Randy Wilburn isn’t an architect, but he’s been working in the design space for over two decades. It all started when he connected with a man named Mark Zweig when he was 27 years old. That got him involved in the design space and fostered connections with many design professionals, including architects.
In today’s interview, Randy discusses his projects and the type of work he does in the design space. He also talks about how that space is both evolving and, in many ways, also staying the same. He discusses the changes that have been brought about – and that are still coming – because of things like new technology and the gig economy.
Randy explains some of the things that he thinks are most important for people working in this space, like why you should always be learning and why having a mentor is so important. He also discusses how you can get the most out of working with a mentor.
Randy believes that the transfer of knowledge from older professionals to younger ones is very important, and he believes that it’s the responsibility of older professionals to pass on their knowledge and the responsibility of younger professionals to seek out that knowledge. Listen to the episode to learn more about Randy, his work, and his thoughts on the things that are happening in the architecture and design space.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode
- How Randy got involved in the design space
- How the design space is both evolving and staying the same
- How the narrative has changed for young professionals
- How technology has affected the ability to create a platform
- Projects that Randy is working on
- How the pandemic has allowed some people to reset and refocus
- How to handle the transfer of knowledge from older architects to younger architects
- How design professionals will be able to work in the gig economy
- How to make the most out of being mentored
- Randy’s advice for aspiring architects
- What Randy knows now that he didn’t know then
- The book that changed everything for Randy
- The resource that Randy can’t live without
- Where listeners can find Randy
Top 3 Takeaways from This Episode
- Don’t assume that there isn’t a better opportunity out there for you
- Always be learning
- Learn how to get the most out of a mentor
Randy Wilburn’s Advice for Aspiring Architects
“Yes, always be learning. And I would say this for sure: start reading some fiction. Reading a little bit more fiction will help you out tremendously.”
Favorite Quotes
“The thing that I know today that I didn’t know back then was this is really a long journey.” –Randy Wilburn on what he knows today that he didn’t know back then
“There’s a really great book – especially for design firm professionals –Critical Knowledge Transfer. – Randy Wilburn on the book that changed everything
“My favorite gadget lately – and this is going to be a little geeky – but my H6 Handy Recorder from Zoom.” – Randy Wilburn on the resource he can’t live without
“Time is the one thing that we can never get back if we waste it.” – Randy Wilburn on his best time-saving trick
Resources Mentioned in the Show:
Mark Zweig
Randy@encouragebuildgrow.com
Randy on Instagram
Randy on Twitter
H6 Handy Recorder
