Posted in Architecture, Pay Transparency, WPA
In architecture, there’s a perception that creativity and financial awareness don’t mix – that great design should be the focus, not the numbers behind it. But what if understanding the business side of architecture actually makes for better designers? In a new article in Dezeen, WPA Associate Principal Erin Agdinaoay explores this question through her own experience. Early in her career, Erin was taught to think about design principles and materials, but not about budgets, fees, or profitability. It wasn’t until she began asking questions about how projects were managed financially that she realized how intertwined creativity and financial strategy really are. She writes:
Understanding the business side helped me feel more in control and, as a result, shifted my mood at work. It was uplifting. I had clarity around the metrics for success and it felt good to understand my part in the business. I was able to more effectively prioritize tasks and become more strategic about how I spent my time.
Last year, I was promoted to associate principal at my firm, just four-and-a-half years after starting there. I can say with confidence that this would not have happened if I didn’t have a firm handle on the financials.
Learning the business side of architecture has been transformative for me, and I believe it holds immense value for others in the field. For young architects, understanding financials provides clarity and direction. It helps reduce frustration by showing why certain decisions are made and how your work contributes to the firm’s success.
For firms, encouraging business literacy can lead to greater retention and engagement. Transparency fosters a sense of ownership and when junior employees understand the financial aspects of their work, they feel more valued and are more likely to stay.
Read Erin’s full article here.