The architect impasse. Why architects are switching to work client/contractor-side than in an architectural firm

Abstract

Due to a lack of research, applied, theoretical and printed, the architectural profession within the construction industry has seen a decline in the advancement of producing architects. Many of who choose to change careers completely. This may be due to lack of knowledge or specific positions taken for granted as the necessary steps required for an individual to take to move his or her career forward, a common example being the post-bachelor Part I employee given the pseudonym in the industry as the CAD monkey. The goal of this thesis is to disseminate the intricacies of becoming an architect in the UK whilst exploring the methods currently being put in place between an architecture firm and a contractor in retaining and understanding their workforce. Regardless of the route taken by the firms of setting out their agreements with their personnel, either through a standardised UK statute or a more personal approach per individual, the end result appears to produce an impasse in the advancement of architectural progression. Whereby an individual notices a stark differentiation of a construction driven community within the contractor side or delicately balancing their helpfulness within an architectural firm whilst not overspecialising in one area alone in order to move forward to the next step in their career.