10 disruptive risks to the architecture profession
I’m not a computer nerd. I’m not a futurist. But I can still recognise the massive disruption coming to the profession.
The architecture profession faces an existential crisis.
Threats and risks are coming at the profession from all directions.
The NSW ARB and ARBV recently conducted a study reviewing these risks, 2024 Deep Dive Report on Systemic Risks. And whilst I contributed to the working groups on disruption, I’ve had time to think more about it and I don’t think it goes far enough.
Get Michael Lewarne’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
Here’s my top 10 potential risks, that might disrupt the profession.
1. AI and automation
This is the business risk many vocations fear. Architecture is no different. Its impact has the potential to be severe. It might not be here tomorrow, but it’s not a stretch to recognise a substantial chunk of the design process could be automated. The risk to architects is their exclusion from the design process altogether. There’ll be opportunities, but in likelihood much diminished.
2. Virtual and augmented reality
Arguably they’re already here, but worth also flagging as a cost to practice. As technology increasingly inserts itself into practice they’ll be a commensurate increase in the cost of business. Only well-resourced practices will be able to keep up. It’s likely this will increase the pressure on smaller practices with less resource capability.
3. New construction methods
The emerging technologies in construction and manufacturing will inevitably change how buildings are designed and built. Technologies such as 3D printing and mass customisation, are already shifting the way buildings are conceived and delivered.
4. Design democracy
Again you might argue this is already here in the guise of reality TV shows featuring home renovations that rarely include architects in their design. Anecdotally these have already impacted residential design practices. Technology also has a role here. With increasingly sophisticated and accessible software, non-architects may choose to discard the services of architects and take on the task themselves.
5. Changing client expectations
Photographers will tell you that with the advent of digital workflows clients expected faster and increased output. With digital advancement in architecture, it’s similarly becoming apparent that both clients and authorities expect more and sooner. All without appreciating the realities and cost. Such expectations are placing further pressures on traditional architecture business models, as well as on fees.
6. Globalisation
This isn’t especially new, but the pressures of globalisation will only accelerate. As the power of digital tools grows, so to will will competition between architectural practices worldwide. It has the potential to further impact local markets, work hours, workforce location and access to employees.
7. Evolving role of architects
An architect’s scope of work has been ever diminishing, with specialist consultants competing for the work. Teamed with the role of technology in project delivery, it’s likely architects’ responsibilities will shift. They’ll either continue in the delivery of buildings, acting as data analysts and systems integrators, or reposition themselves to utilise their broad skillset in adjacent fields or in entirely new disciplines.
8. Skills Obsolescence
It’s conceivable that technological change will render some architectural skills obsolete. The profession would be well-advised to up skill in anticipation of acquiring a new technological skillset. Equally they might choose to add on skills focussed on adapting their practice, broaden their scope of work, and reposition their practice.
9. Climate crisis
Architects have been complicit in the massive impact on the planet by the construction industry. The profession needs to reconcile it’s role, as well as address how it will assist in leading change. The impact is already being felt as the construction industry reconsiders the conception and delivery of new buildings. Whilst adopting new approaches, including adaptive re-use, the assessment of embodied carbon, and the global impact of materials specification.
10. Regulation
Regulation in the construction industry has become increasingly onerous on practice. This is only going to increase as new technologies come online, in addition to the impact of climate change. Not only does this affect the design delivery process, but increases risk.
A profession reshaped
Realistically there’s a fundamental change coming to the architectural profession. More so than identified in the Systemic Risks Report. Whilst the more traditional model of practice might remain, it’s less likely to be common beyond the delivery of bespoke houses and much diminished. The profession therefore must be prepared to be more agile and adapt their roles, skills and practice model. Including exploring new services, adopting a more radical collaborative and entrepreneurial approach, or rethinking what it means to be an architect and practice architecture in 2024 and onwards.
Opportunity
Architects should see this as an opportunity to take a proactive posture. Focussing on how they might lead change in and of the profession, establish new opportunities, and leverage their substantial skills, instead of buttressing their established position. The best time to experiment with opportunity and what might be possible, is in an era of rapid technological and environmental change.
If you want to…
Master practice skills, leadership and elevate your team’s culture.
Build a more efficient and adaptable practice, with a plan for the future.
Level up team skills to amplify practice capabilities, passion and wellbeing.
→ Book a free Practice Clarity Consultation → BOOK HERE
Michael is an Architect and Coach helping architects level up their skills so they can be more productive, innovative and maintain their wellbeing.
Find him at Unmeasured
