Despite the skills required, and the responsibilities architects hold, architects make relatively little money. This is due to a difficulty quantifying what architects do, an environment of too many architects and not enough jobs, and issues with scaling the business side of the profession. This mixed with the stress and long hours associated with architecture can lead many to frustration.
Quantifying What Architects Do
Often in a project, it will suddenly occur to the client that the quantifiable aspects of the project are not done by the architect. The shop-drawings (often the only drawing that a contractor will build from) are drawn by a construction administrator, the structural calculations are usually done by a structural engineer. The HVAC layout is designed by a mechanical engineer. The furniture layout is designed by an interior designer. The electrical layout is designed by an electrical engineer. Usually the landscaping is designed by a landscape architect or design – and so much of the specificity of the project is given over to consultants. There are curtain consultants, theater consultants, school consultants, security consultants – the list goes on. The long list of names and professions attached to a project will often leave the client asking what, if anything, is the architect doing?
The long list of names and professions attached to a project will often leave the client asking what, if anything, is the architect doing?