All that Glitters is NOT Gold
Architecture – one of the timeless arts of imagination and designing spaces stands as a testament to human creativity and ingenuity. Architecture is a requisite part of modern society. There has been a revitalization in architecture in the last decade. Over the years, the role of an architect has evolved from purely designing a building to a more inclusive and accountable status. With clients and organizations focusing more on eco-friendly and sustainable designs, the architects also must determine the impact generated by their designs on the environment. While these accomplishments are celebrated, there lies a hidden truth behind the grand and glamorous facades and it is about time, the dynamic work environment in which this creative work unfolds is called upon.
Welcome to the World of Architects! But Wait
Design studios have always had appalling work conditions. Designers and architects have faced issues related to irregular working hours, overwork, the sacrifice of personal space, unpaid internships, unpaid overtime, and inadequate salaries. These have now become part and parcel of an architect’s professional life. To bring about change, this work culture needs to be called upon repeatedly on various platforms. Working ridiculous hours should not be a badge of honor, but creating good designs and passionately working for better results should be the goal. In order to truly embrace diversity and inclusion, architecture firms must actively challenge existing power structures and implement policies that promote equity and representation at all levels.
Architects and All-nighters – A Toxic Love Story
One can seldom find students, recent graduates, or young professional architects who are lazy. They are tremendously driven and hardworking. It comes along with the ‘Bachelor of Architecture’. Thanks to the educational system and the course which trains them to strive through difficulties. Anyone who has managed to graduate from an Architecture school is persistent and dedicated to their craft and would devotedly fulfill any task at hand. However, architects struggle to make a living even after attaining an expensive graduation. The architecture school has its share of challenges. The irrational glorification of all-nighters, constant boasts about lack of sleep, despicable juries, and countless ‘redo’ have defined the education system of architecture. These same issues have been suitably passed over to the work culture that led to an unmaintainable work-life balance which is challenging to transform. One of the pressing issues within the architecture profession is the pattern of long working hours and burnout. Architects are often expected to work for grueling hours, sacrificing their physical and mental well-being in the pursuit of project deadlines and client expectations.
While fresh graduates are unaware of this work culture reality, practicing architects have been familiar with the trends of the industry for quite some time. Yet, firm owners maintain impractical expectations while hiring interns. Emerging professionals want to be whole people, hardworking and healthy, diligent, and dynamic, able to work in an environment where they are respected as humans and valued as team members, where their worth is not measured in hours but in who they are as people, their intensity of focus, how they work with their colleagues, how quickly they learn, how they take initiative.
Becoming the change
In an era of technological advancement, architectural practices must evolve to foster innovation and technical tools. However, some design firms are reluctant to change, clinging to outdated methods and processes. This not only hinders the productivity and efficiency of work but also limits the creative possibilities available for architects. This requires an essential shift in the outlook and approach that values short-term gains over long-term sustainability.
Managing a successful design firm is not easy and hail from its share of challenges. Architectural work practices that are often undervalued and underappreciated find themselves working for lesser fees, contributing to unpaid competitions, and committing to unachievable timelines, to stay in business. Most of these issues can be alleviated by implementing ethical business practices, efficient project management, educating clients about the scope of work, and establishing reasonable expectations. These issues aren’t a result of one such design firm but a contribution to the entire system. Change is long overdue, and it is for the betterment of the industry that the work of architects and designers is acknowledged and provided with equitable compensation. The future depends on it.
Architecture is a promising field due to its rapid growth and development. Old-fashioned hierarchies, prolonged working hours, undervalued work, and lack of work-life balance are some issues that afflict the architectural work culture. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the industry acknowledges the efforts and strives toward an ethical work environment that encourages creativity, values professionalism, respects work-life balance, and provides fair compensation for the efforts. Only through meaningful cultural change can architecture fulfill its potential as a force for positive social and environmental impact.
