How the architect skills are helpful for a designer

As said about beloved Mumbai, the city belongs to a dreamer. I landed in Mumbai as a shy, timid kid. New friends, new life and everything else followed, but during 5 years in school, Mumbai shaped me. I had always enjoyed sketching but had never thought it would materialize ever. Unlike for many others, IIT, AIEEE or Medical was the dream, my passion made me write entrance exams for NIFT, CEPT and Architecture.
Back in 2006, I was the only student from Maharashtra to get admission in SPA (School of Planning and Architecture), the most reputed college in India. Fast-forwarding to half a decade: I, full of dreams and aspirations, started looking for a job. Working as a junior architect, I realised that I didn't want to fall into a monotonous life and then I started looking for other options.
Architect career helped in making me a better designer.
In 2013, I got an opportunity to work with a friend to design his sister's wedding. This made me start a journey which helped me to understand myself. The job profile says 'make dreams come true' the vagueness of it is its beauty. My years in architecture helped me understand the basics of design, understanding of space and more importantly how to innovate. Clients usually leave the wedding design as per the designer but at times, the clients are very clear of what they want. One wants to design the Haveli of Udaipur, the ancient temples of India to even the Eiffel Tower and also there are times when they want to visit the future. Architecture helped me to understand design and how each choice was made because of the clients’ certain preferences. This is where science and fantasy come together to deliver an experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Rewards of being a designer.
Working in this industry for the past 6 years, I've designed weddings, cocktail parties, fashion shows, music festivals, exhibitions, opera, show windows and even a few interiors. Now a new trend for the destination wedding is on a rise. Back in 2014, still as a beginner, I had a chance to visit Istanbul for a wedding event. I was fortunate enough to do well. After that in India, I was selected to design a fashion show for Tarun Tahiliani which I believe, was my turning point. After that day, I had been to Italy, Turkey, Dubai and many other countries for work. I attended lady gaga, DJ Tiesto, Metallica and many other concerts and music festival which I believe, is one of the biggest rewards. The first being the creative satiation.
The skills one requires are those of an architect. You need to understand the space, the needs of the clients and lots of other agencies which take care of food, entertainment, travel, etc. The most important quality one can have is the ability to adapt and innovate. That is my story, with many highs and lows, but at the end of the day, the experience of a space that you make someone go through is gratifying and worth everything.