Why I Gave Up on Architecture: How the Industry Failed Everyone and Inspired My Creative Journey

Being a 30-something architect, I have to admit that the field of architecture has failed everyone. From young architects like myself to the general public, the architecture industry has become all about saving money and cutting corners, even if it means creating ugly and unwelcoming buildings. This has left many of us feeling unempowered and uninspired.

As an architect, my goal was always to create buildings that not only met the functional needs of clients but also enhanced the built environment and improved the quality of life for the people who used them. However, I quickly learned that in many cases, these goals were overshadowed by the client's primary objective of saving money. This meant that design elements that could have made a building truly special were often cut or scaled back to save costs.

The result of this approach is a proliferation of ugly buildings and urban spaces that fail to engage and inspire people. It's disheartening to see how many cities are now characterized by bland, generic buildings that lack any real sense of character or style. It's as if the architects who designed them didn't care about the people who would have to live or work in them.

As a young architect, I found myself increasingly disillusioned by the state of the industry. I realized that if I wanted to create truly inspiring and impactful work, I needed to find a different outlet for my creativity. That's why I turned to other forms of artistic expression, such as making films, ceramics, sculptures, and drawings. These mediums still allow me to draw inspiration from architecture while giving me the creative freedom to explore other styles and approaches.

I've also considered creating furniture or practical sculptures, but I know that it can be challenging to create the same sense of monumentality that comes with designing a building. That said, I'm open to exploring new avenues for my creative work, such as digital art or VR, which could allow me to incorporate architectural elements into my work in new and exciting ways.

In the end, I may have given up on traditional architecture, but I haven't given up on the power of design to inspire and engage people. By exploring different mediums and approaches, I hope to continue using my skills as an architect to create meaningful and impactful work.