Fall 2021 Portfolio + Reflection

Many of the most important learned experiences come without a drawing or model to display in a portfolio, and I’d like to take a moment to reflect on some of those lessons.

I was humbled in my first semester by the extent to which I was challenged. After working as a designer, carpenter, and BIM drafter, I expected my experience to directly apply to much of what school had to throw at me. I was surprised that my most valuable experience was not that of a builder or a coordinator, but as a designer. I am grateful for that experience.

Sometimes you are not received how you want to be received, but more for how you are. Whether in the studio, or in life, it is important to reflect on how you are perceived and whether or not you are doing what’s in your power to be kind to others. It would be short sighted to aspire to never push anyone’s buttons again, but I would like continue to grow my self-awareness for how I show up in a space.

I learned that the best project is the completed project. It is more important to have everything done 80% than to have one thing done 110%. Every drawing or model has an intent to show something about your project. Don’t waste your time making it so perfect that it shows everything, because it never will.

The process of moving something from you mind into reality is emotionally complex. It is quite painful and lonely. It is also quite rewarding. This process is one that I would like to grow around. To be able to produce what I know is my best, while also knowing my limit and not going past the edge. I came close a few times this semester to my edge. In this life, and with this work, I want to be happy and healthy. I’d rather be an architect with a well-rested smile than one with a legacy.

I’d like to end with gratitude. I am thankful for this opportunity. Thankful to my cohort, the great people I have been thrown into this education with. I am thankful for Alvin for seeing potential in me, and for investing in that. I am thankful to my mother, father, and sister, for letting my vent to them when I am deep inside my brain working through a project.

I’d like to thank Farnoosh, for working with me, for putting me in check, and for being willing to grow with me. Thank you for catering to my learning style and for fostering my interests. Thank you for being open to answering questions and providing resources and precedents.

Looking forward to carrying these lessons with me into next semester,

JB.