The 7 Laws of Power for Architects

As professionals in the architecture industry, it's important to constantly seek ways to improve our skills and knowledge in order to achieve success in our careers. One way to do this is to draw lessons from fields outside of architecture, such as the field of power dynamics and leadership.

One classic resource for understanding the principles of power and leadership is the book "The 48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene. In this book, Greene explores the strategies and tactics that have been used by powerful people throughout history to gain and maintain influence.

Here are a few ways that architects can apply some of the lessons from "The 48 Laws of Power" to their work:

Law 1: Never outshine the master

As architects, it's important to remember that our designs are often the result of collaboration with clients, stakeholders, and other professionals. By showing humility and deference to those who hold decision-making power, we can position ourselves as valuable team members and build strong relationships.

Law 6: Court attention at all costs

In the competitive world of architecture, it's important to find ways to stand out and get noticed. By actively seeking opportunities to showcase our work and share our ideas, we can increase our visibility and position ourselves as thought leaders in the industry.

Law 11: Learn to keep people dependent on you

Building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders can be an effective way to ensure that we are consistently sought out for new projects and opportunities. By offering value and expertise that is difficult to find elsewhere, we can create a level of dependency that helps to secure our position in the industry.

Law 16: Use absence to increase respect and honour

In the fast-paced world of architecture, it can be tempting to always be available and accessible to clients and stakeholders. However, by strategically using absence to create a sense of exclusivity and demand, we can increase our value and influence in the industry.

Law 27: Play on people's need to believe to create a cult-like following

As architects, we often have to sell our ideas and designs to clients and stakeholders. By appealing to people's need to believe in something and creating a sense of community around our work, we can build a loyal following that supports our projects and ideas.

Law 35: Master the art of timing

In architecture, timing can be everything. By understanding the right moments to pitch ideas, make decisions, and take action, we can increase our chances of success and achieve our goals.

Law 48: Assume formlessness

In the constantly changing world of architecture, it's important to be adaptable and flexible. By remaining open to new ideas and approaches, we can position ourselves as innovative and capable of handling any challenge that comes our way.

These are just a few examples of how the lessons from "The 48 Laws of Power" can be applied to the field of architecture. By incorporating these principles into our work, we can increase our influence and success in the industry.