Results
One quarter of respondents reported that their workplaces perform architecture only. Most respondents’ workplaces encompass architecture combined with one or more other disciplines. Some respondents’ work in allied disciplines (next slide).
About one third of respondents reported that they work in firms smaller than 20 people. About one third work in firms sized 20-99. About one third worked in firms sized 100 people or larger.
More than half of respondents reported that they have worked at their present workplace for less than 10 years. Of these, most have fewer than 5 years tenure. Respondents averaged 11 years in their current workplace.
Most respondents agreed that firms generally supported licensure and the path toward it in a variety of ways. Respondents reported more ambivalence about their firm’s financial support in the course of licensure, and about measurable rewards once licensure was attained.
90% of respondents reported that they are decision-makers on their projects.
About 80% of respondents reported that they always or frequently served as a primary contact on projects. About 70% reported that they always or frequently directed project teams. About 60% reported that they always or frequently represent their firm in public, although another 20+% reported that they sometimes represent their firm.
Respondents reported their top activities as client meetings; SD; ConAd; drawing coordination; and team management. Least partaken activities were ribbon cutting; office housekeeping; structure; office management; and travel requirements. Respondents reported 16 activities on average (among 30 options provided). A future survey might include a more direct question about responsibility level (intern, junior, intermediate/associate, project architect, principal/owner).
Nearly a quarter of respondents reported earnings in the range of $75,000-$99,000, with a drop above $125,000. More than 10% of respondents also reported earning more than $200,000.
More than half of respondents reported that they have not considered leaving the profession. A third reported that they considered leaving, and nearly 10% reported ambivalence.
80% of respondents agreed that economics are a reason to consider leaving the profession. More than half agreed that time demand was a reason. Respondents were less agreed upon and more ambivalent about other reasons—the nature of the work, workplace culture, and family.
90% of respondents had completed the ARE. About half had completed NCARB Certificate. 70% combined had completed either IDP or AXP.
Of respondents who completed IDP, most spent three years, with 85% completing the program within five years. Of respondents who completed the ARE, 70% did so within three years. Of respondents who attained NCARB certification, 40% met the requirements within 1 year.
295 respondents reported earning 473 academic degrees, an average of 1.6 each.
About 60% of the degrees that respondents reported earning were professional (B.Arch, M.Arch1, or M.Arch2). A greater number of graduate professional degrees were reported than undergraduate professional degrees (by 3 percentage points). A quarter of degrees earned were bachelor’s degrees (non B.Arch).
Over a quarter of non-architecture graduates turned out to have backgrounds in architectural studies or allied fields. The majority of concentrations were reported in the arts and humanities.
More than a third of respondents did not take student loans to finance their education.
Of the respondents who had taken student loans to finance their education, more than half owed no balance.