Leadership and Followership at an Architectural Design Firm (JCU Part 3) - Michael Christoff

Michael Christoff, Senior Associate and Practice Leader for Architecture at Vocon, shares his insights about leadership and followership roles in the flow of organizational work and on design projects specifically. 

Michael graduated from Kent State University with his Master in Architecture and from John Carroll University with his MBA. Throughout his career, Michael has worked on various project types, developing expertise in both corporate headquarters and mixed-use/multifamily projects. When he is not at the office or spending time with his family, Michael is immersed in the local creative community. He has organized PechaKucha Night Cleveland since 2008, served on various non-profit boards in the arts and education communities, organized international design competitions, and served on the Board of Directors for the American Institute of Architects Cleveland Chapter for many years, where he is currently serving as President.

This episode is Part 3 of the John Carroll University series, so if you missed Parts 1 and 2, please do go back and listen to those as well. 

“If you’re going to exist as the best version of yourself, you’re going to have to ebb and flow in and out of being a follower, being a leader, because every situation, every conversation, every project, has a moment in time when people need to play different roles.”

“At all the points in your career you’re going to need to understand when you need to play each role.” 

“Being a good follower as a designer is really listening to what the client needs, understanding how their business works, because you’re about to design a building that they’re going to have to function in.”

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