September 4, 2024

Dragon and Determination: A Foundation Story

By Jason L. Vico, AIA, NCARB

In the heart of Philadelphia, amidst the bustle of urban life and the demands of academia, I enrolled in architecture school at Drexel University. Unlike many of my peers who could devote their full attention to their studies, my path differed. I was a part-time student, juggling a full-time job at an architecture firm, two part-time jobs, working security at a nightclub and coaching ice hockey, and the relentless demands of design studios and coursework.

The decision to go part-time wasn’t born from a lack of passion but rather from necessity. Bills had to be paid, and dreams don’t fund themselves. I knew that if I wanted to make it as an architect, I had to work harder than most. Drexel’s program was intense, even for full-time students, and for someone like me, balancing it all was like walking a tightrope. But I was determined to prove that it could be done.

Days blurred into nights as I moved from one responsibility to the next. My mornings started early at the firm, where I was surrounded by seasoned architects. There, I was able to see firsthand the practical application of what I was learning in school. I absorbed everything like a sponge, knowing that this experience was invaluable. After hours, I transitioned into my other roles, working at night as a bouncer and mentoring young athletes on the ice. Each job, though seemingly unrelated, taught me something crucial. Security taught me vigilance and composure under pressure while coaching hockey instilled leadership and the importance of teamwork.

There were moments when exhaustion threatened to derail everything. Long nights in the studio working on projects, followed by even longer nights at the club, and early mornings at the rink or the firm, left little time for rest. But I kept my eyes on the prize, knowing that every late night and early morning was a step closer to my dream. Architecture isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling that demands creativity, technical skill, and an unyielding work ethic.

After years of relentless effort, I finally reached a point where I could see the fruits of my labor. I graduated with my degree, passed the exams, and opened my own practice. It wasn’t just a culmination of my architectural education, but of every lesson learned along the way, both in and out of the classroom. My journey was a testament to hard work, determination, and the belief that no dream is too big if you’re willing to sacrifice for it.

Becoming an architect is not easy. It requires more than just talent; it demands grit, perseverance, and the willingness to push through even when the odds are stacked against you. My time at Drexel, while balancing work and school, was a crucible that forged me into the architect I am today. And now, with my own practice, I carry those lessons forward, knowing that anything worth building, whether it’s a career or a structure, takes time, effort, and an unwavering commitment to see it through to the end.

Jason L. Vico, AIA, NCARB

Principal

Fett – Vico AIA Architects PC

By Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, AIA NJ Advocacy Consultant | Posted in AIA Jersey Shore, AIA-NJ News | Tagged: #AIAJerseyShore, #AIAJS, #foundations, #jasonvicoaia | Comments (0)