Armchair architecture

Armchair architecture is generally any architectural design prepared by a person who is interested in architecture but is not a professional architect. An armchair architect is a person who claims to speak authoritatively about or dabbles in architecture but who is not a professional architect. (Generically, the term armchair can refer to a dabbler in a particular field. Depending on the context, it can have positive connotations implying an enthusiastic amateur or negative connotations implying a critic who disparages the work of others but who lacks the skill necessary to actually do the work in question.)
Background
Many people have at some time in their lives experimented with drawing sketches for a house or other small building. Even if unbuilt, these sketches can provide armchair architects with much satisfaction. Other armchair architecture activities include sketching existing buildings, building architectural models, developing 3-D computer models of buildings, studying architectural history, touring interesting buildings, preparing architectural documentaries, writing about or reviewing architecture, and even activities such as designing and building elaborate doll houses.
== Notable "Armchair" Architects ==
One of the most famous armchair architects was (arguably) Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States, and the architect of Monticello and the University of Virginia. Although highly skilled and the architect of several landmark buildings, he is sometimes considered an armchair architect or "gentleman architect" since it was not his primary occupation. Also, his approach to Monticello involved repeated trial-and-error modifications over time more characteristic of an armchair architect than a professional architect.
Charles, Prince of Wales is considered by some to be an armchair architect or armchair architectural critic. He is keenly interested in architecture and has expressed strong opinions in favor of traditional architecture and against modern architecture. Others disagree with the "armchair" label and note that he has developed projects which follow the principles he has espoused.
Early in life, Adolf Hitler expressed great interest in pursuing architecture as a career. However, he lacked the academic qualifications to be admitted to architectural school. Later, he attempted to use architecture as a form of propaganda to glorify Nazi Germany. Most of his grandiose schemes were executed by architects Albert Speer and Hermann Giesler.
More recently, the title of armchair architect could be applied to the American actor Brad Pitt, who has collaborated on several small projects including spending some time in the office of Frank Gehry. Pitt has said, "Whilst acting is my career, architecture is my passion." Pitt is slated to design a large hotel complex in Dubai.
Practical Implications
Architectural design has a long learning curve and involves skills in varied areas including structural engineering, lighting, sitework, space planning, art, and construction technology. Professional architects learn these skills over many years of education and internship. In many modern countries, it can require up to 9 years of combined formal education and internship before a person is qualified to even sit for the examination that leads to professional licensure as an architect. Very few armchair architects can devote the time necessary to develop the skills necessary to prepare a competent architectural design.
Legal Implications
In most modern countries, architecture is a licensed profession like medicine or law. Many jurisdictions allow unlicensed persons to prepare designs for individual houses or simple agricultural buildings. However, it is illegal in many places for unlicensed persons to prepare designs for larger buildings.
Other Uses of the Term
The term “armchair architect” has found considerable usage in connection with golf course design. Several golf magazines, websites, and games have features devoted to “armchair” or fantasy design of golf courses or holes. In this context, the concept is more appropriately related to the work of a landscape architect, but "armchair architect" is the phrase in use.
Related Terms
"Gentleman architect" is a similar term sometimes used to avoid possible negative connotations associated with the "armchair" label.<ref name="ReferenceA" />

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