One lasting impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been the expansion of remote work. Employers and employees both have seen how the option to work remotely or in a hybrid model can benefit everyone, bringing cost savings to organizations at the same time it helps employees maintain their ideal work-life balance. 

For those growing an architecture career, finding a remote opportunity is still likely to be more of a challenge than in other sectors. The truth is, not every job in the architecture industry offers the potential for remote work, and there are still some barriers to widespread implementation of remote and hybrid work models. 

That said, there are remote opportunities in the architecture employment landscape, and the trend toward greater autonomy and flexibility hasn’t passed the industry by completely. Let’s take a closer look at the state of remote work options for today’s architecture professionals and the businesses that employ them.

Overview of remote work in architecture

Traditionally, architecture has had a strong culture of in-person collaboration. This makes sense, considering the extent to which the designs architects make are not just visual but three-dimensional, and can be difficult to understand and discuss fully through a video conferencing platform or similar remote work interface. 

Yet working remotely is possible. In 2020, when office spaces were closed out of necessity, the 2021 AIA Compensation Report shows 72% of firms offered full-time or nearly full-time remote work for their teams. Granted, many firms found this shift was not the ideal approach for their productivity and efficiency. The majority of firms quickly returned to a fully in-office work environment once the safety concerns of doing so had been mitigated. 

Other firms have embraced the possibilities of a remote or hybrid workforce, though. Advancements in remote communications technologies do make it very possible for some team members in an architecture firm to work effectively outside an office space. 

It’s also worth noting that remote work existed in architecture even pre-pandemic. Some firms have been operating under an all-remote model for years, such as J Kretschmer Architect in California, which hired its first remote worker in 2005 and has been all-remote since 2008. Boston-based firm Saam Architecture embraces a model they call “radical flexibility“, employing a hybrid model that enables everyone on the team to work remotely.

With the further development of technology like virtual reality and online communication tools, the freedom to work remotely becomes an even stronger possibility for architecture professionals. These changes are likely to be slow in coming, and there are some common issues companies experience when they pivot to remote work practices that will need to be addressed before the industry sees widespread adoption. But the bottom line is, if you want to work from anywhere on a flexible schedule as an architecture professional, it’s certainly possible. 

Which architecture roles can be done remotely?

The short answer is: any of them, with the right tools, strategies, and systems in place. Yet there are some roles within the architecture industry that are relatively easy to do via digital workspaces.

Some of the core tasks of an architect’s work are already done primarily using technology. For example, many aspects of the design, drafting, and drawing stages today often happens using CAD, drafting, and 3D modeling software, which can be used just as easily from home as from the office. It’s also common to consult online databases for things like materials selection or verifying the current building codes and regulations. Many firms also utilize remote monitoring tools like drones or programs like EarthCam and TrueLook to oversee the construction and building site. 

For other tasks, like collaboration or communicating with clients, project management software can effectively replace the office. In some cases, this can be an even more efficient way to tackle projects than doing them face-to-face. 

That said, the roles that are most likely to be offered as fully remote are the ones that mostly deal with the behind-the-scenes aspects of projects. This includes work like writing specifications, generating reports, conducting energy modeling and sustainability analysis, creating drawings and 3D models, using Building Information Modeling (BIM) techniques, and coordinating with consultants or contractors. 

It is also worth noting that the number of remote roles available will likely increase as architects advance in their careers. Junior and entry-level roles are the least likely to be offered remotely because these young professionals often need more direct supervision and training that’s easier to provide in-person. As a professional builds trust within the firm, they are more likely to be offered the chance to work from home at least a portion of the time.

Benefits of remote work for architects

Increased productivity

One of the greatest debates that arose out of the widespread shift to remote work during the pandemic was whether it helped or hurt productivity. The answer seems to be more nuanced: some people struggle to be productive when working remotely, while others find they can get much more done with their time. 

Remote work eliminates the need for commutes, adding more time back into employees’ days. It also gives professionals the ability to control their work environment, letting them limit distractions and better focus on their tasks. For many architects, the result is more efficient, more productive use of their time.

Faster turnarounds with fewer errors

Working in a remote setting means using software rather than manual processes for just about every stage of design. This has the added benefit of streamlining the process and eliminating some of the places where mistakes are most likely to creep in. For instance, designs can be easily reviewed, edited, and approved asynchronously using cloud-based tools, which allow multiple people to collaborate on the project at once without the risk of losing the original design or creating misunderstandings about which version is the most accurate and up-to-date.

Improved mental health and work-life balance

Working remotely decreases the separation between work and the rest of a professional’s life. While this can have some downsides, too, most feel it’s a positive thing, giving them more freedom to balance their time between their various responsibilities and interests. The ability to adjust their work schedules around other areas of their life can help employees prevent burnout, reduce workplace stress, and improve their overall well-being.

More availability for clients 

Some aspects of architecture are obviously tied to a location, but that’s not the firm’s office–it’s the work site where the building is being constructed, and work there doesn’t always happen during a typical 9-5. Clients of architecture firms may also use alternative schedules, or need to talk to designers outside of typical work times. Remote models often give architects more freedom to adjust their schedules and meet with clients when it’s best for them, even if they’re in different time zones or only have availability in the evenings. 

It’s easier to find and hire new talent

This is more of a benefit for firms than individual architects, but it’s a significant one. If a firm is willing to hire fully remote talent, that dramatically expands their potential talent pool, allowing them to hire the best candidates from anywhere in the world. Even for those who use a hybrid model, and look for some in-office presence from their teams, the option to work part-time from home is very appealing to professionals, especially those from younger generations. Offering this kind of flexibility can make it much easier to both attract the right people and keep them on your team. 

Remote work challenges for architecture firms

Team and project management

There are a lot of stages and moving parts involved in the typical architecture project. This can make them a challenge to manage even in ideal circumstances, and remote work compounds this difficulty. In an office, a manager can stop by someone’s desk to ask for a progress update, or gather the team easily for quick discussions. These kinds of communication require more planning and scheduling in a remote team. The lack of transparency can also be an issue, and it can be more difficult for managers to monitor and track their reports’ progress. 

Isolation and lack of socialization

Teamwork is an important aspect of any large design project, and this kind of collaboration is about more than sharing expertise and knowledge. When each individual works in a separate space, it can be harder for them to get feedback on their work, or bounce ideas off of colleagues in a collaborative way. It can also impact employee satisfaction, preventing them from building friendships with their coworkers that can build trust and loyalty to the organization. 

Onboarding and training of junior architects

One group that tends to be particularly impacted by that isolation mentioned above are new hires to the firm. It’s more difficult to get to know your colleagues as a new employee in a remote organization. It also limits the learning options for young professionals, who can’t shadow senior team members or watch them work as easily in a remote workplace as they can in person. There’s also the matter that a younger employee is likely going to need more supervision, especially when they’re taking on new project types or utilizing newly acquired skills. Providing that supervision can be more difficult when you’re not all in the same space together.

Tips and best practices for architecture firms adapting to remote work

Focus on tasks over work hours. 

One big challenge that firm managers often face when shifting to a remote model is how to measure productivity. Tools that track employee work time can be invasive or detract from their efficiency by adding extra administrative tasks to their plate. A better approach is often to establish progress objectives based on the work completed. Establishing firm deadlines for projects and stages, and establishing policies that ensure those deadlines are met, will keep the team on track no matter where they’re working. 

Establish clear communication channels.

Communication is among the biggest challenges for any location-independent team. The communication protocols a company establishes can absolutely make or break the success of their remote or hybrid transition. This starts with ensuring that all individuals on the team understand their expectations and has access to the resources they’ll need to do their job effectively. It’s also crucial to establish a system for accountability, as well as channels through which employees can get support from their colleagues or IT experts when they need help.

Use the right remote collaboration tools and technology.

The technology you use becomes your workplace when you operate in a remote or hybrid model. Just like an office layout can impact how well people can work there, the technology you use is key for success in remote offices. 

Communication platforms like Slack and Zoom can be very handy for team check-ins and remote meetings, while project management tools can help coordinate the entire team’s activities and keep you on pace to achieving your firm’s goals. Once you have this virtual workspace in place, training the team on its features and capabilities will help ensure they know how to use it correctly.

Strike a balance between flexibility and structure.

In creative industries like architecture, finding the right level of employee autonomy can be a challenge, and one that’s compounded in a remote environment. It’s important to balance employee flexibility against the firm’s needs. Establish specific processes and guidelines for interacting with clients and colleagues, delivering completed work, collaborating on tasks, and finding solutions to any challenges or issues that come up. Adaptability is one of the biggest potential advantages of offering remote or hybrid work, but you still need work policies to keep your business moving in the right direction.