We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Teri Watson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Teri below.

Teri, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do?  Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?  What skills do you think were most essential?  What obstacles stood in the way of learning more? 

My journey thus far has been simply paying attention and watching others. I realized early that being observant is one of the greatest learning tools. I also made sure to critique the environment in which I learned to ensure it continued to align with me personally as I grew along the way. I took my time with my process and focused on learning how to think critically and diligently. I don’t think I would have done anything to speed that up. Timing is everything and I’m still on the path of learning. Always will be.

The most essential skills I learned were communication, time management, honesty, and commitment. Without communication skills, you cannot direct your own purpose or thoroughly present yourself to the spaces in which you deserve to be. Same with honesty. You have to be honest about what you know and what you don’t. Once you find yourself granted the opportunity that you’re deserving of, it is up to you to commit to the journey along with the time it takes to stay dedicated to that chapter.

The only obstacle that stood in my way of learning is me. I could express the challenges I faced along the way but it’s not the challenges that stop us but how we handle them. I’ve realized over time nothing can stop me but me.

Teri, how you got into your industry / craft , what type of services do you provide, what problems you solve for your clients and what you think sets you apart from others. What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients to know about you,your brand and your work/ etc.

My name is Teri Watson. I am the founder of YEN Studio and The Neighborhood Architects. I am the Project Manager at Stuart Architecture and Designer at Berenblum Busch Architects and 4RM+ULA. I got into architecture during my collegiate years, receiving my BArch from FAMU and MArch from FIU. Immediately after graduating with my Master’s, I began working with Royal Byckovas (R&B) in Miami, FL. This is where I learned the most about the industry, business, and unlimited dedication. The craft came naturally.

My creative services range from design to architectural design, project management, and construction administration. Architects’ daily problems are so unique I believe we can all be classified as humanitarians. Our job is to assess the wants and needs of the client, the environment, and the overall community. I believe how I execute those tasks set me apart from others, along with how I choose to be a part of the architecture profession. I’m not the average emerging professional you would typically meet. I tend to operate on my terms. I prefer to have control over the quality and quantity of my work. This allows me to accurately assess the opportunities presented to me to continue to grow in the way I chose. I am not a “one-firm” type of professional. I prefer to master time management and the skills I need in the best way possible, and I do that by controlling my projects as an entrepreneur. Operating this way is truly a blessing thanks to my mentors who have believed in me and allowed me to be a part of their team.

I am most proud of not giving up. I have yet to touch the surface of who I will be so proud is not something I can pinpoint just yet but the journey hasn’t been easy. I’m extremely grateful to still be in the field of architecture and continuously recognized along the way.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

What tf are NFTs? Lol that’s my view…. Insurance for creators from my understanding. As someone who has been robbed of ideas, I agree with owning what you create in this digital era but It’s not something I have found extreme interest in just yet. However, I do hope to get to a point where I can allow my mind to explore it in the near future.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I recently came across a podcast that changed my entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy. “That’s A Good Question: Episode 2 with Artist Ellex Swavoni” This podcast specifically made me think about my own philosophy and how to master that moving forward in everything I do. Philosophy is the key to a creator’s brand. It’s what sets you apart and I believe everyone should figure out what that is for them. I highly recommend it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.yenstudio.us. | www.theneighborhoodarchitects.com
• Instagram: @_hoodarchitect | @theneighborhoodarchitects
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-watson-assoc-aia-noma-9a660271/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/_thehoodarchitect