Constructive Futures’ Post

Our Policy Lead, Stephen Caulfield, was in Glasgow yesterday for #LearningPlacesScotland 2024. This conference and exhibition brings together learners, educators, designers, consultants, and manufacturers for discussion and collaboration on how we deliver high-quality learning spaces for all.   Though there is much work still to be done, we are encouraged by the growing recognition of the role that school and college estate design has on the experiences of people with Additional Support Needs (ASN) - and how trends towards expansive, open-plan (and noisy) spaces is negatively impacting the experiences of people with differences in sensory profile and social communication.

Inspiring Education: Innovative Institutional Concepts Institutions serve as one of the primary social spaces for a young space. These spaces not only influence academic performance but also shape self-esteem and foster a sense of community among students. Spatial design has a profound impact on our lives. It is, then, imperative for architects to recognise and carefully design these learning environments to enrich a student’s formative experiences. This eventually is a significant factor in influencing the adults they become. Read more:- https://lnkd.in/esBTQV7X

One of the most succinct descriptions of Architectural education I've found: "...the result of synthesizing systems from several countries. From France we have the notion of organized, formal education; from Germany the concept that there is and should be a linkage between teaching and research, and that this occurs in universities; and the two were uneasily synthesized in the United States, where they overlay an apprenticeship system inherited from Britain." Stevens, G. (1998). ANGST IN ACADEMIA: UNIVERSITIES, THE ARCHITECTURE SCHOOLS AND THE PROFESSION. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 15(2), 152–169. https://lnkd.in/eQ7SAysH

Career growth doesn’t stop. Being relevant means there is always something new to learn. But when you are busy with a million emails, multi-disciplinary projects and back to back meetings, it’s easy to let CPD opportunities pass you by. That’s why I’m delighted I’ll be taking part in training today attending the RIBA CPD Forum. It’s great to have a chance to invest in my own development. I’ll be learning new ways to use the platform to provide the best, most relevant, CPD I can to our partners. So it’s a day for my own personal development but means I’ll be thinking about passing on that learning to others too. I love a win-win. #CPD #alwayslearning #careergrowth #RIBA #architects #buildingexcellenceinsideandout

"Time is expensive." That was the headline on a video I watched last week by Alvin Zhu… (I encourage you to go over to his feed and watch it, if you haven't already: https://lnkd.in/gDU83UxV ). … In it, Alvin said that his 6-year degree cost him about $60,000. Which begs the question: if you're graduating as an architect now, what would you have to earn, to make that kind of investment worthwhile? What kind of practice would you work in, and what kind of fees would they charge, to pay their architects the kind of salaries that provide a decent ROI on 6 years and $60k in education costs? And if you're not earning what you're worth - in salaries or fees - how can you change that? (There is an answer: it's business development and marketing!). Keen to hear your thoughts on this one! And if you'd like to read the article I wrote comparing architects' salaries to doctors, lawyers and others in the construction industry, you can find that here: https://lnkd.in/g_znbB6K #architecture #architecturefees #architecturesalaries #australianarchitects

We are on Easter 'break' at LIS, where a pause in teaching until the Summer Term offers a valuable opportunity for introspection regarding our modules, academic goals, and impact beyond the classroom - something I am always doing, however..... Over the past ten days, I've had the privilege of engaging with industry and practitioners in three different contexts. Firstly, as a judge for the Waltham Forest Design Awards, I had the chance to explore new residential developments, refurbished local libraries and innovative sports venues, all of which showcased exemplary approaches to design, environmental landscapes and technical operational solutions. Secondly, I reviewed R+D projects within the innovative C-Lab programme at Buro Happold. This initiative empowers employees to delve into challenges within the built environment, providing a two-year window to develop and implement solutions. Lastly, I was interviewed by a prominent UK and global landowner who is reshaping their approach to fulfilling ESG commitments. We cast the net wide and discussed many opportunities for greater impact, with lots of follow up actions now planned. These encounters allow for dynamic reflections on teaching methodology and how it can continuously evolve to amplify both academic and industry impact. It's a good reminder that progress lies in fostering symbiotic relationships between academia and industry, rather than viewing them in isolation. This symbiosis represents the cornerstone of transformative change in both education and professional practice. This is how we change the future.

Elevate Your Knowledge with Our CEU Courses! Looking to stay ahead in the industry? Join us for our informative and engaging CEU courses, designed to equip you with the latest insights and best practices with our very own Austin Ondracek. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your expertise and earn valuable continuing education credits. Stay tuned for upcoming course announcements! #CEU #ContinuingEducation #IndustryUpdates #ProfessionalDevelopment #LandscapeDesign #Construction #Architecture

Building bridges is a fascinating process. Every stage in the process gives us new aspects to consider. Some of us will marvel at the shape of the bridge without considering the materials and time it took to make it. Some bridge builders focus primarily on the foundation and securing the base. Without a strong base rooted in sturdy foundations it is hard (maybe impossible) to fully realize the full beauty of the design. Some folks focus on the parts of the design you will see from a distance, others I think focus on how people will cross the bridge - what modes of transportation they might use to get to the otherside and I think for some people the curiosity is on what sits on either side of the bridge and how having the bridge there will impact those spaces. Why am I sharing this with you? When I think about what I enjoyed most about the process of getting to work with the wonderful changemakers at @CETAcademicprograms last week, all of this was and still is on my mind. How do we build the bridges we need to carry us to the futures global learning intends to create? The approach I tried to take with this group, as we thought about how we prepare for and adapt to what our students going abroad these days are coming preloaded with included a co-creation process. Rather than scoping out the terrain, digging the foundation, designing the shape of the bridge for them, I wanted to create a space for us all to see the elements we bring to these creations as a collective of learners. Thank you so much Rebecca Heideman Pisano, Ph.D. and each member of the CET team who showed up, participated fully and leaned into learning with me. The image attached is a screenshot of one of the questions I asked that demonstrates what a fascinating process intentional international bridge building can be. Reach out if you would like to build some global bridges with me! #AgencyUnlimited #InternationalJEDIeducator #usingouragencyforgood

💡 New Year, New Career Goals: 2025 Resolutions with PEA! As we gear up for an exciting new year, PEA is thrilled to share some practical tips to inspire your New Year’s resolutions and professional growth in architecture. Whether you’re mapping out your career or preparing for licensure, here are key highlights to help you succeed: 1️⃣ Set Meaningful Goals - Reflect on your passions and skills to define your long-term vision. - Take on new project types to discover what excites or challenges you. 2️⃣ Focus on Licensure Progress - Stay on top of AXP hours to build essential skills. - Schedule exams in advance to keep your momentum. 3️⃣ Build Your Network - Attend events, connect with peers, and exchange ideas to fuel your growth. - Keep tabs on Philadelphia Emerging Architects to see what the next networking event is! - Also check out the event calendars at DesignPhiladelphia and AIA Philadelphia! 4️⃣ Mind Map Your Goals - Writing down or visually mapping goals clarifies the steps needed for success. 5️⃣ Learn From Others - Seek insights from those ahead in their journey to gain invaluable guidance. - PEA is here to support and motivate you every step of the way! We are your resource! Let’s make 2025 the year we transform our aspirations into achievements. 💪 Together, we’ve got this! ✨ #NewYearsResolutions2025 #ArchitectureYoungProfessionals #YoungProfessionals #BuildYourFuture #ProfessionalDevelopment #PEA #PhiladelphiaEmergingArchitects #Architecture #Engineering #InteriorDesign #2025 #DesignYourYear #Philadelphia Post by: Zuzanna Bojarska

2025 is just around the corner. Whether you are preparing new goals for the upcoming year or continuing progress on goals from this year, setting goals for yourself is always important. Check out some helpful tips from PEA in case you don't know where to start or where to continue on your professional goals!