Ever wonder what a typical day looks like for an architect? If so, you’re in the right place!

Choosing to explore or advance a career in architecture and design is a big move, and we’re here to help you decide if that move is right for you. In this ongoing blog series, we’ll be diving deeper into the different roles at a Knoxville architecture firm by providing an inside look into everyday life at George Armour Ewart, Architect.

This month, our AIA LEED AP-certified Project Architect, Stuart Anderson, shared what a typical day looks like for him. Keep reading to learn more about his day-to-day responsibilities, what he loves most about firm life, and his favorite thing about living in Vol Nation!

Is a career in architecture worth it? Find out below…

A Typical Day at the Office

No two days are the same in many jobs, but this is especially true in a creative field. At its core, architecture and design run on creativity, innovation, and exploration. This means every day can look different, especially for a project architect.

Now, that doesn’t mean there’s no “routine” in the architecture and design world. For projects to run smoothly, everyone involved needs to remain productive and efficient, including the client, construction team, and (you guessed it) the architects. Here’s a look at how Stuart makes sure that happens…

Starting the Day with a Checklist & Cup of Coffee

When Stuart and his team members show up to the office, the first thing they do is what most of us do: grab a cup of coffee! Once that first sip hits, it’s time to check for messages and get to work. “In some ways my inbox functions as a virtual to-do list, which helps focus me on the most pressing tasks and remain responsive,” Stuart shares.

Prioritizing Project To Do’s

Architects-in-the-making gain valuable exposure to a wide range of projects and clients at a firm like GAEA. But it’s true what they say… The morning often sets the tone for your day.

When preparing for the day, we encourage our architects to take a few moments to themselves to plan for the day. Set realistic goals, but be ready to do something Stuart calls “architectural triage.” In other words, take some time to determine which tasks, meetings, and deadlines need priority attention that day, so you can set a productive tone for the rest of the day.It can be a fast-paced environment, but it’s a whole lot of fun!

Spending Time on a Job Site

If you’ve ever thought “do architects go on job sites?” Stuart’s here to shed some light…

 “The very nature of what we do guarantees we’ll be on-site for a job or collaborating with an engineer or contractor at their office. Architects need to be expert multitaskers—it makes us more efficient with our time and the client’s, and it really helps on-site when things can change at any moment. Adapting to changes on the fly and staying on schedule is top priority.”

Advice for the Next Generation of Architects

With more than 35 years of experience, Stuart’s worked on many challenging architectural projects of various scales and types. This makes him the perfect person to share what he’s learned over the years with tomorrow’s architects…

“This is a rather unique profession in that architects have to know how to tap into their artistic, analytical, and technical business skills. It’s a field that does ask a lot of you—but how many careers offer hands-on opportunities to transform your own community? As an architect, you’ll create tangible, long-lasting physical spaces and structures that you can point out as you’re driving around town one day. There’s always a great deal of satisfaction in that as it’s a constant reminder of you and your team’s hard work and accomplishments.”

For those looking to become an architect or make a move in their career, Stuart says: “My advice is to stay strong in your pursuit of your goals and remember your ‘why.’ Why are you passionate about architecture? Letting this serve as a driver will motivate you to overcome challenges and help you sustain a career in a fast-paced field like architecture.”

Why Work in Knoxville Architecture?

Knoxville is a city full of rich history, southern hospitality, and stunning architecture steeped in tradition. Offering residents a quaint mix of city and mountain life, Knoxville is a great option for out-of-state architects and designers looking to switch things up or those looking to advance their career in this fast-growing community.

At George Armour Ewart, Architect, we’re proud to play an active role in beautifying Knoxville from the inside-out by creating modern, practical spaces that speak to the city’s origins. We’d love to have you be part of the journey!

If you’re passionate about creative design and work best in a collaborative environment, contact us to learn more about any open positions and see if a role with GAEA is right for you!

Did you find this inside look into firm life helpful? Stay tuned for more content like this coming to the blog soon!