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In the beginning of his design career, I.M. Pei made his name as a designer who could manage teaching, designing, and world travel all with a smile on his face. Now, at the age of 90 he is still known for his boyish smile, but he is also known as a living architectural legend. Throughout his career he has designed diverse, awe-inspiring works that have seamlessly blended culture, history, and contemporary interests.

Do Your Research

One of Pei's most well known projects was his redesign of the Grand Louvre in Paris. While most of the attention was focused on the glass pyramid in the front, Pei was more proud of the subtle design choices that allowed him to blend an ages-old fortress with modern design. In an interview with Architectural Record, he talked about the extensive research he did before beginning. He said, "You cannot defend your design without knowing what you're designing for. When I was being questioned by the press about the design later on, all this preparation was very useful." 

Give Yourself Time

While Pei's career has had incredible highs, he reflects upon it as a lifelong learning process, and thinks that the early part of a career is vital to your growth as an architect. He said, "Becoming a designer is a long process of learning. You make mistakes when you're young. It's important to have the opportunity to make mistakes."

Get Career Training

The first step on a journey like this one is learning--in the case of architecture, online drafting classes are an easy first step towards earning an architecture degree. As an architect you will learn to balance utility and aesthetics, history and culture. If you can find your own road there, you're even better off. 

Sources:

• Pei Cobb Freed & Partners Architects LLP

• Architectural Record, "At the twilight of his career, I.M. Pei shows few signs of slowing down"