If there ever comes a time when we can manipulate time (let's just ignore how that statement can mess with the mind for now), would I take up the opportunity to do so? The age gap in our team can be up to 2 decades (20 years!!). And obviously it will only increase with time. Typical generational cultural disconnects aside, our respective professional attitudes inevitably also differ. It can be a source of conflict, even though the field of work is clearly the same - in design or architecture. This is further complicated when you bring in another party - the client. How they engage with us, will inevitably also be a reflection of how their own generation deal with matters concerning professional work. It can be complex dynamic! I very often struggle with finding the balance. It seems simple enough: understand the client, understand my team tasked to that project, understand my own professional expectations as someone approaching my mid-40s, understand the whole consultant team. Then give up and dive in with eyes open. Maybe that's all that matters. Treat the passage of time as what it is - something that ceaselessly moves forward, taking us all along for a ride so long as we are mindful, and don't take the minutiae too seriously. Afterall, as my parents used to tell me laughingly, despite my distinct lack of amusement, 'Last time policemen used to wear shorts....'. #prosearchitects #staycoolandfunky #policemenusedtowearshorts https://lnkd.in/ghgnFqNQ
Not many events (other than TOP dates) remind us of the passing of time more than a valued colleague leaving to pursue further studies. Celeste Ng joined us with a Part 1 Bachelor of Architecture from National University of Singapore a year ago on 1 July 2023 with an intention of gaining some experience working in a small architecture practice before furthering her studies with a Part 2 Masters of Architecture. Fast forward a year, after witnessing first hand the ups and downs, highs and fumbles of Prose Architects, she leaves us to embark on another exciting chapter of her life. We wish her all the best and to enjoy her experiences always. Serendipitously, Prani Patton rejoins us after a short internship stint in 2023, now with a newly obtained Part 1 Bachelor of Architecture from Melbourne. In a similar fashion, she will be with us for at least a year, before she furthers her studies with a Part 2 Master of Architecture. Below wefie by Alvin Liau after a team lunch, with the best backdrop we can find in the vicinity. We are open to alternative backdrop suggestions for that lunch/dinner a year later... #claritythroughdesign #prosearchitects #funatwork #selfimprovement
Design Manager
3moIf your employee left still wanting to pursue in this field, I think it means you’ve found the right balance! I joined DP thinking I would eventually pursue my Part 2, but I left feeling even more unconvinced of that route. On hindsight it might’ve been better to start off in a small start-up instead of a big practice, but that’s all water under the bridge now!