Mavericks: A thing of the past

In this debate about architectural education and opportunities for young architects, our panel explore if there is any future for mavericks in architecture. What marks out mavericks from other architects is the way they embrace risk – whether professionally, by striking out on their own, or creatively, by refusing to conform to the norms of architectural taste or convention. Recent years, however, have seen the risks for young architects grow considerably. Seven years’ training leaves most architects beginning their careers saddled with tens of thousands of pounds worth of debt, putting pressure on even the best young creative minds to conform. At the same time, as land prices skyrocket developers are becoming more and more risk-averse and less willing to roll the dice and embrace unorthodox or original approaches. Engineering block at University of Leicester, 2010 © John Robertson / Alamy Stock Photo