Juhee Porwal- Prompt 1

Select one of the core values listed above, and ask your Mentor to provide an example or case study from his/her practice in which one of these core values has been CHALLENGED. Your response in your journal should:

•Briefly describe this case study

•List a scenario in which one of these core values might be compromised in practice regularly

Part 1: A chat with Dinos on Collaboration

One of the best parts of working in a firm like Liollio is the advantage of getting a chance to learn first hand from the seniors in our profession. Since the firm strives for a collaborative environment, it is easier to approach the principals. They are as well involved in imparting their experiential knowledge as you are eager to learn from them.

Collaboration as per Dinos, forms an innate understanding in the philosophy and the core essence of the firm and the type of practice a professional wants to pursue. It's not just sharing information but a state of mind, that always striving for a better design. It helps to decide and define the matrix to evaluate our work and helps us tell a better story. Collaboration doesnot just end with practice, it transfers into being aware of what legacy does one want to leave behind?

"Two heads are better than one"- Dinos Liollio

The concept of Collaboration is not limited to our partners and team members but also extends into selecting and choosing a client type. It helps to differentiate between a client who dictates a project than someone who has a vision and is aware of a the betterment of his community.

It also transpires honesty and bravery in the ability to edit the design. It minimises approach errors and allows to dig deeper into the philosophical aspect as well. Eventually as the practice matures, it helps to build relationships of trust and leadership. One way this is pursued at Liollio is by inviting other practitioners to talk about their work as well as critique the firm's work. This creates a positive and liberal atmosphere where ideas can flow more easily and people's respect for honest opinions increase. It calls for bravery as one has to face har confrontations and always introspect and retrospect on their actions.

"Collaboration is supposed to be timeless. The purpose of collaboration is to get into the true essence rather than being on the facade. "- Dinos Liollio

Part 2: Learnings

For a young professional with very little experience of practice, this chat has definitely provided a lot of insight into understand the practice management side of architecture. It can be related back into ways of how we conduct ourselves in studio and the work space as well. As the profession is moving from the image of the star architect to a more collaborative field, understanding that transition and preparing for that is critical.

A very critical question within the discussion, was how do beginners while applying for a job understand the firm's approach towards Collaboration. Simple question like asking about the firm's design approach,and how they would incorporate the new recruit into the project and where they see him/her in a few years are to start with. Understanding the honesty in their answers and their philosophy of practice will help with the decision making.

The idea of collaboration is many things and change with everyone's perception. To define what it means and how it ties to our leadership qualities, marketing strategies, and our philosophical aspiration is something we all will figure out as we mature into the profession.