2. Architecture is a collaborative practice, built on relationships, dialogue, and shared vision.
The value of collaboration and feedback. Working with peers and receiving constructive criticism helped me develop my design skills and think critically about my work. I also learned to appreciate the importance of sustainability and social responsibility in architectural design.
—Yaimi L. Cartagena Santiago, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Class of 2024.
Honestly, it’s how essential it is to build relationships—with professors, visiting architects, and especially with your classmates. Some of my closest friendships were formed through long nights in studio, where we not only pushed each other creatively but also supported each other through the inevitable ups and downs. I’m incredibly grateful that, even now after graduating and working in different cities, we still find time to come together, catch up on life, and bond over the experiences we shared in school and the new ones we’re each creating in our professional and personal lives. Seeing how differently people think and approach design has been just as valuable as any technical skill I’ve learned. It’s a reminder that great design rarely happens in isolation; it grows from conversations, collaboration, and a genuine curiosity about how others see the world.
—Dillon Patel, North Carolina State University, Class of 2024
A good design takes time, and is rarely a solo effort. I used to spend hours just thinking about my design, visualizing how I wanted it to look, and how I could accomplish it. The most important step, and the biggest lesson that I have learned to remain consistent even in architecture firms, is that once I’ve built my vision/design, I always take it to someone else to review, whether it be my professor, boss, coworker, colleague, family member, classmates, friends, etc. [They]will be able to see a project through a different lens and point out any flaws where it could be better. Being able to listen to critiques and understanding others’ feedback is, in my opinion, what makes a great architect.
—Mason Ramsey, Marywood University, Class of 2024.
Talent alone will not take you to the endzone. Architecture is about much more. You need to be able to network and become comfortable with being uncomfortable. You need to sharpen your social skills and get over your fear of public speaking. I would say it’s not important, but necessary if you want to get anywhere with this career path.
—Jesus Guillermo Macias Franco, California College of the Arts, Class of 2023
How to work with people.
I understand that many students who are passionate about architecture and design often carry a beautiful, ideal world in their minds. Everyone has brilliant ideas and unique design visions. But once I entered architecture school, I realized that design is never a solitary act—especially in architecture.
From studio critiques and team projects to future collaborations in the professional world, architecture is built upon communication and teamwork. You can’t avoid dialogue or resist collaboration. Design is a language—and without strong communication skills and a willingness to engage with others, even the best ideas remain incomplete.
This is what architecture school taught me most:
Talk to people—because only through communication can your design truly come to life.
—Kai Chen, University of Pennsylvania, Class 2025
Design is not for the designer. Sure, it’s easy to get wrapped up in your own ideas and preferences when designing theoretical studio projects, but it’s important to remember that designers are almost always designing for someone else. We should never lose sight of how our designs impact those who use them —no matter the scale.
—Luke Murray, Mississippi State University, Class of 2024.
