Advice for Young Architects in the Vortex

After a few years in the architecture field, it can be hard to see the bigger picture. San Diego Gensler architect Marin Gertler provides perspective based on his own experiences.

1 minute read

January 30, 2017, 5:00 AM PST

By wadams92101


More than in other fields, in architecture takes a longer time to feel the professional satisfaction of a completed project. This can lead to disillusionment and burn out. Marin Gertler, a San Diego based Gensler architect provides some perspective and advice to those in the early years of a career in architecture, or those considering a career in architecture. For example, 

Following the romantic notion of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, we all find ourselves faced with the reality of the business of architecture (or the business of another traditional profession). In most companies there is a sink or swim environment and that’s ok. This type of pressure is not dissimilar from what we faced with a professor organizing a semester around a unique challenge and typology. One could argue that this is actually healthy and like a young child, it is at this point in time that we are the most receptive to learning. Patience is really the key here, along with stamina. In this industry, it typically takes 3-7 years to actually have a chance to see one or more projects come to fruition and begin to connect the dots.

For more of Gertler's thoughts on the architecture career path, please visit the source article.

Sunday, January 29, 2017 in UrbDeZine

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Concrete Brutalism building with slanted walls and light visible through an atrium.

What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities

How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.

February 28, 2025 - Justin Hollander

Complete Street

‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge

Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.

February 27, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Skating rink under freeway in Bentway park in Toronto, Canada.

Montreal’s Gorilla Park Repurposes Defunct Railway Track

The park is part of a global movement to build public spaces that connect neighbors and work with local elements to serve as key parts of a city’s green infrastructure.

February 24, 2025 - The Globe and Mail

Massachusetts state capitol with gold dome in Boston, Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Gov. Makes Case for Road Funding Reforms

A package of proposed bills would change the state’s road funding formula to ensure more money flows to rural areas with limited resources.

2 minutes ago - WAMC

Adult holding young child facing away from camera looking at wind turbines sillhouetted against the sunset.

Art in Action: USC Event Calls for an Urgent Green Energy Transition

The El Respiro / Respire event at USC uses a large-scale human geochoreography to demand an urgent and equitable transition to green energy, blending art, activism, and community engagement to amplify the message of climate justice.

March 5 - USC Today

Bird's eye view of half full parking lot at night.

Safe Parking Programs Help People Access Housing

The safety and stability offered by Safe Parking sites have helped 40 percent of unhoused San Diego residents who accessed these programs get into permanent housing.

March 5 - Maui Now

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.