ABSTRACT
The starting point of this research is that architects define themselves as professionals. They claim special status for their knowledge and skill in the design of built environments but also claim the respect due to those who protect the public interest or the needs or rights of those lacking this skill. Unlike other professional groups they also claim to contribute to the artistic culture of the time. The fortunes of such a
itself but also for our ideas about the value of encouraging other groups to make similar claims for a special status.
