I’m sure we can agree that change in architectural practice is inexorable.
Not in the way a façade might elegantly weather, or a stylistic movement become passé, but in the way ecosystems shift. Slowly, and then seemingly altogether and all at once. The challenges shaping the built environment today are more substantial than ever, including: climate action, new technologies, shifting legislative and code requirements, changing client expectations, and ever evolving social responsibilities.
In this climate (pun intended), the most important thing you might design isn’t a building. It’s your practice.
This article is the first in a series that explores what it means to rethink and redesign your practice to be more future ready. Moving from legacy models, status quo and reactive systems, to a more agile, adaptable and resilient approach.
It starts with a singular premise: adaptability is no longer optional.
Change isn’t the problem: it’s our response to it
Architects are experts in complexity. Working with constraints, balancing competing demands and resolving them all into resolute solutions and built outcomes.
But too many practices still cling to legacy thinking about how architectural practice looks and operates. Curled up in the comfort of the status quo and choosing not to do the hard work of challenging their assumptions.
It’s time to rethink practice.
Here’s six common myths quietly holding practices back.
Six myths preventing practices from evolving
Myth 1: Adaptability lowers standards
There’s a fear that adopting new tools, or changing systems, diminishes the integrity of the design process. But adaptability instead allows design quality to be maintained and thrive in the new. Consider how Frank Gehry’s work went to new levels with digital evolution. Resilient designers evolve whilst maintaining their values and vision. Being adaptable doesn’t dilute design integrity, it allows it to evolve.
Myth 2: Change is too expensive
Transformation doesn’t require a complete rebuild or reinvention. Considered adaptation starts with small, low-cost experiments. They might include: adjusting team workflows, streamlining internal knowledge systems, testing new service offerings, playing with new tech. They can be framed as achievable changes, leading to lasting impact. On the other hand, when change is not prepared for and no longer an option, it becomes a much more costly exercise.
Myth 3: If it’s working, don’t change it
Failure isn’t the danger, it’s inertia. The things that work today may not work tomorrow. Countless industries have been sunk not by sudden change, but by a creeping irrelevance (see Kodak). The practices that remain successful will be the ones that explore new possibilities while things are still going well (see Fujifilm). They’re proactive, reposition for the possibility of change and therefore ready to take advantage of it.
Myth 4: We’re architects, not entrepreneurs
Architecture practice isn’t just about realising exceptional buildings. It’s about designing a business that’s consistent, sustainable, and delivers value. Architectural practice is a design problem in its own right. Solving this problem is as much a creative design challenge as resolving a spatial one.
Myth 5: We’ll adapt when we have to
Waiting to adapt until a crisis hits reduces your options and limits your vision. Adaptability and agility must be established practice before they’re required. Developed through a discipline of learning, receiving feedback, and a mindset of small experimentation. Thus building resilience and adaptability over time. Note, it’s much harder to build the plane as you’re falling off the cliff.
Myth 6: Change will disrupt our culture
Good culture doesn’t need protecting from change. Instead it’s what determines how you might navigate it better. The best practice cultures aren’t rigid, but grow and evolve, through trust, shared values, connection, and open communication. When strong, culture becomes foundational and supports change. It’s not threatened by it.
Practice as a design problem
Daily architectural practice requires architects to be systems thinkers: dealing with site conditions, regulations, timelines, budgets, construction issues, etc. It’s a skill architects could apply to their own practice.
Architects designing their practice, as they might a client’s brief, would:
- Examine the context and requirements;
- Determine what success looks like;
- Identify constraints and opportunities;
- Establish possible design solutions and iterate; and
- Involve and learn from the knowledge, skills and expertise of others (within the practice and externally).
The process is more important than a refined final plan. But you’ll need to be open to an ongoing mindset of experimenting, learning, and iterating.
The skills and qualities of a great designer – curiosity, empathy, iteration – are the same ones that will assist a practice in becoming more adaptable.
Start intentionally
Adaptable practice isn’t accidental. It’s made with intention.
To be more adaptable doesn’t require letting go of what’s unique about your practice, indeed it should add to it. It’s a choice, to lead and to lean in to the possibility of change. Instead of waiting to react. Establishing flexibility in the practice. Developing a team that thrives in uncertainty.
An adaptable, future ready practice (and profession) requires more courage, coherence and creativity, in how it works, leads, and evolves.
Where to next?
This article is the first in a series considering aspects of a more future ready and adaptable architectural practice. Future articles will look at ways of becoming more future ready as well as considering the culture of future readiness.
A final thought
The practices who’ll thrive in the future won’t just be great designers. They’ll be those that embrace learning, systems thinking, and establish systems that are agile, evolve, and grow within the changing landscape.
Adaptability doesn’t challenge a prevailing premise of how architecture should be practiced but is a realisation of it.
Architecture has always been a response to site, to context, and to constraints.
The profession itself is now the context! It’s time to be creative in it.
Is your practice future ready?
I’ve built a free AI assessment tool to help you review you practice’s adaptability.
Assess your practice’s readiness across technology, business models, sustainability, and collaboration with my comprehensive evaluation tool. See how your practice measures up against firms of similar size too.
Here you go…
Future-Proof Your Architectural Practice
(Note: the link works as of date of publication 14.05.2025, but things move fast, change and update. And I’m not sure how long I’ll maintain it for. Feel free to get in touch should it no longer work and I’ll point you to my more recent tools and work.)
AI image generated in Canva
