How do you become a top international much sought-after architect?

When the whole world wants to hear your story....  

Every soccer playing boy of about 11 years old dreams of one day becoming the new Cristiano Ronaldo. And, which 9-year-old girl does not see in athlete Femke Bol the inspiration to one day be the best in the world to jump a few hurdles? I'm sure the same will be true for budding (and perhaps more or less established) architects who also hope that one day the whole world will be at their feet. In short ... who will be the new Rem Koolhaas?

Because it's good for the Netherlands as a whole - having international signboards - we can't escape once again prodding the ambition of wannabe top architects. The question I want to answer in this article is: how does one become an in-demand international top architect who wins one leading Award after another? In other words, what is the path to international architectural greatness? 

I like to explain it using the required six basic competencies and qualities.

1. VISIONARY THINKING

A top international architect possesses unparalleled vision. He always sees things just a little differently than the gray masses. The ability to see beyond conventions is crucial. It's not just about designing buildings, but about creating icons that fit exactly into the spirit of the times and that ultimately stand the test of time. Visionary thinking means being able to have a deeper understanding of world dynamics.

2. CULTURAL FLUENCY 

The pursuit of international success requires an understanding of diverse cultures. A top architect has the ability to resonate with different aesthetic preferences and cultural contexts. Mere empathy is not enough. You must also be able to act on it effectively. 

3. TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION

Modern architecture, by definition, embraces technological progress. A top international architect does not stand still: he evolves along with advancing technologies such as, for example, sustainable building or 3D printing. The ability to embrace these innovations and... even create innovations in this area distinguishes the greats from the rest. 

4. SUSTAINABILITY AS A GUIDING PRINCIPLE

Sustainability is no longer an option, but a minimum requirement. An architect who stands out globally integrates sustainability principles into all his designs. In doing so, he has the ability to combine aesthetics with great environmental and climate responsibility. This seamless integration, which will yield demonstrable benefits, thus contributes to a positive worldview.

5. INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION

Being able (and willing) to collaborate with experts from different disciplines in the chain is essential. Whether engineers, urban planners, material experts, physicists, biologists, geographers, politicians .... A top international architect understands that successful design can only be achieved holistically. Not content with less. 

6. ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Successful top international architects are also simply good entrepreneurs. They show determination, they dare to take risks, they can move quickly and adapt quickly to new circumstances, and they show leadership. In short, their executive skills are in order. Whereas many architects still (too) often see themselves as artists, international leaders know how to combine The Art Of Design with smart commercial and communication skills. 

The success of Dutch architects on the world stage strengthens the national image - as has been shown in the past - and ultimately attracts investment. If the Netherlands wants to be even more in the spotlight as a hotbed of creativity and innovation, which is ultimately also the basis of (our!) economic growth, we will have to get to work. Just as Portugal is now waiting for Cristiano Ronaldo's successor and the athletics federation is undoubtedly scouting the juniors to see if a new Femke Bol will come running, we in Netherlands-Architecture also hope that we can continue to deliver. So where is the next Rem Koolhaas? We need that one. After all, it's not only good for the world, but also good for the Netherlands.