Architecture Pays Too Little for What the Job Demands

“I’m taking my licensing exams (ExAC) in two weeks, and I’m starting to think about what kind of salary increase I should expect once I’m officially licensed. I’m currently working at an architecture firm in Quebec, Canada, making $60k CAD a year. For those who have recently become licensed, how much of a raise did you receive? Is there a typical percentage increase, or a salary range I should be aiming for? submitted by /u/PapayaOk2911 [link] [comments]”

“hello fellow architects, i recently started a job at a big office. it’s been my dream job for a while so when they lowballed me with a junior position offer (not what i applied for), i took it (i know that was dumb). the problem is, i know im overqualified: - 5 year bachelor of architecture - 2 year post professional master of architecture - nearly 3 years of experience now - licensed in east coast state - aia, leed ga - strong portfolio, academic and professional interests i make 60k. i feel as”

“I’m a US-based arch. designer with just over 7 years of experience, doing mostly healthcare work. Passed a couple of the ARE’s, but still need a few months to knock the rest out. I was laid off recently and have since applied to a ton of designer, coordinator, BIM specialist and other similar positions at healthcare-focused and generalist firms. I’ve heard back from a few places who all want me to relocate across the country, which isn’t an option for me. So my question is- should I keep going o”

“I work in architecture in Sydney, mostly on houses. I was educated to retain and reuse existing buildings at university, but my boss's view is normally towards knocking down and rebuilding as usually easier, cheaper, safer and more cost-effective. And to be fair, a lot of the time he's not wrong. So when a new client asks "Should I keep my home or knock it down and rebuild?", I find it hard to make the case for keeping it. I end up leaning on carbon and environmental numbers, a”

“Hi everyone, I'm currently based in LA doing my M Arch at a well regarded school. I was wondering what a reasonable range of pay to ask upon graduation would be. For reference I have some 7 years of professional experience in both firms (mostly small firms but as project lead) as well as some 6 solo projects (residential remodels and small restaurants). I'm currently also going through the ARE and expect to be licensed in a year or two. Thanks! submitted by /u/Money-Product-4”

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“I wanna leave my toxic architecture work place and get a general job for a while. Any ideas on it? I am mentally suffering because the office expected me from day one to know everything! I got no training,there's no manager,no one to ask my questions and no support or source of information. They expect me to learn everything out of work place by myself and work like a senior knowing everything. It's just too much and not normal at all. Any suggestions? submitted by /u/MoistyF”

“I'm a UX designer by education, but my field has been hit pretty bad because of factors including AI. Architecture seems like a good place to pool my efforts into so I'm considering gaining credentials in it. If you're in the field, I'd like to know how your experience was getting a job. Also, does my existing experience in UX design help in getting a job in the field in anyway? Thanks in advance submitted by /u/TheForgottenHost [link] [comments]”

“After getting my license I’ve been with a small firm for a little over a year as a PM/PA (I wear both hats). I feel I’m pretty decent at my job. However, like a lot of other architects I’m pretty burnt out and debating quitting to take a break and enjoy life for a few months. In perhaps a better economy this might be an easier decision but I do worry if I left it would be hard to find a job again. So my two questions are; - Has anyone has found taking a break to be successful/unsuccessful? - Am”

Hey fellows im from maharashtra looking for work from home B.arch graduate 2026 DM me I'll share my portfolio Also up for freelance submitted by /u/Sanket_gesture [link] [comments]

“My gf and I are building our home next summer. We got plans done for the house and garage by an architect. Chat has been helpful for some things and some "Types of questions", but clearly it gets confused and cant help as much as I would want. Would it be necessary for me to upgrade to the paid models to have it be able to read construction plans better and be more helpful when I'll have questions during construction? Obviously i would never ask it to modify the plans, I'm very”

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“I’m an architectural designer with 3-4 years of experience, currently leading design on two major projects. My responsibilities include client-facing meetings, design development, consultant coordination, managing visualization deliverables, and communicating and presenting directly with clients. Recently, I’ve been called out because rendering costs across both projects have exceeded their budgets by approximately $20–40k. These additional renderings were largely driven by evolving client reque”

“I graduated college last May with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, and a master’s in interior architecture and design. Both degrees are accredited. I have about a year total of experience interning and working at a firm in Chicago. I have always dreamed of moving to Alaska after living in Fairbanks for a few years as a kid, so I’ve started interviewing with firms there. I recently got an offer from a firm in Anchorage, Alaska for $95k a year, plus a guaranteed 15% annual bonus that’s based o”

“Hi thoughts about casas interview and revit assessment? And the salary? submitted by /u/dinosaurrrrrr2345 [link] [comments]”

“Hi everyone, I’m from London, I’m really struggling to find a job as a Part 2 Architectural Assistant, and I’m starting to feel stuck. I wanted to ask for some genuine advice from people in the industry or anyone who has been in a similar position. I’ve tried cold-calling local architectural practices, but they tell me they aren’t looking for a Part 2. I’ve applied through Dezeen, RIBA Jobs and LinkedIn, contacted numerous recruiters, and even visited practices in person to hand in my CV. I’ve h”

“​Hi! Licensed Architect here looking to pivot into the Construction VA/remote space. ​The main reason is that the constant deployment to distant sites has become exhausting, and I'm hoping to transition to a WFH or remote setup. ​To give a quick rundown of my background, I have hands-on experience with AutoCAD, Agile, SharePoint, PlanSwift, MS Project, SketchUp, Twinmotion, Enscape, Lumion, and 3ds Max (via outsourced projects). While I currently only have basic knowledge in Archicad, I'”

“I'm(F21) in my 4th year about to start my internship and i really liked wallmakers, vinu daniel. I even got selected but they have this system of sending people to the site and they don't have an office. So it's one month before I'm supposed to start and they STILL haven't told me the site, they sent me a joining letter without any information whatsoever about the stipend or anything. In the interview when asked about their timings, they said we don't have any timings as”

“Hey guys, I’m a fresher architect based in India. I’m about to join a big form in New Delhi. I’m looking for tips to form a good first impression. This is so that I can get a good salary, I get to work on good projects, I make good contacts that I can use when I open my own practise a couple years down the line, etc. Since it’s a large firm, I think a good first impression will go a long way. Please help me out. submitted by /u/The_Knight_Parzival [link] [comments]”

Hi there, as I’m considering moving to Hongkong after my graduation. I would really appreciate if someone could give me some insight on how the job market is there? Rent is very…

“I (25M) am coming up on 3 yrs in this industry, been with the same small firm since I’ve started. The firm consists of the architect, myself, and occasionally a part time drafter for some extra help when we get too busy. Some background - I’m based out of Oregon, USA. I began as an intern back in January 2024. By June 2024, I became a full time employee (for that summer) and got my first little hourly pay bump. I still had my last year of undergrad left, so I worked part time during that last ye”

“I’m an architect with 15 years’ experience designing public spaces: libraries, community centers, museums. This client wants an “immersive experience” inside the building the stuff like media, interaction, storytelling, and a sense of transport. I agreed to look into it, but I’m unsure where architecture ends and experiential design begins I researched BRC and I see that they work at the intersection of architecture, media, and storytelling and create immersive experiences like the client descri”

“Hey everyone! I'm 33, an architect trying to get back into the field and hopefully build a career as a BIM Modeler. I only have two years of internship experience, and I stopped working in 2020 due to personal issues. I've been trying to get back into the industry since 2022, but haven't had much luck so far. I'm interested in BIM, I already know how to use Revit and how to model simple things, but honestly, I'm a bit lost about where to start. I don't have a portfolio ye”

“As a architect to be, how much do you guy expect to be paid working in a small company (5-10 people) and how much responsibility do you take on. I am based in Europe so preferably architects or other similar professions how much responsibility do you have and what is your pay. Or how much would you like to make and what are you wiling to do for that? Thanks for all the info submitted by /u/Low_Assignment_8515 [link] [comments]”

“I'm a few years into my career as an architect and have two offers on the table: A: A 3-month contract abroad at a well-regarded studio, working on technical documentation for a high-profile project that's already well underway. Extension is possible but not guaranteed. It would mean long distance from my partner for a while but living with my parents in their house abroad. B: A permanent position at a studio in my home city, with a stable income and a clear path forward. My experience s”

“Hi all. Seeking advice from anyone who has made a drastic career change (complete different field) at any age. I’m 21 and graduated uni and have been working on my career progression in property for the last few years (currently in commercial management). Sometimes I get ideas of going back to uni and starting something completely new. I have a passion for animals & wildlife. I’ve done volunteering and fostering on the side to try get it out of my system but the dream to pursue it never goes”

“don't give an intern the architecture audit. pay a senior engineer for two weeks, then decide whether your bottleneck is engineering judgment or just shipping pace. [re: Hiring first technical talent as a CTO/CPO (i will not promote)]”

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“Architect Looking for Opportunities in UAE Hi everyone, I’m a RIBA Chartered Architect with 6+ years of experience in the UAE, specializing in high-rise residential and mixed-use projects, technical design, BIM coordination, and project delivery. I’m also registered with Dubai Municipality and RAK Municipality. Currently looking for opportunities as a Project Architect, Technical Architect, Senior Architect, or Assistant Design Manager in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Would appreciate any leads or referra”

“USA: I just started as an entry level drafter in an architecture firm. From school I gained a habit of trying to slot in rooms in a given square footage like Tetris. This not only takes hours redrawing rooms in Revit, but I also realized that a space might be terrible for client needs even if it technically works on paper. How do I make space planning less maddening for myself? And does anyone else have a habit of trying to play Tetris with rooms? submitted by /u/Open-Development-735”

“Hi all, I just started my first job in June. I can tell you with 100% confidence that this is not the type of architecture I want to do at all. I’m in a corporate like firm that does large scale commercial. The complete opposite of what I want to do. With that being said, my fiance is applying for residency in a city that kind of checks all of our boxes on where we would like to live. For reference, we are already long distance so that is not a concern in this. The job market in my niche of arch”

“Bonjour à tous, J’ai 26 ans et suis Architecte Diplômé d’État (bac+5) depuis 3 ans. Je n’ai pas exercé en agence après mon diplôme, les conditions du métier n’étant plus correctes pour travailler dignement selon moi, en France comme ailleurs. Je ne rentrerai pas dans les détails ils y’a déjà assez de forums traitant du sujet du métier d’architecte aujourd’hui. J’ai donc fait un passage de 2 ans et demi dans la fonction publique en tant que responsable de projets « neufs » pour ma collectivité et”

“Been working as an architect in NYC for 10 years (34 y.o.) Making $120k. On paper it sounds fine, but between the hours, the liability, NYC taxes/cost of living, and inflation, it feels like I’m barely breaking even while working like a dog. I have friends in Florida making the same (or close) with way easier jobs and degrees, and it seems like pay elsewhere has caught up enough that the NYC premium isn’t what it used to be. The only reason I’m still in it is that maybe I can make partner eventu”

“Kind of sad that my first post here is about leaving architecture, but I’d really appreciate some advice! I’m an architecture graduate with two years of professional experience, and honestly, I’m getting tired of the field. As a junior, the work can feel repetitive, almost like being a draftsman, while most of the actual design decisions are left to the directors. I’ve been looking into switching to the business side of things, particularly management consulting, business strategy, marketing, or”

“Trying to help out a recent grad. I know it may seem backwards but would employers look down on someone with a Master’s in Architecture getting an Architecture Technology degree to get practical tech experience (co-op is part of program). Local employers all seem to want practical experience for Intern jobs. Already registered for a BIM certificate through Extended education but it doesn’t involve a co-op. submitted by /u/Jonathan_Marotta [link] [comments]”

“Every architect has a letter they'll never send. To the client who "just wants a few small changes" at permit stage. To the contractor who built it nothing like the drawings. To the principal who called 2am "a reasonable deadline." To the person who invented the 100% CD set due Friday. So I built a wall for those letters: final-final-v1.com You write an anonymous letter and pin it up, with no login and no name. Then you read everyone else's and realize it wasn't j”

“I frequently see posts about moving on from conventional architectural practice to work in a related field, maybe in construction management or real estate. But I’m curious to hear about extreme career or lifestyle changes, where someone totally noped out of architecture and the built environment altogether, and started a flower shop or opened a bar. submitted by /u/HareevHajina [link] [comments]”

“Looking for input from architects. I graduated with an AA in Architectural Design about 10 years ago. Since then I’ve worked as a structural designer at several different engineering companies. I’m a very good designer, and now have a senior designer role making about 85k (which I feel is approaching the salary ceiling for my job). I’ve recently been toying with the idea of going back to school to increase my future earnings as well as accomplish a BA degree which I regret not doing in the first”

“Hey guys, I've been working on and off for a historic restoration company in NYC for about 4 years now. The past 2 have been long term projects (5-6 months) and I have improved in skill quite a bit. I have built and restored many things, such as a porch, entry way, window sashes, cornices, doors, pretty much every exterior facing piece, I've done some sort of work on. I am the only "carpenter" in the company, as it is small, and only has 2 other employees besides me. My boss do”

“Hello all! Here is some background. I have been looking for a junior architecture job in Toronto, Ontario since I graduated a little over 2 years ago. I managed to get a position working at an interior design/build company for about a year before the company crashed and burned, and I got laid off (with 4 months of unpaid wages, btw). I did get some valuable experience and have also been doing freelance work for a couple of clients. Now I am nearing the end of my unemployment insurance and I am p”

“Dear architects, I am starting out as junior architect and was wondering what should i do to improve further as my goal is to start my own firm. What should i do after hours to develop further ? Like read books? sketching? or the office work is enough and i should focus on other creative hobbies like music or something ? yours truly, Enthusiastic architect to be submitted by /u/Capital_Fondant_8675 [link] [comments]”

“Hi all, I’m based in London and have a Master’s in Architecture. I’ve worked on a range of projects, with most of my experience being in large-scale/concept design, but I’ve also had some experience working on residential projects, including house extensions which I collaborated with other architects to complete it. I’ve been looking for a role in residential architecture, mainly through Indeed and LinkedIn, but I’m not having much luck. I’m wondering whether part of the issue is that I’ve previ”

“Hi all, we are preparing to hire an employee for a first time and we are inundated with applications. We are small studio in rural area, mostly focused on renovations for private clients. In our work we are deeply attached to the local region, with local materials and its local artisans. We have a great atmosphere at the office, lot of fun moments next to working and convivial long lunches(yes if you guessed it, we are in France). We are wondering how to structure the interviews, we would like t”

“Hi I am currently architecture student in south korea. In my country even though mid-big size company(500-1000people),they work really loooong time with no salary. 50-60+hours a day. And you know.. we have a few of holidays :( Soo I wonder other countries are same or better. I know reddit is USA community, but of course always welcome the other stroy :))))))))) tell me plzz-! I think I will be satisfied with 40-45hours a week and 15-30days vacation 😭 submitted by /u/pialim_ [link] &”

“Any one working on construction/architect industry? I am trying train model to find doors in floor llans. What should I focus on next?”

“We're developing a retreat center in Jamaica for founders and executives. Around 2,500 m² (27,000 sq ft), architectural plans due in November. We've hired a local architect, but I've never built anything in the Caribbean and I'd rather learn from your mistakes than make my own. The parts I'm least sure about: Also curious whether the rebuild after Melissa is still tying up contractors and pushing prices up. And the honest one: what blew up your budget or timeline that nobody”

“I’m a former HVAC tech with about 15 years of residential experience in ME/MA/RI. I’m transitioning into the design side due to an injury that keeps me out of the field. I’m hoping to find a paid entry-level HVAC design position with a small firm or independent designer who’s willing to teach me the workflow. I’m not a designer yet — I’m learning. I’m studying Manual J/S/D, heat pump sizing, and the software side. I pick up computer work quickly, and I’ve worked hands-on with the equipment I’d b”

“I'm an architect with 4+ years of experience in apartment design. I've always wanted to work overseas, so I quit my job more than a year ago to prepare for it. I was planning to go on a working holiday earlier this year, but my dog suddenly got sick. He had surgery, and for the past 7 months I've been taking care of him full-time. He's gained weight and is doing much better now, but he's a large dog and will be 14 soon, so I still feel anxious every day. (I'm currently ta”

“Hi everyone, I’m an Architectural Designer based in India, and I’m trying to find a remote position with a US-based architecture firm , preferably working with teams in California. I have 5+ years of professional experience , including more than 4 years working remotely with a Los Angeles architecture firm. Most of my experience has been on California residential, multifamily, affordable housing, and mixed-use projects . My experience includes: Revit / BIM and architectural documentation Design”

“I’m mid-thirties, 15 years experience, licensed architect, and lately I feel like I’m constantly screwing up at work. I got a job at a large firm last year and it just feels like I’m not doing well for the first time in my career. I’m a Project Architect, but I’m also doing PM-type tasks, RFIs, submittals, consultant coordination, client stuff, and a ton of actual drafting/production. I feel stretched thin and like I’m not doing any one thing particularly well. I’ve made a few mistakes recently”

“TLDR : does starting a solo practice, though It comes with its own challenges, alleviate the monotony of corporate 9-5 life? I’m tired of the rat race. There are many disconnects from the arch school to the real world. I think perhaps the least talked about but most “felt” is the lifestyle change. I’m 10 years in, I can’t help but wonder if I’m starting to resent this field or just the realities of w2 9-5 lifestyle. In college your life revolves around studio work with a great deal of flexibilit”

“Architects who became developers, how did you make the transition? submitted by /u/shmo-12 [link] [comments]”

“Im about to graduate highschool and I was looking into doing a double degree of interior and performance design. But im reading all the unemployment people are facing.. I was planning on working for people and clients on their homes and also hospitality design. Then to also follow my passion in the entertainment industry I wanted to work on set but I understand you need expienrce for these things. Also the overwhelming debate of Ai taking majority of task jobs. But would I be fully cooked? Shoul”

“If you were a decent SWE then you could jump back as an Architect. There are levels of this stuff and you can find places and positions that value what you bring. But in reality it’s turtles all the way down. They don’t call it work because it’s fun.”

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“So basically, I worked at a Chennai-based interior design firm where I was paid around ₹18,000 per month, but the working hours were unrealistic, often reaching 10 hours a day. The work environment was also challenging, as my work would frequently be criticised as a complete waste and sent back for multiple rounds of rework before it was finally considered satisfactory. Because of this experience, I started thinking about working abroad, even if the initial salary is relatively low, as long as I”

“Hi all, London based planner here with just shy of a decades experience. I am eager to move abroad and want to know if others have successfully moved and worked as a planner (without having had experience in that country). I've worked in consultancy and as the government and the Greater London Authority but fancy a few years abroad. Eager to hear about others experience in getting work/ securing job offers before a move. Essentially I am open to anywhere but I want to work in this field so I”

“Did you choose architecture because you didn’t really have any other options, or did you always know that architecture was what you wanted to do? Are architects really paid as poorly as people often say? And if you could go back and choose another career, would you consider becoming a general practitioner instead of an architect? or a pharmacist? submitted by /u/Afraid-Ad1111 [link] [comments]”