This Q&A is part of a series of interviews with BRP architects, designers, and others in the firm about their career journey, and the impact that architecture and design can have on our communities and the collective human experience. Today, we sat down with John Cox, Architectural Designer, to discuss his path into architecture, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and his insights for aspiring designers.
What motivated you to pursue a career in architecture? Were there any specific influences or experiences that led you down this path?
I knew in high school that I wanted to choose a field that would make an impact, and I knew specifically I wanted to do something that could benefit the environment. During that time I had a course I was taking where we would do very basic civil engineering and architectural engineering, where I was fortunate enough to have a teacher that was a former architect. Through that course I learned about the negative environmental impact of building construction, and how challenging architectural design can be. As someone who always prefers a challenge, and someone who wanted to do something that could even slightly push the needle of environmental design in a positive direction, I knew from then that I would need to be an architect.
What skills and qualities do you believe are essential for success in the architecture field?
Endurance and sociability. Our chosen profession is an incredibly difficult one, being able to stand up to the workload and work well with others are essential skills to lasting through and overcoming challenges.
Can you discuss the importance of mentorship in the architecture field? Have you had any influential mentors in your career?
Mentorship is incredibly important. While I consider that teacher in high school to be the most influential mentor in my career, when I was at college I certainly had a few good role models that changed how I approached the profession. Saundra Weddle and Sara Khorshidifard were the two most influential mentors that come to mind, pushing me to think of design in a more wholistic way. Finding someone inside or outside of your profession that can get you to develop outside of the box of your construction site is essential.
What is life at BRP like?
Life at BRP is good, it moves fast and is varied enough to stay fun. The culture amongst the drafters is very supportive and kind, and it's a great environment to learn in.
If you could impart any piece of advice to individuals beginning their design career, what would it be?
My advice would be to tell them to brace themselves for a rewarding but difficult path, and to learn to take time for themselves. Architecture can be a high-pressure field, and keeping a good social/work balance is essential to keeping yourself from burning out.
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