Archinect - News

‘Staggering’ discrimination and sexual misconduct levels in the UK architecture profession, ARB study finds

2024-11-20T19:01:00-05:00

The UK’s Architects Registration Board (ARB) has published research finding widespread discrimination and sexual misconduct within the UK architecture profession. The study, resulting from a survey of almost 900 individuals, reveals that architecture professionals experience higher rates of discrimination and sexual misconduct compared to other sectors such as academia and healthcare.

According to the research, over a third of all professionals working in architecture have experienced insults, stereotypes, or jokes relating to protected characteristics. One in four female professionals has experienced unwelcome sexual advances, while a third of professionals would not feel confident raising concerns if they experienced or observed misconduct.

On the specific topic of misconduct in the profession, 41% of respondents have experienced bullying while 33% have experienced discrimination. 10% have experienced sexual misconduct. In addition, 38% have experienced insults, stereotypes, or ...

Harvard GSD online survey seeks architecture graduate visa holders to create snapshot of professional practice

2024-11-20T15:10:00-05:00

This semester, a group of students at the Harvard Graduate School of Design is taking a survey of U.S. architecture graduate visa holders in the workplace for a research project that's part of their coursework for assistant professor Jacob Reidel's "Frameworks of Practice" seminar.

They are inviting participants to answer a series of anonymous questions related to their experience as workplace visa holders. The aim, they say, is to produce a snapshot of how immigration status affects both entry-level career choices for architecture graduates and long-term career planning.

The students share: "The original idea came from conversations with peers about how, in the field of architecture, visa status makes workers feel like they are in a precarious position and our preliminary qualitative interviews have supported this. We hope that this research can draw attention to the situation and offer both workers and employers new statistics to work towards compassionate decision-making in offic...

New reporting offers a snapshot on AI usage within the AEC industry

2024-11-13T14:13:00-05:00

A new survey from Bluebeam has documented the widespread use of AI technology in every facet of the AEC industry.

According to their survey of management employees in seven countries, around three-quarters (74%) of all businesses have implemented AI into their workflows. This is especially true in the design and planning stages of projects. It’s worth noting, however, that only 11% of responses came from architecture firms. Of the others, 71% are construction and 18% are engineering firms.

In the way of a broader adoption of digitalization and AI stands a lack of training amongst staff, which, at 32%, was the highest tallied reason ahead of general resistance to change within organizations (26%), concerns about data privacy (22%), budget constraints (19%), and other issues.

Related on Archinect: AI is Good For Architects (For Now)

Also in terms of budgeting, the highest number of responses (40%) to a query said they are currently allocating between 11% and 25% of their IT resources ...

AIA's new Firm Survey Report finds emerging demographics, market trends, and room for growth nationwide

2024-11-12T18:20:00-05:00

The newly updated AIA Firm Survey Report 2024 from the American Institute of Architects has been published, revealing the dynamics at play for firms in a rapidly consolidating market and increasingly fragmented profession.

The report assesses answers from more than 1,200 firm respondents and provides insights into factors such as the flight of new projects toward the commercial and institutional sectors and a subsequent decline of involvement with new single-family and manufacturing sector designs nationwide.

Incumbent trends such as higher rates of diversity amongst the youngest employee age groups, the decline of single-discipline firms, and cascading average firm age relative to their sizes (e.g. older firms tend to be larger) remained as constants in the firm and staff profile subsection.

The financial picture for firms generally is framed by th...

RIBA will explore gender disparities in architecture in major new study

2024-11-01T17:17:00-04:00

This week, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) announced its participation with the nonprofit Fawcett Society in a new study of women architects who are either currently practicing or have left the profession. The study, which is due out next year, aims to establish a clearer picture of the scale and complexity of gender equity in the design field. It will inquire as to the reasons for a stalled rate of progress on the topic given the known barriers that exist and produce an assessment of "what works" and what further actions can be taken by different actors.

RIBA's Chief Executive Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick states: "Following decades of research, the pace of change remains far too slow compared to other professions, and significant action is still needed. Understanding the barriers to making more rapid progress is critical."

The organization is asking those interested in receiving updates from the study to sign up by visiting this link.

ACSA releases 'Where Are My People?' survey results focused on Queer identities in the architectural field

2024-10-21T11:06:00-04:00

In the interest of elevating the voices of different marginalized groups in every corner of the design field, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), in partnership with Emergent Grounds for Design Education (EGDE), has announced the next edition of their groundbreaking research series Where Are My People? dedicated to exploring the LGBTQIA+ community’s impact on architecture.

The newly announced Where Are My People? Queer in Architecture is organized into two sections. Part I looks at the intersectionality of queer identities while unpacking data findings both quantitative and qualitative to reach a "comprehensive understanding" of the significance of representation. After that, Part II centers on contemporary theory on gender and sexuality to encourage a critical dialogue about the ways in which architecture can establish more inclusive spaces apart from the binary.

EDGE's Michelle Barrett says they will combine to help "recontextualize how and why we need a...

NCARB releases statement on AI and the future of the architectural profession

2024-10-20T09:10:00-04:00

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has announced a consensus opinion regarding the regulation of artificial intelligence technology and its future impact on the architectural profession.

This announcement emerged from NCARB's 2024 Annual Business Meeting in June, where 150 licensing board members convened. The meeting built on earlier discussions held during the March 2024 Regional Summit and the inaugural Futures Symposium in December 2023, which explored AI's impact on the profession. NCARB stated, "Going forward, NCARB will continue to monitor the expanding use of AI across practice and its potential interface with the regulatory mission of NCARB and its members. NCARB remains committed to collaborating with its licensing board members to ensure the best interests of the public are served through the effective and reasonable regulation of architectural practice."

NCARB emphasized that while advancements in AI and computational design are providing a...

Archinectors Articulate: ChatGPT for architectural codes, When to hire more staff, Residential inquiries slowdown, OXMAN, AIA layoffs

2024-10-08T19:59:00-04:00

Happy beginning of fall, Archinectors! With October officially kicked off, the Fed cutting interest rates, and workload for the architecture industry expected to pick up again (fingers crossed), let's take a look at what the Archinect community is talking about at the moment.

When to hire more employees?

Over in our Discussion Forum, readers engaged in this timely employment and professional practice thread, When to hire more employees. "I am wondering if there is an industry metric or KPI that indicates when to hire more staff, backed by data?," user ellerystudio asked.

I am wondering if there is an industry metric or KPI that indicates when to hire more staff, backed by data? — Discussion Forum question

The discussion emphasizes that to grow revenue, businesses must invest in hiring and building capacity ahead of securing projects, with many participants sharing strategies for timing new hires to meet future demand.

"You can't grow revenue if you don't grow capacity first," one r...

UK Architects Registration Board announces proposal to overhaul registration for international architects

2024-10-04T13:06:00-04:00

The UK’s Architects Registration Board (ARB) has announced its intent to issue major overhauls to its registration process for non-UK architects wishing to pursue work within the country.

The organization is now in the process of pursuing a public consultancy that will seek to eliminate demonstrated knowledge gaps while streamlining the number of examinations and outsourcing their administration. The proposed changes apply to the Prescribed Exam and UK Adaptation Assessment, the latter being a prerequisite for architects seeking to join the UK register through via the ARB’s international agreements with the United States, Australia/New Zealand, and Hong Kong.

The changes break down into one of five categories:

Competence-based assessment 

Assessment would be based on ARB’s Academic and Practice Outcomes (in place of the outgoing Criteria)
It would assess equivalent competence and UK context-specific knowledge (instead of equivalent qualifications)

Single gateway 

There would be a sin...

NCARB releases new 16-point Competency Standard for Architects

2024-10-03T16:08:00-04:00

A new framework for establishing competency-based qualifications as the initial basis for architectural licensure in the United States was released today by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

The new NCARB Competency Standard for Architects outlines 16 key competencies that are imperative at the point of initial licensure in order to ensure the public’s health, safety, and overall welfare.

NCARB says it will make updates to its existing programs over the next two years to align with the new standard, which likewise provides a "flexible foundation" for the development of future licensure programs. This, in turn, is supposed to allow NCARB to build more accessible pathways to licensure without compromises to the ardent professional standards that are needed to protect the public.

The organization's President, Kenneth R. Van Tine, says the new standard will "shape the architecture profession for years to come and ensure that the path to licensure is accessible...

NOMA summer programs saw 43 young professionals connected with architecture firms, fellowships, and grants

2024-09-10T08:00:00-04:00

National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) has concluded the sixth edition of its NOMA Future Faces initiative, which sees young professionals connected with industry summer internships. The 2024 edition saw 25 students and recent graduates take part in a two-month summer fellowship, undertaking design research, project work, and firm mentorship.

The fellowship was open to all members of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) with the purpose to “develop and propel forward the next generation of Black and minority architects who will be designing for the future.” Alongside the practice placement, each fellow also received a $2,450 relocation reimbursement and is eligible to receive a $1,000 licensure stipend once they become a licensed architect.

Meanwhile, the organization also recently oversaw the latest edition of the Historically Black College & University (HBCU) Professional Development Program (PDP), which seeks to support architecture stu...

NCARB Workforce Readiness Report outlines key skills suggestions for entry-level architects

2024-09-09T15:59:00-04:00

The latest NCARB Workforce Readiness Report for 2024 has outlined a list of imperatives called key knowledge, skills, and abilities (or KSAs) for students of architecture to gain prior to their entering the professional ranks over the next few years.

Leaning on the input of thousands of current entry-level professionals, the survey outlined the following areas as being most critical to the success of young designers working in the architectural field:

Target: Technical Proficiency

Learn as much and as many BIM design programs (2D and 3D) as you can. Demonstrating proficiency in industry-standard design software can lead to many different opportunities as students move away from the relatively more creative confines of academic coursework and into offices that may require them to focus on a specific project component or unfamiliar typology.
Develop an ease at deciphering and assembling technical drawings, construction documents, etc. in addition to their correct applications in AEC....

Four expert tips for architects pursuing international projects

2024-09-03T09:38:00-04:00

Last month, Archinect spoke with three firms that hold a track record of securing international commissions beyond their home country. The three firms, Steven Holl Architects, Safdie Architects, and Mecanoo, all offered insights into their process for procuring work abroad, managing the design process, and collaborating with local offices.

In addition to unpacking their approaches and processes, each firm offered specific advice for firms hoping to grow their international portfolios. Such advice becomes particularly relevant at a time when AIA data shows that the number of firms looking abroad for projects is steadily increasing.

Below, we have rounded up four tips offered by Holl, Safdie, and Mecanoo. For more context and insights, you can read our recent feature article here.

1. Place yourself in the client’s shoes

For Steven Holl Architects partner Roberto Bannura, firms seeking international commissions should ask what they bring to the table that local firms alone cannot. “Pla...

NCARB signs new reciprocal agreement with counterparts in New Zealand and Australia

2024-08-22T10:41:00-04:00

This week, the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) signed a new Mutual Recognition Agreement with their counterparts at the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) and New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB). The agreement expands on an existing one that’s been on the books since 2016, eliminating a requirement for 6,000 hours of post-licensure/registration experience while accepting the qualifications of architects who obtained a license through alternative pathways.

“We know Australian architects are sought after around the world for their high level of skill and creativity. This new agreement provides a wonderful opportunity for architects of all levels of experience to work overseas faster,” AACA President Dr. Giorgio Marfella said.

More on the important issue of architectural licensure can be explored in our ongoing Archinect In-Depth: Licensure series, including a detailed look at another reciprocal agreement between NCARB and th...

Bernheimer Architecture union member notes the need for industry-wide change

2024-08-12T18:17:00-04:00

While the numbers are relatively small, these victories represent a massive shift in how designers see themselves: We went from being a privileged set of artisans to workers seeking solidarity with other workers in all industries. Learning from the workers and organizers who have put in the hard work before us, designers need to continue to take advantage of the current climate and organize more workplaces.

Chris Beck is an architect and member of the newly formed BA Union at New York-based Bernheimer Architecture, which recently ratified a collective bargaining agreement as the industry’s first union at a private-sector U.S. architecture firm.

Writing for The Progressive Magazine, he says their mission would be considered a failure if not moved successfully from their office and into others across the industry. As other attempts have failed controversially, Beck claims architects’ influence within the building industry has eroded and that "technology is completely dominant, strangling out the artistic skills fostered in the studio environment." Those criticisms echo many brought up in our coverage of Architectural Workers United and other labor groups.

The terms of the BA Union’s ratified contract have yet to be publicized, though they will undoubtedly serve as a primer for the ten or more union efforts thought to be underway currently as architectural workers take note. Less than 1...

Bernheimer Architecture union ratifies collective bargaining agreement, the industry's first

2024-07-26T14:01:00-04:00

The historic effort by staff at Bernheimer Architecture to form the industry’s first union at a private-sector U.S. architecture firm is now complete after their ratification of a collective bargaining agreement in the firm's New York office this week. The vote on Thursday was unanimous. Founder and 2023 AIA NY Medal of Honor recipient Andy Bernheimer is said to have worked openly with organizers to meet a mutual understanding on the contract, whose finalized terms are still forthcoming.

The process began in the summer of 2022 following the failed effort of workers at SHoP to form their own union, an episode that vaulted the conditions of architectural labor into the broader national media spotlight. The BA Union, as it is so-named, is part of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), which has over 646,000 active members in the United States and Canada.

Groups such as Architectural Workers United are hailing its formal establishment as a major vic...

Architecture profession is expanding and becoming more diverse, says NCARB

2024-07-08T17:19:00-04:00

A shift toward a more diverse and prepared architecture profession has been documented in the latest NCARB by the Numbers report from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

The council’s annual survey revealed the total number of licensed practitioners to have grown by 1% to 121,368 in the past year. Another 37,708 are on their way to obtaining licensure. In 2023, there were 3,734 new architects reported to have earned a license, reversing last year’s decline by a total of 6% nationally.

It now takes candidates an average of 13.3 years to earn a license — slightly longer than the average pre-pandemic frame. This comes after NCARB instated several “pragmatic” changes to the ARE exam.

Related Feature on Archinect: Let's Talk About Architectural Licensure

In terms of a demographic sample, the survey found architecture to have shown broad-ranging improvements in a number of key representational categories, indicating a greater overall diversity along race and gender...

1 week left to share your experience of current architecture business conditions

2024-05-30T19:17:00-04:00

It's not too late to participate in our recently launched survey on the community’s perception of the current business conditions in architecture. The deadline to submit your anonymous responses is in 1 week.

We will analyze your valuable insights and publish the findings on Archinect in the coming weeks.

We'd love to hear from you! Thank you.

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Reminder: share your insights in our latest survey on business conditions!

2024-05-24T08:00:00-04:00

In case you missed it, we recently launched a survey to check in on the community’s feelings about the current business conditions in architecture. If you haven’t had a chance to fill it out yet, we’d love to hear from you! Your insights are invaluable in helping us gauge the current state of the industry and make meaningful improvements.

The deadline to submit your responses is in 2 weeks. We will be analyzing and publishing the results on Archinect in the coming weeks. Thank you for your time and input!

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62% of A&E firms report using artificial intelligence increased efficiency, according to new Deltek study

2024-05-10T18:28:00-04:00

Statistics revealed in the latest Deltek Clarity Architecture & Engineering Industry Study have indicated wide optimism about the use of AI technology, even as most firms struggle to determine where and how to apply emerging trends in the face of prevailing economic headwinds.

According to the 45th annual report, 62% of all 650 surveyed A&E respondents across the United States and Canada have successfully begun using AI to augment their daily operations. Only 20% of firms now report at least three-quarters of their project leadership teams as possessing the proper project management training to best utilize such tools, with another 44% reporting insufficient time to invest in skill-based learning. Other leading challenges include prioritizing applicable trends and the cost of technology.

The findings add to a body of recent valuable industry trends reporting, including last month’s Autodesk study which stated that 76% of all AEC professionals now feel confident about incorporating ...

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...