Architecture Myths Debunked!

When you think of an architect, what is the first thing that comes to mind? While every profession has certain stereotypes (and some may be valid), architects tend to be up there when it comes to misconstrued notions. To make things interesting, we’ve put together a short list of some of the most common myths and spoke with our very own team to get down to the real facts!

Architects are highbrow and unapproachable.

“That is a misconception. At its core, architecture used to be a somewhat and still is in some ways an elitist profession, but that has changed a lot in recent years. Architecture is for the people and the community so by that standpoint, I wouldn’t say we’re necessarily highbrow or unapproachable. We still have a lot of work to do, but I also think the inclusion of different diversity groups and genders in the architectural community have really helped debunk this stereotype.”

– Lauren Printz, Associate Director

“No, I don’t believe so. Being that we are a client services type of profession, I believe that architects need to be approachable in order to better serve their clients.  When a client feels comfortable with their hired architect, they are more trustful, which provides a great working environment for all.”

– Philip Wong, Project Associate

Architecture is for men.

“While it is true that architecture is a male-dominated industry, it is not true that it is a career solely for men.”

– Jeanmaire Dani, Senior Project Manager

“It’s not. From a more narrowed point of view, my graduating class in 2012 was 51% female. My starting class was only 28% female but because we weeded out people who dropped out, change majors, etc. I ended up graduating with more females than males by the of the year… a little fun fact we are proud of.”

– Lauren Printz, Associate Director

All architects do the same job.

“There are a number of branches in the architectural field. Architecture being an umbrella name for those branches. For example, an architect can assist with interior designing, facade inspections, new construction, and landscaping architecture just to name a few.”

– Philip Wong, Project Associate

“Architecture is multi-faceted. Sort of the mission statement of architecture is protecting the welfare and safety of the public, so that in itself is very broad and wide-ranging. You also have architects who work on the interior, ones who work on the exterior, you have a whole world of consultants, and then you have your annex trades such as engineering/geotechnical and things of that nature.”

– Lauren Printz, Associate Director

“Definitely not. Architects specialize the same way doctors specialize. You wouldn’t go to a brain surgeon if you have something wrong with your foot.”

– Jeanmaire Dani, Senior Project Manager

Stay tuned as we debunk more myths and let us know if there’s anything you want us to uncover!