Whether you are a professional, recent graduate, or student, we all have to decide which architecture firm to work for. There are endless amounts of firms and things to look out for when selecting a workplace. Now the list can vary for individuals, but here are a few things we consider when choosing what firm to join!
Salary + Benefits
This is naturally one of the first things you will think about, as everyone needs an income to live. Websites like the AIA Salary Calculator and Glassdoor can give you a good idea of a fair salary for your experience level and location. Don’t be afraid to negotiate if you believe you aren’t being offered a fair salary!
Benefits are another aspect of compensation to think about. Does the firm offer health insurance, paid-time-off, or even a gym? Having expenses such as dental care, eye care, medication, and more covered by an insurance provider are very valuable to many. There are a lot of questions regarding benefits, so come prepared or have knowledge of what you’ll receive.
Location
Just like school, it is important to realize where you’ll be working for the next few years! Can you imagine yourself working in a major city or somewhere less hectic? East Coast, Midwest, or West Coast? Location plays a big part in salary rates because firms would have to consider tax income, living costs, and commuting.
What about proximity to friends and family? Some may choose to return to their hometown and live with family to save money, while others are craving a change of scenery and more independence!
What type of amenities do you seek? Every location has a different culture and personality, so do your research! Some locations are known for entertainment, food, museums, galleries, or hiking.
Keep in mind that large firms tend to locate themselves in major cities for clients, connections, and activity.
Types of Projects
A view of the firm’s website and portfolio will paint a clear picture of the type of work they do or specialize in. People tend to gravitate towards firms that work in sectors that interest them.
As an emerging professional, consider the kinds of projects you are interested in: addressing housing issues, sustainable design and construction, architectural heritage and restoration, or civic and cultural projects? Look for firms that will allow you to explore your areas of interest.
What if you have an established career and are looking for a change? This stage of your career is more nuanced and will depend on the individual, but look for a firm that will connect you with the types of projects, clients, and responsibilities you wish to work on that can help you reach your personal and career goals.
It should also be said that firms will be more interested in candidates who share similar interests!
Size of Office + Culture
There are 3 general sizes of architecture firms; small, medium, and large. All three have different pros and cons for you to consider. You can read an in-depth breakdown of types of architecture firms from ArchiSoup. Click Here!
Just like in school, studio culture is important and can vary from firm to firm. I like reading the firm’s “About Us” section to learn what the firm is passionate about, but if you can get the chance to visit the office and/or speak to someone currently employed there, take it! There is a lot of indirect understanding of the firm by walking through the office and gauging the atmosphere.
Small firms are ideal for individuals who like to wear multiple hats. Since there are fewer people to lean on and fewer resources, employees need to be more self-reliant while also being able to work closely with their small team. Firms of this size are very conscious of the team balance and carefully craft their teams to mesh well together. If you are seeking a role that will allow you to see projects from start to finish with a large amount of responsibility, a small team may be for you!
Medium-sized firms tend to combine both small and large incentives. The overall firm tends to be broken down into smaller teams that focus on more specific areas of work (typically type of project or phase of the project). If one team becomes extremely busy, they are able to receive support from other teams within the office. Note that individuals who are pulled into projects outside of their team are still responsible for their duties within their team – if one gets too busy, it can be a tough balancing act!
Larger firms have more resources, a diverse project portfolio, and more personalities. Larger firms break down into smaller teams too but tend to be more complete in having specific seniors, designers, and draftspeople dedicated to each team. Roles and responsibilities tend to be more rigid and defined in large firms. If you are looking to play a more specific role in a team, such as a project manager, draftsperson, archvis, or conceptual designer, then a larger firm with such a structure may be for you!
Professional Development
Graduating from an accredited program is the tip of the iceberg of an architect’s career. It’s crucial to seek out firms that will support your professional development. Licensure is a long and tedious path, so having the right support system goes a long way.
The most common forms of professional development support include exam preparation support, exam fee reimbursement, providing opportunities to take additional courses, encouraging attendance of conferences and seminars, one-on-one mentorship with a more senior member of the office, and offering lunch & learns.
A firm that values their employees knows that these types of investment in their employees ultimately creates a stronger team and practice. Do not shy away from asking potential employers about professional development opportunities. If you are already at a firm that you feel could improve their professional development support, approach your seniors and open up the conversation! They will appreciate your dedication to your career as well as understand that this will improve their practice.
Work-Life Balance
This may be more difficult to sense before joining the firm, but finding a firm that values work-life balance is important for your well-being and for the sustainability of the firm. Architecture is notorious for working overtime and burnout, and this may be further exacerbated with the fatigue from the pandemic. The best way to find out more about how firms value your personal time is really word of mouth. If you feel comfortable, you could pose the question during a networking event, a coffee chat with an employee, or even during your interview with the firm.
Community Engagement + Design
Disclaimer: This is something I look for in firms personally, but not many would think of it.
My long-term goal is to utilize design along with smart investments to create socio-economic impact, at any capacity, in communities. As a designer, I believe we have to live, play, and understand the spaces we create in order to become better designers and people. When a firm is an advocate for the community, it makes designing feel more fulfilling knowing there’s a positive impact on the local and greater urban space.
At the end of the day, the list of things to consider will depend on your priorities. Trust me, I’m in the middle of searching for a firm, so I can reassure you things will change! Be flexible and know what you want to gain from the firms you are applying to. Let us know in the comments what you think is important too! Make sure to check our Instagram and Youtube for more content regarding architecture.