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

Architects can work from home if they have the appropriate software to perform their tasks. Some architectural tasks are easier to do remotely, while others require being on-site.

The question that remains is how remote collaboration will develop if it is not done in person.

The good news is that many architecture studios 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 their workflow since before 2015.

Some of these studios were designed with remote work in mind. Others also adopt a hybrid work model. So, that means yes — architects can work from home or anywhere they want — as long as they have the tools to support this way of working.

Which architectural tasks can be performed remotely?

• Review and development of drawings;
• Analysis of plans and regulations for the urban planning framework of a project;
• Selection and specification of materials, among others;

Although maintenance and finalization of client deliverables are not always possible remotely, architecture firms aiming to operate under 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 architecture studios

Access to a wider range of opportunities

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

Faster response time

When architects work from home, they save time on commuting and experience fewer distractions. Additionally, thanks to the software they use, they can streamline their workflows. This helps boost productivity, leading to faster project completion and better results.

Reduced costly errors and risks

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

Better work-life balance

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

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