Would I Encourage My Child to Become an Architect?

A few weeks ago, my partner asked me:

"If our child wanted to become an architect, would you encourage them?"

As an architect, educator and practice owner, I was surprised by my own answer.

Yes, I would absolutely encourage them to study architecture… but I'm not sure I would encourage them to follow the traditional route to becoming an architect.

That probably sounds unexpected coming from someone who has spent nearly two decades studying, teaching and practising architecture. I'm fiercely proud of being an architect. I value the creativity the profession demands, the breadth of knowledge it requires and the impact it can have on people's lives.