It happens all the time—you tell someone you’re an architect, and they immediately jump to conclusions about what your life must be like. Maybe they assume you’re raking in cash, or that you spend your days sketching beautiful buildings in solitude, lost in your creative bubble. These assumptions can be flattering, but they’re often far from reality. Today, we’re going to explore some of the most common myths about architects and peel back the layers to reveal what this profession is really about. Some of these might surprise you, and if you’re an architect yourself, you might find yourself nodding along. Welcome to Episode 165: Ten Myths about Architects.
[Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player] Podcast: Embed Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | iHeartRadio | TuneIn
Architects Earn High Salaries jump to 2:33
You’ve probably heard this one before: architects are rolling in cash. Spoiler alert—they aren’t. Sure, architecture is a respected profession, but most of us start with hefty student loan debt that eats into any paycheck we bring home. Entry-level salaries? Let’s just say they’re humbling, especially when you compare them to fields with similar educational and licensure requirements. Throw in unpaid overtime and years of internships, and the road to financial stability can feel like a marathon. While firm ownership or specialization can bump your income, those paths take years and a dash of luck to achieve. Even as you grow in your skills and toles, and your salary improves, architects in urban areas often find that rising rents and high costs of living erase out any gains (at least this is a topic of discussion that I have with the young people in my office). Architecture is a rewarding career in many ways, but it’s not a financial fast track, and for most architects, the real wealth is in the satisfaction of creating spaces that shape how people live, work, and interact.
Architects Have Complete Creative Freedom jump to 10:49
When people think of architects, they imagine grand visions brought to life without compromise – probably part of the reason the word “starkitect” came into existence. I hate to be the one to burst that bubble, but in real life, compromise is baked into the job. Clients have budgets, and those budgets don’t always leave room for ALL the things that they want to include. To make things even more fun, you have zoning laws and building codes to follow, which can feel like designing with one hand tied behind your back. Environmental and sustainability standards also influence decisions, especially as more clients rightfully prioritize energy-efficient designs. Add market trends and public perception into the mix, and you quickly realize that our “creative freedom” is more like a carefully choreographed dance. The trick is to stay creative while working within a long list of constraints—and honestly, that’s part of the fun. Some of the most innovative designs are born from constraints, and as a result, it forces architects to think outside the box. It’s about finding that perfect balance between what’s possible, what’s desired, and what’s required.
Architects Work Alone jump to 14:51
If you picture architects as lone geniuses holed up in a studio, think again. On any sizable project, I’m working alongside structural engineers, MEP consultants, interior designers, and sometimes the list of collaborators and consultants can grow to include more than 15+ specialists on a single project. It takes a small army to get building put together and it’s all about teamwork. Even small projects require collaboration, as every detail, from material selection to structural integrity, depends on a multidisciplinary approach. Inside the office, we collaborate like crazy. Younger designers and senior architects all contribute to moving a project forward. No project is ever a solo act, and honestly, the best ideas often come out of the give-and-take of working with a team. It’s this collaborative process that typically helps ensure that the final project is more refined, thoughtful, and impactful than what any one person could have created alone. Architecture is as much about relationships as it is about design, and that’s a part of the profession I’ve come to love.
Architects Are Responsible for Construction jump to 18:31
It’s funny how often people ask me if I build any of the projects I design. While I think I could possibly pull off the role of “contractor”, my job is to provide the creative vision and technical documents —which includes detailed drawings, specifications, and guidance—but the contractors and tradespeople are the ones who actually construct the building. That being said, I do frequently visit the job site to make sure the plans are being followed. I greatly appreciate the hard work of the contractors and subcontractors who bring our projects to life. Our roles complement each other: I prepare the documents that provide instruction, and the contractors bring practical experience and boots-on-the-ground knowledge to the process. Architects oversee the process, but the success of a project relies on skilled collaboration between everyone involved, from the drawings to the last nail. While most architects don’t swing hammers, our expertise is crucial to ensuring that everything comes together as intended.
Architects Need Exceptional Drawing Skills jump to 21:28
There’s a myth that architects are born with sketching abilities. In reality, the practice of architecture these days is more about software than sketchbooks. Tools like CAD and BIM are the new pencil and paper, allowing us to create detailed 3D models that would put any hand-drawn sketch to shame. Sure, sketching is helpful—it’s great for brainstorming—but it’s a skill you can learn, not some mystical gift. Communication and conceptual thinking matter far more than how amazing your sketches look. In today’s world, graphic software like Photoshop and Illustrator, combined with visual communication software like SketchUp and Enscape do as much (if not sometimes more) for selling a design than a hand-drawn visual is capable. That’s not to say sketching is obsolete—it’s still a quick and powerful way to communicate ideas. Architecture today isn’t limited to the hand-drawn line; technology has opened up countless possibilities for visualization, iteration, and collaboration. The ability to think critically, adapt quickly, and use the tools at hand is what really sets architects apart.
Architects Work Is Glamorous jump to 26:46
You’ve seen the Instagram shots (at least mine): perfectly styled desks, dramatic site visits, glamorous awards galas. In reality, architecture is about as glamorous as a pork sandwich left out in the sun. Sure, there are amazing creative moments, but there’s also the late nights in front of the computer preparing drawings. Clients can be demanding, contractors are sometimes frustrating, and there are times when I spend hours re-checking code requirements and doing material takeoffs to appease ridiculous planning and zoning requirements … these are not red carpet moments. But here’s the thing: the work may not always be glamorous, but seeing a project come to pretty amazing. Watching something grow from a concept to a fully realized building is deeply satisfying.
Architects Are Always in Demand jump to 33:02
Architecture might sound like a recession-proof career, but construction is one of the first industries to take a hit when the economy falters. Demand also depends on where you’re located—big cities are a hotbed for opportunities, but rural areas? Not so much. The rise of DIY design software has allowed people to think they are the next Frank Lloyd Wright and as a result, smaller-scale residential work has fallen off and become cost-prohibitive, and now like so many other industries, outsourcing documentation services overseas has added another layer of competition. Even in specialized fields, like healthcare, student housing, and core and shell office buildings, markets can quickly become oversaturated. Staying relevant often means adapting to shifting demands, learning new tools, and carving out a niche. It’s not the guaranteed job security many imagine it to be, but the unpredictability also keeps things interesting. The architects who thrive are the ones who can adapt quickly and find opportunities even when the market shifts.
Architects Can Design Any Type of Building jump to 35:32
“You’re an architect—so you can design anything, right?” Well, not exactly. Specialization matters as does experience. For example, designing a house is a completely different skillset than a healthcare facility or a hospitality project, just as a healthcare facilities specialist most likely does not have the knowledge or experience to design and document a high rise housing project, aaaaand just like a residential architect might not know the ins and outs of student housing (don’t let the similarity of words fool you …) Complex projects often require collaboration with specialized experts (like acousticians, building envelope design, food service, etc.) and while architects are trained to adapt to new challenges, the best results come from years of experience and they simply can’t be experts at everything. A single architect designing every type of building isn’t just improbable; it’s impractical, which is why partnerships and the input of experts is essential. Successful architecture is about knowing what you don’t know, and working with the right people to fill those gaps.
Architects Only Prepare Drawings jump to 40:09
It’s true that architects spend a significant amount of time creating drawings, but to say that’s all we do would be selling the profession short. Before the first line is drawn, architects meet with clients to understand their needs, establish budgets, and set realistic project timelines. Once the project moves forward, we’re knee-deep in coordination—working with engineers, consultants, clients and other stakeholders to bring all the pieces together. Navigating code and zoning regulations, managing the permit process and submission, while solving unexpected site challenges, budget modifications, and misaligned expectations are just as much a part of the job as the design itself. And then there’s the ongoing communication: architects mediate between contractors, clients, and consultants to ensure everyone stays aligned. The drawings may look like the most visible output of our work, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg. What you don’t see is the constant problem-solving, project management, and expertise that makes those drawings a reality.
Architects Are Only Creative Types jump to 43:19
Architects are often seen as artists, sketching their visions onto paper with the grounding that reality typically requires. While creativity is a big part of what we do, it’s only one side of the coin. Architecture also requires substantial technical expertise—understanding how materials perform, how structures carry and distribute weight, and how HVAC and plumbing systems integrate into a building are just a few areas where architects must have a fundamental knowledge. Project management is another cornerstone of the job, as we oversee budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure a project runs smoothly. And then there’s the regulatory side: zoning laws, building codes, and safety standards all influence the final design. Architecture is a blend of art, science, and strategy, and while creativity might get all the attention, it’s the technical rigor that ensures that we actually get to get do more buildings.
Hypothetical jump to 48:00
As we head into the end of the year and start of 2025, thoughts naturally turn towards things that need evaluating (with an eye towards improving). The gauntlet of parties and events that take place at the end of the year always make me wonder how I am going to come out on the other side …
If you could take the calorie count of anything that you eat and reduce it to 10% of the original, with no nutritional change, would you do it?
The answer to this question turns out to be extremely easy with just a moments thought so we had to add a twist to it in order to make the conversation just a bit more interesting AND challenging.
Ep 165: 10 Myths about Architects
The perception that the general public has about architects has always been an interesting topic to me, as I would imagine it would be for any practicing architect. So few people really understand what we do and the type of work that goes into the process of creating buildings of all scales is fairly remarkable – especially since the public engages with the work we do every single day – and it is for this reason that I started this entire website. Some of the items discussed on this list are meant to address the perception of the public, but some are on this list to address what people who are considering this profession as their career. The other talking point that is worth considering is that most of the myths we discussed are neither good or bad, they just are … and hopefully we have given you something to think about and discuss further with your friends.
Cheers,
