Architects: Have you been laid-off or furloughed?

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Architects: Have you been laid-off or furloughed?

David McFadden | COVID-19 Update | April 23, 2020

Looking for your next opportunity?

Every day our firm has been fielding calls and emails about whether or not architecture firms will be re-hiring out-of-work employees after the COVID-19 Pandemic. The honest answer is: right now, nobody knows. What we do know is that when the opportunities come back to the market, you should be ready to strike. That’s why we are placing a high priority on building our database of candidates, so we can move quickly to find you a new position if your current firm – through no fault of their own — is having difficulties. Never in our history has there been a pandemic like this that has shut down the economy to such an extent. And it’s disproportionately affecting the construction sector and related businesses.

At CFA we’ve been helping architects make their next career move since 1984. Contact us in confidence for an interview, portfolio review, resume suggestions, and a discussion about your long-term career goals

About the author

Drawing upon original ideas and extensive personal and professional experience in the field, David McFadden crafted this article to explore the untapped potential of making historic architectural masterpieces more sustainable. After working at various design practices—both full-time and freelance—and launching his design firm, David identified a significant gap in the industry. In 1984, he founded Consulting For Architects Inc. Careers, an expansive hub designed to align architects with hiring firms for mutual benefit. This platform enables architects to find impactful design work and frees hiring firms from the time-consuming cycles of recruitment and layoffs. David’s innovative approach to employer-employee relations has brought much-needed flexibility and adaptation to the industry. As the Founder and CEO, David has successfully guided his clients and staff through the challenges of four recessions—the early ’80s, early ’90s, early 2000s, the Great Recession, the pandemic, and the current slowdown due to inflation and high-interest rates.

3 Responses to "Architects: Have you been laid-off or furloughed?"

Juan Blanco May 6, 2020

Good to see you are preparing for a landing. Kudos to you.
Jim Maxwell May 11, 2020

I received my masters degree from Virginia Tech and was an intern architect in ’81 and have been practicing since . . . until ’07 downturn in California. Even with a great resumé I am having difficulty even getting responses from firms due to my age, 65. I have been working contract since ’91 and consequently do not have my own firm, but I bring a lot to the table! Can you offer any ideas as to how to change this?

David McFadden May 23, 2020

Hi Jim, This is a very difficult situation you find yourself in. My hands-on experience has convinced me that after the recession and firms began to rehire they targeted people with 5-15 years post-graduation – With a big focus on Revit skills. Presently I do not have a silver bullet for you. Other than to say that you can practice architecture for many more years and maybe you can find some clients.