Archinect - News

Noncompetes to be banned in the U.S. after FTC ruling

2024-04-24T11:36:00-04:00

The Federal Trade Commission has announced a rule banning noncompetes in the United States. According to the FTC, the ban seeks to “promote competition” by “protecting the fundamental freedom of workers to change jobs, increasing innovation, and fostering new business formation.” The rule is expected to go into effect in six months.

The rule will not apply to existing noncompetes for senior executives (workers earning more than $151,164 annually and who are in policy-making positions), although employers cannot enter into or enforce new noncompetes for senior executives. In all cases, employers must provide notice to workers bound to an existing noncompete that the agreement will not be enforced against them in the future.

Related on Archinect: A Guide to Salary Transparency Laws Across the United States. Image: Pixabay

Noncompetes can be used in the U.S. to impose contractual conditions on employees that prevent workers from taking a new job or starting their own business, the FTC n...

'Architecture as blossoms of the human spirit': Steven Holl reflects on 50 years of practice

2024-04-18T16:13:00-04:00

Steven Holl Architects turns fifty this month. The globe-spanning operation that first began in California in 1974 and formed in New York three years later has been behind some of contemporary architecture’s most celebrated designs with 79 realized works in 13 U.S. states and 15 countries. Now, with five new projects in the pipeline, founder Steven Holl has shared with Archinect some reflections on his journey through architecture to mark the special anniversary milestone as part of a year-long commemoration.

St. Ignatius; concept watercolor from "Steven Holl", courtesy of Phaidon.

“Architecture is a great art with potential to change the way we live. I love drawing and painting ideas for architecture with the hope of public spaces realized as a gift to future generations. Merged with landscapes and ecologically advanced, I am looking forward to architecture as blossoms of the human spirit. As Frank Lloyd Wright said, ‘Buildings, too, are children of the Earth and Sun," he told us wh...

Major uptake in artificial intelligence use across creative industries, Autodesk survey finds

2024-04-10T11:53:00-04:00

Autodesk has released a report on the state of digitization and technological adoption across creative industries. The 2024 State of Design & Make Report found that companies see artificial intelligence “as a current tool rather than a futuristic pipe dream.”

The report’s findings were derived from survey results of 5,400 industry companies and figures across architecture, engineering, construction, design, manufacturing, media, and entertainment. Among the findings was a high level of optimism, with 73% of companies believing they were prepared to handle unforeseen economic or geopolitical changes.

76% of professionals said they trust AI in their industry, with application areas including productivity and sustainability. “More than half of companies say they are approaching or have already achieved their goal of incorporating AI,” Autodesk said about the report findings. “While AI adoption is high, we still have a long way to go to maximize AI’s potential.”

Related on Archinect: Au...

RIBA's new Artificial Intelligence Report features revelatory findings about AI within architectural practice

2024-02-29T18:56:00-05:00

The newly published RIBA Artificial Intelligence Report has revealed statistics detailing the architecture industry’s turn towards AI within professional practice using findings from a recent survey of 500+ members. The study also gives clues about the technology’s future and feedback on how new software tools have impacted the design process.

According to the report, 41% of architects in the UK have begun using AI software at least occasionally, with another 43% stating their opinions that it has made the design process "more efficient."

"Our findings show architects are curious and open-minded about AI, and some of us are true pioneers," RIBA President Muyiwa Oki summarized. "By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and a culture of responsible innovation, we can harness the power of AI to create a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable built environment. There’s no turning back."

In 2023, labor, unions, and salaries were up for discussion and debate in architecture

2023-12-24T08:00:00-05:00

At the end of last year, we described 2022 as the year that “architecture’s labor movement roared back to life.” In 2023, the movement kept the volume on 'high.' Across the U.S. and internationally, reforms in labor conditions continued from the top down and the bottom up.

Throughout the year, worker-led movements across both academia and practice exercised their right to form a union, as well as their right to strike against unfair or unsatisfactory working conditions. Meanwhile, conversations over working conditions in design studios were joined by concerns over treatment and protections for construction workers.

In tandem with conversations over workplace conditions, moves were also made to improve salary transparency, whether from the passing of new laws on a state level, or workers themselves taking the initiative to collect and share salary information.

To further explore these trends, we have set out the key developments and stories throughout 2023 related to topics surroundi...

Kimberly Dowdell is inaugurated as the AIA's first Black woman president

2023-12-18T14:20:00-05:00

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) celebrated a significant organizational milestone with the inauguration of Kimberly Dowdell as its AIA National President for 2024.

The AIA's 100th president overall is also the first-ever Black woman to head the post, following in the wake of 2023 President Emily Grandstaff-Rice.

At an inauguration ceremony last Friday, December 15th, the Cornell University and Harvard Kennedy School alumna who formerly headed the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) from 2019 to 2020, said: "Being elected as the 100th president of AIA is both an honor and responsibility that I embrace wholeheartedly.”

“My journey in architecture, from my roots in Detroit to this influential role, has deepened my conviction that design has the power to transform communities and elevate the human experience,” she continued. “This opportunity to serve my profession beautifully aligns with my overarching mission to improve people's lives through design, foster...

AIA and RIBA renew professional agreement pact

2023-12-12T15:08:00-05:00

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have announced a continuation of the professional partnership that, put together, impacts more than 140,000 architects in the U.S. and UK combined.

In order to foster collaboration and strive towards better professional work environments and the improvement of the built environment overall, the two groups signed a Memorandum of Understanding that they say will ensure better sharing of knowledge and resources while taking measures to simplify practice areas in both countries.

“AIA is looking forward to our continued cooperation with the RIBA. To create a stronger, more resilient, and equitable world, architects will need to work together, and our relationship will serve to both foster and reflect this collaboration amongst our esteemed members,” AIA EVP/Chief Executive Officer, Lakisha Ann Woods, said at the declaration.

RIBA Chief Executive Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick (left) and AIA EVP/Chief...

Residential business conditions weaken while remodeling remains popular, says AIA Home Design Trends Survey

2023-12-06T11:54:00-05:00

The American Institute of Architects has published its latest quarterly report on residential design in the United States. The AIA Home Design Trends Survey for Q4 2023 focused on the theme ‘neighborhood and community design,’ and revealed a desire among clients for simpler detailing on home exteriors and more windows.

Home exterior trends from the latest AIA survey. Image credit: American Institute of Architects

According to data from architects on client expectations, ‘contemporary home styles’ remain the most popular feature, mentioned by 51% of clients. ‘Simpler detailing on exteriors’ was requested by 29% of clients, and ‘front/side porches’ by 27% of clients.

On home exteriors, ‘low maintenance/durable exteriors’ was the most popular request, mentioned by 59% of clients. A focus on ‘windows (number and size) was cited by 48% of clients and ‘metal finishes’ by 35%.

Neighborhood/community trends from the latest AIA survey. Image credit: American Institute of Architects

On a neighb...

UK architecture workers can now join Unite, one of the UK's largest trade unions

2023-11-27T11:25:00-05:00

The UK’s Section of Architectural Workers (SAW) has announced its affiliation with Unite, one of the UK’s most influential trade union groups. The move will see SAW operate under the same union group as the UK’s wider construction sector.

When it was established in 2019, SAW was affiliated with the United Voices of the World (UVW) union, hence its original name, UVW-SAW. Recently, SAW was one of several groups that publicly supported Muyiwa Oki’s successful campaign for RIBA president.

Related on Archinect: Sage and Coombe Architects employees announce union

Following the latest announcement, SAW is now a national branch of Unite, the second-largest UK trade union by numbers with over 1.4 million members. The union also has strong links with the UK’s Labour Party, which is widely expected to enter government following the UK’s upcoming 2024 General Election.

Unlike in the US, architecture workers in the UK do not need to form an internal union group within their firm, and instead joi...

‘Mutant’ London apartment block to be demolished for deviating too far from permitted development

2023-10-17T11:54:00-04:00

The planning authority in London’s Royal Borough of Greenwich has ordered the demolition of a new residential development along the River Thames. In a statement, the authority concluded that the 23-story building, named Mast Quay Phase II, was “so substantially different to the scheme that was originally permitted” that the development’s ultimate construction was unlawful.

In its decision, the authority cited 26 main deviations from the scheme originally granted planning permission, including “visible design changes to the external appearance of the towers,” arguing that the towers looked “more solid and bulky because of the removal of the stepped back top floor and the glazed curtain wall facade” to one of the blocks.

The approved Mast Quay Phase II (left) versus the scheme subsequently constructed (right). Image credit: Royal Borough of Greenwich

The authority also cited visible changes to the materials and windows, a larger than approved footprint, “lower quality residential acco...

NCARB to explore ‘multiple pathways to practice’ frameworks

2023-10-13T16:45:00-04:00

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has outlined a commitment to creating a diversified framework that offers multiple avenues for attaining architectural licensure. The statement acknowledges not only the conventional route of obtaining an accredited education but also alternative pathways, such as community college education or professional experience replacing formal education.

While a significant majority of architects acquire their licenses through degree programs endorsed by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), 15% — which translates to over 18,000 architects — have secured their licenses through other routes. NCARB's consideration of these “multiple paths to licensure” seeks to ensure the various pathways are “afforded appropriate value through essential rigor,” the body says.

“There are many individuals working in or wishing to pursue architecture as a career who do not hold a degree from a NAAB-accredited program, but who clearl...

NCARB and ARB release reciprocal licensure guidelines for architects in the US and UK

2023-10-02T12:30:00-04:00

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has released information containing guidelines for architects attempting to find work authorizations in the United Kingdom through the newly-signed Mutual Recognition Agreement between them and the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

The two systems now offer registered architects in each country the chance to obtain reciprocal licensure and pursue contracts after a four-year-long research and negotiation process determined their educational and professional work experience in both are compatible side-by-side.

Speaking in February, NCARB's CEO Michael Armstrong said the agreement will “enhance the value of the NCARB Certificate as a facilitator of domestic and international mobility for many U.S.-licensed practitioners.”

Under the new agreement, architects must hold a valid license in their home country, hold a work visa or other permissions in the location where they are operating, and either an NCARB or ARB certifi...

Sage and Coombe Architects employees announce union

2023-09-15T14:04:00-04:00

Employees of Sage and Coombe Architects have declared the formation of a new union within the New York office, the firm announced via a social media post late Thursday.

“Sage and Coombe Architects is pleased to announce it has recognized a union as requested by a committee of firm employees. Although we are uncertain about the impact of this process on an architectural office of our size and history, we respect the right to organize and are proud of what the committee called our 'humane, open, collegial, and supportive culture,'” a portion of their statement reads.

With the move, Sage and Coombe joins Bernheimer Architecture as the second significant office in the United States to have successfully formed a union within the past year. Another effort at Snøhetta’s New York and San Francisco office failed over the summer, prompting an investigation at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) after the group Architectural Workers United (AWU) charged the firm’s leadership with miscond...

British Architects Registration Board proposes reformed regulatory approach to architectural education and training

2023-09-08T12:18:00-04:00

The UK's Architects Registration Board (ARB) has published findings and recommendations from a three-month internal consultation aimed at suggesting a series of reforms to the education and professional licensure process for architects in the country.

The Board says it will now move to introduce new Academic and Practice outcomes along with some drafting amendments based on suggestions raised by the consultation's 672 respondents.

Under the proposed changes, the requirement that licensed architects obtain a Part 1 (Bachelor’s) degree would be waived. Part 2 and Part 3 would also be phased out by 2027, replaced by the new 49-pronged ‘outcomes’ path. A one-year-long independent commission aimed at developing further changes to the practical experience component of the process has also been announced after a majority of members surveyed (60%) expressed concerns over dropping the current two-year professional practice requirement.

Hugh Simpson, the ARB's Chief Executive and Registrar, ...

Hackers are using architects’ computers for crypto-mining, cybersecurity firm warns

2023-09-08T11:09:00-04:00

Cybersecurity firm Cisco Talos is warning of the potential for hackers to target architects and other designers with crypto-mining malware. The hacking campaign, which has largely targeted French-speaking architects, engineers, and graphic designers, sees the victim’s computer infected with malware via installer tools.

“Cybercriminals are abusing Advanced Installer, a legitimate Windows tool used for creating software packages, to drop cryptocurrency-mining malware on infected machines,” Cisco Talos explains.

The vulnerability centers on Advanced Installer, a package used in the installations of legitimate software installers such as Adobe Illustrator, Autodesk Revit, and SketchUp. The hackers package such installers with malicious scripts and use Advanced Installer’s Custom Actions feature to make the software installers execute the malicious scripts.

The resulting malware allows h...

'I Would Prefer Not To' looks at refused commissions, the decisions behind them, and their impact on architecture

2023-08-30T17:38:00-04:00

The second season of The Architectural League of New York’s new interview series I Would Prefer Not To is gaining popularity thanks to its ability to shed light on an overlooked area of architectural practice.

A cross-collaboration between the League and MIT's Critical Broadcasting Lab, the series explores the topic of commissioning and the refusal of architects to work with a particular client.

Guests, including Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, speak in detail about the nature of refusals, which The Architectural League argues constitutes a permanent part of architectural history. The stories they share touch on key aspects such as ethics and professional practice, decision-making, business development, the tug-of-war over visions for a project, clashes of creativity, and more.

“Decisions to refuse a commission, or withdraw from one, by definition, stay hidden from public scrutiny, and thus also hidden from architectural history,” The Architectural League notes. “Withdrawals of thi...

UK architects bemoan new trends of big-firm fee ‘undercutting’ and competition from non-registered designers

2023-07-27T03:00:00-04:00

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has issued a new report detailing a troubling new phenomenon affecting small office practitioners in the UK.

The Architects’ Journal has details on some of the newfound challenges for design contracts from those not included on the UK’s official register and licensed architects who are reeling in a business climate beset by increased competition on the part of their non-professionalized rivals and a dual culture of “constant undercutting” for fees from better-positioned large firms.

RIBA’s Future Trends report from June was the first published indicator of the concerns, which come at a time when market conditions have turned sour across all spectrums of the design sector. Speaking to AJ, London-based NIKJOO principal Alex Nikjoo explained the problem.

“We’ve recently experienced a client looking to use less experienced non-qualified designers for early concept stage design work to keep the consultant fees down, then seeking our help...

NOMA announces its 2023 summer fellowship cohort by welcoming 13 architecture students and graduates

2023-07-21T14:15:00-04:00

Continuing to not only champion but provide pathways to academic and professional advancement, the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) celebrates another fellowship cohort of young designers.

The NOMA Future Faces (NFF), formerly known as the NOMA Foundation Fellowship, recognizes 13 architecture students and graduates for this 2023 cohort as they engage in a two-month-long summer fellowship.

These fellowships are "hosted at leading architecture firms across the country where fellows engage in design research and benefit from firm mentorship," explains NOMA. "In an industry where only two percent of licensed architects in the United States identify as Black, the NFF plays a crucial role in providing valuable professional experience to underrepresented students."

The team at NOMA shared insight as to the fellowship's rebranding in 2023, explaining that the new name better highlights the program's mission and purpose to "develop and propel forward the next generation...

It takes over 13 years to become an architect, according to new NCARB data

2023-07-18T11:41:00-04:00

NCARB has released its twelfth annual data report, NCARB by the Numbers, highlighting key trends in architectural education and licensure.

The report, derived from NCARB’s database of over 128,000 licensure candidates and architects, shows a 9% rise in the number of architecture license candidates in 2022, exceeding 35,000. The average time from starting college to licensure was 13.3 years, with women achieving licensure about 11 months faster than men. New architects are also increasing diversity in the profession, with one in three new architects being a person of color and two out of five being women.

NCARB By The Numbers 2023 summary chart. Image credit: NCARB

The report indicates that in 2022, there were nearly 120,000 licensed architects in the U.S. Licensed architects held about 145,000 reciprocal licenses, a 6% increase from the previous year, which NCARB explains as a demand for professional mobility due to COVID-19.

Despite the 9% increase in licensure candidates, there wa...

Snøhetta's U.S. office votes to not unionize

2023-07-07T16:40:00-04:00

With much anticipation, voting results for Snøhetta's U.S. employees and their fight for a union have come to a decision. After following Snøhetta's journey towards unionizing back in May and June of 2023, their efforts have fallen short.

Thanks to active report updates from New York Times labor reporter Noam Scheiber, final voting counts from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) resulted in a 35–29 final vote count against unionizing.

Image via @noamscheiber's Twitter account.

As reported merely a little over an hour ago (around 11:50 am PST), the possibility of things taking a turn for the better was mentioned after Scheiber reported the NLRB did not count 6 ballots from Snøhetta's San Francisco office. Prior to the most recent count update, the voting results posted earlier this morning reflected a 29–28 vote. However, after the remaining San Francisco ballots were taken into account, the results still remained unsuccessful.

The topic of fair labor within architecture firms a...

Snøhetta's U.S. employees will vote today on unionization push

2023-06-14T12:53:00-04:00

An update has been provided in the case of Snøhetta’s U.S. employees who have, since the spring, been pushing internally to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union.

Staffers will vote today via mail-in ballots as to whether or not to join the union, which was also the subject of an unsuccessful push by SHoP employees that first gained attention in late-2021.

Snøhetta's effort to file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board for a union election first appeared on Archinect in early May.

Previously on Archinect: Snøhetta’s U.S. employees are seeking to unionize

"We are architects, landscape architects, designers, and operations staff who care deeply for Snøhetta, our projects, and the collaborative culture that makes our firm unique. We are proud of our work at Snøhetta and we are committed to our studio’s success. Through unionization, we will gain a collective voice in the future of our workplace and our profession," organizers said at ...

Slight decline in number of licensed architects in the United States, says NCARB

2023-06-13T11:56:00-04:00

NCARB has released new data which found that the number of architects licensed in the United States has slightly declined. In 2022, the profession held 119,906 licensed architects while in 2021, the number was 121,600, representing a decline of approximately 1%. Meanwhile, the number of architects with reciprocal (out-of-state) licenses rose by 6%.

The data is derived from NCARB’s annual Survey of Architectural Registration Boards, which provides insights into licensing across the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

"The approximately 1% decline in the number of architects licensed in 2022 is likely caused by continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic," NCARB said about the data. "The increase in reciprocal licensures, however, is a positive sign for the profession, reflecting an increase in demand for professional mobility. Data from the 2023 NCARB by the Numbers, which will be released next month,...

Evelyn Lee is named 2025 AIA President

2023-06-09T15:47:00-04:00

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has formally announced AIA San Francisco and AIA California chapter member Evelyn Lee as its 2024 First VP President-Elect and 2025 President.

Lee is currently the Global Head of Workspace Strategy and Innovation at Slack in San Francisco and is also a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). She also served as the AIA National Treasurer from 2020 to 2021 and comes to the position with extensive experience within the organization, including a stint as the Past Chair of the Young Architect's Forum and National Associates Committee.

Lee has also contributed to the profession as a design strategist and writer, discussing with Archinect in a 2018 featured interview that she sees a need for manifold changes throughout the profession for architecture to maintain its relevance in society more broadly.

"Architects need to take hold of our identities as multi-faceted problem solvers, conveners, and human-centered design th...

New York City to enact law on how AI can be used when hiring

2023-06-05T12:57:00-04:00

A new law is set to take effect in New York City, which will regulate how companies can use artificial intelligence in hiring decisions. Enforcement of NYC 144 will begin on July 5th, 2023, requiring companies using AI software in the hiring process to notify candidates that such software is being used.

The rules will also require companies using AI systems in hiring to arrange an independent audit of the system on an annual basis to detect biases and to provide candidates with information on the data being collected and analyzed when requested. Companies found not to be compliant with the law will face a fine.

Introducing the ‘Archinect In-Depth: Artificial Intelligence’ series

According to reporting by The New York Times, the law has attracted criticism from both labor and business interests. Center for Democracy & Technology president Alexandra Givens told the paper that the law’s definition of an “automated employment decision tool” used to “substantially assist or replace discre...

AIA New York awards $7,500 in student loan support to six aspiring BIPOC architects

2023-05-18T10:00:00-04:00

AIA New York has awarded $7,500 to help six aspiring BIPOC architects pay off their student loans. The money is to be drawn from the organization's 2030 Fund, which seeks to “help build a more diverse and representative profession.”

The 2030 Fund was developed by AIANY in collaboration with the New York Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects. The fund is also used to support NOMA’s 2030 Challenge, which aims to double the number of licensed Black architects by the end of the decade.

The six future architects to receive the latest funding are Wilfrido Adames (Pratt Institute), Hamees Gabr (City College of New York and Harvard Graduate School of Design), Chae Park (Cornell University and the Art Institute of Chicago), Reuben Posada (Texas A&M University and Cornell University), Jahaan Scipio (Syracuse University and Yale University), and Stephen Sewar (University of South Florida).

Snøhetta’s U.S. employees are seeking to unionize

2023-05-09T10:30:00-04:00

Workers at Snøhetta’s U.S. studios are filing to form a union. In an Instagram post published by Architectural Workers United, the group said “We, the employees of Snøhetta’s U.S. studios, have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board for a union election.”

“We are architects, landscape architects, designers, and operations staff who care deeply for Snøhetta, our projects, and the collaborative culture that makes our firm unique,” the statement continues. “We are proud of our work at Snøhetta and we are committed to our studio’s success. Through unionization, we will gain a collective voice in the future of our workplace and our profession.”

“We are excited to take this next step together,” the statement concludes.

Archinect Feature: Unionization in Architecture: Reviving a Dormant Movement to Fix a Broken Industry

The group is seeking to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the union group associated with the movement among ShoP wor...

SO – IL becomes the latest architecture firm to achieve B Corp certification

2023-05-05T14:04:00-04:00

Brooklyn-based SO – IL has announced that it has attained B Corp certification. SO – IL is one of 69 B Corporation architecture firms certified across the U.S., and 167 worldwide, recognizing businesses that balance financial success with positive social and environmental impact.

“We are proud to be one of them allowing for company structures built around transparency, accountability, and inclusion,” SO – IL said when announcing the news. “We will continuously strive to do better and use business as a force for the good.”

The B Corp certification is conferred by the nonprofit B Lab, which assesses companies based on standards of transparency, accountability, and performance. The B Corp framework encourages organizations to prioritize the welfare of all stakeholders, including employees, the community, and the environment, rather than solely focusing on maximizing profits for shareholders.

“As leaders in the movement for economic systems change, B Corps reap remarkable benefits,” ...

Work and study agreement signed between architectural registration bodies of the UK, Australia, and New Zealand

2023-03-31T13:19:00-04:00

A new Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) has recently been signed between the UK’s Architects Registration Board (ARB), the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), and the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB).

This follows the MRA reached between the ARB and the United States’ National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) in February.

Starting May 25th, a streamlined registration process, resulting in reduced costs and examinations, will make it easier for architects to register to work in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally, architects educated up to and including a master’s degree will be able to complete their training in another partner country.

Previously on Archinect: NCARB and ARB sign Mutual Recognition Agreement affecting architects in the US and UK

“This is another welcome step that opens up the world for architects and architecture,” RIBA President Simon Allford said in response to the agreement. “Through these agreemen...

Residential business conditions are slowing, says latest AIA Home Design Trends Survey

2023-03-31T11:44:00-04:00

The American Institute of Architects has published its latest quarterly report on residential design. The AIA Home Design Trends Survey for Q1 2023 revealed evolving trends in kitchen and bathroom design, where homeowners have moved toward electric appliances and are making decisions based on long-term value.

Popular bathroom features from the latest AIA survey. Image credit: American Institute of Architects

33% of architects responding to the survey reported an increase in the number and size of bathrooms in their design proposals. The most desirable bathroom feature from clients was larger walk-in showers which saw a 60% increase in popularity from the previous year.

Other popular features were adaptability/universal design (52%), spa-like design (44%), and more daylight and natural lighting (38%). Popular products, meanwhile, included doorless/no threshold showers (60%), and smart toilets (27%).

Popular kitchen features from the latest AIA survey. Image credit: American Institute ...

Harvard students' survey finds most architectural tasks can be done remotely

2023-03-13T08:00:00-04:00

Students from the Harvard Graduate School of Design have published the results of their survey into the question of whether architecture can be practiced remotely. Launched in November 2022, the survey received 221 responses from across the profession and has led organizers to conclude that “architects believe that the vast majority of architectural tasks can be done ‘entirely or almost entirely remotely’”.

The survey, authored by students Su In Kim, Yun Ki Cheung, and Pedro Rodríguez-Parets as part of the “Frameworks of Practice” course, was designed to reflect NCARB's structure for the ARE, specifying 36 tasks across 6 project phases to create what the organizers considered a typical workflow from project inception to completion as well as practice management. For each of the 36 tasks, the survey asked respondents to respond ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the question of whether the specific task could be done “almost entirely or entirely remotely.”

Graph via the "Can Architecture be practiced...