If a design opportunity arises...

If a design opportunity arises, no matter how small or "insignificant," no matter your "lack of experience," take it, relish it, commit to it, and most importantly take the risk. Without fulfilling the obligation of risk, you will neither grow nor learn. There is no failure in a continuous process of discovery. There is failure only in accommodation and compromise.

-Charles Gwathmey

Source:
Andrew Pressman, Professional Practice 101: Business Strategies and Case Studies in Architecture, page 11