Blueprint Before Brick
I’m not normally a newsletter writer, but I’ve noticed a trend in folks I’m talking to who’ve read my book… So, I wrote one, which I’ll also share here…
The section you can't afford to skim in "Architect + Action = Result"
When you’re aiming for AIA Fellowship, it’s incredibly tempting to jump straight into the execution phase, “Hunt & Gather,” which includes tips on the various sections of the submission. You want to know how to format the submittal, how to organize the exhibits, and how to get it done. I get it—we are architects, and we love execution.
But I've noticed a trend among readers of Architect + Action = Result.
Many of you are flipping straight past the early sections—the ones focused on retrospection, deep questioning, and carving out your unique point of view—to get to the "how-to" sections.
Here is the candid truth: Skipping introspection is a trap.
The "Boring" Chapters are a Secret Weapon
The Jury of Fellows is looking for who you are and why what you do in this marvelous and wildly diverse profession is changing it and the architecture it produces. They need to understand your why, your unique “ripple effect” on the profession, and the connective tissue that binds your entire career together.
You might believe you already know the answers to the questions posed in “Chapter 1.4: Point of View.” I assure you, after aiding hundreds with the FAIA submissions over the last 20 years, what you think is your raison d’être (reason for being), often honed in your marketing and business development efforts, will not provide the jury with the grounding in your motivations, intentions, and actions necessary to elevate you.
If you skip the hard work of retrospection, your narrative will read as one-step-removed from marketing text instead of a compelling case for Fellowship.
Marketing Text vs. Meaningful Narrative: Jumping straight to execution leaves your narrative lacking a clear, singular voice. Doing the retrospection first weaves a narrative with true meaning.
Disparate Projects vs. A Cohesive Theme: Without looking backward, you’ll struggle to tie different projects together. When you do the self-reflection first, a cohesive, lifelong theme naturally emerges.
A “Standard Practice” Submittal vs. An Undeniable Case: Skipping developing your “point of view” can cause your submission to use the same language as others—the same words and phrases everyone uses to describe their work. Building from deep retrospection makes your case feel earned, authentic, and undeniable.
Your Challenge
Before you write another line, I challenge you to pause. Go back to those early chapters. Answer just three of the retrospective questions for your Object honestly and thoroughly.
Pro Tip: Try speaking your answers out loud while recording them. Use an AI tool to transcribe and clean up the content. You can even ask the AI: “What themes from my answers support a solid case for Fellowship in Object X?”
Think of it as site analysis. You wouldn’t design a building without understanding the bedrock—don't build your Fellowship case without it either.
This post is part of an ongoing effort to bring transparency and data-driven insight to the AIA Fellowship process beyond the extensive materials provided at aia.org.
Want to dive deeper? In my book, Architect + Action = Result, I give up the secrets I’ve gathered over 20 years of helping nominees. If you want a clear, actionable strategy for framing your impact—without the jargon or the fallacies—this is for you.
