Inside/Out | Future Architects Front (FAF)

We invited Charlie from the Future Architect’s Front (FAF) to speak for our series, whose contact was shared through a professor of our’s. I was first introduced to Charlie’s work during the height of the pandemic when I was still residing in the US. His account on Instagram shared anecdotes about the long hours and exploitative conditions that I was all too familiar with hearing about. These serious topics were shared in the language of digestible pop culture: cynical/tongue in cheek architecture industry related memes designed to be glanced at for about a millisecond. It felt oddly comforting to know that these sentiments spanned oceans, languages, policies and cultures. When I was let go and decided to leave the US - I felt this intense anger: is it stupid to move to a country where pay is lower, tax is higher, and hours are the same - is emigrating worth it and is fighting for the cause of pay and gender equality in Architecture even worth it. 

Future Architect’s Front seeks to establish emergent forms of anti-capitalist organising situated within the (re)production of the built environment. FAF strives for - longer tables, not taller fences: it is a grassroots organisation of architectural workers and students that campaigns to end the exploitative practices that have come to define the world of architecture. They work within and without existing institutions, collaborate with unions and collectives, and act as the loud abrasive voice of those at the bottom of the professional hierarchy.

I felt a mounting sense of hopelessness as the lecture went on - the cycle of low pay and long hours seems impossible to break out of within the current economic/business model of Architecture/Design projects. Despite this, I felt grateful for voices coming from organisations like FAF that serve to advocate and defend workers. I appreciated Charlie’s response to my question.

I asked, what were the day to day actions that people can take when working these conditions: a competition that you were not aware of 2 days ago is suddenly due tomorrow - you made plans but you had to stay back and work on renderings/drawings of the proposal into the early hours of the morning with no added compensation. What are the day to day actions that people can take when working in these conditions, especially in a climate where people’s jobs are at risk/are getting laid off? 

Charlie emphasized that being part of a union entitles individuals to certain legal protections - as a collective, it is a vehicle through which people can connect and build community. This community as a unit has power - it is much easier to resist things like unpaid overtime by connecting with others. It may not be the be-all, end all solution to ending the cycle of exploitation, but it makes a hard situation a little less hard. Airm to work at  firms and jobs where you feel aligned with their mission statement - a place where you feel best positioned to thrive. Ideally, your work is aimed towards contributing to social good. Take control of what is within your realm of influence.

I hope you find the lecture as thought-provoking as I did. I felt gutted, but quite empowered afterwards and I am curious about your thoughts.