Archinect - News

Is architecture shifting from a profession to a lifestyle choice?

2016-02-17T13:42:00-05:00

“Practicing” architecture is moving from a profession that focuses on building buildings as its highest calling, to a lifestyle that appreciates the beauty of architectural design, real or fantastic. This shift has two underlying realities. Just like the musician who lives his art, or the athlete who loves her sport, there are people that love architectural design, deeply, but fewer architects are needed to create buildings in this generation.

"The lack of need is based on less construction activity (a normal cycle, but now longer than any living architect has experienced) and the fact that technology has pre-empted the body count necessary per building design."

For more on the current status of the profession, check out these articles:

Latest NCARB survey indicates architecture is a growing profession in the U.S.

2014-11-21T19:03:00-05:00

The architecture profession is back on the rise as the American economy recovers, according to NCARB's 2014 Survey of Architectural Registration Boards. For starters, the number of architects has grown by 3.1 percent since 2011.

Collecting data from all 54 U.S. territories (including District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), the 2014 survey states that there are 107,581 architects in the U.S., which is a 1.6 percent increase from last year. California is listed with the highest total number of added architects at 20,595, followed by New York at 16,809. Data collected for the fall 2014 survey also reflect registration levels from July 2013 to June 2014.

Findings from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show similar upward trends. In just the last two months, architecture and engineering services added 5,000 new jobs in September and 2,900 new jobs in October.

Earlier this year, NCARB made major announcements regarding licensure upon graduation as well as major mo...

Win a copy of "Writing Architecture", a practical guide to sharpening your architecture writing skills

2014-10-10T13:01:00-04:00

As we know, having the ability to communicate ideas behind an architectural design is crucial in the architectural profession. But perhaps what's more important is knowing how to write about architecture in a way that is accessible and appealing to non-architectural folks as well, considering that the built environment plays a significant part in shaping people's everyday experiences.

In relation to this, Yale University lecturer and practitioner Carter Wiseman discusses the process, techniques, and the value of architecture writing in his book, "Writing Architecture: A Practical Guide to Clear Communication About the Built Environment" recently published by Trinity University Press.

If you're eager to get your hands on a copy, now is your chance. Archinect is giving away five copies of the book to our readers!

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY: In the comment section below, tell us your biggest struggle in writing about architecture. Giveaway ends on October 17, 2014. Five winners will be selecte...

The uphill climb to gender equity continues...

2014-08-26T17:39:00-04:00

Women are architecture's original rebels. Over 120 years ago, they insisted that architecture schools and professional organisations open their doors to women, arguing that the field would thrive (or wither) according to the diversity of its students and practitioners...And yet despite this long history of challenging architecture to be inclusive, women have been given little credit for their contributions.

Despina Stratigakos, historian and University at Buffalo architecture professor highlights in her Opinion article how women in architecture have challenged and continue to challenge the deep-rooted patriarchy in the field of architecture throughout the past century. Although there is a growing number of women who are studying architecture, holding leadership roles in schools and firms, and forming organizations, the same problems of gender inequality still exist to this day. From that, another question remains: Is anyone even paying attention?

In Architecture, a Glass Ceiling

Phyllis Lambert named as 2014 Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement recipient

Mecanoo’s Francine Houben named AJ Woman Architect of the Year 2014

Arab Women in Architecture Film

A profession almost as white as the walls.

2013-11-07T09:46:00-05:00

"The differences in unemployment rates, participation rates, and average earnings between whites, blacks, and Hispanics aren't just stark. They're also sturdy, rarely yielding over the last 40 years. Whites account for about 81 percent of the workforce. But there are 33 occupations counted by the BLS (particularly those on farms, around heavy machines, in doctor's offices, and in C-suites) where whites officially account for nine in ten of all workers, or more. Here they are."

while my own experience doesn't fully bear this out, it's sadly not surprising to see us end up on a list like this (if the numbers are true). in short, yes, it seems fully plausible that our profession is really as white as the walls we paint.

i'm not teaching on a full time basis any more - can people please give me some hope that the generations coming through reflect a little more color variation? pretty please?

City Sessions

2011-08-24T14:00:59-04:00

A digital dialogue about the practice of tactical urbanism and socially active design.

A lost generation?

2011-04-20T12:35:17-04:00

Trey Trahan, principal of Trahan Architects, worries that architects who leave the industry for a period of time might struggle to keep up with technological advances in their field.

Business Report.com discusses the ongoing effects of the economic crisis for architects and others involved in the construction industries.

"There's a huge gap right now between older and younger architects," he says. "That middle group—the one that would take over the leadership of firms—just isn't there. There aren't as many of them around."