From Michelle Pfieffer’s delightful hijinks in One Fine Day to Cate Blanchette’s enigmatic title character in Where’d You Go, Bernadette… From Mike Brady to Ted Mosby… Film and television have romanticized the architectural profession for nearly as long as they have existed.

It seems the only professionals who get more screen time than architects are doctors and detectives. Of course, unlike the characters in cop shows and medical dramas, most on-screen architects are rarely shown doing the real-life work architects actually spend their time on.

The truth is that, as glamorous as the silver screen makes architecture out to be, being an architect in the real world is way more interesting and exciting than just about anything you’ll see on-screen. If you’re working with an experienced architecture firm, we probably don’t need to tell you no two days are the same, but every day is a chance to put your stamp on something.

Let’s take a look at a few more real-world reasons someone would consider a career in architecture and design today…

You enjoy working at the crossroads of art and engineering.

Architecture is one of the most creative commercial fields you can go into. Architects are involved at every stage of a construction project. From the initial concept to drawing, model-building, and final design, an architect is responsible for the plans and specifications used to complete construction. And as the project enters the building phase, an architect oversees the construction project and guides the process to completion.

You enjoy shaping the way people live.

The practice of architecture encompasses more than just how buildings look. Architecture is, at its core, the art of designing form and function. Architects play a pivotal role in how cities work. Well-designed spaces help people get from place to place, fulfill their basic needs, and enjoy their daily lives. The buildings and structures that architects help bring to life become the sites that shape daily life. In a real sense, architecture defines the way we live, work, and play.

You are endlessly curious.

Architects are never satisfied with the status quo. They are multidisciplinary creative professionals who are called upon to bring designs, spaces, and communities to life—many times from a blank slate.

Architecture itself is also a constantly evolving field, with new technologies, building materials, and techniques always on the horizon. Architects are always looking at how things work and how they’re put together, drawing inspiration from everything around them: the beauty of nature, art and sculpture, even literature and philosophy. So, if you’re a creative person who questions the status quo, a career in architecture (or leveling up in your current architecture role) may be for you.

You love to be part of a community, especially the city you call home.

Whether you live here or not, you can’t deny Knoxville is full of incredible architecture and design. From the historic and iconic buildings of Gay Street to the innovative, modern designs of the downtown parking facilities; from state-of-the-art medical facilities to neo-classical bank buildings, there’s plenty of architecture to admire and get inspired by. 

When you choose a career in Knoxville, you’re helping to build a future that will sustain the city for years (even decades) to come. New buildings—and smart redevelopment of historic buildings—are an important part of the city’s economic progress. The structures we build and spaces we design today become stepping stones to a better life for future generations in our community, and architects get to be a part of that exciting work. 

Is a career in architecture right for you?

So, while real-life architects spend more time at the drawing board than their movie counterparts spend looking for love, the joy and excitement of a completed project in this profession is truly what it’s all about. The team at George Armour Ewart Architect is proud to be creating modern, practical buildings with odes to the history of Knoxville architecture and East Tennessee design.

If you’re looking to start or continue a career in East Tennessee architecture and design, we’d love to hear from you! We welcome interest from architects, designers, and project managers at any level who work best in a fast-paced environment and enjoy being part of a winning team.

Get in touch on our site here or email us at info@georgeewart.com to learn about any open positions and see if a role with us is right for you!

October 27, 2022 | Culture | No Comments