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They say, practice makes perfect, and professionals know it to be true after spending years trying to master their craft. That’s why there's usually a clear distinction between an end result provided by a professional—or at least with the help from one—and an amateur, be it making desserts or building houses.

When it comes to the latter, it’s worth remembering that architecture-related decisions require knowledge in different areas, from engineering to design, and beyond. That’s why hiring a professional is usually the sensible thing to do, as they typically have years of experience, not to mention the value of education they go through.

Be that as it may, not all people opt for professional help when building something, which often results in disasters, such as the ones shared on ‘You Should Have Hired an Architect’ Facebook group. It is home to the best worst architectural ‘gems’, some of which you can find on the list below. Browse the pictures and see for yourself that they really could have benefited from some help from a professional.

#1

We Made A Trip To Bad Schandau, Germany. The Roof Is Just Awesome!

We Made A Trip To Bad Schandau, Germany. The Roof Is Just Awesome!

Vanessa Groot Report

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    #2

    I Don’t Understand How This Happens. I Think The Fireplace Is Trying To Run Away

    I Don’t Understand How This Happens. I Think The Fireplace Is Trying To Run Away

    Allison Beer McKenzie Report

    #3

    You Should Have Hired An Architect

    You Should Have Hired An Architect

    Joe Lyon Jr Report

    A person doesn’t simply wake up and start working as an architect, as becoming one is typically a long and arduous process. The New School Of Architecture And Design pointed out that it can take an average of 11 years to become a licensed architect with independent or contracted practices within the industry. 

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    It usually includes five years allotted to getting a professional undergraduate architecture degree, and a few more years of professional internships in order to complete the Architecture Experience Program requirements.

    #4

    Someone Really Loves Mantles

    Someone Really Loves Mantles

    Garet Donohoo Report

    #5

    Architects Looking At Bad Architecture…

    Architects Looking At Bad Architecture…

    Nikki Galea Report

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    “Architects have gone through years of college and passed rigorous exams to create safe and (hopefully) enjoyable environments,” reads the description of the ‘You Should Have Hired an Architect’ Facebook group, emphasizing the long path aspiring architects have to take to become professionals in their field.

    Started just a couple of years ago, in 2021, the group has gathered nearly 53 thousand members in its short existence. It’s dedicated to showing what architects do and what it means to be one, in addition to sharing examples of why it’s not great that, as was mentioned in the description as well, “Much of the built environment in the US, though, is not designed by architects”.

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    #6

    Maybe It's Just Supposed To Be "Art"?

    Maybe It's Just Supposed To Be "Art"?

    Allison Beer McKenzie Report

    #7

    Failing At Tetris

    Failing At Tetris

    Allison Beer McKenzie Report

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    ThatCapybara
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just a normal, $10000 dollar a month new york apartment 😌

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    In a previous interview with Bored Panda, the group’s administrator, Allison Beer McKenzie, said there are two main reasons people refrain from turning to professionals for help. “One is definitely that they are cost-conscious or think they can’t afford an architect,” she said. “The other, I believe, is they don’t know about or appreciate the value that an architect can bring to their house design.

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    “This value can certainly include beautiful design but can also include things like a house that fits seamlessly onto the site it is on and is ideally designed for the climate it’s being built on,” Allison added.

    #10

    Whe You’re A Structural Engineer, But Your Side Hustle Is Being A Magician…

    Whe You’re A Structural Engineer, But Your Side Hustle Is Being A Magician…

    Jeff Evangelist Report

    #11

    Sure, Why Not

    Sure, Why Not

    JustSadd Report

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    Iva Kazalova
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those kind of extensions are not unusual in Eastern Europe to add more space to ex-Soviet housing, I’m Bulgarian, I know, this has the added benefit of announcing to the neighbours you have more money than them 🙄 the planning/building licence was also probably obtained by bribery in case anyone wonders how it gets approved

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    The administrator of the Facebook group also pointed out that without proper training, people typically have trouble thinking in three dimensions, which is something architects must know how to do. “This often leads to houses with weird proportions or awkward connections between materials and elements,” she told Bored Panda. And there’s more than enough proof on this list showing exactly what she means.

    #12

    You Should Have Hired An Architect

    You Should Have Hired An Architect

    Heather Brown Report

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    #13

    Fine Until There’s An Overpass, I Guess

    Fine Until There’s An Overpass, I Guess

    Allison Beer McKenzie Report

    #14

    I’ll Take Awkward Tub Placements For 300 Please, Alex

    I’ll Take Awkward Tub Placements For 300 Please, Alex

    Allison Beer McKenzie Report

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    The ability to visualize the space that Allison Beer McKenzie emphasized is just one of the numerous skills architects have to possess in order to provide excellent results. Indeed suggested that in addition to that, they also have to be able to combine creativity with knowledge in design and construction, as well as be attentive to details. Moreover, architects have to have great numerical and communication skills, as both can be necessary in their day-to-day activities.

    #15

    My Interior Designer Came Up With The Most Awesome Idea...

    My Interior Designer Came Up With The Most Awesome Idea...

    Ron Diebold Report

    #16

    I Mean, What Could Go Wrong?

    I Mean, What Could Go Wrong?

    Allison Beer McKenzie Report

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    #17

    You Should Have Hired An Architect

    You Should Have Hired An Architect

    Ari Dmstn Report

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    Professional architects can help avoid such unfortunate situations as those in the pictures shared on the Facebook group. According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, their number increased slightly over the last decade, reaching 116,242 licensed architects in the US in 2019. As for the global statistics, Architizer pointed out that the International Union of Architects, comprising the national architectural associations of 124 countries, claims a membership of 1.3 million professionals.

    #18

    Safety First! No-One Falls Off Our Balconies! Although We Have Lost A Few Tenants Who Were Trying To Get From Their Windows To The Balconies. Building Codes And Architectural Plans Are For Sissies!!!

    Safety First! No-One Falls Off Our Balconies! Although We Have Lost A Few Tenants Who Were Trying To Get From Their Windows To The Balconies. Building Codes And Architectural Plans Are For Sissies!!!

    Doug Stone Report

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    Jesse Setliffe
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You just know your cat would get out on that then "forget" how to come back in, meowling and meowling for help.

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    #19

    When The House Lights Go Down, Good Luck

    When The House Lights Go Down, Good Luck

    Arlo Dykstra Report

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    #20

    Studio For Rent. Haifa, Israel

    Studio For Rent. Haifa, Israel

    Tamara Gurevich Report

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    When it comes to what’s considered good architecture itself, there are three main things professionals have to bear in mind—the building has to be structurally sound, functional, and visually appealing. It is believed that the Roman architect Vitruvius Pollio was the first one to set these basic principles back in the first century B.C.E, by using three Latin words—firmitas (strength), utilitas (utility), and venustas (beauty)—to describe them.

    #21

    Privacy Guaranteed!

    Privacy Guaranteed!

    Adela Adela Report

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    ThatCapybara
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m actually genuinely confused. Who in their right mind ACTUALLY CONSIDERED, LET ALONE COMPLETED THESE DESIGNS?

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    #22

    I Don't Even Know What To Say

    I Don't Even Know What To Say

    Ania Makarewicz Report

    #23

    Ouch. My Eyes

    Ouch. My Eyes

    Allison Beer McKenzie Report

    None of the buildings in these pictures seem to follow all three of the requirements comprising exemplary architectural work. And they’re far from the only disastrous examples out there. If you’ve enjoyed browsing this list, check out Bored Panda’s previous collections of similar work here, here, or here.

    #24

    Help Me Out, Experts: Is It Doric Or Corinthian Columns For Dropped Basement Ceilings? I Always Get This Mixed Up!

    Help Me Out, Experts: Is It Doric Or Corinthian Columns For Dropped Basement Ceilings? I Always Get This Mixed Up!

    Gabrielle Sellei Report

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    #25

    Client: I’d Like A Quarter Circle Window Over Each Garage Door. Architect: Say No More…

    Client: I’d Like A Quarter Circle Window Over Each Garage Door. Architect: Say No More…

    Jeff Evangelist Report

    #26

    Found On Linkedin With A Caption That Roughly Translate To "Open Staircase Custom Made For A Client. Classy And Stark In Its Simple Design." I Mean...

    Found On Linkedin With A Caption That Roughly Translate To "Open Staircase Custom Made For A Client. Classy And Stark In Its Simple Design." I Mean...

    Laura Gavinelli Report

    However, if you feel like you need to recover from the atrocities you’ve just witnessed, check out the architectural eye-candy on this list right here or browse these examples of architects simply outdoing themselves.

    #27

    This Hurts My Sense Of Balance

    This Hurts My Sense Of Balance

    Marilyn Dash Report

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    #29

    You Should Have Hired Anyone That Understands Gravity

    You Should Have Hired Anyone That Understands Gravity

    Allison Beer McKenzie Report

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    Twizzle Sticks
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The person sleeping on the futon/mattress had better make sure the bunk above is well secured!

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    #30

    You Should Have Hired An Architect

    You Should Have Hired An Architect

    Stuart France Report

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    Twizzle Sticks
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “Hi honey, I’m home! Whatcha cooking? It smells like pot roast and…..poo?”

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    Note: this post originally had 94 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

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