Los siete pecados capitales de los arquitectos - Robert Adam

"A pessimistic reading of this essay by Robert Adams might lead one to assume that architecture is a profession in decline, inevitably and inexorably deserved. But don't let that put you off: Los 7 pecados capitales de los arquitectos, a series of short articles illustrated by the familiar hand of Architects' Journal cartoonist Louis Hellman, expresses with affection and wit a scathing critique of the worst aspects of the profession. Adam's criticism is damning, his discourse seductive. [...] In this little book, Adam trades the septet of envy, pride (nothing foreign to architecture firms) and their toxic friends for a new package of sins. Elitism satirises architects' extravagant wardrobe and the strategy they use to keep out the riff-raff. Pride, self-centredness, dogmatism, ignorance and profligacy follow. But the most critical warning comes from incompetence. [...] Even if you think these are the reproaches of a traditionalist, don't be frightened. The author's concern is that of an anxious father, alarmed by the antics of his wayward son. And in any case, if you don't like it, your partner or a non-architect friend might find it amusing."  

James Pallister, in Architects' Journal 

Robert Adam 

Known as a designer of traditional and evolving classical architecture. His works include private mansions, residential developments, renovations and extensions on historic buildings, commercial buildings and masterplanning. He is a regular commentator on current architectural trends. He also writes and lectures mainly on architectural history and theory. He is a Visiting Professor of Urban Design at the University of Strathclyde. Adam has been Honorary Secretary of RIBA and an elected councillor; he has served on English Heritage and CABE's design review committee. 

Louis Hellman 

He has been observing the world of architecture and urbanism for four decades through his cartoons in The Architect's Journal and Building Design, as well as cartooning famous architects in the style of their own buildings in Architectural Review, later collected in the book Archi-tetes: The Id in the Grid (Academy 2000). Hellman studied at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London and the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. In 1993 he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services to architecture.