Cheer for Others

At BOP, we believe that doing good work is not a zero-sum game. Architecture thrives when great ideas circulate, when thoughtful design is recognized, and when success is shared. We see our peers not as competition to outpace, but as part of a broader community that collectively raises the standard of what architecture can be. When others succeed, we celebrate it — because their success strengthens the discipline, enriches the dialogue, and inspires us to push our own work further.

For us, critique is not simply about identifying flaws — it’s about engaging with integrity, generosity, and respect. It means recognizing and learning from what others do well, just as much as questioning and improving what can be done better. This requires a mutual respect and understanding, as well as confidence in knowing that we are on the same team at the end of the day. We cheer on the work we admire, not out of politeness, but because excellence deserves acknowledgment.

We are hesitant to disparage. Dismissing others is easy; what’s harder — and more valuable — is being open to being challenged, encouraged, and elevated by those around us. We are motivated by the talents of others — their success is our success — and it drives us to aim higher, dig deeper, and work harder to help share in shaping the built environment in a positive way.