Architecture was the last of the major professions to devise a formal 'cursus honorum' before its practice could be undertaken.

In this analytical quote, Martin Filler highlights the delayed professionalization of architecture compared to other major disciplines. The term "cursus honorum", borrowed from ancient Roman political hierarchy, refers to a formal progression of roles or qualifications one must achieve before practicing a profession. Filler notes that architecture was one of the last fields to establish such a structured path—involving education, internships, examinations, and licensure—before someone could be officially recognized as an architect.

Historically, architecture was practiced more as a craft or artistic pursuit rather than a regulated profession. For centuries, buildings were designed by master builders, artisans, or engineers without the need for standardized credentials. Unlike law or medicine, which developed formal training systems much earlier, architecture lacked a uniform professional framework, making it difficult to define who was truly qualified to design buildings.

Filler’s point sheds light on the evolving identity of the architect—from an informal practitioner driven by skill and reputation, to a licensed professional governed by ethical codes, academic standards, and legal responsibility. This transformation has elevated the status of architecture but also brought with it more bureaucratic structure and institutional oversight. The creation of a formal professional track helped distinguish architecture from related fields like construction or design, reinforcing its cultural and civic significance.

Ultimately, this quote captures the tension between tradition and regulation in architecture’s history. Filler underscores how the development of a cursus honorum was not only necessary for the field's legitimacy, but also a reflection of architecture’s maturation into a complex, interdisciplinary profession—one that balances creativity, technical knowledge, and public accountability.