ABSTRACT
Architecture as a profession seems always to have been dogged by contradictions. It is a profession, but in comparison with others, is sometimes less well paid and often doesn’t have the respect it deserves. In general, architects are highly intelligent and well educated; they love debate and sometimes love that debate as much or more than its purpose. The architecture profession has been through many changes in the past twenty years. These have included an increasing self-awareness and a genuine attempt to bring improved commerciality and business knowledge into the curriculum. At the time of writing, things seemed to be developing well for architecture, but the effects of the recent recession have been far reaching. Records suggest that architecture suffered more job losses than any other profession during this time, and the number of architects claiming jobseeker’s allowance skyrocketed.
