Keeping it Real: Challenges Architects Face Today

I've always been an optimist and someone?who is deeply passionate about the work I do. Often I've felt that many of the difficulties I've faced as an architect have simply gone over my head just?based on my rather upbeat personality type. But also as an architect who's been in the field for nearly two decades, I've experienced firsthand the hurdles that often go unnoticed by those outside our industry. From financial instability to dealing with difficult personalities, the challenges we face run deep. Recently, in a conversation with my copywriter, we touched on some of the most pressing issues facing architects today—issues that I've lived through myself.?

1.?Financial Struggles: Living on the Edge

One of the biggest challenges architects face is financial. I remember starting out, feeling proud to finally be an architecture graduate and then a licensed architect, only to realize that the salary wasn't exactly reflective of the effort and education it took to get there. Architects in California often earn between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, which might sound like a decent income, but when you factor in high living costs and taxes, it quickly becomes apparent that it's not enough. After taxes, you could be left with $60,000, which is barely enough to cover rent, let alone think about buying a home in cities like Los Angeles. I know several professionals who have had to leave the state simply because they can no longer afford to live here.

What’s even more frustrating is the lack of financial stake architects have in the projects they work on. Despite being the cornerstone of the entire design and construction process, architects are often at the mercy of clients and developers who are constantly trying to cut fees and keep costs low. It’s disheartening to put your heart and soul into a project only to see your compensation slashed to make the bottom line work.

2.?Lack of Recognition: When Clients Think They Know Best

I sometimes laugh at this to myself?but yet another personal frustration is the lack of recognition for what we do. I’ve had countless clients who, after watching a few episodes of HGTV, believe they know as much about design as I do after years of education and hands-on experience. It’s one thing to collaborate with an informed client, but it’s a completely different battle when someone without the background constantly tells you what to do, thinking they know better.

This mentality isn't just an ego clash—it actually impacts the quality of the work. When clients insist on ignoring the expertise they're paying for, the results can be disappointing for both parties. Unfortunately, this lack of recognition is something I’ve seen over and over again, and it’s something most architects can relate to.

3.?Time Management and Industry Complexity

Time management is critical in this profession, yet it’s another constant struggle. As architects, we’re juggling so many different disciplines—structural concerns, building codes, client needs, and aesthetic considerations—often all at once. I’ve been in situations where I’ve had to handle design, project management, and client relations all at the same time. It’s draining, and it’s easy to feel like you're pulled in a million different directions. I remember working on projects in Hawaii and elsewhere where I had to coordinate teams, manage client expectations, and meet tight deadlines with limited resources.

4.?Gender Inequity: Balancing Career and Family

As a woman in architecture, the challenges can be even more daunting. This field is still very much male-dominated, and women face unique hurdles, especially when it comes to balancing career and family. I remember when I had my daughter, and it completely changed how I viewed my work. At the time, I was commuting long hours and working for a firm that didn’t value my contributions in the way I thought I deserved. I felt like I was sacrificing time with my daughter for a job that wasn’t rewarding me, financially or emotionally.

I eventually decided to leave the firm and start my own practice. It was one of the scariest decisions I’ve ever made, but it turned out to be one of the best. That first year, I went from making an average salary working for someone else to billing significantly more on my own. The decision gave me the flexibility to be with my daughter, while also allowing me to finally be rewarded for the hard work I was putting in. But I realize this isn’t the case for everyone, and many women struggle to maintain both a career and a family life. There are systemic issues in this field that make it hard for women to advance or stay in the profession at all.

5.?The Illusion of Glamour vs. Reality

People often have this romanticized idea of what it means to be an architect, but the reality is very different. I’ve worked on my fair share of luxury projects, but for every glamorous moment, there are hours spent on construction sites dealing with contractors, dust, and endless paperwork. Early in my career, I worked in Hawaii on projects that were technically impressive, but I struggled because the design wasn’t aligned with my style. I felt stifled creatively, and it made me question whether I could ever have the kind of artistic control I wanted.

Later, I worked for a semi-starchitect in Los Angeles, and even though the projects were high-profile, I still didn’t have the design freedom I craved. Much of my work involved technical problem-solving, not the creative, visionary design that drew me to architecture in the first place. It took years of frustration before I could finally focus on the kinds of projects that truly allowed me to express my design sensibilities.

6.?Educational Debt and Financial Strain

Architecture school is expensive, and the financial strain doesn't end at graduation. Many architects are burdened with student loans well into their 30s or 40s, and the starting salaries in this field don’t always provide the means to pay them off quickly. I was lucky—my family helped pay for my education—but I’ve seen colleagues struggle under the weight of massive student debt. It’s frustrating to invest so much in your education, only to find that your salary barely covers the basics of living, let alone repaying loans.

7.?Stress and Burnout

Architecture is a high-stress environment, especially in construction. There’s always a sense of urgency, with tight deadlines and constant pressure to deliver. I’ve been through my share of burnout, working 12-hour days, juggling multiple projects, and constantly feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Managing stress is a big part of this profession, but it’s something I still struggle with, especially when balancing personal life with a demanding career.

8.?Moving Into Development for Financial Stability

One path I’ve been considering to address some of these challenges is moving into development. As an architect, even when you have your own firm, you’re often trading time for money. I don’t have 100 employees generating passive income for me. To achieve financial stability, I believe it’s important to have a financial stake in the projects I work on. Partnering with developers or starting my own small development projects is something I’m exploring, as it would provide not only financial rewards but also more control over the design process.

Conclusion: Valuing and Empowering Architects

As the saying goes, "You need pressure to make diamonds." Architecture is no different. It’s a profession filled with immense challenges, but those challenges can create something extraordinary—if architects are given the support and recognition they deserve.

Clients and stakeholders need to recognize the immense expertise and effort architects bring to every project, and that begins with fair compensation. Architects should be rewarded with higher fees and salaries that reflect the value they provide, rather than being squeezed by budget cuts or undervalued in the project hierarchy. The investment architects make in their education, skills, and the creative solutions they deliver deserves to be met with financial respect and recognition.It’s also crucial that clients and employers respect architects as professionals, trusting their judgment and expertise instead of undermining their work. Architecture is more than just a job; it’s a complex and challenging discipline that requires dedication, passion, and a constant drive to innovate.

Furthermore, the profession must evolve to accommodate the realities of modern life. Flexibility should be extended not only to women but to all architects with families. Everyone deserves the freedom to pursue their careers while also enjoying the other aspects of their lives, whether that means spending time with children, nurturing personal passions, or simply maintaining a balanced lifestyle. This kind of flexibility can only strengthen the industry, allowing architects to bring their best selves to the table, both personally and professionally.

As architects, we have so much potential beyond just designing buildings. We can expand into different fields, as I have done with my podcast and ongoing ventures into development. These outlets not only provide creative fulfillment but also financial security and a diversified career.

By recognizing our own value and advocating for fair treatment, we can open new doors and push the boundaries of what architects are capable of achieving.It’s time for clients, stakeholders, and architects themselves to see this profession for what it truly is—an invaluable, multi-faceted field that deserves to be respected, rewarded, and celebrated.