The interior design industry is undergoing an ongoing transformation, with the future of the profession looking remarkably different in 2029. The American Society of Interior Designers has been monitoring the impact of COVID-19, viewing it as a huge opportunity for the profession. Interior designers are showing others that interiors are the core to moving forward.
Technological advances have disrupted traditional interior design, leading to new and innovative approaches to domestic efficiency and circularity. Employment in interior design has grown faster than any other career over the last decade, and this trend is projected to continue into the upcoming decade. Interior design has a wide scope and long-term demand, with the same space needing interior design averagely once in each five years.
The future of interior design lies in innovation, collaboration, and the ability to curate meaningful experiences tailored to individual needs. While some may question if interior design is a dying field, there are key insights for those looking to thrive in the new industry. AI will make designing and implementing a room excessively easier, even beyond what it is done today.
Interior decorators may lose jobs as consumers search for interior design when they are looking for other options. However, interior design is a real, professional field that can be studied and pursued as a career path. The creative and creative aspects of interior design can provide a balanced perspective on the pros and cons of an interior design career.
📹 The Future of Interior Design is THIS | How the interior design industry is changing
The Future of Interior Design is THIS | How the interior design industry is changing. In this video I share with you what the future of …
Will architects be replaced by AI?
AI design tools can help architects iterate quickly, create optimized floor plans, and reduce materials costs. AIA Dity Ayalon of ARK ™ demonstrated how these tools can help architects at every phase of design, from conceptualization to construction. By determining the best layout and optimizing for density and profitability, they enable architects to work with clients to find a design solution that works for them quickly. AI will not replace architects, but those who use it will replace those who don’t.
By gathering, using, and generating data, AI design tools can enhance architects’ understanding of Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW), particularly the “welfare” aspect. By using intelligent tools to predict and analyze building performance data, architects can quantify, evolve, and improve well-being in their design. AI-based tools can also support sustainability in the design process, from informing material selection to quantifying and minimizing a building’s carbon footprint.
Is there a future for interior designers?
The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 4 percent growth in interior designer employment through 2033, similar to other careers. However, this growth may not reflect local economic conditions or guarantee actual job growth. Interior designers should prepare for a competitive job market, which offers variety, flexibility, and creativity. Obtaining the right education and experience can give an advantage in the industry, as it is not a one-size-fits-all career.
Is interior design growing or declining?
Interior designers’ employment is projected to grow by 4% from 2023 to 2033, with an average of 8, 800 job openings per year over the decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is committed to providing timely data and prohibiting automated retrieval programs (bots) that don’t conform to their usage policy. The BLS apologizes for any inconvenience and encourages users to contact their administrators if they encounter any errors.
What jobs will be gone by 2030?
Data entry and data processing are essential tasks in the technology sector, but as we move into the 21st century, traditional lifelong careers are being replaced by dynamic paradigms characterized by shifting employment trends and the inevitable disappearance of specific roles. Advances like automation and artificial intelligence are changing industries and jobs, with some jobs disappearing and new ones emerging.
The need to adapt and acquire new skills is greater in this era of change, as jobs that once formed the backbone of the economy are threatened with extinction due to automated systems and streamlined processes.
To weather the storm, it is crucial to embrace change and adapt for the future. A list of jobs that will disappear by 2030 is provided, along with strategies for thriving in the era of disappearing jobs and emerging opportunities.
Will AI replace interior designers?
AI has the potential to improve the ID process, but it is unlikely to replace human interior designers entirely. AI can offer valuable insights and assistance, but it requires human empathy and understanding of clients’ needs. As AI lacks feet, it cannot put on shoes. The best approach is for designers and clients to embrace AI technology as a tool to enhance the design experience. As AI’s capabilities become increasingly essential, new and better design works may reflect the saying, “Form following functions”, as modern interior designers adopt a hybrid approach of harnessing AI technology into their work.
Is interior design a bad career choice?
Interior design is often viewed as a glamorous career filled with creativity and beautiful spaces. However, the reality is quite different. The industry faces intense competition due to the growing number of design schools and online courses, making it difficult to stand out and secure clients. Financial instability is another challenge, as new designers often start as freelancers or independent contractors, leading to stress and uncertainty. The job requires long hours, demanding work, and dealing with unrealistic expectations, which can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction.
Interior design is not just about aesthetics and creativity; it involves technical knowledge, including understanding building codes, spatial planning, and project management. Designers often spend more time on paperwork and administrative tasks than on the creative aspects. The industry is subjective, making it difficult to please clients, leading to disagreements and dissatisfaction. Strong communication and negotiation skills are crucial for designers.
Advancement opportunities can be limited, with many designers stuck in the same position for years without a clear path for progression or growth. To overcome these challenges, potential designers should research the market and understand client needs before diving into a project. Using software and tools like Coohom can help navigate the complexities of interior design with ease and creativity.
Is interior design a dying industry?
Interior design is not dying, and there are ways to make their business more profitable during a crisis. Diversify service offerings, such as offering virtual design consultations, e-design services, or design packages for smaller projects, to appeal to a wider client base and potentially tap into new markets. Additionally, target resilient market segments, such as healthcare facilities, educational institutions, luxury clients, or government projects, which are less impacted by economic downturns and have more stable funding sources, to increase the chances of securing projects during a recession.
Is interior design a good career in 2024?
Interior designing is a highly rewarding and fulfilling career in India, with diverse job opportunities in sectors like architecture, interior design studios, real estate, and hospitality. Successful interior designers require strong creative and aesthetic sense, excellent communication, design software knowledge, attention to detail, working under pressure, and a good understanding of building codes and safety regulations. These skills are essential for success in the industry.
Is interior design threatened by AI?
AI is posing a threat to various jobs, including interior designers. While the average homeowner is not hiring a professional designer, affordable design services like Spacejoy may soon disappear. AI will make designing and implementing a room more efficient, making it beyond what is done today. Tools like Midjourney and Dalle3 can create stunning renderings of rooms in various languages, cultures, and settings, providing inspiration for many. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure AI’s continued impact on the design industry.
Is interior design a stable job?
The demand for interior designers in residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors is increasing in response to the growing demand for personalized and functional spaces.
Is interior design harder than architecture?
Interior design and architecture are two distinct fields that require distinct skills, knowledge, and creativity. Interior design focuses on the aesthetics and functionality of interior spaces, working with colors, textures, furniture layouts, and lighting to create visually pleasing and practical environments. It requires a keen eye for detail and a creative mindset, as designers need to bring their clients’ visions to life while ensuring the space meets safety standards.
Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings and other physical structures, requiring a strong grasp of engineering, mathematics, and environmental factors. They work closely with city planners and adhere to zoning laws and regulations, which can complicate the design process. Both fields share the common goal of creating beautiful spaces, but the level of complexity in their roles can differ. Architects often deal with larger-scale projects and consider more variables, while interior designers focus on finer details within the walls.
Education and training are also important factors in choosing between these fields. Architects typically require a professional degree in architecture, followed by an internship and passing a licensing exam, while interior designers may pursue a degree in interior design, which can be less rigid.
Both fields offer job satisfaction, with interior designers making a significant impact on people’s daily lives and architects contributing to the landscape of cities and communities. Both fields offer unique challenges and fulfilling careers for those passionate about design.
📹 I Quit My “Dream” Job as an Architect…
Another architecture graduate here who can relate to this article way too much… I’ve struggled for the past few years to truly find my passion after turning down working for a firm to work in Tech. It’s always dawned on me that I’d made the wrong decision, but ultimately I realised that I have many passions which I need to explore to get the fulfilment which I want from life. Your 20’s are a chance to take risks, fail and most importantly, find out what motivates you to get out of bed on a Monday morning.
I was going to study architecture … all through my gap year. Changed my mind because some careers define you. You need to decide whether you want your job to be your life, or whether you want it to be just a part of your life (neither are better nor worse than each other … it is down to who you are and whichever path works best for you). Instead, I am going for something a bit lighter … still studying construction but doing it from a QS / Construction Manager perspective. Sure it probably isn’t my dream job but my dream is not a job … it is instead discovering variety in everything I do. Work hard, play hard … but at the end of the day, play harder.
Ive been practicing for 10 years as an architect. I run my own office and eventually closed it this year. Really struggling since my clients also withheld their payments and I need to pay for overhead as well as provide for my family. Being an architect is difficult, and more difficult for me since Ive been battling bipolar and this pandemic. I wish you all the best, and wish we can get through everything
I’d honestly rather die now than spend the next 40 or even 20 years in front of a computer doing what others are telling me to do. I felt like my life is just meaningless by doing that. So I’ve made up my mind that once this office project is over by next year, I’ll leave my corporate job and pursue what I really want.
It was so interesting to hear you explain how you felt about the architecture industry and how it varied from your initial intentions of just wanting to help people. I went into the Interior Architecture industry wanting to provide my spatial skill sets to be able to help out the community by providing them with healthy environments that were sustainable, ergonomic, accessibility inclusive and mentally positive. Instead I found myself designing high end spaces for clients who don’t even use them and hold them as trophies over lower class people. It led me to pursue a Masters in Community Planning which has allowed me to finally work in a field that is people centric, and most importantly, benefits people who need it the most, not just for the ones who can afford it. Aside from this long message, I just want to say thank you for sharing this message to your community. It is a valuable life experience you are sharing to us and I can only hope it inspires positive change in others lives. Keep doing the thing Daniel!
A voice from Japan. After getting my master degree, I’m now a license certificated architect who is working for an international office for 3 years. I don’t have any problem with my company, nice working environment and good wages. But even under this circumstances I’m not feeling happy already for a long time. And the question inner myself is getting bigger and bigger everyday. The story you told us in this article is totally related. Maybe it’s time to take a risk and move forward. Making change is hard and takes energy, but I really encouraged by your article. Thank you for sharing.
I too always wanted to be an architect, and I have been for 45 years. What made me feel fulfilled was that early on I became interested in health care architecture planning and interior design. I worked on 200 projects- hospitals, clinics, medical offices, long term care, plus school and university projects, and I created spaces for people and useful public services. I never did developer or wealthy private residential projects, and most of the clients and user groups were good people to work with. Having these specific skills allowed me to work continuously, with 12 different job at small and large firms in 6 US cities and in China and the Mid East. Unlike most architects, I was never laid off or out of work; I was able to change jobs for positive reasons and end up as a principal in a major firm leading large project teams. Architectural training provides lots of analytical and organizing skills, beyond just drawing and design, and you can use it for what interests you. I encourage anyone to finish arch school, go through the necessary Registration process, then apply those skills to areas which you like long term. I’m proud I produced useful places still functioning today, not retail or commercial places that were demolished at the end of the lease. Find your joy, as they say.
Once I qualified, as an architectural technologist a few years ago. I haven’t seen and still dont see myself doing anything else, but Architecture. Due to covid, I lost my full time job & registered a consulting firm with my partner. The work is coming in slowly but the idea of working for myself has truly lighten my stress load. We still dont have sleep, but we are not working for anyone else’s business, besides our own. Thats amazing. Thanks for the article Daniel!
I am grateful to have found your articles as I am hoping to move to a smaller apartment. I currently live in a cooperative and it is a large apartment. perusal your articles on minimalist living allowed me to realize that I am a minimalist. I do not have wall to wall furniture, and I do not like clutter, or things out of place. I love the minimalist designs you show and I am sure that I have learned a lot about how I may furnish a smaller apartment. I for one am truly grateful.
I’ve been thinking about this too. I’m scared of the uncertainty, but I wouldn’t know what’s out there for me if I won’t quit my job. I read somewhere ‘when it feels scary to jump, that’s exactly when you jump’. I guess the next step is to know what exactly I want to do in order to find happiness and peace of mind. Thanks for sharing! This is a true inspiration to a lot of people.
Me, I would like to listen to you ramble week after week, I’m that person. I am continuing my own journey and seeing people who are producing this content is amazing I’ve been lo-key intrigued with downsized living since I was about 6. But I have yet still been influenced by normal standards of 2,500+sf living. And am starting to say NO and getting back to my roots and being intentional with my space, so these stories help.
Currently an architecture student on my 2nd year and feeling the same vibes as you of not be able to enjoy what I once “dreamed” of idk if I should stop and just pursue a career in art which I truly am in love with or continue to continue this course in the hopes of securing a stable future just because of having a diploma. Thanks man this vid kinda opened my eyes to what I should be really doing!
Really interesting article Daniel. The sad truth is that most “careers” are just jobs, with all that that implies. The trick is to find the thing you really love that you can somehow monetise – enough just to support yourself. For me, it’s literally growing flowers for farmers markets, and in a few months, I’ll be able to quit my job and do this full time because I’ve set myself up on the side through sheer hard work and saving money. It won’t be a lavish lifestyle, but I’ll finally be truly happy in my work. Very best wishes to you – you’re a very talented fellow. Look forward to following along!
Great article Daniel, I left my career in interior design in London for the exact same reason. Even though I had the opportunity to work on amazing projects all over Europe, I couldn’t escape the deep sinking feeling within me that it would be a life of just designing for the 0.5% richest people, who I really felt no genuine connection with. I did (rarely) occasionally meet some humble people along the way, but at the end of almost every single project, I would think to myself, “you people don’t need any of this to be happier, this is all just material stuff to show off” haha. I almost started to feel sad for some clients, all that money and such unfulfilment and such a desire for more more more. People would often see my projects and hear stories about my job and think it was so glamorous and fun, but I’d often remind people to think about the kinds of clients or businesses that can actually afford interior architects/architects – its a very small percentage of very rich, high maintenance people, and it is just so draining. I cannot imagine how people stay in the industry for more than 10 years. As a minimalist and someone who values slow living, I just could not get on board with the constant £500k+ FF&E budgets, it all just seemed so unnecessary and really solidified in my mind how sad the disparity of wealth is in the UK, particularly in London. I would often be specifying sofa’s and armchairs from 1stDibs that were worth more than my yearly salary. Go figure!
Actually, I’m on a verge on becoming an architect this year and I’m scared of being an architect that cannot make big choices in the firm, so in the future, I might just create my own firm after learning the first years how the world works in the architecture market. Still so scared of my future holds! Thank you for your insight of this world of ours provides!
Thank you very much for this! It really does open my eyes to what’s currently going on in my life. I’m a flight attendant here in the states and my last day is September 29th due to furloughs caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. I’m left puzzled and stuck on what I should do. However viewing this article has definitely helped. I appreciate all your articles! Some of the advice you have given has stuck in my mind! Thanks Daniel!
Love the article! People must understand that a career gives you the kickstart to unfold your career and your life. Don’t feel unmotivated doing the work or study you are doing right now if someone like Daniel quits the job you have in mind. If it feels good and inspiring to study as an architect right now, go ahead. If it feels good to work for a boss (for a few years), just do it. If that is your talent, than exploit it. If you’re not sure what your talents are, discover them as a hobby.
I just did the same thing last week, and travel from the East coast to the west coast of the US, and my whole family was looking at me like “why ? The job is a good paying job, and has good insurance and benefits” It’s just one of those things you can’t really explain to people that aren’t in your shoes.
Thank you for being brave enough to share your story, Daniel. Being in transition (as I am too) is not easy. Determining what makes you truly happy, and being brave enough to own it, and believing that every small step towards it will bring you to “a place of opportunity” has been one of my greatest learnings and a liberating experience. Thank you for your content, here. Blessings on your journey.🌸
I’m working as an architect and went through the whole 7 years of architecture school and can totally relate. What has gotten me through these last few years has been a whole bunch of side hustles, making youtube articles, learning new ways to create art, and starting a coffee company. The goal is still to always work in some way or fashion in architecture and continue designing but by making sure my side hustles reflect my love for design and architecture.
Just came across your website via youtube recommendations. So glad about it. I’m a fellow fresher architect from India and have been working in the field for about more than a year now. I have the same thoughts as you have articulated in the article and glad to know that I’m not the only one feeling this way. 🙂
I felt the same way about working at offices. It didn’t matter how famous or “interesting” the projects were at BIG, OMA, etc. I just wasn’t fulfilled. Instead, I decided to work on small collaborations and tutoring aspiring architects instead. I’m much happier and feel more fulfilled than working a 9-9 job. Wish you the best!
So when I first went to uni I studied Architecture — b/c my parents convinced me that writers/authors don’t make money and that I wouldn’t be able to become a professor. It derailed me. I started but knew I really didn’t want to do it. 10 years later I finally went back to school for english/creative writing and i graduate in May. I applied to graduate school and plan to also get my PhD to become a professor. 😀
I know the feeling. I’ve kind of stuck in there with architecture and I’m getting into article a lot more the last couple of years because that’s what I was passionate about when I was younger. I do enjoy being an Architect, Lol but not every day that’s for sure. I’m not really interested in started my own firm so still trying to figure out what to do next really. The thing is no one really knows what they want to do when they are 18. To take up architecture at that age is crazy- I knew nothing about what I was getting into really. Was too young to understand. Enjoyed the vid 👍🏽
Thank you very much for sharing your story. It definitely resonated with me. I am in my 40’s and am I still searching for more fulfilling occupation. Briefly, I got a PhD in biochemistry and thought I would make a meaningful contribution to humanity. Unfortunately, having worked in both academia and industry, I have come to similar realization as yours. My skills, energy and knowledge were used to advance agenda of the privileged bosses who had zero interest in my life or career development. As hard as it was, three years ago, I left science and research and got a job in fitness sales. Partly because I enjoy fitness but also because nobody would hire a scientist for a sales job. Now I am working in technical sales which closer to my original field of expertise. I am learning new skills working with people, building my network, gaining new perspectives. I see myself doing something along the lines of marketing in the future. My goal is to also have more control of my own life. So thank you and good luck with your journey.
I just did the same thing…quit my job because it made me miserable, I made a youtube website more to have something till I find the right job, luckily I have some side income so I can play dark souls and make articles and focusing on yourself instead of being stuck in a job you dont like may be a huge risk but it is worth doing
I’m so happy that the algorithm brought me here. I’ve felt every single sentiment you’ve shared over the last 2 years. Funny enough I also studied architecture, graduated but never practised. It’s been almost 5 years now and I share the same passions you do regarding photo, article, and story-telling in a way that helps us express ourselves creatively, but ends up helping others in at least 1 way. I’m here for your journey man, thank you for inspiring me to continue mine.
I agree with you, Currently I work in one of the best hospitality Interior Designer on the world, designing hotel here and there, working long hour around the clock, have to be constrained by the old status quo in the company which I continuously fight for a change. At this point I realize it not about design anymore in this company, but its about money and yes, we need money but it’s not the right reason to pressure your employees, to squeeze out the life of the employees, years of uncontrollable workload management resulted in my time eaten by the work and throw my life off balance, the feeling of lost are a friendly friend of mine, I don’t have time for myself anymore, I don’t have time for my family anymore, I don’t have time to take online courses anymore which I used to enjoy, it sickened my body and heart due to high amount of cortisol of stress in my blood, chasing this stable income, lack of fulfillment is what destroys me, and I just keep designing.. designing… designing.. designing till I burnout, this is very common thus my company have a high turn over rate. I decided to do something, lately I’m trying to set my self up and preparing for resigning and planning to open my own business of interior design and really trying to help people to have their dream space, with no bullsh*t of overpaying. I’m trying to recover and put the pieces of me back together. When I watch your article, I just felt like FINALLY somebody in this world is feeling the way I do and also relatable to my career.
As a designer listening to a proud architect that seems to have been misused as a draftsman .. .. just think if you were not allowed to make and publish any kind of movies without being accepted to the movieacademy for 5 or more years fulltime (incl. late nights, and weekends) and graduated and passed with a movieacademy diploma, before you could legaly publish your first youtube. Or if any kind of musicians even the beatles were ridiculed and legaly processed for making music without a full music diploma from the musicaccademy … I think you go great by experiencing, using and learning new things and learn what makes you content or maybe even happy. But things could easily be better.. if more people tried to make the fish swim, not climb trees. eSpecially the formal architects.
Yes. This is something I’d like to tell to aspiring Architects out there who are currently inspired by Ar. Austria, the on trend Filipino Architect. 5 years at Uni/College is brutal. Even if you pass, you have to work 2 more years before qualified to take the board exam in Philippines. Can your family afford to wait for you for 7 years before you’re stable enough? The Architect profession in PH is not *yet appreciated or valued compared to other countries that’s why expect the competition will be tough. You will be competing against seasoned Architects and not just your fellow colleagues because clients who hire Architects are either those who are high-profile in status or those who can barely afford. They’d be expecting to maximize their money so they only want the best, knocking you out in the competition unless there’s a senior Archt who’s kind enough to give you a leg up XD
I really don’t know if becoming an Architect is really what I want.. As a 16 year old I don’t want to disappoint my parents so I always say Architect when they ask what I want for my career but truthfully I’m really questioning my decisions and I just don’t know if I am really going to survive architecture. My desire is to make enough money to survive from doing something I will enjoy and then spend the rest of my life at peace once I have made enough to live. I don’t want to spend my life working and miserable with no free time to actually enjoy life. Help.
I left architecture degree to study game development. I took an early risk and I am beyond happy. I studied architecture in China for a year then luckily it hit me I love it but I felt I was not getting in the field the way I envisioned it. here I am pursuing a stronger passion in tech and I am proud of finding myself. I feel fulfilled even if the gaming industry is not as stable as being an architect.
I’m a first year Engineering student and I’ve been struggling with this same dilemma. I would love to draw and make my own graphic novel this just doesn’t seem financially possible and I’m not even that good at drawing currently. Right now I’m just trying to learn to draw and one day I’ll be at the point where I feel like I have the skills and can do it full time.
Im a Dyslexic Architect and have left jobs because for the same reasons as you. I was not willing to work 24 hours a day on the tread mill. In the end I set up my own small country practice and I have not looked back. Sure I’m only doing small projects to start off with, but it is so much more awarding. I also get to see my son in school when he win an award or plays music in assembly. Good luck and I’m sure your going to do really well. You nether leave Architecture and nether stop learning. The masters say you only start to get good in your 50’s because there is so much to learn. I think that is true.
Agreed not only that they sow in their good years to a business owner, but I’m also not knocking the owner. But I would rather put all my time effort and into building something for my family and several generations to enjoy. The awesome meme I saw last year, the boss drives in with the Lamborghini of the year, the worker sees the vehicle. And says wow such an amazing car! The boss replies if you put in all your hours work hard put in extra overtime and effort. I’ll get two more! Shocking and eye-opening. Congrats on your bravery!
Весьма интересные мысли. Я постоянно рассуждаю на темы, которые ты поднимаешь. Однако, мне, например, действительно нравится работа, которой я занимаюсь, хоть я всего лишь менеджер экспорта. Возможно хочется больше путешествовать. К тому же, задумываюсь, что все таки я попробую снимать влоги о жизни в России для иностранцев. Правда, на румынском языке:)
I’m really confused about what I wanna be rn, I’m an architecture graduate and recently just finished my degree. idk which path should i take and i really doubt myself whether i should continue working as an architect or find a new path that i really like and enjoy (not architecture of course).. im now jobless trynna build up my confidence and searching for new path.
I’m having the same “problem”, if you wanna call it like that, I finish my degree with a good grade and inmediatly enter master in urban desing, the thing is that I realized that the quality of said course was really low, but the job offers were practically 0, so of 5 friends that enter that master, 3 left, anyways, I felt lost becasue all the firms just looked my resume and said the usual, we’ll call you back, and nothing, so I enter a course of revit and all the BIm methodologies, I was so good at it that one of my firneds I made in that course offer me their job when She got married, I had my erros but was good at my job, the pay was “good” if I looked up the salaries of my drineds but really low compared to the actual standard of living in my country, which is not high so that should tell you something, after a time I was in charge of some projects and wsaa working in pretty much every project in the office, at the point I was the second to show up, after the boss who had the keys, and the last to go, I realized that the better I get only would bring me more work, as I was recently hired and had no previous demostrable experience I would be stuck In that same place for quite sometime before not only the time and control aspect get any better but the finacial one as well, so I left, then I was lucky enough that my family had the project of buying a house and renovate it (something like you did to generate extra income), the project have been so long, it still isn’t finished, but in the meantime I had other jobs that are principally realted when I was studing/on that company because all the engineers left and they liked my jobs, at some point I got a offer from an old friend to participe in some small desing competitions, I remenber what i liked about architechture, I could use my technical knowledge in the things I liked it.
Your story really resonates with me. I made the decision to go out on my own a month ago after 6 years of employment at a reputable architectural firm in Nairobi, Kenya. I’m a little scared, but it’s the most peaceful I have felt in a long time. Thank you too from the bottom of my heart for sharing this. X.
I have the same feeling, Im currently a grade 12 STEM(Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) sutdent from the Philippines. I chose this track cause I wanted to be an architect because I want to design houses and all the aesthetics and that’s what I want to focus an architect but I also have this passion for creating articles and some arts but as time goes by I realize that interior designing what I feel that will fit me better but I also want to pursue my love for film making… and as I scroll here in Youtube I saw your article and kinda relate a bit and I guess this article made an impact to me ( which is I want to happen to people who watch my articles, to make an impact to their life) just want to share ’cause it lessen the blurriness of my future
I did the same thing… kind of. I took 6 months off of being a designer after getting burnt out and losing my passion for it. I quit and worked part time in carpentry and at the Apple Store. I enjoyed both jobs but kept feeling the pull back to a creative job. In those 6 months I found my passion again and have been designing full time for the past 5 years.
finance and time always be obstacles for me to get my dream jobs as architect and socmed influencer but i have the point where i can’t quit the job i have right now just because i have my commitment for a better life that worth me and my family living. Daniel was right, money can’t buy happiness but happiness can be found where we done a job that we love to do as long we happy to do it.
I am scared to choose architecture.I am 17 year old first year student studying business management.I chose this subject because there are many job opportunities after I gratuated and my parents forced me to do.But I wanted to be an architect since I was young and I am really good at math,physics and drawing.I wanted to change my major therefore I am looking for a article about architecture.And seeing most architects are in difficulty with their job life, I am a little scared to change my major.Should I go to my dream or continue my current major?
I see a lot of students scared, take it with a grain of salt, but depending on you city, you 100% have to make a “market research” i wasn’t ever told this, i graduated in 2018 from Architecture school in Mexico, first thing i notice, there were not enough jobs in mi city for the quantity of architects, some more privileged people “easily” suggested moving to another city but here in Mexico it isn’t as easy as other countries, people here have a hard time just to move out and rent because of economy, so not an option, here there would be occasionaly a “drafter” position in a firm but honestly they demanded too much for too little money, around 10 hours of work plus having to make extra hours with no payment for them, doing 3D models, realistic rendering, basically everything for $80 usd a week, so basically only people with hopes of getting promoted over time took those, but i know people that just never got even a little raise, i was payed more at a convenience store (yeah, that’s how f*cked up is here) then i landed a work in a small constructino company as a “designer” for $100 usd a week, but in no time i realized i along the engenieer where only hired as a facade as the thing was owned by honestly one of the most despicable man i ever knew, he never followed desing nor estructural advice from neither of us, he just wanted to tell the clients he had a “professional team” so they would blindly give him all the money and he could buy the cheapest material he could and build things with the cheapest men as well, a complete scam artist, i quit before my name could even become associated with his crap, then i worked with an established local architect doing construction supervision, but literally the man was paying me whatever he wanted every week, less and less until he made me show up an entire week and told me he “couldn’t” pay me, and he made it clear he wouldn’t pay me “double” the next week or so, while also bragging he sold a house for nearly $50,000 usd (That’s 1 million here), i was getting $50 usd a week at that point, so i quit, i landed a different job with a bigger company doing construction supervision again, this time for $125 a week, which isn’t much but better than before, unfortunately i had a work accident, i dislocated my knee, thru the company i had health insurance which is suppoed to give you medical attention and in case of being incapacitated they pay you 60 to 100% of your salary, but the healt care system here basically didn’t want to take care of it, so i had to pay everything, and never got a dime back, and that brings me up to this day, still healing my knee, unable to work, not getting any payment and dying of anxiety because i’m running out of savings.
I am a nurse but there are a few reasons I love your articles and listen 1) Style – love your perspective and your articles always look so beautiful. Your content inspires my own interior styling 2) I like to see what other content you create because what you’ve done so far resonates with me and I want to apply some of your strategies to areas other than home 3) Your voice is so calming and they way you express yourself is so clear and concise Looking forward to seeing the direction this website goes. I know it’s not a DIY website but may be now we get to see you assemble your bed? Was thinking of doing something similar to maximise my storage
hey daniel thanks for sharing.. perusal you vidoes is like looking in a mirror.. super scary.. i gone throught the things yours gone through but i just not put it on article lol.. from your mac to pc article, to your all black assories, keep up with the vidoes their great.. lookd to relaunch mine and tips?
It’s cheaper for clients and developers to outsource design to non architects, then treat us as a nessecary evil who has to stamp their drawings. Here in Vancouver lots of firms then lowball eachother and provide minimal contract admin and sign off on the schedules without inspecting the work. The profession is in trouble… I lasted 3 years
This article came across my home feed and after perusal it, I feel a sort of resonance from your experience. I can relate to a lot of what you described and a lot of the visuals like the Vancouver poster (my hometown) and the articles of NYC (where I live and work right now). I’m a mid-twenties licensed architect but have been recently experiencing a gnawing sensation of wanting to pursue other endeavours. It saddens me to think of the time, money, and emotional investment it for me and my endlessly supportive family to get to this point; it also feels shameful and highly privileged to have these unsatisfactory feelings when everything has gone right up to this point. But in the face of total transparency, there is an unshakable sense of wanting to seek fuller creativity and fulfillment outside of the traditional architectural field. Thanks for the intriguing food-for-thought, now to think more concretely on what’s next.
I love this 👏🏼 I got my undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, and I got my dream job at Apple right after college. 6 years later, I quit that job for the same reasons you list here. In the past year I’ve been able to build a company around a product that genuinely helps people, and it feels so damn good. I totally resonate with your story Daniel! That said, for those in school still figuring out your life path, it’s nice to have a padded bank account by working in industry for a few years so you can finance your future dreams. Don’t feel like you need to go off and live your dream right away before you know what it is. There is nothing wrong with working a 9-5 either!
I’m going into final year of Engineering at Uni and already having the same kind of concerns you talked about! I want to do something with engineering that really helps other people yet so much of it is basically about business now! I felt a bit mislead by people but your article has helped me as you must have gone through a similar thought pattern with architecture!
Hey Daniel, gosh, you’re spot on with this….I’m pretty much in the same boat as all those Architects below who’ve come to the end of the line with their long and expensive courses only to find out the working world for this field is filled with bureaucracy, terrible working hours and bosses who will do anything to get every single cent and more out of you. Architecture is indeed an inspiring course that equips you with a wide variety of skill sets. Imagine what we could accomplish if we all came together to change the world! I identify with Henry, my other passion would be tech too. Used to be the tech guy for my course mates. Ah the good old days. I’m glad you found your passion that works for you. Hoping the rest of us do too!
I´m a structural engineer and i´m kind of going through similar situation as you are. Already five years on the same job and i feel like i´m not in control of my own life. I feel like i should go on on my own and do it my way. As you mentioned, constantly “hitting ceiling” makes me feel unsettled and a bit frustrated.
It’s amazing how you show your honest journey! Myself was an architecture student working on the side in an architectural office had the same issues going on. Love architecture, but you’re only working for the super rich and it didn’t really matter to me anymore. At the moment i am working for smaller parties and start ups. Much more diversity and give me way more satisfaction This only happend because I started questions to my self. Like you said still love architecture, but it wasn’t the thing I though it would be.
I am currently in my fifth year of grad school. And I hate it… I’m not going to say I hate Architecture. I actually admire Architecture ..but I guess I’m just not cut out for design.. I get so anxious when I have to design and always always dread doing it..I am so lost right now. I don’t even know if I’ll be able to get my degree.
Used to be a passionate architect and urban planner. I worked in a big property development company thinking I will be able fulfill my passion and find my purpose in life. I went there for the money and security. Similar to your experience, I realized I am working and pouring all my talent for the owners by adding value to their assets. I managed to stay in the company for 10 years while taking my MBA, but it sucked all my creative juices. Looking back, I’m glad I quit that job. Now I get to enjoy a passion without somebody dictating my time, sucking my creative energy, and stealing my thunder. I now am a passionate stock market investor.
as an architecture student in 3rd year, came to realize this is not my passion at all. Every studio I’m just suffering and just want to get by. I am lacking in every part of being student. no connection, not looking for, nothing, because just getting this semester done is already taking my whole time and mental. I guess what I’m trying to say is, it’s kinda reassuring to see someone that actually passionate in architecture, ends up quitting the job. While it is not clear what I am gonna do after I graduate (just want to get that degree as in the middle of my last semester), I know one thing that have spent 10 years and actually good at, miniature painting. I think I will be pursuing this and hopefully, I can get by. but for now, I am gonna focus on my assignment! (PS. can I ask for advice?) Thanks!!
I heard advice saying it’s not what you do, but how you feel when you do it that matters. On paper, certain jobs don’t look as appealing but it’s a 100% experience-based process that reveals what you really long for. I changed my mind many times trying to figure out and I will continue until I can find anything that makes others feel good alongside myself.
“You regret the things you DON’T do in life, more than the things you actually do”. This is a phrase that pops in my head every time I go to do something risky. In a way it helps me live better. Ever since hearing that quote I’ve took more chances that ended in positively in my life. Sort of like a tool of mine. It’s a quote the elderly said when asked on their deathbed if they had any regrets. And it stuck with me. (Not taking more chances) So if you ever need to take a risk on something. Think about later in life if you think you’ll regret not doing it after all.
I’m exactly in the same situation! An architect and now jobless coz i quit my job last year. Still no job this year coz my plans didnt go my way. I’m currently focusin on medium platform for writers because i love writing. I hope everyone finds their way and be able to do what they love. Cheers for this great content!
Wow I do feel this way about my current job. I spent years of school learning systems administration. I thought that it was the one thing that I saw myself doing for as a dream job. I feel like no matter how good of a job I do I will never be taken seriously or given opportunity to move up into a higher position. I am assigned most of the highly technical projects and I complete them quickly and efficiently. I am unhappy and feel like this is not what I want to do. The thing that really affects me the most is being treated poorly as a female. I have spent the past 5 years at my current work, but want to quit. I want to explore music as a job, but in reviewing I am finding that this is far more complicated than my tech job to build an income.
Damn, same! Landscape architect here! I’m not really invested in my job because of the many struggles that seem to come with this profession- everyone’s on edge all the time. It’s not just about design or knowledge. It’s mostly about problem solving and team work. What sucks at the minute- I can’t seem to find my “passion”…
All the very best for your new and amazing journey Daniel 👍 And yes you are indeed a lucky guy to know what you really want to do in life, congratulations on that!! Well I just saw an iphone 7 plus or iphone 8 plus in your hand. In one of your other articles you had mentioned that you use a 4 year old phone. Did you upgrade? If so, then to which one? Thanks!
Stumble upon this somehow, it’s always been my dream to become an architect and yes i did graduate but after graduation and started to find a job, freelance and internship I realized that there will always someone who is better than me in this field which is make it so hard for me, and I don’t feel happy at all And sometimes I felt guilty about betrayed my own dreams Work as a building contractors now and rarely doing design but Im satisfied and happy I still love architecture, but I don’t want to make a career out of it So good luck to everyone who is brave enough to pursue architecture as a job !!
1:55 (this really got to me) “… that i was only really doing things to help very privileged people augment or multiply their assets, which didn’t really make me feel that good …” … cos same this starting to eat into me too … trust your gut feelings … if it ain’t feeling good … its working against our true nature … its Not Healthy for us its like taking 2 steps forward, then 1 step back (friction) … sometimes its as important Not-To-Do as it is To-Do things which move us Forward … ;-D
Life as an adult is like perusal your fairytale you once imagined it to be when you were younger falling into pieces and get burnt to ashes. By the time we lost our innocence, we come to realise that working for aspiration just won’t make it as the money will always come into question hence making us to choose the latter in order to “survive” this harsh reality of the world that doesn’t give a cents or two about us. Those who likes or loves their job and career 100% are either extremely lucky or haven’t meet their breaking point of demons.
Thanks for the articles, I have really enjoyed your work. Like yourself I recently walked away from a well paying hub as a physiotherapist and have begun work on starting my own health clinic. Yesterday marked a special day as the lease has been signed and the clinics location is set. I look forward to more of your articles for inspiration for my own life journey. All the best
This really hits home. Thank you for sharing this beautiful essay. I’m in the process of registration as a landscape architect but feeling incredibly disillusioned with the industry. I think architects are significantly underpaid for the amount of passion and hard work we put into our projects, and the workaholic culture can be unhealthy to downright toxic. To make a better living you need to be associate or above, at which point you’re even more of a workaholic, and doing way less of the fun stuff. I want a life where I have time and mental energy to explore all my other passions, have more fun and fulfillment, and don’t dread Mondays. Your story is inspiring! Congrats on taking the leap. Currently working on my own escape plan 😉
Great article Daniel. I have given up on becoming a licensed Architect on my masters. I have also received an award from the RIBA and interviews at some of the top firms. Unfortunately, the industry proved itself to be going into the wrong direction and those inspired thoughts I had when I first joined Architecture school were not there anymore. I have founded my own design and brand consultancy firm with a social impact, and looking to integrate architecture in the future! Intuition and purpose over anything else.
I’m 32, I am an architect and chose it as my first course in college. 10 years after, I didn’t think it was what I thought it to be. It was stressful and challenging, I invested last year on a graphic pad immediately fell in love with digital art. Sadly though, from where I am, it’s hard to start and find work that caters to digital arts.
To nail it down: You should choose that work at which you have the most chance of being recognisable and outstanding. He was one in a million architects and is now one in a million youtube stars, but obviously he is more outstanding in the latter one. But remeber: A society must und will always balance itself not to grow unproportionally in one field. So evaluate your chances well.
Hi Daniel! Daniel here! I’m also an architect and totally relate to your story. We have to obey so many people, rules, etc. that at the end the creativity in the project is pretty much gone. I’m from the Azores and noticed that project you did for Pico Island, describing with great detail the story of the wine and vineyards in these beautiful landscapes formed by the ‘currais’. Quite interesting to see you’ve worked on that. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for sharing your experience. One of the things I’m hesitant about moving forward is the potential wasted time working towards architecture. I finished my undergrad in architecture 2 years ago hoping to take a gap year then go back for grad school. One year ended up taking longer. I’ve come to realized although I love learning and creating constantly but the high stress environment was eating away at me. For now, I want to find what I specifically enjoy and explore that. Good luck to you and anybody else who’s struggling to find their life’s passion.
Now that I’m in my third year, I felt like I need to make my self more prepared 😅😅😅 anyways even he quits nor continue his work architecture will gave him full experience and full package of surprises. Architecture is one of the most advantages type of work of all things, it let us perceive things more critically and gave future solution. Hope we have a great day🤗
It’s true that many people have jobs they hate and everyone should chase their passion etc. But let’s be real here, your articles have great content, the photography is on point, you invested in quality article and audio gear, your speech and looks are great. This is why your website succeeded. It’s hard work and some privileges. It’s not just a coincidence 🙂
Really well said! I feel, as architects, especially in school, we are thought more to design for the eyes of other architects and build up on this feeling that we know better than what our clients actually want. And not many have this “awakening” that we are not actually designing for people. I was recently let go from my job at an architecture office and it broke my heart. Yet somehow found immense joy in volunteering for an organisation that helps people build their own tiny houses, focusing of architectural photography and so on so it feels comforting to hear someone else is going through the same! Good luck and have a great time, Daniel!
I wanted to be an automobile designer while In school, typically sketching cars and all. When it was time to choose a university, I couldn’t get into the one institution I wanted to go to for automobile and transport design. I tried twice, but It didn’t happen. Then I came across architecture and I chose that because I came to know about some really good auto designers who were architects (not FLW and Fuller 😀 ). I went into this 5year course hoping to graduate and becoming something else later on. The college I went to was just too different, it was very hard for me to be mediocre, because this professor of ours used to teach in a way that it was really hard to do things just for the sake of doing. Strict and shit. Though I managed to stay afloat, did well but by 2nd year I realised that I cannot continue like this, like just by staying afloat. Results had come in and I was now in 3rd year….but I decided I would re-do my 2nd year….do it the way I wanted to do, luckily our university couldn’t register me again for this year because acc to them I had cleared it anyways. So, now that professor did started making sense to me, because now I wasn’t working to pass. I did fairly good according to myself. And this gave me a confidence to move forward. Surely I was still the same person, lazy and creative. But now I enjoyed doing it, though my marks still suffered, but I managed to create a portfolio which I am proud of… Then came the design thesis, what was meant to be the culmination of all that I had done in previous 5 years.
Just Excellent & Outstanding! Just Loved Everything You Said As Those Were So Honest & Sincere! I Already Have A Madical Degree Studying Design & Cimposition (For Being An Fashion/InteriorDesigner/Archtecture). But Also Love& Enjoy Photography articlegraphy with Real Life of Real People – Ad I Love Life & People in General Love Singing & Dancing Too! So I Must Find Away Where I could
Oh dear, Guess I missed the Skill Share signup☺️. Nathaniel Drew? With respect, his lifestyle needs A Lot of money. Plus, most of his locales largely involve participants that are Not minorities. However! Have really been enjoying your Interior Design articles—partly because the simplicities actually involve A Lot of thoughtful design. Also, love your insistence on involving Nature as part of your designs. Cheers🇨🇦.
Get your contractor’s license. Screw Architecture. I’ve waste 25 years of my life doing other peoples construction documents and CA but no freaking design opportunities. I have to be happy with designing world class details, eh? So how many awards are handed out for world class detail designing??? I HATE ARCHITECTURE WITH A PASSION NOW, I CAN:T TEL YOU HOW MANY I’VE MET WHO DON’T KNOW BASIC THINGS LIKE A ROUGH OPENING HAS TO BE LARGER THAN THE DAMN DOOR THAT GOES IN TO IT OR HOW TO CALCULATE SLOPES.
I really love my job and I feel like I am helping out small businesses quite a lot as an accountant, however the company where I work is so rigid in its hours that my work life balance is struggling. It doesn’t matter how much work there is to do, I still need to work 8 to 5 each day. There are days where Im spending more time finding things to do then actually working in off period, and I’m working like crazy in on period. Eventually, I want to have my own business so I can have more flexibility in hours. I wish I could work part time too…. But I cannot afford that much of a pay cut.
oh man, so many comments similar to my thoughts… 😀 My story: (it may be a help for other creative volks 😉 i always wanted to become an industrial designer (i like ships), but i decided to study architecture. My opinion was/is, that you have way more paths than with an normal design degree. I could also have started mechanical engineering or naval architecture, but it was way too technical for my person. few months before the pandemic outbreak i wanted to get back into the design field and do an “ship design – master” in italy, but the pandemic changed my mind completely! (thankfully). My opinion is you don’t need an design degree you can either do it or not! long story short… I’m sailing since im a kid and am sailing during summer holidays which helps me a lot to come throughout the year. i also discovered some managment interests during that time. The payment is maybe not the best compared to fulltime jobs, but my lifestyle gives me a lot of freedom, so that i can organize my life, the way i like it, which is a huuuge plus! Money should definitively not be the ultimate goal! You can live better with less, but more freetime and flexibility. I totaly agree with that! My thoughts for after graduation are to leave the “typical architecure field” and go more into sailing (gap year). After that, finding a job (dual system) and start an economics bachelor, combining it with architecture. It should be possible to find a job in the maritime industry with that. I know, somethimes you are planning life and it gives you another paths XD but hey, just keep going!
The problem starts with the fees that any Architectural firm will charge for it’s services. Most States and Provinces have a recommended Fee Schedule provided by the local professional chapter which provides guidance to Architects on the proposed fee based upon the size and category of the project. If for instance, you are submitting a fee proposal for a complex renovation and addition to an existing health care facility, the recommended fee might be in the range of 12% for the renovation component and 8% for the new addition component. Instead of charging the recommended fee, competitive bidding will drive the fee down to something resembling a blended fee of 7%. From this 7% fee the architect must pay the civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and landscape sub consultants, including possibly an elevator consultant and a LEED consultant. Most complex projects have a design and construction duration of 2 to 3 years. After factoring in office overheads and payroll it becomes very difficult to generate a profit. The race to the bottom on fees is killing the profession. So the squeeze on the fee also puts a squeeze on salaries and benefits for staff. Hence the absurdly low salaries and the daily proposition of working overtime without compensation, because that’s what is expected of you. As a Partner, I once worked for two years without a salary so that the staff payroll could be met every month. I was in my sixties when that happened. I am out of the partnership now due to health issues (cancer).
I am not convinced that the people who are “working their dream” are really enjoying it as much as they project. Making articles on schedule is hard work. Also, there has to be a majority of people who are still doing the 9-5 in industries that actually produce products, or services, that people need, not just fluff stuff. There has to be some ratio of fluffers, to working stiffs, that can’t be exceeded without toppling the economic structure that makes everything work.
” Let me tell you that… It is Hard… I mean Really Hard… But once you are able to reach there… There is nothing sweeter and happier than that experience in life… Not even sex.. drugs.. or anything can top the satisfaction and fulfilment of achieving what matters the most for you. And the best part is dreams never end… Achieving a dream, creates a new dream… ” – A Broken Random Man
The architectural job opportunities are awful in my city. I’m switching to IT and earning my certificate in cyber security and network administration. It’s a career that’s always in demand and the ROI from the education is far better than architecture. My goal is to finally be able to earn good money to invest in assets that will bring passive income, like a REIT or in A.I. based industries. You need financial freedom if you’re aiming to pursue the creative passions in life that you want to do, hopefully before your hair turns white.
Anything you are interested in, someone else is interested too. That is so true. The world of YouTube is full of an almost infinite number of niches with billions of people willing to watch articles about them. Find yours and go for it! And you can do that while still at your job. Who knows, it may become your job one day.
I know this is an older article but, I want to tell you something Daniel. I have a friend that’s wanting to drop $200 on me this Sunday to get a premium membership for a year. He told me that I could get my dream job using this online resource. Also said it was the future of higher education. I found this hard to believe and so far after about 5 minutes of searching for a “testimonial”, your article is the first in that timespan. Do you any others that have made it big in life using skillshare? Also do you still stand by what was said in the article? I see more negative about skillshare than positive so, it’s a little concerning.
This is why I’m not studying architecture to work for someone. I’m studying architecture and structural engineering to do what I want to do. I want to design and build homes not only for the wealthy but for everyone. One of my dreams is to start a project where a home that truly feels like a home, can be designed and built at a low cost while still being classified as “modern” and “stylish” by today’s standards. Essentially I want this project to flourish in low-income areas, so common people and the working class can live ina decent home without having to be well off. As I grew up in a low-income area I always raised the question, “why are these homes so outdated and run down? as to where suburbs are so much nicer and cost roughly the same in terms of rent?”. So, essentially I want to provide the opportunity for lower-income communities to be facelifted and overhauled without costing a fortune. I am barely in my second year of university so I have a long way to go but this is my goal, to build homes that I truly like and that can make a difference in someone’s life, rather than sit in an office designing some billionaires new headquarters.