All architects are the same.

Jared Perry
Sep 5, 2018 · 2 min read

So before you get all hot and bothered about the fact that all architects are the same — let me lay a little ground work.

According to a 2017 Report by NCARB there are 110,000 architects in the United States and another 41,000 either taking the ARE exam or reporting AXP hours. To put those numbers into perspective — if we were to combine every single U.S. location of Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, Burger King, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, KFC, Target, and Wal-mart….there would still be 45,000 more architects than there are of those establishments.

I use the reference between these industries for two reasons. The first is that the term architect means licensure. In other words, they are legally responsible for what they stamp. Just as McDonald’s is legally responsible for someone spilling scalding hot coffee on themselves. The second reason is that these fast food, coffee shop, and super-stores are everywhere. It paints a picture of the saturation in the architectural market.


So… just because there are a plethora of architects, does that mean they are all the same? No. It doesn’t. But that doesn’t matter. The consumer’s perception is what matters. And that perception is that you the architect are the same as every other architect. And that’s the problem.


The good news is that this issue isn’t unique to architects. It’s a problem that all client service industries deal with. Accountants, graphic designers, web-developers, lawyers, and on and on and on. Being the owner of an A/E firm I get this. I don’t say things like “all architects are the same” to be an ass. I say it so we can address the elephant in the room. Recognize that our clients have options and that great design isn’t good enough.

So what does make a great architect stand out? Simply put, the experience your client has as you go through the project — start to finish. Client experience has to be far and away your best asset. You need to be continually enhancing how you and your clients communicate. How you make and track decisions. How you keep them updated on progress. How you share files and even how you request payment. It’s all about the experience.

The perception isn’t changing. Are you?


About the Author

Jared Perry is a licensed professional engineer, A/E Firm Owner, Real Estate Developer, Startup Investor, and Founder @aswego.app — A new kind of app that helps you keep clients engaged and updated throughout your project for the ultimate client experience.

Hundred Percent

A resource for businesses and productive humans from your friends at AsWeGo >> The absolute easiest way for keeping your team, your subs and your clients on the same page

Jared Perry

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Principal and co-founder in a bunch of stuff. Love Christ, Family, and Michigan Football.

Hundred Percent

A resource for businesses and productive humans from your friends at AsWeGo >> The absolute easiest way for keeping your team, your subs and your clients on the same page

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