Architects Wages Stink!

If wages and respect have a relationship, architects get no respect.  Many bright college students have figured it out – this is not the profession for them.  We have a “brain drain”.  And AIA has had its hands tied.  Twenty years ago the Department of Justice barred AIA from talking about the amount of fees for service.  It smacked of price fixing.  Go to AIA National’s website to read a depressing summary of the recently published AIA Compensation Report.   

ARE WE LOSING OUR VALUE…or is something really screwed up in our society?  Does it make sense that those on “Wall Street” can make millions, no…billions, while architects design environments with a deep, lasting positive effect on society for modest wages?   

What do WE do?  Changing the profession is beyond your control.  Changing what you do is possible.  In a few words: 

UNDERSTAND THE VALUE YOU CREATE

LEVERAGE YOUR TIME

                                    LEARN TO SELL

                                                RISKS AND REWARDS

                                                            CREATE PASSIVE INCOME 

 

It seems like forever.  AIA has promoted VALUE.  Effectively communicating value occurs at the personal, face-to-face level.  What is it you do as an architect that helps your boss or transforms your client’s needs to valuable solutions? 

Throughout time, amassing wealth has depended on leveraging time.  We do that with our consultants and staff.  Amp it up! 

Stop thinking of “selling” as a four-letter word.  The architects we admire understand the art of selling.   

Risks and rewards – If it feels uncomfortable, do it.  That’s how we grow.   

Supplement your paycheck with passive income.  It comes in many forms  

In the words of Philo Jacobson, a good designer I worked with many years ago, “You make your own breaks”.  Start now.                 

 

Lance Bird, FAIA