Learning from the Covid-19 Pandemic: Adaptive Retooling

The economic effects of Covid-19 have led companies to focus on trying to survive a situation that has no defined end. The architecture community is no exception. Based on the AIA’s “March 2020 Special Report: Moving ahead, challenging times confront the design professions,” two thirds of firms reported slowing or stoppage of projects due to covid-19. Friends are being laid off and future colleagues about to graduate with their professional degrees are finding the once robust list of job openings at Christmas have almost all vanished.

We have come through rough times before, like the Great Recession and we will get through this tough time too. But it will require action. Regardless if you are a recent graduate, laid off professional, or worried about your current job security it is important to take steps to look on the bright side and be able to move forward.

REFLECT

A layoff doesn’t necessarily mean it was associated with your performance, but regardless it can be viewed as an opportunity for self-improvement. The state of the current economy has left firms trying to survive while a number of construction sites are closed down and owners aren’t continuing with projects in design during this time. There are a range of factors that could have been part of the decision to move forward with layoffs. Reflecting and learning from that decision can help you grow as a professional and move forward.

There is also no guarantee that your position will be there once construction starts up again. But it is a time to reflect on how your firm reacted to the pandemic, what you enjoyed about the firm, what didn’t you like about the firm, did they show empathy communicating your layoff, and perhaps most importantly, what you want from your career. This helps the situation to be a learning and growing opportunity that you will take with you as you continue your career. It is an appropriate time to step back, reflect on your experiences to date, and start to define what you want in a firm/company when hiring picks up again.

Have you been debating on taking a side step from the traditional architect path? If you’re laid off it is a good time to try something new. During the Great Recession, many professionals decided to take their careers in a different direction. Some have stuck with those alternate career paths, others came back to architecture. Being an Architect isn’t for everyone, but your education and work experiences can make a difference to the community in a multitude of ways. It’s about discovering your own path.

MINDSET

Finding out that you are laid off can feel like a real punch in the gut and it’s natural to feel panicked. Take some time to breathe and realize that it is okay. Especially in this pandemic you are not alone, as of April 9, 2020 The Washington Post reported that, “more than 17 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits in the past 4 weeks.” Between the economic uncertainty and/or grieving the loss of family, friends and colleagues; this is an emotional rollercoaster that most Americans are riding right now.

Take this time to focus on your mental health. Reach out to loved ones and friends to catch up. Don’t hesitate to ask others for help. Do something that you truly enjoy whether it’s sketching, water-colors, cooking, spending time with your family, gardening, reading, etc’ it’s a great way to stimulate your creativity and build up your spirits.

It is OKAY to find a temporary job that is NOT in the architecture field. There are many companies that are actively trying to hire many people due to increased demand from the pandemic. Nobody is going to negatively question why you have a random company on your resume in 2020. For many, health insurance benefits are needed. Many need, a job to go to for normalcy, and/or a steady income for family needs and paying bills. Work for architecture firms will pick up again, and there will be opportunities to get back into the profession.

BETTER YOURSELF

Being laid off is also an opportunity for self-improvement. Now that there is a lot more free time there are multiple ways you can channel your effort while boosting your personal and professional resume. You can choose to learn something COMPLETELY new. Ever wanted to try and take up a new hobby. Why not go for it! Have you been putting off studying or just about to graduate college? Why not look into studying for different exams, the ARE, LEED, WELL, CDT, EDAC, etc? The testing centers are currently closed through May 1, but studying isn’t closed. Start now while you can treat it like your day job.

There are many sources offering free webinars and continuing education credits. If you are an AIA member there are multiple opportunities to receive free learning credits through attending webinars. It is important for AIA members to keep up with required credits even though they may not be employed in an architecture firm. AIA Pittsburgh for instance is holding a virtual town hall. It is a great way to join in and keep up with what is happening in the community.

Lastly, take the opportunity to spend time with your family (if you can while still quarantining). Many architects work longer-than-typical days and miss valuable family time. Plan family game nights, attend virtual dance lessons, or teach someone a family recipe you haven’t made in years. Embrace the time you have at home with loved ones. (Don’t forget about virtual game nights with other family and friends!)

NETWORK

Regardless of what is going on in the world, it is always important in your career (recession, depression, or not) to continue to network. The architecture community is small and positions are often filled by word of mouth before they are even listed on a website. Keep in touch with your local AIA chapter, join an AIA committee that is still meeting virtually, stay in touch with previous colleagues, and have virtual coffee/lunch with professionals.

Original Photo by Joshua Ness on Unsplash

It is also good to network in and outside of the architectural profession. Many architects can work for contractors, owners, owners reps, product reps, and more. Networking with a variety of architecture-related professionals can help open potential opportunities with those companies or future potential projects. If they hear of a position opening they can let you know. If you try a different side of the design process, what kind of unique perspective could you learn?

There are some firms that already offer positions for completely remote employees. Don’t think that because you live in Columbus, OH that you can’t work for a firm based in Boston, MA. Your options are open and don’t hesitate to reach out to network with the owners of those firms. Post-Covid-19 Pandemic, there may be even more opportunities available for 100% remote employees. The pandemic is proving that the profession can survive remotely as a new paradigm, and that may open new doors to a new way of hiring architects and designers. Keep your options open and don’t set limitations on future possibilities.

Written By Katelyn Rossier

Resources:

In case there is more information or advice that you are looking for, below are some other sources to check out!

Archinect is looking to discuss lay-offs (numbers, experiences, trends) There is a 2-minute questionnaire you can take to help them with collecting the data on the effects Covid-19 has had on the architecture industry.