A “Young” Architect’s
Perspective
It’s been more than 15 years since receiving my first degree
in architecture, but many people still consider me a young architect.
As one of only a handful of females in my graduating class at The Ohio
State University, I’ve always had a different perspective of
the architecture industry. My “just starting out” status
coupled with my minority gender in the profession provides me with
a unique view on the current–and anticipated future–state
of the industry. 
Coping with the Downturn, Firms Focus on Value
The deterioration of the construction sector has dealt a sobering
blow to the architecture industry. Individuals, businesses, and
public agencies are simply no longer prepared nor sufficiently
equipped to spend capital on construction. This lack of demand
has subjected the industry to substantial devaluation. The total
number of projects available to architects has decreased dramatically,
shown by a freefall in billings over the last 19 months on the
AIA’s Architectural Billings Index. “Of the few remaining
contracts being signed,” says AIA Chief Economist Kermit
Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA, “fewer projects are new construction
and a greater percentage is smaller in scale and simpler in scope.” The
aggregate effect is an industry that is surviving on fewer, smaller,
simpler projects.
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