By Neil Turner, Director, Howarth Litchfield
I have had a long (and I hope successful) career in architecture, enjoying the variety, challenges and opportunities to design buildings across this country and abroad.
So, to begin a new year, I thought I would take a light hearted look at what you might expect an architect to look like and why so many look and dress like their own caricature.
The classic look is the ‘all black attire ‘. This look never goes out of fashion and I have just worked on a collaboration with a London architect who wore this look rather well.
I actually Googled the question, and it came back saying architects like black clothing ‘because it’s considered a neutral colour that doesn’t draw attention away from their work, allowing the focus to remain on the design and not their clothing’. Hilarious! Who thinks of that, really?
The next element is the black polo neck jumper (they are great you have to admit) making you look like the hitman from the ‘Jackal’ or ‘Man from Uncle’. Even better to wear a different coloured polo neck to create an air of dynamic tension from the de facto black polo neck.
The next version – and going out of fashion – is the bow tie-wearing architect; early in my career there were a number that carried this look. Who can forget RIBA president Owen Luder?
Great architects like Le Corbusier or Lutyens cut memorable figures in the early 20th century with their sartorial elegance in suits and bow ties, setting a real standard. Remember the architect in the film ‘Get Carter’ – wearing a cravat and delivering a great line ‘I have an awful feeling we’re not going to get our fees on this job’, after Brumby is pushed off the carpark in Gateshead.
There are other versions, in brighter clothes. For example, Richard Rogers always cut a dash in bright collarless shirts, matching his brightly coloured buildings.
Next the glasses – well some variety here: the big thick rimmed glasses of Le Corbusier or Philip Johnson or the rimless glass look of Steve Jobs – bright colours are allowed too. In fact, I have to admit to having all three!
Do architects wear suits? Well yes – and no – seems to be the answer. At a recent function I noted the large numbers of grey and blue suits! I could hardly tell them apart from the lawyers, who still really like a good dark suit and tie.
Ties are going out of vogue in all professions, not just with architects. Many younger professionals choose not to wear suits, and the casual look is certainly on the increase.
Well, I love a good waistcoat – as many of you know – which combines with a variety of jackets – in contrast to the standard suit, thereby creating a caricature of my very own.
I think the answer is obvious: dress smartly in whatever makes you feel comfortable. I still believe that creating a good and smart impression is important.
If architects are represented by what they wear then I hope that my buildings are bright, sharp and stylish, embodying a degree of flair and not just thrown together.
Neil Turner, Director, Howarth Litchfield can be contacted on 0191 384 9470 or email n.turner@hlpuk.com
www.howarthlitchfield.com