I was incredibly privileged to recently undertake the 2020 National Emerging Architect Prize Tour. This opportunity to interact with the most engaged emerging architects around the country felt like a rare chance to seek their input and create a picture of what they see as problems we need to address, and changes they want to see, in our industry. I hope you, as part of the rest of the industry, will take a moment to hear their voice.

Inevitably, their thoughts were often inspired by themes in my own presentation – though not always. The sentiment of my presentation can be seen in the recorded video portion below.

When I asked attendees (mostly graduates but sometimes established architects or students) what change they wanted to see in the industry, three major themes emerged:

1. 34% of responses related to the culture, ethics and behaviour of architects within the industry, sighting desired changes in attitudes in employment such as equality and ethical workplaces but also outwards looking attitudes around diversity and cultural sensitivities.

2. 29% of responses were about working to improve the public perception and perceived value of architects and architecture, including owning the problem and questioning the way we present ourselves and engage with the general public, the construction industry, and the government.

3. 23% of responses called for changes to the architectural education system, generally expressing a desire for increased collaboration with industry and job-ready skills.

4. 14% of responses suggested improvements to innovation in practice and the finished product we produce, including increased collaboration with the rest of the construction industry and improved attitudes towards research, data-integrated design and integrating ESD.

Please read their answers in full detail below. Our emerging architects care, and the rest of us should too.

”What can you see that you would like to change?”

Changes in practice: valuing young professionals and overtime expectations. Changes in architecture: value of architecture and government valuing architecture and general public understanding of what architects do!

I want to change the way we learn so that all the things that you just spoke about become the norm!

Research within practice

Challenges: strong hierarchy in studios can sometimes be intimidating and different exposure than university/ steep learning curve.

 A better way to connect with and communicate between graduates and industry professionals.

I want to change the local planning system – it would be great to have a more collaborative and design solution-focused process rather than the stiff closed shop of planning assessment that we currently have. I would probably make both hence extensions and high rise towers easier.

 Gender equality

The value of ethical practice

 Knowledge sharing!

 I wish the working hours in this industry could be improved in the future especially for working mothers.

 Better integration between education and industry/practice.

 More industry mentoring between university students and professionals.

 To have more collaboration between awards, i.e. AIA, MBA and HIA.

 More efficient structural systems for high rise projects.

 Integration between architects and public in terms of content like magazines and events.

 I want to change the way we learn so that all the things you spoke about become the norm!

 ‘Buying work’ - the idea of putting together fee structures that represent a belief in the under-valued services of an architect. Also, to improve an over competitive tender process (government competitions etc.)

 I want to change the number of Wilson homes built in Tasmania.

 What needs to change? Finance industry support for environmental initiatives in new existing homes.

 Make university more practical. There’s so much to learn in the first year of work that’s barely mentioned at university.

For the architecture profession to be more relevant: Less back- slapping; more engagement with the community; less abrogation of responsibility; more accountability; definitely to incorporate more sustainable design, principles in the design process, and for students to see the value and impact of sustainable design within the practice/industry.

 Less ‘archi speak’ at university. More focus on interstate architecture.

 Make the learning of software an integral part of university. At the moment it’s left to students to fumble along themselves. And, instead of 2 years masters, maybe an informal apprenticeship program for graduates.

More data-driven solutions, less ‘capital-a’ architectural responses.

More women with babies seen and proudly seen in architecture – like you!

Would it be possible to enhance the initial work options for new graduates -perhaps more defined outcomes of ‘internships’, so people aren’t just placed in a corner as a drafting machine.

More focus on the feeling of architecture than just how pretty or photogenic it is! Especially in residential, where we live.

More architects wearing colour and expressing their individuality!

The public image/perception of the ‘architect’ (i.e., White-haired, old, male, big irrational ideas).

Unnecessary dead spaces

Less of doing things the old way! More innovation from architects.

Make architecture accessible to all people regardless of wealth.

Industry having a constant engagement with undergrads. As a third-year student, I still have had little to no engagement in the industry and that is problematic.

ACT housing: I would like to see more passive/ESD features at the core of its design. Not just money. Social housing is very important for communities.

I would like to see a profession that genuinely reflects + encourages the diversity of our country.

 An appreciation or understanding of how our contributions to architecture affect those around the project. How does this architecture change or affect someone’s perception of their surroundings? Indirectly, through seeing this piece or directly through interaction. Does this architecture encourage conservation? Does it help people appreciate and contribute to the project or the surroundings? I believe this will go a long way to addressing issues such as ‘why is X place being heritage listed? It is just ‘insert thing here.”

I would want to change the degree of segregation within architecture as well as the visibility of the profession. Architects should be more willing to put themselves forward as experts delivering social improvement and quality of life, and should seek to integrate through many aspects of practise and work even outside of the sphere of the built environment.

Sustainability as an inherent part of the design process rather than an afterthought/add on.

Industry engagement with university. Students should be shown around firms and have a realistic idea of the years that follow graduation as well as student work for opportunities.

More communication between architects and the general public - breaking down perceptions architects as an ‘elitist’ profession, and appealing to the everyday person.

I love my job, but i feel our industry is undervalued and underpaid.

Want to see more architects interacting with the community.

Like all things, I would not wish this change in every part of the industry, but it would be nice to see more firms (private and government) engage with cultural and historical context before engaging in a project. There is a fantastic quote from a document called ‘Legendary Topographical Settlement of Iceland” would* states: “nations connect with their past as a means of confirming and legitimizing their present….”

I’d change the public perception of what it takes to be an architect. Currently, many children and young adults feel that studying architecture is behind a gate - you have to be good at maths, at drawing, be the very best to even learn…