What do you do if you're an architect struggling to adapt to new technology?

The sheer amount of new architectural tech can be paralyzing. As a seasoned architect, I've been there. But here's the secret: not every shiny tool is the right fit. The key is to diagnose our workflow first. Are we spending too much time on repetitive tasks that could be automated? Is client communication a constant hurdle? Identifying these pain points helps us target the technology that will have the biggest impact. It's like choosing the perfect building material – we wouldn't use a sledgehammer for precision work, would we? The same goes for tech. Once we understand our needs, we can explore the vast toolbox of options and pick the ones that truly enhance our designs and streamline our process.

If you wanna be a successful designer you first need to understand what suits you the best by experimenting. In today's world, there are endless new technologies which could help you in one way or another but what's important is to choose what suits you, which technologies you find that you would be comfortable using and then stick to that as it will help you to grow. There are many tools which provides the same outcome but have different workflows to achieve it, so it's important to choose what you feel you are comfortable using. That's what i am doing.

- Improving technical knowledge: use training courses related to BIM and digital architecture technologies. - Knowledge sharing: Contribute to the architecture community by sharing your architectural experiences, tips, and solutions in LinkedIn posts, articles, or blogs. - active presence in professional groups and networks; -Production of valuable content: By producing valuable and fresh content, be recognized as an elite in the field of architecture -Answering questions and exchanging opinions: by answering other people's questions and participating in discussions and exchanging opinions related to architecture, - Display your portfolio: by displaying your portfolio and successful projects in your LinkedIn profile,

Determine which technologies are most relevant to your projects and career goals. Prioritize learning based on what will most effectively improve your work or efficiency.

Join online forums, social media groups, or professional networks where peers share insights and tutorials. Don’t hesitate to ask colleagues for advice or demonstrations on using new software or tools.

The best way to learn and get comfortable with a new tech is to learn by doing. Setup your access, run experiments, try features, test limits and build an end to end workflow that this tech supports. This way you know your way around new things and can form your own opinions too.

Allocate regular time to practice with new tools, starting with basic projects before advancing. Use trial versions of software to get a feel for different platforms without initial investment.

Present your work to peers or mentors and ask for constructive criticism. Look for user groups or support forums offered by software providers for technical assistance.

Subscribe to newsletters, attend webinars, and participate in workshops to stay informed about the latest technological trends. Cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning and openness to change.

The value of an Architect is in how well he can resolve issues through his design, not in how well he is able to utilize technology. So I would not be so concern about that. That said, with the rapid advancement in technology, rendering are moving very close to almost realism and that is a very big plus point to marketing especially for those who are less articulate orally. Technology also allows one to experience the spatial quality of the design in VR or AR. This is a very powerful tool for marketing and for resolution of design issues which cannot be identified in traditional drawings. Design apps are getting more and more user friendly and can be intuitively used. The learning curve is not that steep so have fun!

Reflect on how new technologies can enhance not just your work but also the broader goals of sustainability, efficiency, and innovation in architecture. Consider formal training or certifications if self-learning is challenging, as structured courses can provide a comprehensive understanding and credentials. Balance the adoption of new technologies with the essential skills of critical thinking and creative design, remembering that technology is a tool to aid, not replace, your architectural expertise.