Optimize for Your Desired Lifestyle, Not Your Desired Title
Career progression in architecture and AEC isn’t always about moving “up”
In architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), people often assume career progression is framed around moving into roles like Project Manager, Associate, Director, or Partner. These titles are commonly seen as markers of success in architecture career paths, but they don’t always reflect whether a role actually supports your strengths, lifestyle, or long-term career growth.
Following the career ladder means you’re “moving up in the world.”
At Axis, we’re speaking with more and more professionals that are realizing that the title itself doesn’t tell you much about whether the role actually fits your life, your strengths, or what you enjoy doing day to day.
Aspiration vs Reality
It’s very common for people to aspire to roles like Project Manager or Associate because they seem like the logical next step in career progression - and for some people, they are. But we’ve also seen many strong candidates move into a Project Manager role, spend a year or two there, and then realize: “I don’t actually like this.”
Not because they aren’t capable, but because the work is fundamentally different. There is much less technical work, more people management, coordination, and what people typically hate the most is the “paper pushing.” Some people thrive in that environment. Others feel disconnected from the work they’re actually good at.
We’ve seen several cases where someone moves into a PM role, then consciously decides to go back to being a Senior Technologist or Senior Designer, because that’s where they feel strongest, most engaged, and most fulfilled. And that’s not a step backwards. It’s alignment.
Specialization Is Also Progress
Career growth in architecture doesn’t only mean managing more people. It can also mean becoming highly specialized in a technical niche or being the being the go-to person for complex problem-solving (“Fire Fighter“). Deepening your expertise rather than broadening your scope and being incredibly valuable without carrying a massive management load.
For some people, mastery is more motivating than hierarchy. And from our perspective, firms genuinely need and value both. Strong leaders and strong specialists.
Your Career Doesn’t Have to Be a Straight Line
Another thing people forget is that career paths don’t have to move only “forward.” You’re allowed to make horizontal moves. Moving to a different firm, switching project types, trying a different role at the same level or changing project types.
These moves might not come with a bigger title, but they build range, context, and confidence. And often, those horizontal moves are exactly what make you ready for more senior responsibility later.
Instead of being promoted before you feel equipped, you set yourself up with broader experience, more self-awareness and much stronger judgement. We call that career capital.
Your Strengths Matter More Than the Org Chart
A role might look impressive on paper, but if it constantly drains you, stresses you out, or pulls you away from what you’re good at, it’s probably not the right role for you long-term.
Instead of asking yourself what title you want next, ask yourself:
What am I actually good at? It’s easier to get extra good at your strengths than to get better at your weaknesses.
What kind of work gives me energy? Because the work that energizes you is what you’ll naturally perform best in and sustain over time.
How much responsibility do I want to carry? What do I want my day to look like?
Do I enjoy managing people or doing the work myself? In people management positions, you’re part of shaping someone else’s career path, if your heart isn’t in it, you’re not only making your own life harder but potentially hurting someone else’s career as well.
Your strengths and your lifestyle need to be part of the same equation.
Common Career Paths in Architecture and AEC
Common architecture career paths often include moving from Architectural Designer or Technologist into Project Manager, then into Associate or Director roles. However, many professionals choose alternative paths such as specializing in a certain aspect of the project or making strategic horizontal moves between firms to gain broader experience before taking on senior leadership positions.
All we ask is that you consider all of the possibilities, because there is no single correct path, only the one that aligns with your strengths, priorities, and desired lifestyle.
