Look skyward in certain major cities and you're bound to see a bunch of cranes, placed there to construct new buildings back when the economy was humming. As the charts and graphs now slide steadily south, some of those projects are being halted, while others have no choice but to continue. Regardless of their status, the one thing the buildings all have in common: they were all designed by architects.

Back in early November, Archinect launched a survey called "Checking the Pulse of the Architecture Industry."

Over a 2 month period, more than several thousand Archinect visitors responded to the survey. The survey asked architecture students, working architects, unemployed architects and those on the business development side of the industry straightforward questions about their current experiences, feelings about their job security and thoughts regarding their career choice. The results were then compiled, analyzed and finally posted on Archinect on January 15, 2009.

The survey results are displayed in a dynamic format. There is an interactive tool that allows the user to sift through the information and customize the results according to their areas of interest.

The results paint a sobering picture of the economy's effect on architecture job market. We hear from respondents who are experiencing career remorse and deep frustration with their inability to find a jobs after spending many years and a fortune on their education. It all seems bleak until a silver lining is revealed, as architects share their thoughts on how this economy's downward spiral may be a blessing in disguise. The economic collapse may be the very thing the industry needs to reshape design and force innovation.