Building upon our last episode when we discussed the path we have taken to get where we are, how unpredictable and in some cases, how circuitous that path can take, what we didn’t really talk about was if the journey was what we wanted. It’s all fine and dandy to look back and make lemonade from lemons, but now that we are decades into our careers as architect, there is another question we want to ask … Episode 168: Architectural Career – Is It Worth It?
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I am going to start by defining, at least or me, what “it” might mean to help shape this conversation. It starts right out of the gate with quality of life – which I would presume is the case for most people. I don’t need to be rich and I have been fortunate enough that money for the most part does not influence the decisions I’ve made in my life. The most important thing for me is that I want to be a part of something. I want what I do to matter – which admittedly, “who it matters to” can and has changed. Some things I do matter to me, but as I’ve aged in my career, making things better for other people has worked its way into my motivation. When your activities have an impact on others, there is validation that occurs of your decisions, and your behavior. I do want to address the money consideration for a minute. I said it doesn’t influence me, but that’s really because I make a pretty decent living. I don’t care what other people doing other jobs make – good for them. Money simply represents freedom to make certain decisions and to present options.
For those of you who might be new here, or just stumbled on to this article, I shared the post I wrote a long time ago about “Golden Handcuffs” and an experience I had at the beginning of my career (when I wasn’t actually making very much money) where I learned the lesson that money does not bring fulfillment and if you can learn what you need to exist, you can stop the process of chasing a paycheck and focus on being the best version of yourself … which will typically bring with it that larger paycheck.
Now that some baselines are in place, let’s get into the first section …
The Realities of the Architectural Dream jump to 10:19
When I look back on my career in architecture, I remember how I started out with some enthusiasm. I was convinced I would spend my days doing creative work, designing amazing spaces, and leaving my mark on the world. Now, over three decades later, I can see how that vision of my career evolved in ways I never predicted. The essence of that passion is still there—I love what I do—but the daily realities are far more nuanced than what I imagined as a student. Architecture turned out to be about more than just design; it involves project management, mentorship, business considerations, and sometimes grappling with budgets and fees that don’t always reflect the effort we put in. Despite these challenges, I still believe it’s worth it.
One topic I’ve discussed a lot with Andrew, and with the mentees in my firm, is how the “dream” compares to the “reality.” In architecture school, we’re immersed in design theory and creative exercises; it’s easy to believe that’s your entire future. But then you join a firm, and someone hands you a stack of construction documents or code research spreadsheets. It can feel jarring—I’ve seen many young professionals struggle with the gap between what they thought they’d do and what they actually end up doing. At the same time, that early shock is often what expands your skill set the most. As you handle real-world challenges, your perspective grows, and you start to see the broader impact of architecture beyond just the initial creative spark.
Part of the dream is also about the work having meaning beyond yourself. Architects generally don’t go into this field to make big money; if you truly wanted that, there are probably easier ways to get it. Instead, we’re motivated by the chance to affect how people live, work, and interact with buildings. It’s about being able to point to something and say, “I helped make that.” It’s that deeper fulfillment that often keeps us going even when the pay or day-to-day tasks aren’t everything we hoped. We have that drive to keep pushing forward, to refine our craft, and to keep learning.
Andrew spends some time talking about how important it is to remain flexible. You might go into school thinking you’ll specialize in healthcare, or hospitality, or some other focus, only to discover the reality of that niche isn’t what you imagined. It’s not a failure to pivot to something else; it’s part of the discovery process. My role now includes mentoring younger architects, helping them navigate these twists and turns. Seeing them work through those early realizations—often the same ones I had long ago—reminds me that architecture is a lifelong journey. It’s a journey that involves both practical adaptation and rekindling the passion that brought us here in the first place.
Stories from the Trenches jump to 26:21
I recently ran a poll on my Instagram to get a reality check on whether people think a career in architecture is worth it. It turned out 318 people responded, and about three-quarters said “yes,” while one-quarter said “no.” That ratio initially surprised me—I didn’t expect a quarter of respondents to feel it wasn’t worth their time – I expected that number to be a little higher. Most of the “no” votes came from people in the early stages of their careers, which makes some sense. You might struggle with the transition from school to the working world, or be discouraged by the starting pay and you never get to the point where you find your place.
Following up on the first question, I asked folks to explain their “yes” or “no.” I was heartened that a lot of them see architecture as a fulfilling, creative endeavor that engages both the left and right sides of the brain. People mentioned how every day is different, how there’s a unique joy in seeing a design come to life in the built environment, and how there’s always something new to learn. Some also pointed out that it’s not always sunshine and roses: the work can be demanding, the hours can be long, and the pay isn’t necessarily stellar when you’re just starting out. Yet, even those who said they wished they earned more still found the work deeply rewarding.
Another factor that came up often was the sense of purpose. Whether it’s designing schools that impact hundreds of students daily or tackling projects aimed at creating a better community space, there’s a clear altruistic aspect that resonates with many architects. That ties into the idea that if you see your work as making a positive difference, you won’t focus as much on the financial side. I totally get that. I’ve been around long enough to see how this kind of passion can sustain those of us who stay in the profession for the long run.
I also noticed that architects who stick with it beyond, say, the first ten years tend to do quite well professionally. You reach a point where you’re not just surviving; you’re thriving. And the best part is that the work doesn’t get old. You’re constantly learning about new tools, new methods, new design challenges. You never feel stagnant. That’s probably why architects often stay in the profession for as long as they can—some even joke that architects don’t retire, they simply “stop breathing.” With so much variety and the chance to leave a real mark in the world, it’s hard to walk away once you’re in it.
I thought it would be interesting to share some of what the 88 people who took the time to tell me why they responded yes or no – here is a very small sample to get us started (and I threw some disenfranchised people in here to keep the list honest).
– No, architects have given away control to the contractors & others in a fee race to the bottom.
– It took me forever to answer. It is such a frustratingly rewarding profession.
– Shared perspectives of the beauty in life, both built and natural.
– People I’ve worked with, breadth of roles available in the field.
– It’s challenging but very rewarding to see a concept or design come to life.
– Because people in the industry are awesome.
– Always at the mercy of someone else’s whims.
– Science and art, tangible making of things, always learning. Beauty.
– The gift of creating.
– No. Not worth it financially.
– Extremely rewarding work. Very Creative but technical as well. Work on some cool projects. Well paid.
– You make it what you want it to be. The sky is the limit.
There is a common thread to most of these comments, that despite the roles and responsibilities varying so much, the reasons people join, remain motivated, and continue to work in this profession are very similar.
Measuring Worth jump to 35:21
When Andrew and I got to the part where we discussed the idea of measuring worth, I knew it would be a complicated conversation. After all, my definition of “worth” has shifted drastically over the course of my career, so why wouldn’t this be true for everyone? Early on, I was primarily concerned with proving myself, honing my design skills, and making sure I was financially stable enough to support my family’s needs. At one point, I was bringing in enough fees on residential projects to think seriously about going out on my own. The money might have worked out fine, but the idea of giving up the daily camaraderie and collaboration I enjoy so much was a deal-breaker. That connection is critical for me, and I realized I wasn’t willing to sacrifice it—even if I could potentially make more running a small firm by myself.
Moreover, my family’s well-being played a huge role in my decisions. My daughter started a college preparatory school in seventh grade, which essentially meant paying for college-level tuition starting when she was only twelve. The uncertainty of managing a fledgling practice during that crucial time felt overwhelming. I wanted the freedom to focus on her education and provide a stable environment, rather than juggling the high-wire act of being a sole practitioner.
I’ve also discovered that my sense of “worth” goes beyond just financial considerations. Yes, getting a decent salary matters, but it’s not the driving force behind every career decision I make. I thrive on the energy of working closely with a group of people who bounce ideas around and occasionally swap random stories that keep the spirit of the office alive. Even if I occasionally derail five people for fifteen minutes with a story about leprechauns that they didn’t ask to hear, that interaction recharges me in ways a bigger paycheck never could.
In the end, I’ve come to believe that each stage of our careers brings its own unique set of priorities. Early on, money might dominate. Later, it could be collaboration, balance, or just having the sense that you’re making a difference. For me, it’s a combination of factors, but what I’ve learned is that “worth” isn’t a fixed value. It’s fluid, shaped by where we are in life, what kind of relationships we want to foster, and how we define success beyond the bottom line.
Alternate Careers for Architects jump to 48:18
Andrew and I wanted to wrap up our discussion with a look at alternate careers for architects. One of the biggest selling points of an architectural education is that it trains you how to think, not just how to execute a single, specialized task. This mindset naturally equips you to branch out into multiple fields—development, construction management, owner’s rep roles, teaching, and so on. I’ve known many people who’ve stepped away from traditional architectural practice only to discover they enjoy a different aspect of the building and design world. Typically, it’s not because they failed as architects. Instead, they recognized a skill or an interest and found they could excel by pivoting.
It is interesting to see how these shifts often happen in someone’s early to mid-30s. That’s about the time when professional ambitions butt up against real-life demands like supporting a family, buying a house, making educational decisions, etc. Sometimes you realize the day-to-day practice of architecture isn’t exactly what you pictured when you were in school. Maybe you want more stability or find you’re better at navigating client relationships than painstaking design details. Suddenly, leaving a firm for a development or construction role can feel like a natural fit. You still get to be around buildings, but your focus and stress points are different.
We also dug into teaching as a prime example of a pivot. Andrew started teaching one design studio a year, partly to bring some enthusiasm back into his life. Running his own practice had grown taxing, and being in the classroom gave him a chance to be creative without the pressure of running a business. Eventually, he transitioned to full-time teaching, although he misses seeing his own visions become buildings. Now, he’s the one helping students realize their visions.
From my vantage point, the ability to shift gears—whether to teaching or any other field—illustrates the value of our training. Not only do architects blend technical know-how with creative thinking, but we also learn to pivot in response to economic or personal changes. If you find traditional practice isn’t hitting the mark anymore, there’s a good chance you can apply those same analytical and design skills in a role that’s a better fit for your evolving priorities. It might be developing property, working on the construction side, or standing in front of a classroom. No matter the direction, your training in creative, critical thinking is something you can carry with you.
Hypothetical jump to 57:15
This particular hypothetical question has been an interesting one since I have asked maybe a half dozen people to answer it … and how people come to their conclusion has been all over the place.
What is the lowest amount of money you would accept to give up your favorite food forever?
The contrast between Andrew’s answer and my own might give some indication of the different ways people think about hat it means to give something up along with how to determine the value of what you are giving up. While Andrew makes his focus on the experiences he would no longer have, I made my answer purely transactional … which means I might have lost this one.
Ep 168: Architectural Career – Is It Worth It?
I’ve come to realize that my journey in architecture is as rewarding as it is challenging. From the excitement of seeing my ideas take shape in world to the constant opportunity for creative growth, I find that the profession offers far more than a paycheck—it brings daily variety, a sense of purpose, and an endless capacity to learn. Even when day-to-day tasks feel more practical than glamorous, I appreciate how my architectural training allows me to pivot in different directions, whether that means exploring a new specialization, teaching, or even stepping into a development role. The joy I get from collaborating with colleagues and the satisfaction of creating spaces that genuinely impact people’s lives confirm, for me, that an architectural career is absolutely worth it.
Cheers,
