The architectural profession has come a long way over the years in various ways, with real changes I've personally witnessed during my time within the profession.
Some of these improvements include the increased number of women securing senior positions across the profession. More people from ethnic minorities and disadvantaged backgrounds are having greater access to qualifying and taking up experience within the industry putting them in good stead for their respective futures. Through to a greater catalogue of opportunities in gaining experience through other routes than the traditional kind such as apprenticeships.
There is forecasted to be a more positive changes on the way, including the reformed 'Part' process for obtaining a Part 3 qualification, which could make the profession accessible to more seeking to pursue architecture as a profession.
Published surveys on the realities with the profession often tend to focus on specific pinch points such as architectural students' experience within the industry or race equality across employability and progression within universities.
However, there are still many areas that are just as important as those mentioned above that are not brought to light for positive changes to be made. Therefore, this post seeks to highlight these and explore the catalysts to themes that are causing disruption and discomfort within the industry for students and professionals.
Systemic Discrimination Still Exists
"There remains a significant disconnect between their perceptions and the experiences of their minority colleagues"
Statistics show,
43% Black, African, and Caribbean individuals within the group of BAME described racism in architecture as “widely prevalent” in 2020
Whereas
17% of white respondents described the same
There is an increasing disparity in BAME and White individuals' perceptions of discrimination within the profession. The percentage of racism perceived by BAME individuals is far higher than that of their white counterparts. This could be because of the varied first-hand experience of discrimination within the industry that the BAME individuals are experiencing, where their white counterparts are viewing these from a remote experience.
Elitism is a real thing
" It is time for those of us who've enjoyed elite educations to take a step back"
Statistics show,
Out of 93 Architecture Practices, 45% of their founders had been to state schools
The reality of those that attended state schools versus private schools is incorrectly represented in publications and research. There is a higher yield of those that attended private schools in the industry at senior positions which is has a trickle down impact on things such as employability criteria - which can at times be structured based on factors and experiences from a more privileged background. This could result in leaving, those from disadvantaged backgrounds missing out on opportunities, as advantaged individuals are more familiar those those hiring in these constructs.
Field Hopping
" People are finding using their Part 1 degree in other professions more equitable "
Statistics show,
48% of professionals said working in practice had made them less likely to want to qualify as an architect
47% of British architects plan to leave their job
The bachelor degree process is notorious for late nights, harsh crits, expensive material costs and unyielding grades at the end of the degree. With a competitive job market, awaiting students once they obtain their Part 1 qualifications.
People are using their part one degree to apply for roles in alternative professions because they are finding the profession either unrewarding, complex or tiresome.
This persistent bleak outlook is resulting in individuals seeking greener pastures in alternative fields such as teaching, graphic design, social media and technology.
Wage and Cost of Living Imbalance
" The growth in pay packets is not keeping up with the cost of living "
Statistics show,
On average, there has been a 6% rise in wages across all roles since 2021
Needless to say, due to the current state of economy real wage growth is far less than the rate of inflation. This is resulting in individuals assessing whether the profession is still a viable option for them in the long run, with the rise in food, transport, fuel, rent and mortgage rates. Architectural professionals are finding themselves at a deficit. The pandemic has caused a change in peoples attitudes to work and their approach to flexibility within a working environment.
Working 24/7
" Work is increasingly exhausting and decreasingly rewarding "
Statistics show,
44% of professionals globally said working late nights has increased since the pandemic
40% of professionals are working more than 10 hours overtime weekly
88% of full-time Part 1 and Part 2 architectural assistants said they are never paid overtime
An age old reality of unpaid overtime and long hours, which seems to have worsened since the pandemic as there is no clear 'shut-off' time because work and home are all in the same place for some. More people are working late and less people are being paid for it.
Employers are encouraging staff to return to working 5-day weeks or even 3-2 Hybrid weeks, which could help in some instances with switching off. Some countries are going as far to introduce laws where there are clearly defined switch off rules implemented in the workplace, but will any of these measures be truly sufficient to helping resolve things.
Unequipped for Reality
"There is a clear gap in our education system, which is costing students in terms of their mental health, employability and life skills"
Statistics show,
57% do not think their universities are doing enough to prepare their students
26% said they worry their degree hasn’t prepared them adequately for the world of work
Due to the wide range of themes and processes that are explored during studying coupled with diverse range of skills tutors and lecturers are equipped with to teach students, everyone almost has their own formula to teach architecture.
This can at times turn the university process into an dream-like setting, that once students leave they almost feel as though they have stepped out of a bubble and into war. Most university projects are largely subjective to a particular tutors style and direction without a realistic solid budget, client or timescale.
With the learning objectives designed to draw on students building their understanding of exploring the processes of conjuring a succinct and practical design. In reality this does not take up much of the RIBA plan of work stages and only a fraction of it. Leaving many students starting work feeling completely clueless and reliant on months of training.
Lack of Consideration for Mental Health
"If our wellbeing is placed first, some of the other wrongs wouldn't be the norm"
Statistics show,
15% increase in requests for mental health support
28% felt their employer was taking care of their mental wellbeing