One Foot In, One Foot Out—The Balancing Act of Teaching and Practicing Architecture

Young architects and designers aspiring to an “avant-garde” career typically follow a particular path: a hybrid business model of teaching at a school of architecture while maintaining a small independent firm. The research and income from teaching enable practitioners to pursue work consisting of exhibitions, installations, and publications, but generally very few buildings. Because many up-and-comers do this, having a foot in academia and a foot in practice might seem like the norm, but does it depend on specific economic conditions? While this approach can lead to greater creative autonomy and name recognition, does it insulate against market uncertainties or create a double exposure to them? With the Architecture Billing Index in a prolonged decline, and with schools of architecture facing the “Demographic Cliff,” will this model of practice be viable for those entering the field now?

Join Architectural Record for a conversation with three leading firms as they examine the viability of the academic—practice hybrid model and consider what today’s economic and institutional pressures mean for the next generation of architects.

Can’t make the date? No problem! Register now and we’ll send you a link to the recording after the live discussion.