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Navigating Office Perks: Insights for Small Architecture and Design Firms in NYC

2024-03-20T15:38:32-04:00

In a recent article by the New York Post titled “NYC Landlords Luring Workers to Offices with Fancy Perks, https://nypost.com/2024/03/20/real-estate/nyc-landlords-luring-workers-to-offices-with-fancy-perks/ the spotlight shines on the enticing perks offered by landlords to attract employees back to the office amidst shifting work dynamics. While these perks may seem appealing for large corporations, the landscape for small businesses, particularly architecture and design firms with fewer than 50 employees, presents different challenges and considerations.

The allure of onsite amenities such as fitness centers, gourmet cafeterias, and communal spaces undoubtedly holds sway for many professionals. However, for smaller firms nestled within NYC’s vibrant architecture and design scene, the feasibility and practicality of such offerings may vary significantly.

In this blog post, we delve into the nuances of office perks through the lens of small architecture and design firms. While acknow...

“Reimagining Legacy: Philip Johnson’s Glass House Achieves LEED Platinum Excellence”

2023-09-21T17:29:00-04:00

Introduction

This is the first in a series of looking at famous buildings in history and what sustainable materials and energy-efficient measures could be used today that were not available when the project was built to qualify the building as platinum LEED Certified. In this case, the 1949 architect Philip Johnson's glass house.

Philip Johnson’s Glass House is a timeless architectural masterpiece renowned for its minimalist elegance and groundbreaking design. Constructed in 1949, this iconic structure was ahead of its time, yet sustainability and energy efficiency were not focal points in the mid-20th century. In this blog post, we’ll explore modern sustainable materials and energy-efficient measures that could be applied today to qualify the Glass House for Platinum LEED Certification—boosting its appeal in the eyes of contemporary environmentally-conscious audiences.

1. Solar Panels and Green Roofing: Harnessing Clean Energy

One of the most influential advancements in sustainable...

Critiquing The Line: Unraveling the Mathematical Debate Behind Saudi Arabia’s Unique Megaproject

2023-09-13T18:13:40-04:00

An article published yesterday in Popular Mechanics titled, Saudi Arabia Is Building an Entire City in a Straight Line. It Makes Zero Sense, subtitled, Basic math says the city should actually be The Circle, not The Line written by Darren Orf makes an interesting mathematical argument but urban planning is so much more – closer to an expression of art with a small dose of mathematics.

I have written a response considering other factors.

While the argument presented in the Popular Mechanics article raises valid concerns about “The Line” city project’s straight-line design, it’s essential to provide a counterargument that considers the potential benefits and unique aspects of this innovative urban development:

1. Efficiency and Transportation: The straight-line design of “The Line” offers the advantage of efficiency in transportation. A high-speed rail system connecting the entire city can significantly reduce commuting times, making it more convenient for residents to move from one e...

Business and Entrepreneurship in Architecture

2023-03-15T17:12:39-04:00

Architects are known for their creative and artistic abilities in designing beautiful and functional buildings, but they are also increasingly interested in the business and entrepreneurship aspects of their profession. As the architecture industry becomes more competitive and technology-driven, architects must develop a range of skills beyond design to succeed in the business world.

Architects who are interested in entrepreneurship are taking a proactive approach to grow their careers and building successful firms. They understand that business skills are essential for managing projects, attracting clients, and achieving financial stability. By developing an entrepreneurial mindset, architects can take advantage of new opportunities and stay ahead of the competition.

One key area of interest for architects is marketing. Architects who are skilled at marketing can effectively communicate their design vision to potential clients and stakeholders. They can also build their reputation ...

8 Factors that Affect an Architect’s Salary

2023-03-07T14:02:51-05:00

Overall, an architect’s salary level has various factors playing a role, and architects must consider these factors when determining their earning potential.

The salary of an architect can vary widely depending on several factors, such as their experience, location, and the type of work they are engaged in. While some architects may earn lower salaries, there are several reasons why this may be the case:

Supply and Demand: There are more architects than available positions, which can drive down salaries.
Industry Competition: The architecture industry is highly competitive, and firms may be willing to hire less experienced architects at lower salaries.
Project Budgets: Clients may have limited budgets for architectural services, which can result in lower fees for architects.
Time and Effort: Architecture is a time-intensive profession that requires years of education and training. It can take a long time for an architect to become established and earn higher salaries.
Public Perception:...

My professors said I wouldn’t make money

2023-02-17T12:35:41-05:00

The salary of an architect can vary widely depending on several factors, such as their experience, location, and the type of work they are engaged in. While some architects may earn lower salaries, there are several reasons why this may be the case:

Supply and Demand: There are more architects than available positions, which can drive down salaries.
Industry competition: The architecture industry is highly competitive, and firms may be willing to hire less experienced architects at lower salaries.
Project Budgets: Clients may have limited budgets for architectural services, which can result in lower fees for architects.
Time and Effort: Architecture is a time-intensive profession that requires years of education and training. It can take a long time for an architect to become established and earn higher salaries.
Public perception: The public may not fully appreciate the value of architectural services, which can limit the amount that clients are willing to pay for them.
Economic factors:...

LEED Certification 101

2023-01-17T14:36:38-05:00

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a widely recognized and respected certification for environmentally sustainable building design and construction. Having a LEED credential can be valuable for architects and designers, as it demonstrates their knowledge and expertise in green building practices and can help them stand out in a competitive job market. Additionally, many building owners and developers are increasingly looking for professionals with LEED experience or certification, as it can help them meet their own sustainability goals and comply with local regulations. However, the value of a LEED credential may vary depending on the region and the specific market.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings are structures that have been designed, constructed, and operated in an environmentally responsible manner. They are designed to use less energy, water, and other resources, and to produce less waste and pollution. To become LEE...

Architecture Firm Owners and Employees Continue to Weigh Trade Unions

2022-12-15T15:26:00-05:00

In recent years, employees of architecture firms have increasingly attempted to join unions. This trend is driven mainly by the need for workers to protect and secure their rights as professionals. Unions provide a platform for employees to come together and negotiate fairer wages, better working conditions, and greater job security. Members can also access additional benefits such as legal advice, collective bargaining, and representation. Joining a union gives workers in the architecture field more control over their professional lives and helps to ensure that they are treated fairly and equitably by employers. As architectural firms continue to grow, the rights of employees must be protected and respected. Unions play an essential role in providing this protection, giving individuals the peace of mind that their rights and interests are protected.

By joining a union, architecture firm employees can help improve the industry. By negotiating better wages and working conditions, the...

World-destroying Architects Wanted

2022-11-07T15:53:36-05:00

What started as a comment has become a short post in response to an opinion article by Adam Greenfield in the current edition of Dezeen online titled “All those complicit in Neom’s design and construction are already destroyers of worlds.”

In Sum.

• Adam Greenfield’s opinion article titled “All those complicit in Neom’s design and construction are already destroyers of worlds” argues that anyone who accepts money to work on any aspect of the Neom project is automatically complicit in everything that the project does.

• I disagree with this opinion. I believe that everyone is responsible for choosing which parts they work on and to what extent. If they are not comfortable with a particular aspect of the project, they can always decline to work on it or limit their involvement.

• Architecture is often seen as a symbol of power and authority, but it can also be seen as a reflection of the political and economic ideologies of the society in which it is built. In some cases, architecture ...

End of the Road For the Gig Economy?

2022-11-03T16:06:20-04:00

As the gig economy continues to grow, so do the number of questions about how the law will be regulated. President Biden’s proposed legislation, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, includes several provisions that could significantly impact gig workers, including freelance architects and interior designers.

The PRO Act would make it easier for gig workers to unionize by clarifying that they are employees, not independent contractors. It would also give them the right to bargain collectively with their employers.

The bill would also make it illegal for companies to misclassify their workers as independent contractors to avoid paying benefits or complying with labor laws, even in cases where the worker is an independent contractor and prefers to work that way.

Working as an independent contractor has many benefits for architects and interior designers. These professionals can enjoy greater control over their work, schedule, and income. Additionally, they are not tied to on...

Increase Your Bottom Line and Keep Your Employees Happy

2022-10-25T13:54:02-04:00

Flex-core staffing is an excellent way for architecture firms to break the hiring-firing cycle, increase their firm’s bottom line, and keep their employees happy. By hiring Project-based (temp) architects to fill in the peaks and valleys that always occur, firms can keep their core staff intact and avoid the need to engage and fire employees constantly. This practice can save firms both time and money, and it can also help them maintain a higher level of quality control.

Few things are more costly to a business than the hiring and firing cycle. Not only does it take a toll on your human resources department, but it can also significantly impact your bottom line.

Fortunately, there are ways to break the cycle and improve your financial situation. You can improve your bottom line and increase profits by taking some simple steps.

1. Review your hiring practices. Poor hiring practices are the most common causes of the hiring and firing cycle. If you’re constantly hiring and then firing ...

Benefits of Working in Architecture on a Project Basis

2022-10-10T12:59:36-04:00

There are always peaks and valleys in the work of an architectural firm. Sometimes we work on multiple projects at different phases. Other times we are focused on a single project. Design Development and Construction Documents phases can be exceptionally hectic, with deadlines looming.

There are many reasons to pursue a career as an architect on a project basis. Perhaps you are looking for a way to accelerate your career growth, or you want to avoid pigeonholing into one particular type of architecture. Either way, working on back-to-back projects at different firms can give you the necessary experience to be more marketable than your peer group.

Most architects begin their careers working at one firm for several years. However, there are many benefits to pursuing a career as an architect on a temporary or project basis. Here are just a few:

1. You will gain experience working on a variety of different types of projects.

2. You will have the opportunity to work at different firms, e...

The (Post-Pandemic) Job Hunt

2022-09-29T15:46:00-04:00

Image originally published in Rethinking The Future

The post-pandemic job hunt is in full swing, and for architects and interior designers, the demand is higher than the supply. With businesses reopening and new companies starting, there is a greater need for these professionals' design services. If you are an architect or interior designer looking for a job, now is the time to start your search!

There are a few things that you can do to increase your chances of landing the job that you want. First, ensure that your resume and portfolio are up-to-date and highlight your experience in the industry. Next, reach out to your contacts and let them know you are looking for work. Don't be afraid to apply for jobs outside your usual area of expertise; sometimes, the best opportunities come from unexpected places. Seek out a salary and compensation package that takes inflation into account. And finally, enlist a qualified placement firm on your behalf to uncover "hidden" openings.

With a li...

The Hiring War To Find And Retain Architecture And Design Talent

2022-09-27T16:37:00-04:00

Image from Spaces Architects@ka

There is no doubt that the architecture and design industry is booming. With new buildings and other projects popping up all over the country, the demand for talent is higher than ever. However, with a large percentage of the workforce leaving the industry during the pandemic, there is a significant gap in the supply of qualified workers.

The shortage has created a fierce hiring war, as companies are fighting to find and retain the best talent. With so many job openings and high demand, architects and designers can be picky about where they work. So, how can you make your firm stand out from the rest?

Here are a few tips:

- Offer competitive salaries and benefits.

- Provide opportunities for career growth.

- Offer a flexible work environment.

- supplement full-time with short-term staff to reduce work hours

- Thoughtfully designed workspace & brand

- Have a strong company culture

By offering competitive salaries, benefits, and opportuni...

Feeling Glum in Your Current Architect or Design Job? Here's How to Beat the Blues, Stop Working Overtime, and Earn a Decent Salary

2020-02-05T17:06:00-05:00

An architect job can take a lot out of us when we aren’t earning what we want.

Most architects would agree, the hours are long and sometimes the compensation doesn’t meet par. That doesn’t mean that we can’t find ways to get more from our architect career.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the architect salary for 2019 averaged around $79,380 per year and pays approximately $38.16 per hour. While the highest-paid architect might make much more per year than the average, most architects may feel pressured to reach this standard within their current job.

There are several reasons we may miss the mark. Before we go further into it, let’s take a look at why an architect job can become so demanding.

Why Do Architect Jobs Require So Much Time?

Since much of their time is spent working long hours on a high-priority project for their employer, architects' schedules become arduous and taxing.

Architects can quickly become absorbed into their work and lose...

Too Many Options? How to Decide Between Multiple Architect Positions the Professional Way

2019-04-16T22:13:53-04:00

Whether you are in architecture or another industry, workers today are finding advantages to switching jobs periodically rather than remaining with the same company over a lifetime. From bigger paychecks to higher positions, the benefits of mobility cannot be understated. However, the way you move from one job to another speaks volumes about your professionalism as well as your capacity for working well with others. Consider these five tips to help you change architect positions without burning bridges.

The Time Factor

Giving notice is usually the first step toward moving up and on. However, how you handle your notice will make a significant impact on how your current employer views you once you are gone. While two weeks is the general rule for resignations, you may need to give time depending on your specific situation. The primary goal is to make the transition from you to your replacement as smooth as possible without sticking around long enough to make people feel awkward. When ...

The Female Architects—Surviving the Journey to the Top

2019-04-04T17:54:21-04:00

Winner of the Emerging Woman Architect of the Year Award 2014, Julia King talks about her work in both the UK and India

While women have forged a path in many male-dominated industries today, challenges still face female architects. As women are slowly moving into relevant positions and even leadership roles, there is still plenty of work to be done. Fortunately, awareness of inequality has been the first step in the creation of organizations and movements to support women passionate about the field. In addition, some outspoken architects are bringing the issue into focus, increasing awareness and encouraging women interested in studying architecture to pursue the profession as a legitimate career path.

Female Architects by the Numbers

While statistics offer hope that the presence of female architects are on the rise, the numbers also show there is more work to be done. According to a 2018 report in Artsy, women comprise approximately half of the students in architecture schools today...

The 3 Best Cities for Architecture Careers

2018-07-16T17:52:02-04:00

Successful architecture careers don’t happen by accident. Just like well-designed buildings, they’re the result of careful planning.

While there are countless metrics you can consider when going about this planning, one of the most important is the city within which you’ll work.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the three best cities in the country for professionals who are serious about pursuing successful architecture careers.

We based this list on the all-important factor of salary but also on other unique traits worth considering.

1. Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia is one of the best states for architects, so it should come as no surprise that many point to its capital as the best city for this profession.

Even though Atlanta is home to countless high-paying careers, architects are among the top 50 best-paid. Architectural managers even crack the top 20, alongside lawyers, several doctors, and even physicists.

Of course, Atlanta also has an impressive history of hosting incredibl...

Are you Hiring Top Talent, or is your Competitor?

2018-06-27T16:48:00-04:00

When I read an article titled “People are ‘ghosting’ at work, and it's driving companies crazy” by Chip Cutter, LinkedIn Editor at Large, I flipped out because it is so true and it should be an eye-opener to hiring firms. I have added my own pointers as well.

Gone are the days where architects are waiting around for a phone call from a potential employer. In fact, it is the opposite. Candidates receive two, sometimes three offers of employment in a week’s time.

Excerpts from Chip's article below:

Where once it was companies ignoring job applicants or snubbing candidates after interviews, the world has flipped. Candidates agree to job interviews and fail to show up, never saying more. Some accept jobs, only to not appear for the first day of work, no reason given, of course. Instead of formally quitting, enduring a potentially awkward conversation with a manager, some employees leave and never return. Bosses realize they’ve quit only after a series of unsuccessful attempts to reach t...

How to Make the Most of Entry-Level Architecture Jobs

2018-06-25T18:14:00-04:00

No matter what you hope your destination will be, if you want to make a career out of architecture, it’s going to start with an entry-level job.

While that may not seem quite as exciting as your long-term goal, entry-level architecture jobs have a lot of potential if you know exactly how to approach them.

4 Ways to Make the Most Out of Entry-Level Architecture Jobs

Finding out you’ve been hired for your first architecture job is an absolutely incredible feeling.

However, don’t forget about the following four ways people have successfully taken full advantage of their entry level-architecture jobs, so you can make the most of this opportunity.

1. Consider the City the Job Is In

If you’re still applying for jobs, be sure to consider which city those jobs are in. Ideally, you want it to be a great city for architects, so you’ll be surrounded by opportunities.

That said, no matter where it is, brush up on your networking skills. This will help you on the job (more on th...

The 4 Best Architecture Related Careers for New Graduates

2018-06-12T22:05:00-04:00

Congratulations on your recent graduation.

It probably feels pretty amazing to have that degree.

Of course, the longer you go without using it, the more that degree is going to become an irritating reminder. So, let’s look at four of the best architecture careers you can start pursuing right away.

The 4 Best Architecture Related Careers to Get Started in Right Now

The field of architecture is at least as broad as it is old. As such, it’s probably fair to say that there are countless architecture careers out there for you to consider.

However, the following four fields will give you plenty of diverse options beyond the traditional versions. Best of all, each features plenty of job openings throughout the country.

1. Landscape Architect

Landscape architects are responsible for planning and creating landscapes, which can include manmade features, as well. Oftentimes, landscape architects need to collaborate with others, so that their creations complement buildings that...

Hiring millennial architects & designers & what is important to them

2016-04-25T18:13:00-04:00

Baby boomers are retiring in record numbers, and their millennial replacements are very different in terms of personal characteristics, as well as job and workplace expectations. Millennials, aged 18 to 34 years old, already makeup more than one-third of the workforce. By 2025, they will account for close to 75 percent. Architecture firms are now in an intense competition to attract and retain qualified millennial professionals. Understanding the millennial perspective and developing a suitable workplace environment are imperatives for business sustainability.

Characteristics of Millennials

Millennials are one of the most analyzed generations because of their complexity. They are the first generation of digital natives, and technology has enormously influenced their expectations. For example, they are driven by a need for social connectedness and have integrated technology deeply into their personal lives. As such, they now expect the same in their work lives. CISCO calls it the "n...

How to transform independent contractors into employees

2016-04-05T13:19:00-04:00

First, make an architecture or interior-design independent contractor into an employee by formalizing the person’s work arrangement and paying him or her regular wages. The IRS and its interpretation of payment and work plays the most important role in deciding a person’s status. At our staffing firm for architects and designers converting a independent contractor to a full-time employee is a third of our business.

Characteristics of an independent contractor

The IRS views an independent contractor as a person who works apart from the firm, and the rules governing them are not extremely clear cut. This wide room for interpretation has led to disputes in a number of workplaces. Fortunately, the status of an independent contractor is not as ambiguous as that of intern architect or draftsman.

By definition, an independent contractor is a person who has a significant amount of control over his or her work, achieves goals independently from the firm, doesn't need to adhere to all the fi...

Millennials in the architecture workplace

2015-12-30T15:57:24-05:00

Consulting For Architects, Inc. is gathering editorial information from our architecture and design colleagues between the ages of 18 to 35. Your comments will be considered and may be quoted in our 2016 white paper: Hiring Trends –Millennials in the architecture workplace

Existing research on Millennials, by others claim:

Seem to have shorter attention spans than Gen X or Boomers
Tend to learn as much as they can, as quickly as they can, and then move on
Trending towards smaller firms
Seek firms compatible with their world view

Do you agree, disagree, or hold a different opinion? Can you identify what factors would influence your job hunting strategy?

We look forward to your comments.

You may also be interested in ranking the top 6 reasons millennials change firms by clicking on our survey.

Thank you for your time.

Happy Architects

2015-05-29T14:57:08-04:00

Happy architects? Today, we are.

Architecture & Interior Design Careers – Why are we happy architects today? This is the best time to consider a career move in the last 30-years. Firms are exploding with projects and cannot fill their opening positions. Everyone is competing for people from the same talent pool. Engineers are in even higher demand. Happy Friday, happy architects!

Employers Ask: “Where Are The Qualified Architects?” They All Got Jobs.

2015-02-02T15:54:46-05:00

6 Crucial Ways to Repopulate Your Workforce

Introduction
Unemployment rates are still uncomfortably high across the nation, there is a misperception that architectural talent must be plentiful, but for specific experience, the exact opposite is true. The shortage is so acute that it has been associated with a rise in offshoring, a bidding war and comparisons to college recruiting. To secure the architecture talent they need, hiring managers must adopt a competitive hiring strategy or lose to someone who does.

Architects had to get even more creative after the economic recession that began around December 2007. The built-in versatility from their studies in areas such as civil engineering, math, art history, and physics positioned them well for thinking outside the box. Jumping ahead seven years, the demand for architectural talent in the wake of the recession has re-stabilized, but talent availability lags behind. No hiring firm could have possibly predicted this rapid shift. To rem...