Office etiquette for architects and interior designers
- ArchitectureChat Team
- Feb 13, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 3
Stepping into the professional world directly after college is a difficult transition. For many, this transition is quite difficult, from a full-time student to a full-time employee. As Colleges and Universities have their major focus on studies, many new Grads go down miserably when it comes to an understanding of office etiquette. We often tend to ignore the fact that getting success and office etiquette go parallel with the skills and degrees you have. Every professional space has a certain set of unspoken rules and manners, these very rules and manners are known as office etiquette. In this article, we are going to discuss office etiquette for architects and interior designer that can help you adjust to your new workplace. Further, we have divided all these etiquette into different sections.
DRESS CODE FOR ARCHITECTS
What is a female architect dress code? What architects wear to work? What do female architects wear? Is there a different architect interview dress code? How to dress like a woman architect? Is there a thing called architect uniform? This kind of questions usually pops up into a person’s mind while selecting the work outfit. On one hand, you want to look professional and on the other fashionable too, as architects and designers have a very bold dressing style, which usually stands out. Every company enforces some dress code, follow that and you could be spot on. This is one of the important things in office etiquette for architects and interior designer. There are a few things, which you can still keep in mind.
Men
Things are actually basic and simple for men. In the case of formal dress code, it usually means a button-down shirt and trousers.
While in the business casual environment, shirts for men usually have collars and the pants worn are usually light colored/khaki. Jeans are only worn on the weekly jeans day.
Women
Women have many options. They can wear kurta, saree, skirts or dresses in a business casual workplace.
Clothing that reveals too much cleavage or your back is not appropriate for a place of work. It, of course, means no exposed midriff, displaying tattoos/piercing.
Any clothing with words, terms, or pictures must be avoided as they may be offensive to other employees and that is unacceptable.
PUNCTUALITY FOR ARCHITECTS
Time actually plays important role in the formal work environment. Everybody’s time is important, especially when you are being paid for that time. While it is almost impossible to always be on time for everything, the most important thing is to keep people in the loop and let them know that you might be late.
Don’t be late for the work. Being on time to work is considered as a basic office etiquette requirement.
When replying to your colleagues while receiving emails, messages and other forms of correspondence, always do it in a timely manner instead of keeping them waiting for it.
In case of meetings, always be on time. If you are going to be late send notification if you will be late at least thirty minutes before the meeting.
BE HUMBLE
While working in an office environment, the main key to being successful is Respect. You can’t expect others to act respectfully when you are not acting in that way. Set yourself rules of conduct and avoid to cross them at any cost. Try to sort problems, instead of fighting your way in. Best thing is to address problems and concerns directly and diplomatically, unless they may escalate.
Show respect to your co-workers and their workspace. Don’t Interrupt your colleagues when they are speaking, it is actually rude.
If you’re attending the meeting, try to give your undivided attention to the person who is presenting or speaking.
When office etiquette are discussed regarding opening doors, they are more gender neutral. If someone in your front has opened the door, only go in first they ask you to. It is actually a matter of showing respect to the seniors, by the opening the door for them or letting them through first before you.
The same rule applies to the elevators. While getting in and out of elevators, let your senior be the first. Step out of the elevator to let people out, if you are standing at the door and it is really crowded. If you want to go downstairs, do not step in the lift, which is going upstairs.
Think before sending text/mail. Re-read it. Try to use simple and polite language as many times it is misunderstood. Like instead of just writing “Thanks Sara”, you can write “Really appreciate your help! Thank you, Sara”.
Avoid saying thank you to anyone more than twice in any conversation.
Try to remember names. People do get impressed easily with this quality. Make sure to keep it on your priority list.
FOLLOW WORK ETHICS
Main aim to follow work ethics is to improve, the workplace skills. You must practice good office manners and etiquettes at every occasion possible. These things should be kept in the unconscious mind, to build more confident relations.
Keep noises and distractions to a bare minimum. Keep your voice low, everybody doesn’t need to know what you are presently working on.
Avoid discussing your private life with co-workers. Over-sharing details of your personal life are unprofessional.
Avoid making sexist comments on your co-workers. Be it on appearance or dressing. Never use abusive language at work.
Always knock before entering anybody’s cabin.
Work efficiently in a team. In order to be a part of an organized team, do not spread gossip about others and don’t make others feel like an outsider.
If you have a cabin, close the door while taking any call. In case of an open working, space keeps your phone mute or silent. Try to keep the urgent calls short. Do not use empty conference room or any such space to chit-chat with your friends on phone.
Pay Attention to Personal Hygiene. Try to keep your own desk clean and tidy throughout the working day.
Try to keep the communal kitchen clean. Don’t occupy all that space to cook for yourself, let others use the space too.
Avoid bringing food items that may slurp or have a strong or lingering smell in a shared office space.
Don’t come to the work sick. While considering office etiquette for architects and interior designer we often ignore this. Avoid coming to work and stay at home, as it is easy for germs to transfer and get everyone sick.
So, this is us, summing up the article on “office etiquette for architects and interior designer”. Following these tips will help you to be successful in your carrier. Although there are many books on this topic which you can read. These will help you brush up your skills. Books you might love to go through are :
If you still want us to write a detailed article on dress code in workspace. Do let us know, we would love to do that. Don’t forget to check our article on bags for architects and designers
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