There are a few phrases that can make architects silently cringe… and roll their eyes. Most of them aren’t meant to be malicious — they usually come from simple misunderstandings about what architects actually do. Architecture isn’t just drawings or creativity; it’s about coordination, code compliance, liability, and guiding a project from concept to construction….
Architect Life
Ten Years Later: What Studying for the AREs Taught Me About Myself
In the past few weeks, a wave of “Looking Back to 2016” posts have been popping up on Instagram, and it got me curious enough to scroll through my own archives. I didn’t find many photos, but what I did find was a reminder of just how transformative that year truly was. 2016 was the…
Architect Career Paths: Solopreneur vs. Firm – Pros, Cons, and My Experience
I know many architects wonder which career path suits them best. Most architects start out working for someone else, since years of experience working under a licensed architect are a required part of the path to becoming a licensed architect. At some point, many architects wonder, should I go out on my own? If you are…
Carbon Footprint: The Relationship Between Architecture and Travel
As an architect, I think about the environmental impact of the buildings we design. This includes how materials are sourced, how much energy a space uses, and what happens to it over time. But the same questions come up when I travel. Every flight, every hotel stay, even how much we pack adds up to…
Renewing an Architect License Online in California in 2025
I just renewed my California architect license for the next two years and for the first time in my career, the process was fully digital! In this post, I will go into what the process is like for renewing an architect license online in California, including what changed, and the continuing education requirements. Some of…