Have you considered leaving the architectural or engineering design profession? You are not alone! Many professionals contemplate leaving multiple times throughout their career. I know I have thought about it and almost did early in my career. Hi, I’m Katelyn! I want to share with you my young Architect story, how I almost left the profession, and how I’ve leveraged my experience to help others through my small business. 

The world of architecture and engineering is a dynamic and exhilarating realm, where creativity and precision converge to shape the built environment around us. However, it’s a journey filled with challenges and obstacles that tests our grit and determination. There was a pivotal juncture in my career, a project marked by extreme difficulties that almost pushed me to the brink of leaving the industry altogether. Mentors outside the project team kept me afloat and in the profession. In the end, that project shaped who I am today. It instilled resilience, resourcefulness, and an unwavering commitment to change the status quo. I made it through; however, I would never wish that experience on anyone.

My experiences have led me to a profound realization: the architectural and engineering profession deserves better. Our colleagues deserve better. The traditional methods of training on the job, while vital in their own right, often fall short in equipping us with the skills necessary for the modern demands of the industry. Clients now demand shorter project schedules, lower fees, more intricate drawings, and flawless coordination. It’s an environment that demands not only excellence but also adaptability at every turn.

I firmly believe that the challenges I faced shouldn’t be the norm for professionals entering this field. No one should have to weather such storms alone. It was mentorship of a few that played a pivotal role in keeping me in this profession, providing guidance, insights, and a literal lifeline of support. And now, I aspire to pay it forward. I am resolute in my vision to reshape the way we train Architects and Engineers, ensuring that the future of our industry is fortified with the skills, resilience, and confidence to not only survive, but thrive.

This is where mentorDINO, LLC, comes into play. Our mission goes beyond mere training; it’s about empowerment, transformation, and equipping individuals with the tools they need to overcome challenges and excel in an ever-evolving landscape. Through mentorDINO, I am redefining training, bridging the gap between theoretical education and real-world demands. Our courses encompass not only the technical proficiency required, but also the often-overlooked soft skills that are essential for leadership, communication, and effective collaboration.

My Story: A Struggle That Shaped a Vision

My journey through the architecture world isn’t just a tale of creativity and innovation—it’s a story of resilience, mentorship, and the transformative impact of challenges. Let me take you back to the moments that defined who I am today, highlighting the hurdles I faced and the unwavering passion that led me to create mentorDINO, a platform dedicated to empowering professionals like you through training and mentorship.

My journey began with a traditional educational foundation from Kent State University and an unwavering passion for architecture. As I ventured into the field, little did I know that the trials I would face would shape my career in profound ways. One project, in particular, stands out—a project that nearly led me to leave the profession but eventually became the catalyst for my mission to empower others.

It started off well—a project for a non-profit organization that held personal significance for me as I volunteered for them for years. The design phase was promising, and I was thrilled to contribute to my community by creating a space that would seamlessly serve its purpose. However, as the project progressed, challenges began to surface, revealing the complexities of project leadership and team dynamics.

The project’s leadership became disengaged due to various factors, leaving a void of direction. The project manager’s growing frustration and extreme negativity towards the firm complicated matters, creating visible tension within the team. He left the project abruptly, punctuating his departure with an exclamation mark, and in the process, severing numerous connections. The project Architect was stuck constantly redesigning in circles rather than stepping into the necessary details. He too left the firm during this project and ultimately left the profession. Amidst these dynamics, I found myself—an emerging professional—navigating uncharted waters. You can just imagine how good the construction documents were with my lack of experience, a checked-out angry Project Manager, a project Architect designing in circles, and a Principal missing in action.

And eventually once both of those team members left the firm, I became the emerging professional, Project Architect, and Project Manager.My role quickly evolved into one of immense responsibility. It was overwhelming—an experience that tested my capabilities, resilience, and sense of self. The project’s trajectory mirrored my own journey through doubt and uncertainty.

Amidst these challenges, I faced a harsh reality: the architecture field, despite its creative allure, could be isolating and unforgiving. Gender biases and power dynamics added to the complexity, affecting my ability to contribute effectively. Navigating this minefield of obstacles, I grappled with imposter syndrome—a phenomenon familiar to many high-achieving professionals, especially women.

Throughout the chaos, I yearned for mentorship, guidance, and a sense of belonging. Yet, the support I sought often eluded me. The Principal’s absence and disregard during critical moments left me with unanswered questions and a sense of isolation. I was required to find help navigating complex engineering questions on my own to get the job done. It was a few professionals outside the project team that were the true heroes. They helped get me through the project and I am forever grateful.

However, from these challenges emerged resilience and determination. I realized that while the hurdles were significant, they also held invaluable lessons. I learned the importance of clear communication, effective project management, significance of team management, and the critical role mentorship plays in guiding emerging professionals through uncharted territory. Although the project didn’t achieve its intended experience outcome, it left an indelible mark on my journey—a mark that would lead me to create mentorDINO.

My story underscores the transformative power of struggle and mentorship. It highlights not only the importance of technical proficiency but also the interpersonal skills that drive collaboration, leadership, and growth. Through my experiences, I emerged as a seasoned Architect (Yes, I got licensed during this project too) and a passionate advocate for proper training and mentorship.

This journey, shaped by a formidable project and its challenges, ignited my mission to reshape the training in architecture and engineering. In the face of adversity, I found my purpose: to provide professionals with the resources, training, knowledge, and mentorship I yearned for during my challenging times.

My story invites you to embrace vulnerability, seek guidance, and recognize the transformative potential of proper training. It’s a reminder that behind every architectural masterpiece are Architects who faced trials and emerged stronger, wiser, and dedicated to paving a smoother path for those who follow.

Lessons Learned: Transforming Challenges into Growth

Amidst the chaos and trials of that challenging project, I gained insights that continue to guide me today. The adversities I faced became stepping stones towards personal growth and professional development. Here are some of the key lessons I learned:

Each lesson I learned from that project became a building block for my career’s evolution. These insights propelled me towards founding mentorDINO. A platform dedicated to providing architecture and engineering professionals with the guidance, education, and mentorship necessary for success.

Starting mentorDINO: Paving the Way for Change

My journey of self-discovery and growth didn’t just lead to personal transformation—it sparked a vision that would revolutionize the architecture and engineering industry. Driven by my unwavering passion for mentorship and guided by my own experiences, I set out to create a platform that addressed a critical gap in the profession. I started blogging on and off back in 2016. However, because of the overwhelming imposter syndrome and reduced confidence stemming from that project. It took me well over four years to ultimately initiate significant and effective measures in developing the training facet of the company that I had envisioned. Ultimately, this led to the inception of mentorDINO. My company dedicated to providing comprehensive training and mentorship to professionals in the field.

Recognizing the pressing need for accessible and effective training, I founded mentorDINO to equip architecture and engineering professionals with the tools they need to succeed. I understood that the challenges I faced during my career were not unique to me. Many emerging professionals encountered similar struggles, and many worse. MentorDINO became the solution. A platform that could bridge the gap between formal education and real-world practice.

Teaching and Training Approach: Empowering Through Education

At the heart of mentorDINO’s approach lies my commitment to empowering professionals through education. The unique teaching methods and comprehensive courses offered by mentorDINO set it apart from traditional training programs. My courses are designed to be self-paced and digital, allowing professionals to learn at their own convenience. This approach caters to the busy schedules of architecture and engineering professionals. It ensuring that learning can take place without disrupting their work commitments.

mentorDINO’s courses go beyond technical skills, delving into the realm of leadership, communication, and stress optimization. I understand that success in the industry hinges not only on technical expertise but also on soft skills. Our courses empower learners to become well-rounded professionals who can excel both technically and interpersonally.

Navigating the Future of Architecture Training: Empowering Your Journey

As someone who’s traversed challenges early in my career. I understand when a young professional doesn’t have enough tools in the toolbox to be successful. Hammering in a nail with a screw driver is not efficient, not easy, and very frustrating. I had to hand craft that hammer rather than given a hammer from leadership. What if you could start your career with a full toolbox? You may not have the specialty tools that take experience and passion, but you have the tools to be successful.

In the realm of professional development, mentorDINO stands out by addressing crucial aspects that have traditionally been learned through experience, personal exploration, or lessons gleaned from mistakes. Our courses go beyond technical expertise, offering a unique emphasis on soft skills that are essential for success but often lacking in formal education. By integrating these skills into our curriculum, we equip professionals with the tools they need to not only excel in their roles but also thrive as leaders, communicators, and collaborators. What if each of your team to operate at a higher level than traditional?

The demands of our clients have evolved. They now expect faster schedules, more detailed, and more accurate solutions than ever before. To meet these “perfect” expectations, firms need to ensure their staff is trained efficiently and effectively. That’s where mentorDINO comes in. Our courses are meticulously crafted to provide comprehensive training in a streamlined manner. It allows professionals to stay ahead of client demands and industry trends.

One of the significant challenges the industry faces is the gap between academic education and the practical demands of the real world. Recent graduates often enter the workforce with theoretical knowledge but lack the practical skills needed to contribute effectively in a firm. This places a burden on firms to invest hours of in-house training these graduates. Our courses are designed to bridge this gap. They provide recent graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to hit the ground running. This not only reduces the training burden on firms but also accelerates the integration of new talent into projects.

Moreover, mentorDINO’s courses offer a valuable addition to onboarding programs for new staff. Our comprehensive training modules can seamlessly integrate into a firm’s existing onboarding process, ensuring that new hires are equipped with the essential skills, tools, and insights from day one. This not only enhances the onboarding experience but also contributes to increased efficiency and productivity across the board.

The digital nature of our training courses provides a unique advantage. Professionals can access the courses at their convenience, enabling them to learn at their own pace and at a time that suits their schedules. This flexibility not only supports upfront training but also facilitates on-demand learning whenever professionals need to update their skills or explore new topics.

In essence, mentorDINO isn’t just about courses; it’s about empowering professionals on their journey to success. Our commitment to continuous improvement, adaptability, and innovative training methods positions us at the forefront of shaping the future of architecture training.

To learn more about mentorDINO’s courses, access valuable resources, and gain insights from inspiring anecdotes within the architecture field, explore our courses. My story serves as a testament to the fact that meaningful relationships, along with continuous education, can transform careers and facilitate incredible personal growth. The time is ripe to embrace your own voyage of empowerment and advancement, guided by mentorDINO every step of the way.

Written by

Katelyn Rossier, AIA, NCARB, LSSBB