I became interested in architecture when I was working construction while in high school in 1976, 77 and 78. By 1981 I had completed some freshmen level college courses at night school. In 1984 I was accepted at the University of New Mexico to study architecture. I received both my Bachelor of Arts in Architecture in 1986 and my Master of Architecture in 1993 from UNM. I put myself through school with funds from work in construction and/or architectural offices, as well as through scholarships, teaching assistantships, grants and student loans. I owned and operated my own drafting and design office off and on between 1991 and 1997.

At present I am completing my internship in the employment of an architect in Santa Fe. I require two more value units in contract negotiations to complete the intern architect development program. My internship has been long and drawn out, but fruitful. Along the way I have learned same valuable lessons, which other interns may find helpful:

1. Don't be afraid to work for a variety of different offices and vocations within the building trades. Each office and practitioner has something to teach you.
2. Don't work for friends. The demands of running an office can strain a friendship.
3. Employers, colleagues and clients will manage their affairs with you in the same manner they manage their affairs with others.
4. The philosophy and practices exhibited by your employer will, in part, become your own. Be selective about who you work for and seek practitioners of like mind.
5. Seek work situations where you will be delegated responsibility, even if it is more than you think you can handle.
6. Politics are part of the practice. Community involvement, campaign contributions and friendships influence the distribution of work as much if not more than design skill.
7. Recognize that some aspects of, or perhaps the entire practice of architecture, may not suit you. Others may enjoy aspects you don't. Should you decide to quit architecture, rest assured in knowing that the lessons and wisdom attained in architecture can be applied to other pursuits and vocations.
8. Maintain your personal affairs, don't give up your passions and interests outside of work and internship. They will foster new ideas in design, build friendships and balance your sensibilities.

As an illustration of this last point here are a few images, part of a growing passion I have developed for photography. Photographic film like any building material can be articulated to communicate an idea.