We know you love working in architecture. Despite the long hours, the stress, and the thankless tasks, it is all worth it to do something you are enthusiastic about, day in, and day out. The feeling of being part of something that will outlive you can be indescribable. There is nothing wrong with having a little moan here and there. Architects work harder than a lot of people and give us beautiful buildings, so we think you deserve it. We have even created a list of things to grumble about to start you off.*
1) Argue with them.
If your architect says you can't have a floating yoga room, it is impossible. There is nothing more frustrating than this conversation:
"We can't do that."
"But I want it."
"It's still impossible."
"But I want it."
2) Assume that you can do their job because you can draw.
Architects do a lot more than drawing. A lot more. As Paul Klee once said, "An artist can paint square wheels, but an architect must make them round." One way you can combat this is by fully explaining what your role entails – this can help reduce any misconceptions about an architect’s role.
3) Assume that you can do their job because you can do mental maths.
See above.
4) How long it takes to qualify.
A typical architect can expect to qualify after 7 years of training. This training includes a 3-year undergrad, a 2-year master's, and a final exam. Architects are dedicated to their role as they have long waited to qualify to become one.
5) Try to reminisce with them about crazy student days.
While you were spending your university evenings in the pub, architecture students were taking a 40-minute power nap under their studio desks.
6) Ask them when they're going to design a famous skyscraper.
It's very unlikely to happen due to the sheer competitive nature of the industry. However, aspiring architects can receive an opportunity to work on massive projects.
7) Point out the errors in their sketches.
Architects take their health and safety responsibilities very seriously, but first drafts are first drafts - haven't you got anything better to do?
8) Meet them at a party and jokingly say 'Can you build me a house, then?'
You're definitely not the first person to make this joke. Please stop.
9) Boast about how much sleep you got last night.
Things you'll never hear an architect say #1: 'I'll be home early tonight.' With constantly working with tight schedules and having heavy caseloads, it can be tough for architects to get everything done in standard 9-5 hours.
10) Take credit for their ideas, or even worse - steal their ideas.
There's probably nothing worse you can do to an architect, except hide all their tracing paper and run off. Don’t be a thief.
11) Decide not to pay them.
Why? Just why?
12) Say ANY of these things:
"Hmm... I'll know what I want when I see it."
"Architects are like construction workers, aren't they?"
"Why does a drawing cost so much?"
"I don't understand why it took you so long to do that little drawing."
"What's the difference between an architect and a surveyor?"
"What's the difference between an architect and an engineer?"
"Can't the computer do all of that by itself?"
"There's a crack in my ceiling, would you look at it for me?"
If you are an annoyed architect at the end of your tether - you're always welcome to have a chat with us or have a look through our Architecture jobs here. Calibre Search provides tailored recruitment services to the Built and Natural Environment multi-disciplinary consultancy market, including Architects, Architectural Technologists and Technicians - our specialist consultants have years of experience in this sector and are qualified to help you out and provide you with a professional opinion. Find out how to get in touch here or email tom.brown@calibresearch.co.uk.
*Note: No architects were harmed in the making of this blog.
