We Can Do Better

The pursuit of a larger, humane ideal is often the inspiration for architects’ work and practice. They create spaces for people, so design often aims to enhance quality of life, community benefits and user experience. This implies that architects are socially concerned and, further, that we can reasonably assume they treat their workforce with the same deference as they treat the future occupants of their buildings. Sadly, this is not always the case. The architectural profession is one of the lowest-paid professions requiring a university education and the combination of low wages and frequent overwork exacerbates discontent, high rates of depression and a high number of mental health issues, cutting short many promising careers.