Like Father, Like Son

Whenever I tell people that I work with my dad, I get some version of the same response: “oh… how does that work?”, often said with an air of confusion and concern as they try to imagine what their life would be like if they worked with their father. For most people, it is apparently a strange concept to consider working with a parent, but for me, it has never been thought of as abnormal, or particularly strenuous on our relationship. With Father’s Day approaching, I’ve been looking back with fondness on the relationship I have with my dad.

Growing up, I always knew what I wanted to do: become an architect. It was an easy decision because that’s what Dad did. He would often come home, briefcase in hand, with plans and elevations rolled up under his arm and I’d watch him draw for a living. What could be cooler than that? I’d occasionally get to sit at his enormous drafting table and scribble all over his extra elevations with crayons. What a life I began picturing for myself!

To me, it seemed obvious to follow in my father’s footsteps. I looked up to him; he was my hero after all. I believe many kids feel this way, but somehow it rarely translates to the situation I’ve found myself in. Yet for me nothing has really changed since I was that kid. I still look up to him, but now I get to work with him as we both continue to learn about architecture and life.

To answer the original question, it’s quite simple — it works perfectly. In the office, he is my boss first, and my dad second, but that’s not a bad one-two punch. He understands me and is concerned with my development as an architect and as a person. I’ve found myself in a great spot. I am lucky enough to enjoy what I do and who I do it with.

So this Father’s Day, I will of course be celebrating with my dad as I imagine many others will be. I invite us all to enjoy them for who they are to each of us: role models, teachers, mentors, heroes, fathers. I know I will enjoy my time with Dad as I always do. After all, I get to spend eight hours a day with him.