By Jacques de Klerk
The pressure to constantly produce can become all-consuming in architecture, and perhaps in most professions. Deadlines, deliverables, and client expectations can narrow our focus until we forget to reflect on something more enduring: the culture we create while doing the work.
Without conscious attention, this can lead to a culture where people feel overworked, undervalued, and hesitant to speak up about improvements. However, the true measure of a studio is not only the work it delivers but also the environment it fosters. A strong practice is built on professionals valued for what they produce and how they contribute to the profession.
What Drives Us to Perform?
Recently, our team assessed three key factors that influence performance in the studio:
- Good structure: Clear processes and systems that make it easier to do our best work.
- Acknowledgement of effort: Recognition that the large and small contributions are seen and valued.
- Exciting opportunities: Projects or roles that stretch us, fuel our curiosity, and allow us to grow.
Interestingly, the team had no consensus: some valued structure, others opportunity, and others recognition. But we realised that the real strength lies in balance. When the studio’s culture is flexible enough to nurture each individual’s motivation source, everyone can thrive. And when people thrive, the work inevitably improves.
A Vision Beyond Buildings
When I first joined BWA, Bruce shared his vision for the company. Surprisingly, it was not about creating the most awarded buildings or chasing prestige. That, he explained, would be like putting the cart before the horse, placing the result before the mechanism.
Instead, he aims to create a firm where architects can become the best possible version of themselves. Bruce understood something crucial: every architect has the potential to design exceptional buildings. What limits them is rarely drive or talent; it is their work environment. Culture, opportunity, and support determine how far that potential can go.
Building Culture First
By focusing first on culture, on what we are building internally, rather than pushing only for output, we unlock something far greater than “good architecture.” We create the conditions where multiple voices, styles, and approaches can flourish.
The result is a practice that produces quality buildings and fosters diverse ideas, designs, and creative possibilities. Each architect can live out their potential in their own way, and together, we produce richer and more human work.
At its heart, enabling a culture of professionals is not about lessening the ambition for great architecture. It is about recognising that great architecture is the natural outcome of a studio where people feel empowered, supported, and inspired to do their best.