In the architectural profession, the proper work attire can mean many different things. You could be in the office, at a client meeting, giving an important presentation, or going to a job site. Each of these situations means a completely different thing in regard to attire. As discussed in the “Interview” article, your attire makes as big of a first impression as your personality and design. If you are going to a job site its about your safety.
In the office, know what the employee guidelines/manual say about attire. Some office attire rules may include:
- No open toe shoes
- No tennis shoes
- Tie is not required
- Steel toes shoes required for jobsite visits
- Jeans are allowed except when you have a client meeting
As an employee, you should be respectful of the rules set by the principals of the office. Most offices you don’t need to be dressed in a full suit and ties every day, but understand where those standards are set. If you are new to the office and unsure simply ask someone else in the office. If you think something may not be acceptable for work, then it probably is not. In the summer, don’t come to the office wearing short shorts, casual flip flops, just an undershirt, or in general casual wear. It is still a professional environment and when your attire starts slide then there is a potential to have it start effecting what responsibilities you are given. As a young professional that could mean that a principal doesn’t put you on the new big project they just won with a new client because they are not comfortable with you representing the firm. If you can prove yourself as a strong professional and put together you will get those opportunities throughout your career.
Client Meeting / Important Presentation
In school, when an architect comes in to do a presentation to the entire college most of them are more business casual. (Jeans, dark shirt and a suit jacket) Do not think this is the standard for all architects and firms for presentation type settings. Clients are expecting someone professional and put together to organize a project for them. That typically means matching that client’s attire standards. If you’re client is a high-end executive, they will have the same attire expectations as they hold for themselves. However, if you are working with a startup tech company their standard may be more relaxed and you don’t want to be over dressed. This is more about blending your office standards with the standards of a client meeting. For instance, if its jeans Friday and I have a client meeting. I would not wear jeans that day or change to jeans after the client meeting.
In proposal presentations where you are trying to win a job it is just as important to have a good first impression attire and personality wise as it is the concept of your design for their project. In our office, you do not need to have a suit jacket and tie every day, but you can guarantee that you’ll be expected to have the formal business attire for a proposal presentation to represent your firm. Or if you are going into a firm for your own personal job interview you want to dress to impress.
Jobsite
Jobsite are a completely different world. In general, for the profession you should take the time to find good work boots that you can wear in any jobsite condition. Generally, your office will have any other equipment you would need, like a hardhat and reflecting vest. Women in the profession I have spent a little more time explaining attire for a job site visit: no heals (have your work boots), and I would not wear a dress or skirt (no offense to sub-contractors, but some will not show you the same respect others would. So just wear pants and you will have an easier time on site.) Overall, men do not have any issues with job site attire besides having a good pair of work boots. But be cautious not to wear your brand-new pair of dress pants if you know the site will be a mud pit that day. Plan ahead and don’t be afraid to ask someone else what should be worn for that particular visit.
In a different instance, if you are going to a job site where work boots aren’t required have an understanding of what you will be doing on site. If you are punch listing, I recommend where comfortable shoes, pants with pockets, and nothing too heavy or light (never know if AC or heat will be working or not). You will be doing a lot of walking, taking pictures, taking notes, and simply moving around for many hours it is best to keep it simple and comfortable.
Overall, the biggest advice I can give on attire is simply, ask. If you are not sure what to wear to a presentation, event, conference, job site, general to work, anything; just ask someone what they are wearing or what you should wear. That will help you understand the expectations and dress appropriately for representing your office.
Written by Katelyn Rossier