Is a Rebound in the Architecture Profession on the Horizon?

"The survey of 1,007 U.S. designers found that nearly one-quarter of respondents anticipated a shortage of architects resulting from a combination of designers exiting the profession, baby boomers retiring, a lack of skills among architects looking for work, and less talent in the pipeline as job prospects discourage students from entering the field," writes Hanley.

Although the expected deficit reflects the effects of four arduous years of declining revenues, layoffs, and general discouragement, the shortage may finally put architects in a position to demand better salaries and working conditions.  

"Architecture firms need to think strategically," said Harvey M. Bernstein, vice president of industry insight and alliances for McGraw-Hill Construction. "Not only about how to draw talented professionals to their firms, but also about how they will attract more architects to the profession."