One of the dilemmas of architecture in general is that there is a Catch-22 - you can't actually get to be commissioned to do certain types of building until you've already built that type of building. So it seems to be incredibly hard to get going.

Bjarke Ingels’s quote addresses a fundamental challenge faced by many emerging architects: the Catch-22 of professional advancement in the field. He points out that in architecture, one often cannot secure a commission for a specific type of building—such as a museum, stadium, or skyscraper—without having already completed a similar project. This creates a frustrating cycle where experience is required to gain experience, making it extremely difficult for young or unestablished architects to break into the profession or diversify their portfolio.

The phrase “incredibly hard to get going” captures the essence of this dilemma. Unlike other creative disciplines where experimentation and small-scale work can lead to recognition, architecture typically demands large-scale investment, client trust, and a proven track record. This reliance on precedent makes the industry risk-averse, often favoring firms with established reputations over those with bold new ideas but limited practical exposure.

Ingels, known for his innovative designs and unconventional thinking, uses this quote to highlight the rigidity of institutional expectations within architecture. His own firm, BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), has successfully navigated these barriers by taking on diverse and experimental projects, often through competitions and collaborative ventures that allowed the firm to demonstrate its capabilities in new building types. His experience reflects the idea that breaking through the Catch-22 often requires strategic risk-taking and the ability to create opportunities where few exist.

The quote originates from Bjarke Ingels’s interviews and lectures, where he frequently reflects on the systemic challenges and creative opportunities within the architectural profession. As someone who has become a global figure in contemporary architecture, Ingels speaks from experience, offering insight into the paradoxes that many designers face and how persistence, vision, and unorthodox strategies are often necessary to succeed in the early stages of an architectural career.