Architects "must rethink how and why we build" in 2026

Tough times lie ahead for architects and 2026 must be the year to reshape the profession, industry leaders have warned.

Dezeen asked architects from leading and emerging studios about what trends they predict will define the profession this year, including Dutch studio OMA, Chinese studio MAD, New York-based Selldorf Architects, London studio Nimtim Architects and Indian firm Earthscape Studio.

The challenges of designing in a period of economic uncertainty – and what that means for the role of the architect – emerged as major themes.

"Architecture, as we know it, is in crisis"

OMA partner Reinier de Graaf warned that the architecture profession is at breaking point.

In line with the subject of his upcoming book, Architecture Against Architecture, he argued that a myriad of issues are plaguing the industry including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), a lack of collective ownership, and the morality of working on certain projects.

"Architecture, as we know it, is in crisis," De Graaf told Dezeen. "The authority of architects is crumbling, their methods no longer tenable."

"There are some tough choices ahead and an equally tough course of action that must follow," he continued. "We must rethink both how and why we build. The tired reflexes of our profession must be called into question."

"How do we end the feudal veneration of starchitects? When will architects finally recognise that it is in their own best interest to unionise? Why aren't more practices collectively owned? Why do so many architects over 67 refuse to retire?"

"How do we stop buildings from being copyrighted? What will remain of architecture after AI? What can prevent iconic structures from being embroiled in money laundering? And the vital question: What projects should architects refuse on moral grounds?"

Clients "more cautious in committing to projects"

Selldorf Architects founder Annabelle Selldorf argued that the precarious global economic climate set to continue into 2026 means that architects need to double down on selling themselves and what they have to offer.

"There is an ongoing reality of political and economic uncertainty that is understandably making clients more cautious in committing to projects," she said. "This is a reality that the profession at large needs to deal with now."

"We need to continue to demonstrate the contributions we can make in strategic planning and other mission-driven decisions as we assist our clients during these turbulent times."

Nimtim Architects co-founders Nimi Attanayake and Tim O'Callaghan share Selldorf's view that architects will need to argue their case for what their skills contribute to projects.

The duo believe the greatest challenge set to face architects this year is remaining creative within the struggling economic climate.

"[Architects will face] making more conscious choices about how we are working, for example, choosing timber-framed structures over concrete or steel where possible, but also emphasising what we offer as enablers and advocates for a project and the people who will experience it," said Attanayake and O'Callaghan.

"It's a tough time for construction and architects, but it can also be a time for innovation, from using unusual materials and unorthodox structural solutions, to how we work with clients and communities."

According to principal partner Yosuke Hayano, MAD is seeking to redefine what it means to be an architect in 2026. Hayano argued that in a changing world, architects must be optimistic future-gazers.

"Our goal is to define a new image of the architect that resonates in today's world," he said. "We believe architects can address society's diverse challenges not only by tackling existing problems, but by offering a positive vision for the future and helping to shape it collectively."

MAD, which last year completed the Fenix museum renovation in Rotterdam and is nearing completion on the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, is shifting its focus from designing cultural landmarks to revitalising cities as it strives to work "beyond architecture alone", said Hayano.

He argued that working on a city-wide scale with local governments and diverse stakeholders is a more effective way to improve the built environment than focusing on individual buildings.

"Collaboration now extends beyond traditional design consultants"

"Looking ahead, there will be increasing demand for solutions that blend global trends with local needs, leveraging international knowledge and networks to develop tailored solutions," said Hayano.

"Architects are increasingly tasked with adding value in complex urban environments, moving beyond the traditional design of standalone buildings," he continued. "Unlike projects with fixed clients and clear boundaries, architects must identify core issues within the city's fabric and draw on interdisciplinary knowledge to develop solutions."

Doing so successfully will require the profession to work with a broader range of people than ever before, Hayano added.

"Collaboration now extends beyond traditional design consultants to include experts from various fields," he argued. "Architects must lead these interdisciplinary teams, going beyond design constraints to understand the city's values, challenges, and engage with its community."

"This broader coordination will become key in the future of architecture."

Attanayake and O'Callaghan echoed the sentiment that collaboration is key for architects in the coming year.

"We live in a complex and rapidly changing world, where disaster feels both impending and ever-present," the pair reflected. "In this context, creating joy is an act of resistance and rebellion."

"By designing and making together, we believe that something more powerful can be created: human connections, stories and memories."

"Architects will need to consider AI's societal impact"

This is made all the more important by another major issue for the architecture profession to grapple with this year: AI.

"Another challenge is redefining design as AI's influence grows," said MAD's Hayano.

"Architects will need to consider AI's societal impact and the changes it brings to the profession, reassessing the meaning and value of their own practice in this evolving landscape."

Selldorf revealed that in 2026, her studio will be exploring effective ways to use AI in its day-to-day running.

"Operationally, we are investigating ways to optimise the use of AI, not as a design tool, but to streamline tasks during construction administration and other project management activities," she said.

But Petchimuthu Kennedy, founder of Earthscape Studio, which was named emerging architect of the year at the 2025 Dezeen Awards, said that his studio is resisting the urge to rely on technology.

Instead, it is focusing on exploring design with physical mock-ups and including masons in the design team.

Kennedy believes in a slow approach to design. Rather than speeding up processes, he argued every design requires a certain amount of time allotted to it.

"Currently, architecture is more based on advanced software – it is a good tool for all architects, but we will lose our creativity and imagination," he said.

"There are a lot of architects all over the world, and people's needs have also increased, which makes us architects run fast," Kennedy continued. "Along the way, we lose the essence and purpose of architecture."

There may be a silver lining, however, with Attanayake and O'Callaghan noting that clients have recently been more enthusiastic about sustainable materials.

"We are starting to see an acceptance of bio-based and carbon-negative building materials from our residential clients, local authorities and developers," they said.

"Natural materials, re-use and retrofit need to become the default for projects and should be embedded as part of the briefing process," the pair continued. "We are starting to see some notable and exciting projects emerge from this approach."

"A look across Dezeen's projects of 2025 reveals how the way we define and judge good architecture is changing, and it's exciting to see this emerge and evolve."

Selldorf has also noticed an increasing encouragement of sustainable design choices from clients.

"We are pleased to see clients, both public, institutional and private, engaged more in substantive issues of sustainability," she said.

"They have moved beyond just the checklist mentality of some certification programs and are willing to invest in strategies that might require more upfront capital but have long-term positive paybacks."

The top photo of MAD's Fenix museum is by Iwan Baan.

Dezeen In Depth

If you enjoy reading Dezeen's interviews, opinions and features, subscribe to Dezeen In Depth. Sent on the last Friday of each month, this newsletter provides a single place to read about the design and architecture stories behind the headlines.

The post Architects "must rethink how and why we build" in 2026 appeared first on Dezeen.