Outlook for Architects

I have an undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky (B.A. in Arts Administration w/ an emphasis in Music History) and I am currently finishing up a 3 year enlistment in the Army (ETS Date is June 2013).  While at UK, my curriculum incorporated the graphic/ web design tools needed to market the Arts.  I eventually used those skills to land a job at a newspaper designing ads and later designing the website for the men's lacrosse club which I was president of.  

While deployed in Afghanistan, I called on those skills again to design a checkpoint which was later used throughout the whole Battalion as the model to construct for the Local Afghan forces.  I realized that architecture is something that really interests me and it would allow me to utilize my creative side as well as my graphic design skills.  

My question to you is what is the architecture industry job outlook looking like in the next 10 years?  Are recent graduates of architecture programs struggling finding work?  My plan would be to enter a graduate program and I am thinking of finding a program with an environmental concentration or perhaps a graphic design concentration.  Thank you in advance.

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To address your question directly, I am sharing some resources (below) that may be helpful.  Please take them with a grain of salt as it is difficult to predict the future.

With the recent economic times, the architecture profession has been hit very hard; many architects have been laid off or downsized.  However, I will argue that an education in architecture is a degree in problem solving which can be translated to a number of disciplines - related or otherwise.

Continue to learn more about the profession and enjoy.

http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2012/02/27/best-jobs-2012-architect

Best Jobs 2012 - Architect

Nathan Helman – February 27, 2012

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos038.htm

Occupational Outlook Handbook

Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Competition is expected, especially for positions at the most prestigious firms, and opportunities will be best for those architects who are able to distinguish themselves with their creativity.

Employment change. Employment of architects is expected to increase by 16 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Current demographic trends will lead to an increase in demand for architects. As the population of Sunbelt States continues to grow, the people living there will need new places to live and work. As the population continues to live longer and baby boomers retire, there will be a need for more healthcare facilities, nursing homes, and retirement communities. In education, buildings at all levels are getting older and enrollments continue to increase, which will require many school districts and universities to build new facilities and renovate existing ones.

Best.