Emotional intelligence, often referred to as EQ, is a crucial skill for professionals in any field, including architecture and design. EQ encompasses a range of interpersonal and intrapersonal skills that enable individuals to recognize, understand, and manage their own emotions, as well as those of others. EQ plays a significant role in building successful relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. Architects and Designers who possess high levels of emotional intelligence are better equipped to navigate complex projects, resolve conflicts, and create spaces that meet the needs of the people who will use them. Let’s explore the importance of emotional intelligence in architecture and provide tips on how to develop and improve your EQ skills.
1 EMPATHY
Prioritize empathy and understanding of others’ perspectives and needs: In order to create successful designs, it is important to understand the needs and preferences of the people who will use them. This requires a deep level of empathy and the ability to put oneself in another’s shoes. By prioritizing empathy, architects and designers can create spaces that are not only functional but also truly resonate with the people who use them. This is where some firms use the “day in a life of” strategy to learn about what their users do daily. I’ve also had researchers as my user group and I took time to dive into their research websites to learn more about everyone’s individual research. Some even have podcasts that I still listen to regularly. It made a huge impact on our conversations and building trust with them.
2 ACTIVE LISTENING & EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Practice active listening and effective communication with colleagues and clients: Effective communication is essential in any profession, but especially in architecture and design. By practicing active listening and taking the time to really understand what others are saying, Architects and Designers can create stronger relationships with colleagues and clients, leading to better outcomes for all parties involved. Teach the importance of not multitasking to be fully present in meetings and discussions.
3 SELF-AWARENESS & EMOTIONS
Develop your self-awareness and emotional regulation skills to better manage stress and conflict: Architecture can be a stressful profession, with tight deadlines and high stakes projects. Developing self-awareness and emotional regulation skills can help Architects and Designers manage stress and conflict more effectively, leading to better outcomes and more positive working relationships. This one specially is not something you can master in an afternoon course. This is something that takes reflection, critical honest feedback from others, and PRACTICE.
4 BUILD RELATIONSHIPS BASED ON TRUST & RESPECT
Build relationships based on trust and respect with colleagues, users, contractors, and clients: Trust and respect are essential components of successful professional relationships. Relationships are the foundation of our industry. By prioritizing these values, Architects and Designers can build strong partnerships with colleagues and clients, leading to better collaboration and more positive outcomes.
5 IMPACT OF YOUR WORK
Understand the impact of your work on people’s emotions and wellbeing: Architecture and design have the power to deeply impact people’s emotions and wellbeing. By understanding this impact and designing with intention, architects and designers can create spaces that promote positive emotions and enhance wellbeing. This requires a deep understanding of the human experience, as well as a commitment to using design to improve people’s lives.
Overall, emotional intelligence is a crucial skill for architects and designers who seek to create successful and impactful designs. EQ skills, such as empathy, active listening, and self-awareness, enable architects and designers to connect with clients and stakeholders on a deeper level, understand their needs and perspectives, and create spaces that meet those needs. Emotional intelligence also allows Architects and Designers to navigate conflicts, manage stress, and maintain positive relationships with colleagues and clients. By prioritizing emotional intelligence and working to develop and improve their EQ skills, we can become more effective professionals, and create designs that truly make a difference in people’s lives.
Written by
Katelyn Rossier, AIA, NCARB, LSSBB
