Architect versus Technology

It is a small consolation that in these trying economic times that some are flourishing and thriving in the profession. It has been easy to say that things will get better and that we will all be busy again some day as it was in the 60 and 70's.
However, one of things that particularly upsetting is the technological transformation of the name "architect".  Much like the Middle Ages when 'master craftsman' became 'Master Builders' when a transformation of a word has been so maligned. Take for example of the new title found of the 'software architect' or Informational Architect, or even dropping the work digital or IT and saying someone is simply an Architect and omitting  reference to someone who actually is involved  Environmental issues. The confusion and subordination of  the architect seems less know and consequently less used than ever before when Wright, Corbu or Saarinen were alive. I have partial documentation about this fact and it reflects that those who use digital information have a better understanding of what a "digital architect" does than a building 'architect'. People in daily use of a computer always know someone who can straighten out  their hard drive but their is no "geek squad" of architects who will run to provide a fix to their dwelling or office. Perhaps that raises an import point ....in our professionalism.......do we need to be more altruistic ? Should we reduce our design profession to the basics of an uneducated world. It is hard to answer these here? We definitely have to communicate ourselves and what we do to the public, but overall we make a strong visual case for new work all over the world.

Today the reliance on digital media puts a stronger disregard for the architect as a builder and more as a digital guru who can manage and present information. The Contract document side of the business presents its own need for the architect to talk and work in the digital sphere of information.  Gone are the "blue prints" and more and more it is in pdf or dwg files that cross on the Internet to secure sites that defines "the products". I often wonder if because of the relinquishing of the architects role to so many subordinate areas that at some point organized societies will simply forget they have a leader in creating and protecting the environment?

I have often heard it said that some day the use of the word "architect" will be obsolete. Perhaps, but then again, someone will have to step up to the plate with both the character and will to forge an entire new professional definition. When that happens maybe then will perhaps say, "I remember when I let my architect do this.......". Until that time it is still a profession worthy of the aspiration and future thinking , a noble and creative enterprise that supports the public good, and is a locus of information that seeks the lifting of the spirit of man.