Architecture is a dying profession

Imagine a room. Those inside want to get out. And from the world outside, nobody wants to get in.

This room represents the state of architecture in India.

Fact 1: The construction industry is worth Rs. 2.5 lakh crores1, and growing annually at ~7%. But architects are not a part of this growth story. Architects with even up to 5 years of experience earn an average of Rs. 20,000 per month, even in Tier 1 cities.  

Fact 2: Around 24,000 students enrolled in the B.Arch. program 5 years ago, but only 13,000 enrolled in the last year.  In 2018, there were 9,699 registered architects, but by 2022, that number had dropped to 7,434.2 

The saddest truth hits you the moment you step out of architecture college and into a practice or studio as an employee. Something feels wrong:

• The work you thought would be creative turns out to be monotonous.
• It seems like the only way to hold on to your job or practice is by working 12 hours a day, with no complaints about not having a life outside work.
• You struggle to afford the basics of independent living: rent, utilities, food, and commute.

These are all symptoms of being in a profession that’s dying. And the realisation isn’t pleasant.

At this stage, you have three options:

1. Stay stuck.
2. Quit.
3. Do everything in your power to survive, because even in a struggling profession, top performers can thrive.

So let’s suspend the cynicism and let’s answer the most important question: What can YOU do to not only survive but thrive in this industry?

1. Change Your Mindset: You're More Than Just a Designer

The architecture curriculum shares part of the blame2. Students spend an inordinate amount of time developing an appreciation for the design aspects of architecture. This often creates a fog that stops them from seeing the reality of the profession.

Get this straight: the celebration of design movements isn’t something any client will pay for.

What the market values are architects who understand:

• What clients truly need.
• What problems prevent them from benefiting from good architecture.
• How architects can help them overcome these barriers.

Your goal should be to delight clients with professionally-delivered services.

Stop thinking of yourself as a design maverick. Start seeing yourself as a service provider.

This mindset shift helps young architects decide how to best use their time, how to conduct themselves with bosses and clients, and how to navigate the less glamorous realities of the building site. It also helps you recognize the place of architecture in the broader picture.

You may have to learn skills you never thought were meant for you: graphic design, effective communication, industrial design, and more. These skills will make you tough to compete with since most architects struggle to break out of the designer mindset. The rewards for those who do are significant.

2. Learn the Business of Architecture

Whether you're self-employed or working at a firm, you can’t separate yourself from the business side of things. Think of business as the environment in which architecture exists. Even if you aspire to be a founding partner in a studio, you need to understand how to manage a business.

Rarely will you have the luxury of working in a large firm where strong business practices are already established. Most architects must cultivate this knowledge themselves.

Start by:

• Learning to express yourself in a way that makes the importance of architecture clear to clients.
• Recognizing that architecture doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it coexists with other construction disciplines, and you should understand their importance.
• Defining a clear USP — something that the market values, and something you’re great at.

You could be the best architect in the country, but you’ll still struggle to make a living if you can’t handle the business side of things. No matter what stage you're at in your career, think of yourself as the CEO of a one-person company called You.

3. Make Technology Work for You (Or Be Made Obsolete)

Architecture, as a profession, often feels stuck in the past. This goes beyond a fascination with mid-20th-century design movements. This disorientation shows in how work is done too.

You see business communications happening on WhatsApp, architects sharing one computer to use a single licensed version of AutoCAD, or using cracked software, dealing with the appalling after-effects—raids and ransomware included—later on. These are the norms, even in Tier 1 cities.

But you can do better.

Start by staying on the cutting edge of AI-based software that speeds up your workflow. Be an advocate for workplace tools like Slack for communication, note-taking apps, and cloud storage. If you have the autonomy to decide, switch to these tools—more often than not the free versions are more than enough. By embracing technology, you can save time, clear mental space, and focus on value-added tasks that will help you thrive in this otherwise stagnant and decaying profession.

4. Think Us, Not Me

Think about the last time you hailed an auto rickshaw and haggled over the fare. A rickshaw can run empty, but not below a certain rate.

Now, think about how strange it is that there’s no minimum fee for architecture.

You see architects bidding on government projects for as little as one rupee3. These practices hurt everyone, from the founding partners of studios to architecture interns. It forces firms to squeeze more work out of employees while paying the bare minimum. This is why architects need to come together and create an environment of trust, where every firm knows what no other firm will resort to such unethical means. 

So, if young architects like you build or strengthen local chapters of professional bodies that advocate for the welfare of architects, you’ll be doing your part to create a better environment for your peers. 

It’s not easy, but it’s doable

Working like a leader while being paid like a fresher is far from being encouraging. But if you’ve already invested vital years in completing your architecture program, you owe it to yourself to give your career the best shot at survival. 

In spite of all the challenges, there is also a growing demand for design services, especially in expanding urban areas. Cities need thoughtful designs more than ever to address the pressures of population growth and sustainability.

Climate change, too, is reshaping the way we build. Architects are being called back to the drawing board, to create designs for buildings that are resilient, eco-friendly, and future-proof. 

Additionally, there’s increasing awareness of how spaces affect mental health. The need for well-designed environments that promote well-being has never been more urgent.

So, find the opportunity that excites you, be great at what you do, and think like a problem-solver (and not merely a designer). This is your opportunity to make a real impact. Embrace these challenges, and you’ll not only survive—you’ll thrive.