International vs. Global: There Is a Difference

U.S. professional practices are increasingly delivering services outside their national borders. But it’s not just a rush to exporting expertise and practicing internationally. Firms at the leading edge are adopting values and principles as global citizens, as evidenced by their employment of professionals from outside the United States who bring not only relevant new perspectives and alternate world views but also the ability to communicate in multiple languages.

The trend of going global with service delivery of projects of all sizes is an emerging 21st-century phenomenon. Furthermore, leading firms are exporting services not so much as U.S. architects and engineers but rather as global professionals – deeply connected with the cultures where the work is being delivered. Some say there is less emphasis these days on the prestige of the U.S. professional and greater emphasis on borderless problem solving.

In essence, this often means practicing without centricity of U.S. culture, religion, vernacular, or nationalism. The emphasis instead is on sensitivity, respect, and emotional empathy for traditions and values of the differentiated cultures – especially those in the Middle East, India, China, Vietnam, and Brazil. The relationship between client and professional is not just about providing competent services and great buildings but is increasingly about forming relationships of respect, trust, partnership, and even love.

Design can change the world, but leading firms say that you’ll only be successful by having an intimate and constantly updated rapport with global clients and their strategic context.