For the final project, I have to say that I am interested in two topics. The first topic would be about starting your own business. In my “Dream Career” essay, I said that I would like to open my own company. So, evaluating the steps I would have to take to eventually reach that goal would be interesting. The second topic would be about diversity in Architecture. This topic has always interested me just because as a woman who is visibly Muslim, I do expect people to doubt and judge me based on my looks. Even though I shouldn’t have to worry about something like that happening because if I can do the job then looks shouldn’t matter. These two topics interest me the most just because I feel like I can learn from both and improve in knowledge about both.
When I think about opening a business, I think about all the steps that I would have to take to get there. My approach to this topic would be to ask myself and research what goes into starting a business from scratch? Would I need an Architect’s license to open my own company? How much money and time I will have to put into it to get it open? What about the people that will be joining my company? How will I expand and reach out to others? I feel like there should be a plan and certain steps you must put into place to start your own company. Then to get it started and making actual money takes time. It is known that the first five years of a business are the most difficult. Taking on this topic would be interesting to help explain and maybe plan out something for any of our classmates that do want to open a business as well.
Diversity in Architecture is a topic that interests me because there are so many people from different backgrounds joining this career. They add more to our community rather than lessen it. When Professor Mishara showed us the photo of the NCARB, I honestly was not shocked that they were all white males. But I just felt sad because other people of different backgrounds could add more knowledge and perspective to this very important organization. I understand that tradition is important but sometimes change, can allow that organization to grow. So, my approach to this topic would be to research what happens when you go for a job interview. What factors matter and what do not? Do firms follow the rule of “we do not discriminate against any person of color or ethnicity”? We should be promoting different ethnicities, sexes, religions, etc. in the workplace while sharing our love for Architecture.
Hi Mai, this was simply great to read from start to finish. The passion on both topics shows and maybe even a combination of both can result in something wonderful.
Hi Mai,
Interesting topics for your final. Diversity is a topic that I would love to read from your perspective. When you mentioned seeing all white males when the NCARB slide was shown, at the same time, in my mind, I thought, “Isn’t it funny how history records the “God of Architecture”, as being Hindu, Greek, Egyptian. So, yes I would love to read your views, a woman’s perspective… a woman who’s dream, and I dare to say passion, is to own her own firm.
I also believe that diversity would add more to our community rather than lessen it.
– Signed, Black Male
Hey Mai, well said.
I know how you feel about wanting to start your own business. I like when you stated ” I understand that tradition is important but sometimes change, can allow that organization to grow. ” that was beautifully stated.
Interesting You were NOT shocked about the white male old board of directors. I was- I thought we had moved beyond. I worry about how our delightfully diverse students are seen and hired in architecture. I know I was seen as odd when I was applying for jobs twenty years ago. I wondered if I was not hired because I was an older woman – not a 20 year old white male. I think you could combine this discrimination issue with starting a firm. Let’s discuss.