Online Architect – What Work Architects Can and Can’t Do Online

Architects can work from home if they have the right software to do their job. Some architectural tasks are easier to do remotely, and others in person.

The question remains as to how remote collaboration will evolve if it is not done in person.

The good news is that many architectural practices have been working remotely for decades and are growing:

J Kretschmer Architect hired a remote worker for the first time in 2005.

Margulies Perruzzi Architects has been incorporating remote work into its workflow since before 2015.

Some of these practices were designed with remote work in mind. Others also adopt a hybrid work model. So, yes — architects can work from home or wherever they want — as long as they have the tools to facilitate this work format.

What architectural tasks can be performed remotely?

• Review and development of drawings;
• Analysis of plans and regulations for urban planning frameworks;
• Selection and specification of materials, among others;

While maintaining and finalizing client deliverables may not always be possible remotely, architectural firms looking to operate in a hybrid model can adopt a mixed strategy by having architects in the office to “finalize deliverables such as models, drawing sets, presentations, and proposals.”

Benefits of remote work for architects and architectural practices

Access to a wider range of opportunities

Working from home gives architects the opportunity to access clients from different parts of their city and even from different regions of the world, ensuring proximity to emerging markets and global opportunities.

Fastest response time

When architects work from home, they save time on commuting and work with minimal distractions. Additionally, as a result of the software that By using software, they can streamline their processes. This helps increase productivity, leading to faster project completion and results.

Reduced costly errors and risks

Working remotely means using software and reducing the use of traditional, manual processes. This helps improve quality and reduce costly errors and risks. For example, during design reviews, cloud-based design approval tools will allow multiple stakeholders to collaborate asynchronously without losing track of the latest design, unlike using traditional means of document review.

Improved work-life balance

Working from home or anywhere allows architects to have more time for personal projects.

Looking at the past and the present, we can conclude that the future of architects’ work will be – in part – remote.