Why we need creative people on the top

While business and creativity are traditionally at odds with each other, there might be some valuable traits that are ironically common to both.

Architectural freelancing and the rise in remote working has pushed an emphasis onto the software side of things. Every architecture forum out there is talking about which software to update yourself on, AI boon and bane and he's the algorithm demands it. But what truly has 5 years of architectural education taught you?

Creative education

I remember a faculty at my college quoting these lines ,

There is no right or wrong in design, if you can justify it, you are right.

Every line is a decision, to go bold or minimal, horizontal or vertical, classic or vernacular, sprawled or stacked. And every decision is a problem solved after numerous case studies, inferences, data collection and calculations. Every solution is unique to the designer, and reflects the designers take on the situation.

Guess who else takes their unique call on situations?

Defining entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is the ability to convert an idea to reality, by solving potential issues, bearing risks and identify opportunities. There is a problem that needs a solution, and the solution is guided by numerous case studies, market study and data collection.

Even with the most obvious similarities between the two, creativity and entrepreneurship are often seen as two ends of a spectrum, one that works by the system and one that breaks it. Probably also the reason why, creativity doesn't top the qualifications that a leader needs to possess either.

Entrepreneurship requires a summation of soft skills and a drive to learn

Harnessing creativity

Once you are aware of the immense potential that your creative skills hold, it's up to you to discipline it, nurture it and harness it. Not every one is put out to be an entrepreneur, but the awareness that those very skills that you take for granted are highly valued in diverse fields.

Identifying your unique skillsets is key here. For some documentation might be their strong suit. They are great at accumulating data, organizing them into easily decipherable information, using graphics and iconography. For others, it might be concept development or idea generation, finding the problem, identifying areas that need attention, and defining the problem. Yet others, they are the problem solvers, the ones that put two and two together to bring in a creative solution.

So the next time, your update your folio, or your LinkedIn bio, add your problem solving skills as a strong suit. Rank yourself as a great decision maker.

Don't let those five years go to waste, my friend. They are gold.