Is it important that schools have licensed architects or design professionals teaching courses?
Yes it is. However, look also for a balance of talent and high energy that stays in tune with the trends and structural shifts that are transforming our design professions. At the Design Futures Council, we usually like to see 60 percent or more licensed full-time faculty and 80 percent part-time faculty in architecture schools, for instance. It is similar in landscape architecture, and can be somewhat less in interior design and industrial design. Licensing is not as important in industrial design and interior design — although this point is often debated by the professions. What is very important is that faculty stay current on technology and professional practice issues and that they care about students as well as the profession. Below is an overall breakout of licensed architecture faculty. Q: Are the design professions well compensated? A: Yes, in most instances, and the latest research shows upward trajectory. Once you become a principal of a design firm you will make (in today’s
