Brave New World

Based on what I have seen in looking at a number of success stories, there are five principles driving those participating in and benefiting from this model:

1. No one owes you anything — not the state registration laws, not the government, not the economy, not your employer, not your parents. You must invent your own sustainable future and be an entrepreneur of your life.

2. Chaos and change are a major force in a designer's life. Love it or hate it, but don't whine. Take advantage of the infinite possibilities now available to you in a world of constant flow.

3. Design your life to be lean and results-oriented. Follow your values and your vision. Your values will give you integrity and peace; your vision will energize and propel you ahead to achieve your goals.

4. Only you can make personal and professional choices. These principles will support you:
   • Be focused as you take action; know your priorities.

   • Have a strong will and positive commitment.

   • Be anticipatory and resilient.

5. Take care of your relationships and leverage your experience and wisdom. Leave a legacy that makes a difference.

Taken together these five rules of design enterprise are not by themselves a recipe for inevitable success. They seem, however, to be the key principles guiding today's and tomorrow's designers toward careers that are personally rewarding and professionally fulfilling.

In the brave new world opening before us, this is the gateway that empowers designers to make a profound contribution to the quality of life. And with that contribution will come renewed respect for those who, along with nature, shape our world.