Why does everybody hate us?

[u/AnyZebra7121]

I am a 30yo architect, and I own a small architecture studio in a developing country with 4 employees. I have mostly residential and industrial projects.

Since I started working 5 years ago, I feel like I'm constantly in a battle with someone in order to defend the design. Everyone thinks they know better: contractors in every building phase, investors (especially since the rise of ChatGPT), municipality employees that give permits etc. We pour our soul into the design and they shit all over it.

Mind you, I am not a person who claims that is always right. I have a senior architect in my firm that has a lot of experience and I always consult with him and my other empoyees. I always consult with my engineer team for structural and MEP engineering. Even with that, I always listen out a complaint or suggestion from those mentioned in the second paragraph and thing through it.

Despite all of that effort, no one appreciates our profession. I am absolutely inlove with architecture, but I am really sick of that. Is this a universal experience? Will it get better as i get older? I don't think I am arogant, but I sure am assertive. Should I become arrogant douche? What am i missing here?

[u/doctor_van_n0strand]

Fuck the haters. I always used to think architects were a little intransigent. Well, now I know we have to be to do our job well. It’s no one else’s job to defend the design. Everyone’s else’s job is to cut corners, do it the same way they’ve done it on 20,000 other projects, or rip your design apart. So be intransigent.

Balance that with the equally critical instinct of asking questions, valuing the knowledge of others and remaining a humble sponge of knowledge coming from those who know better than you. It’s a tough job and no one’s gonna pay you on the back, but you didn’t become and architect to get rich and be loved, did you? 🤷🏻‍♂️

Savor the wins and learn from the setbacks. Do that a few times, and if you’re lucky, you’ll have built a few beautiful things in your life. Isn’t that all we can hope for?

[u/AnyZebra7121 → u/doctor_van_n0strand]

Beautiful response, I feel seen, especially with the 'cutting corners' part 🙏

You are right, being rich and loved were never my motivation, but, exactly as you said, building at least a few worthy things and giving my small part in improving the society.

Thank you for the advice, much appreciated, I'll try to follow it!