Architects and Their Practices: A Changing Profession

This book presents the results of a study of the profound changes which have occurred in architectural practice over the last twenty years and addresses the key aspects of the profession's response to change.


It deals with changes in the building industry, changes in the role of the profession and the debate over design philosophies, showing how these turbulent circumstances have affected the growth and development of individual practices and the careers and methods of work of individual architects. It shows the impact of change on the design of particular projects and discusses the relationships between the architectural profession and its clients and collaborators. Practices studied in detail are: Roger Mears, Roger Stephenson, Ahrends Burton and Koralek, DEGW, Building Design Partnership, Hampshire County Council. Pentagon. Projects analysed include: Templeton College, Halifax Building Society and Docklands Light Railway Stations. A wealth of new information can be found in the results of a questionnaire survey, covering the views of a statistically significant cross-section of partners in architectural firms. Some of these observations are brought together in the context of specific projects, drawn from the work of the case study firms. Through this analysis of recent experience, the authors seek to establish a framework for understanding future changes.

Major in-depth study into architectural practice
Wealth of new information

'This very interesting book is the outcome of an in-depth study of selected architect's practices to identify the profession's reaction to the significant changes that have taken place over the last twenty years covering the construction industry, technology, role of the profession and debate over design philosophies.'
The ASI Journal
' This book is full of insights into the way practices and the key partners in
them evolve and (re)define their positions in the course of responding to
changes.'

Bulletin of People Environment Studies