Architecture and elitism, a never-ending love story

One of the major reasons why the profession remains underpaid and undervalued is the massive disconnect between firm leaders and the realities of the workplace.

Fresh graduates are expected to produce top-quality work from day one, often with little to no support. The responsibility of learning is placed entirely on them, while mentorship is treated as optional. But how many studios genuinely invest in teaching? How many firm leaders see themselves as mentors first, before expecting output? This lack of guidance doesn’t just affect the quality of work, it stunts long-term growth for both the individual and the firm.

Unfortunately, many architectural employers treat roles and people as depreciating assets, sometimes even as liabilities. With so much talent in the market, the value of an individual has become easy to overlook.

Why do architects jump jobs so often? Because the firm is usually built around the founders' personal brand leaving little space for anyone else to grow or build something of their own.

Why would a fresher stay in an environment where growth is limited, mentorship is missing, and the financial reward is laughable?

Let's be honest annual salary increments in many studios don’t even cover the cost of a pair of branded sneakers. Yet the expectation is to give 100%, and then some. It’s not just unfair, it’s exploitative.

The burden of growth falls on the individual. And when this pattern continues for a few years, it’s no surprise that people leave the profession. I don’t blame them. In fact, if someone asked me whether architecture is worth pursuing as a career today, my answer would sadly but truthfully be no.

This brings us to a question that firm leaders rarely have to face: "Is the monthly remuneration and a bare minimum annual hike with no benefits enough to sustain in today's economy?"

I’ll leave that question hanging because I think we all know the answer.

Each time this conversation comes up, we hear the same lines “Every fresher has to go through this,” or “Change is coming.” But neither addresses the real issue.

What do you think? How has your experience been?

#architecture #architects #workculture #indianworkculture