, where hopefully we can have a toast, maybe to those studio projects permanently going into the portfolio.
– Nick Serfass
