Fellowship, Part 3: The Path Forward
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The declining number of new Fellows is a red flag. The College relies on its members to fund research and grants, such as the $150,000 Latrobe Prize and dozens of grants that benefit the younger generations we are currently struggling to retain.
What these past year’s dwindling new Fellows, and growing cynicism from nominees and their supporters whose submissions have failed to make it through the gauntlet of the last few years, will mean to those efforts is to be determined.
To those not elevated this year:
A jury is a moment, not a final verdict.
Juries change annually; your contribution is permanent. Keep trying. Do not give up. While you may hear from some who received the honor on try one, many take multiple tries and some don’t admit to it. (I heard of one nominee who tried 12 times; now that’s honesty.)
The "ripple" is key, even if “national ripple” is a concoction.
From my book Architect + Action = Result:
"Based on the bylaws of the College, the 'national' requirement is a fallacy as a prerequisite for elevation. [Alas] many jurors and Fellows who have promoted this idea—if one researches their submissions—did not have this evidence themselves. Like many fallacies and falsehoods, over time, the idea of a 'national impact requirement' has grown to become its own truth... If your work has significant bearing on people or society at a regional or local level, you most likely have the makings of an excellent case if you can frame your case through the lens of broader influence."
Don't walk away.
Keep trying. Expand your reach. Influence the next generation. And the profession needs your voice to change the culture of the "gauntlet" from the inside.
On expanding your reach.
If you and your supporters consider you a valid candidate for Fellowship, then I’m certain you have something to add to conversations around the profession, practice, design, communities, resiliency, systems, and so on. Don’t be shy. Get out there.
Share with others: fellow architects, emerging professionals, students, yet-to-be students, the public, users, clients.
Today’s fluid media provides many and diverse opportunities for national participation and publication via videos, podcasts, speaking and the internet.
Reach out to some of these ‘channels’ to see if you can contribute:
ArchiVinci created a List of Architectural Blogs. One of the is Life of an Architect.
In my next post, I’ll break down a list of critical aspects for elevation in today’s climate. See you then.
Want to dive deeper? For more strategies on framing your professional impact and navigating the path to Fellowship, check out, Architect + Action = Result, which includes a detailed breakdown of how to debunk the "national impact" fallacy and build a case that resonates with any jury.
