Thank you for sharing. I’ve definitely seen the challenges of motherhood and architecture. I’ve had to take 2 leaves over the past 2 years, maternity and one to take care of my mother who had a stroke. I have not only seen the majority of responsibility somehow placed on women in families, through motherhood, but also see that it tends to always be the daughter who cares for their aging or ill parents. I am thankful that my firm has been so understanding and encouraging to allow balance while I have these milestones/challenges. I am now starting to study for the AREs while trying for baby number 2. I hope to make my family proud, by doing both❤️ thank you for being an inspiration.
Amazing Melissa! Congratulations on all your accomplishments. I’m so glad your firm is supportive, it’s key to have support around you when pursuing licensure (especially as a mom!). I still find it hard to navigate motherhood, work, and home responsibilities. My husband is really supportive and does so much around the house, but there are some things that still fall back on me as the mom. My youngest is 1 and still waking up multiple times a night, which I take care of. I know that’s not the case for all families (especially bottle fed babies), but for us it’s the case. It can be hard! But I know this is just the season of my life right now and I can get through anything! That’s a helpful thing to remember as you embark on your ARE journey.
Wow! I just searched on youtube "architect mom", when your video came up. I have the same dilemma that you adress in your video, I was so enthusiastic about architecture, I wanted to be an architect since I was 6 years old, I completed my MSc, and worked 2 years in the field, now I am on maternity leave with a 6 months old baby who I love to the moon and back, and I was about to give up my career, but you know what? you inspired me and I will at least try to eat all the fruits on the tree! Thank you and greetings from Hungary, Budapest! :)
Hi Zsófia, I’m so happy to read your comment! It’s so easy to want to give up. The first year of having a baby is really tough and it can feel like you’ll never be back to your normal self again. Which also means it’s hard to believe it’s possible to live this new life with kids AND be an architect. But it’s completely possible. Give yourself grace and know that there will be a time soon when you feel energized and ready to get back to it. You can always come back here for inspiration 😊
Hi, thanks for sharing your perspective! I feel myself more on a traditional side, being comfortable with the fact that in this form of a woman I have certain responsibilities in family, and I'm fine with that - being a woman (mother, wife, housekeeper, cook etc.), because it just feels natural to me, and I experience joy in this role. I am also comfortable with the notion of seasons of life. I had my season of delving into family life completely for 7 years now, and the youngest of my 3 sons is now 3 y.o., and I feel now proud and complete in successfully giving all of my kids the best of me (at the same time, staying sane and taking proper care of myself), because they needed it especially in the first years of their lives. I see them being more independent and satisfied now, and so I am ready to take a step into profession, still keeping family as my priority... because I had a season of JUST professional life without a family and it felt so unfulfilling and empty. That time really gave me the sence of priorities in my life. So with all that in mind, I'm going to take some slow but sure steps to evolving in the profession :) Thanks again! So important to have a support of women in similar situations, opportunity to express myself and hear the others. Wishing you to stay balanced!
I Looove your podcast! Thanks for sharing such a natural and authentic perspective in the real life of being a women architect nowadays. This content is so unique, I just love it thank you thank you for open those close doors that no one else is opening for the rest of us on our way to get our license :D!!!
Thank you so much Alix!! I am so happy that the subjects are meaningful to you! I am sharing everything I wish I would have known or wish I had access to as I've gone through the process. I'll continue to share as I learn and grow. Feel free to reach out with any questions or if you have any topics you want me to cover I would love to hear. Thanks again for the support!
You have nothing to be worried about, and shouldn't care what the other people think (not easy). Life gives you plenty of pressure, try not to add any more on yourself. You are their Architect. You shouldn't feel that you have to justify who you are to any client. Its difficult, but I try to schedule my meetings around my kids schedule. Sometimes it doesn't work, and I need to find someone else to pick them up or watch them. Its obvious to me, that you'll make this work.
Thank you Matthew so much for your support. I appreciate hearing that I have nothing to be worried about. It's funny how certain limiting beliefs show up in little ways along the journey. I'm so thankful for my family and attribute my daughter as the reason I had the guts to go off on my own when I did. So, it all happens for a reason! Thank you for watching and supporting.
I'm going to be 27 this year and I have a 2 year old daughter; I started my schooling for a BA in Architecture, and this fall I'm picking up my first actual architecture classes. I truly feel like this is the direction I'm trying to go, but I'm very scared. At the same time, I can't ignore the calling out of fear. My biggest concern is how I'm going to make the time for long studio hours eventually. It's a constant question I have to myself. Anyhow, I loved your video!
Congrats Summer for following your heart! Sometimes we have to listen to our gut even if our minds are trying to convince us otherwise. Arch school isn’t easy, but if you’re passionate about it it’s a really amazing experience! Its hard going through school (actually doing anything 😆) when you have kids, but it will also help you prioritize your work. I actually found I was so much more productive in school when I was working or hard kids. No time to play around! Keep me posted about how it goes. If you have any topics or videos you’d specifically like me to cover let me know!
Congratulations!!! Pregnancy and becoming a mom is an exciting (and terrifying time). When I found out I was pregnant with my first, I hadn’t finished school either. I still had a year left until graduation. I was honest with my professors, created a schedule that was achievable, and used the next few months before she was here to work hard towards graduation. And I ended up graduating on time! It’s totally possible! I also was realistic about it and gave myself grace. If I had to postpone graduation for 6 months to make it work, I was fine with that. You’re only pregnant for the first time once. It’s possible to be a mom and achieve your dreams as well!
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Thank you for sharing. I’ve definitely seen the challenges of motherhood and architecture. I’ve had to take 2 leaves over the past 2 years, maternity and one to take care of my mother who had a stroke. I have not only seen the majority of responsibility somehow placed on women in families, through motherhood, but also see that it tends to always be the daughter who cares for their aging or ill parents. I am thankful that my firm has been so understanding and encouraging to allow balance while I have these milestones/challenges. I am now starting to study for the AREs while trying for baby number 2. I hope to make my family proud, by doing both❤️ thank you for being an inspiration.
Amazing Melissa! Congratulations on all your accomplishments. I’m so glad your firm is supportive, it’s key to have support around you when pursuing licensure (especially as a mom!).
I still find it hard to navigate motherhood, work, and home responsibilities. My husband is really supportive and does so much around the house, but there are some things that still fall back on me as the mom. My youngest is 1 and still waking up multiple times a night, which I take care of. I know that’s not the case for all families (especially bottle fed babies), but for us it’s the case. It can be hard! But I know this is just the season of my life right now and I can get through anything! That’s a helpful thing to remember as you embark on your ARE journey.
Wow! I just searched on youtube "architect mom", when your video came up. I have the same dilemma that you adress in your video, I was so enthusiastic about architecture, I wanted to be an architect since I was 6 years old, I completed my MSc, and worked 2 years in the field, now I am on maternity leave with a 6 months old baby who I love to the moon and back, and I was about to give up my career, but you know what? you inspired me and I will at least try to eat all the fruits on the tree! Thank you and greetings from Hungary, Budapest! :)
Hi Zsófia, I’m so happy to read your comment! It’s so easy to want to give up. The first year of having a baby is really tough and it can feel like you’ll never be back to your normal self again. Which also means it’s hard to believe it’s possible to live this new life with kids AND be an architect. But it’s completely possible. Give yourself grace and know that there will be a time soon when you feel energized and ready to get back to it. You can always come back here for inspiration 😊
Hi, thanks for sharing your perspective! I feel myself more on a traditional side, being comfortable with the fact that in this form of a woman I have certain responsibilities in family, and I'm fine with that - being a woman (mother, wife, housekeeper, cook etc.), because it just feels natural to me, and I experience joy in this role. I am also comfortable with the notion of seasons of life. I had my season of delving into family life completely for 7 years now, and the youngest of my 3 sons is now 3 y.o., and I feel now proud and complete in successfully giving all of my kids the best of me (at the same time, staying sane and taking proper care of myself), because they needed it especially in the first years of their lives. I see them being more independent and satisfied now, and so I am ready to take a step into profession, still keeping family as my priority... because I had a season of JUST professional life without a family and it felt so unfulfilling and empty. That time really gave me the sence of priorities in my life. So with all that in mind, I'm going to take some slow but sure steps to evolving in the profession :) Thanks again! So important to have a support of women in similar situations, opportunity to express myself and hear the others. Wishing you to stay balanced!
I Looove your podcast! Thanks for sharing such a natural and authentic perspective in the real life of being a women architect nowadays. This content is so unique, I just love it thank you thank you for open those close doors that no one else is opening for the rest of us on our way to get our license :D!!!
Thank you so much Alix!! I am so happy that the subjects are meaningful to you! I am sharing everything I wish I would have known or wish I had access to as I've gone through the process. I'll continue to share as I learn and grow. Feel free to reach out with any questions or if you have any topics you want me to cover I would love to hear. Thanks again for the support!
You have nothing to be worried about, and shouldn't care what the other people think (not easy). Life gives you plenty of pressure, try not to add any more on yourself. You are their Architect. You shouldn't feel that you have to justify who you are to any client. Its difficult, but I try to schedule my meetings around my kids schedule. Sometimes it doesn't work, and I need to find someone else to pick them up or watch them. Its obvious to me, that you'll make this work.
Thank you Matthew so much for your support. I appreciate hearing that I have nothing to be worried about. It's funny how certain limiting beliefs show up in little ways along the journey. I'm so thankful for my family and attribute my daughter as the reason I had the guts to go off on my own when I did. So, it all happens for a reason! Thank you for watching and supporting.
I'm going to be 27 this year and I have a 2 year old daughter; I started my schooling for a BA in Architecture, and this fall I'm picking up my first actual architecture classes. I truly feel like this is the direction I'm trying to go, but I'm very scared. At the same time, I can't ignore the calling out of fear. My biggest concern is how I'm going to make the time for long studio hours eventually. It's a constant question I have to myself. Anyhow, I loved your video!
Congrats Summer for following your heart! Sometimes we have to listen to our gut even if our minds are trying to convince us otherwise. Arch school isn’t easy, but if you’re passionate about it it’s a really amazing experience! Its hard going through school (actually doing anything 😆) when you have kids, but it will also help you prioritize your work. I actually found I was so much more productive in school when I was working or hard kids. No time to play around! Keep me posted about how it goes. If you have any topics or videos you’d specifically like me to cover let me know!
round of applause to you. You are definitely a role model for everyone!
Thank you Davide!
I just found out I’m 5 weeks pregnant and I’m such a mess…I haven’t finished college yet…
Congratulations!!! Pregnancy and becoming a mom is an exciting (and terrifying time). When I found out I was pregnant with my first, I hadn’t finished school either. I still had a year left until graduation. I was honest with my professors, created a schedule that was achievable, and used the next few months before she was here to work hard towards graduation. And I ended up graduating on time! It’s totally possible!
I also was realistic about it and gave myself grace. If I had to postpone graduation for 6 months to make it work, I was fine with that.
You’re only pregnant for the first time once. It’s possible to be a mom and achieve your dreams as well!