I’ve mentioned a couple times that I belong to a trade organization called the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD). The organization was founded in 1950, now with members in 48 states, Canada, Europe, Australia and the Bahamas. This is an organization dedicated to the support of the Residential Design profession. I encourage you to look them up if you’re seeking a skilled Residential Design Professional.
I started my career in a different era. In the 1970’s, the state of Florida had an awesome technical program starting in high school. I started learning architectural and engineering drafting when I was 13 years old. I loved it so much I stayed in the program for 6 years with a concentration on architectural design. When I graduated, I was offered several scholarships including the University Florida College of Architecture. That’s where things went off the rails. In my first year, I was required to attend courses that I had mastered by the time I was 15. I asked if I could bypass this requirement by credit through exam. The answer was “no”, without appeal. I was dealing with issues in my own young life and this did not sit well. So, I would go in and collect the assignments and leave. I would do them and turn them in on time but, I did not attend class. Although I received exceptionally high marks on all of my work, I failed a couple courses due to attendance although I proved my skill at the tasks required. After some time, I was encouraged to take a “breather” and sort out my angst. I left and never returned. Arguably, not my best decision.
However, I was very good at what I knew and what I knew was extensive. Oddly, to the credit of a lower branch of the education system in the same state! Herein lies the rub. So, I chose to seek gainful employment in architecture. It took me about 10 minutes to find work. The industry was booming and drafters were in demand. Back then, there was a profound sense of obligation for mentoring among design industry professionals. I was in Heaven. Not only did I find work, but I also never really had to look again. If I was hired for a project, once it was finished the architect would actually find me my next placement with their endorsement. I learned more than one can imagine. Projects in my learning trajectory ranged from homes for celebrities to restaurants, banks, hospitals, ocean front condominiums, modular building and so much more. It has been a fantastic experience from then until now. The world of architecture then accepted that some people learn best by doing. There were different designations from Drafter to Design Drafter and ultimately Project Architect. The pay was commensurate and reflected one’s skill level and standing in the professional community. A person was judged by their portfolio and capability; not so much what school they attended.
Throughout the decades, this dynamic has shifted. The value of experience has been diminished beyond measure and young people were told that a degree was the only path to success. That’s great until the teaching mechanism consistently declines as well. This trend has led to an unfortunate steep decline in young people entering the skilled trades. This isn’t just design professionals but all trades from Masons to Carpenters. It seems we have lost not only a significant part of the workforce but moreover an entire generation of knowledge. This is the folly of our arrogance.
It has been estimated that just prior to the pandemic, the U.S. had a deficit of 1 million skilled trades people. That’s a big hole. Recently, it has been determined that this number is closer to 2 million+. A very, very big hole.
I am confined to Residential Design as I have no degree in Architecture. To the contrary, I do have 45 years’ experience stemming from the mentorship of numerous gifted architects spanning about a decade. Residential Designers are allowed to practice without degrees in most states. Various groups routinely try to take away that exception every year. So, this now small trove of skilled designers, that are accessible to most consumers, is constantly in danger of being taken away as a resource. The absurdity is the current state of affairs. In my practice, we too often have seen plans for homes from “licensed Architects” that are remarkably substandard. That’s why they wind up on my desk. This isn’t true of all but it does point out that a degree does not assure skill level or experience. Often it just exposes a very good “test taker”. I have a number of degreed professionals that consult with me due to my experience, knowing I have no degree! This isn’t just in the design side of the industry. My kingdom for a carpenter! When I was a kid, being a carpenter was a respected craft and a good living. Carpentry is a craft in steep decline. For example, we now see that many Project Managers have inadequate skills at reading the level of plan complexity that we are required to produce by the permitting authority. How can we build safely and cost effectively when the builders often cannot read the plans? Skilled Trades have traditionally been handed down through the generations. At least until the ability to achieve a living wage became unsustainable. The same story has been repeated with masons, plumbers, etc. The need for skilled and unskilled labor has grown so dire that the immigrant population was our last stand. The plight of this human resource now dominates the news cycle daily. Whether aware or not, this state of affairs in the building industry directly impacts your future as a homeowner or hope to be a homeowner. Frankly, it affects the safety, quality and availability of every building you enter.
It seems the industry is now stirring from its malaise. Not because of a sudden awareness or an altruistic streak but because we have no one to do the work. Although very late, and sparse at best, trade schools are popping up. Some Technical colleges are offering more accessible drafting and design programs among other trades. I assisted one GA state technical college in co-developing a Residential Design Certificate or Associate’s Degree program over 3 years. There are carpentry and plumbing schools among others. However, you don’t create skilled people in a season. It takes years. Construction is complex and getting more so every day. So there needs to be a far more aggressive effort put forth. It’s a two-part dilemma though. Opening trade schools is one thing. Filling them is quite another. Young people have been taught that technical school is somehow beneath them and leads to a substandard living. The course I helped develop has been nearly tabled due to lack of enrollment. Now we find ourselves with a lack of skilled teachers! And the beat goes on.
I encourage you to consider this small expression of the state we are in as a call to action. Demand that trades people receive a living wage with your representatives. Yes, you will pay for this but you will also reap the benefits. In your own life and perhaps your job, try to recognize the value of experience with at least equal measure to academic credentials. We have a massive pent up demand for housing in America. We have an almost non-existent inventory of starter homes. Encourage fair wage practices and encourage young people to consider trades. Some people just don’t do well as academics but can thrive in Trade school. Sometimes it’s a hybrid of school and OJT. We must stop confining America’s talent to one path if we are going to allow them to flourish. We must promote diversity in how we learn before we all live in huts. I’m not assaulting colleges or any institution of higher learning. They are absolutely necessary. They simply cannot be exclusive as a teaching resource. If your children show an interest in construction (which is usually hard to hide), consider encouraging it. Help them rebuild the skilled workforce that made America great. America didn’t just happen, it was built.
Until next time…
