<p>After looking at these figures I tried to confirm the number and understand how they are using the word architect. Is it 180,000 registered architects (seems high), or 180,000 people working in an architectural practice?</p>
<p>In any case, yes, it is a relatively small profession, but based on the competition to get into architecture schools it still seems pretty desirable. The profession has done a pretty good job of trying to limit competition. The number of schools is very limited, with many states having only one or two accredited schools. Each school has to go through an accreditation review every five years. This is a very tough process and if the review committee feels you are graduation too many students it might cost you your accreditation.</p>
<p>The positive side to this is that it remains a very collegial profession. I know pretty much every major architect practicing in my city. We may compete intensely for a project, but afterwards get together for a beer. The only aspect of the profession that I have not enjoyed are the inevitable slumps in business that come with each recession. This has been a particularly brutal cycle, and I would guess that 10% to 20% of the architects working at the peak in 2008 will find something else to do for a living and will never return to the profession. When you combine this loss with all the retiring baby boomers and I think someone graduating 2 to 4 years from now will find themselves a very desirable commodity with much better opportunities for advancement.</p>
<p>My one bit of advice is to not graduate with significant student loans. The profession provides a fair wage, but not nearly enough to cover $100,000+ in student loans.</p>
<p>rick</p>