What Do Architects Do?

If you have a hard time answering that question you're not alone, at least according to the ‘shocking’ and ‘depressing’ results of a new survey conducted in the UK, reports Max Thompson.

2 minute read

July 20, 2012, 11:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Perhaps it shouldn't be a surprise that the public is confused about the roles and responsibilities of architects, especially when you consider the disconnect within the profession itself between the skills taught in many architecture programs and what many architects do on a day-to-day basis. 

Nevertheless, the result of a survey commissioned by InBuilding.org (in which 15% of respondents didn't know that architects design buildings) has some in the profession lamenting the public's view of the role of the architect and, ultimately, the value of architecture in general. Many are blaming the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the professional association of UK architects, for the disconnect.  

According to Thompson, Norfolk-based architect Ruth Brennan, "sums up the feelings of many: ‘The message just doesn't seem to
be getting out. The RIBA must make more of an effort to publicise the
value for money and complete service an architect can provide. I spread
the word in my own small circle as much as I can but our national
institute could do far more than individuals ever can.'"

Although, RIBA president elect Stephen Hodder concedes, "that ‘there is work to be done,' particularly around the lack of
awareness of the architect's role in planning. He affirms, however, that
architects, not the RIBA, should be responsible for changing
perceptions."

"However you interpret the findings," writes Thompson, "it's clear the public understands little of the less glamorous side of architecture."

Thursday, July 19, 2012 in The Architects' Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today