I am not an architect, nor do I work in an architectural firm.

But I am a constant observer of that professional community by way of family, friends, associates who are part of that world. To a degree, I’m surrounded. Recently at a networking event (read: job search), someone in the group asked in a hushed tone “did you hear about....?” and we all knew what was to follow, another story of workforce reduction. What a nice euphemism for lost jobs.

Just a short while ago, firms were scouring these very same networking events in search of fresh, smart talent. Then the economy hit the profession full-force. In previous economic downturns, we could send out an SOS to our network and come up with a few promising leads from architectural firms, or at least within a related field or product manufacturer. No longer. And I wondered, just how many jobs have we lost?

Some initial research into job losses in the industry revealed that there have been 1,136,300 layoffs. That’s data complied for a 1-year period 07/08 - 07/09 (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov/sae; updated 8/24/09)

And a more troubling question: where will the next wave of leadership come from? If we lose all the young, bright prospects, we are in danger of repeating the situation that occurred during the economic downturn of the early 1980’s. Recent architectural grads and unemployed interns will be forced to seek employment in other fields. They will secure positions offering competitive compensation and benefits in an industry with less work hours and stress than architecture. They will abandon the field. And we will lose more than current jobs; we will lose another generation of talent.

How will we attain the green Architecture 2030 Initiatives? How will we implement the philosophical shifts needed to advance technology such as BIM in the face of lost talent and closing firms? By keeping talent in the game, that’s how.

Stay engaged and stay positive. Interns, take more technology classes to increase your skill level. Join the local chapter of the AIA, the USGBC, or any professional organization that appeals to you. These activities may sometimes seem tedious, but the overall experience will enhance your resume and your profession network. And if you are recently unemployed, contact your local school system for opportunities to share your knowledge and field experience. I repeatedly hear the criticism that students are all design theory and no application. Offer to be an advisor or contribute design critiques and share your point of view. Or take a technology class; you no longer have the excuse of limited time. You’ll likely gain a fresh perspective and renew your passion for the field.

Leadership is an assumed position. If we want to accomplish the environmental changes to which we all aspire, we’ll need to step forward and grow the talent that will build that vision.