The internet is rich in sources of both inspiration and procrastination for architects — magazines have harnessed the online platform superbly to give our industry greater exposure than ever, and many have mastered the art of going viral on social media, expanding their audience exponentially. But the web has also given individuals a voice that was previously difficult to hear — solo blogs offer a level of personal insight and unshackled opinion greater than that of the larger sites, and they also delve into niche architectural discourse that may otherwise be drowned out by the ocean of online information.
Life of an Architect
The online home of Dallas-based architect Bob Borson, Life of an Architect is one of the better-known, not to mention the most perceptive, blogs on this list. This is largely down to the fact that Bob is an experienced, practicing architect, which is reflected in savvy posts ranging from technical advice to lighthearted jabs at common misconceptions of the industry.
Image via Notes on Becoming a Famous Architect
Notes on Becoming a Famous Architect
Notes is the brainchild of Conrad Newel, and — in his own words — is ‘a true story about one man and his dream to become a famous architect.’ When one reads on, however, it soon becomes clear that Conrad’s mantra is somewhat more philosophical — he offers a critical perspective on the cult of celebrity within the architectural industry (that much-contested compound ‘Starchitect’ pops up a number of times), and he frequently turns the mirror on architectural journalists, as well. His cameo appearance on Architizer last year is a perfect, hotly debated example!
Image via Coffee With an Architect
Coffee With an Architect
North Carolina–based architect Jody Brown started his blog as a way to reach out to people in the community, with a virtual cup of coffee acting as a fitting catalyst for low-pressure, accessible architectural discourse. Then, as the trials and tribulations of the industry took their inevitable hold, he veered off in a different direction — Architecture and Angst was born. Cue a plethora of beautifully cynical posts that gently lay bare the stereotypes of architects and their craft — his love of modernism shining through all the while.