The volatility of our financial markets blazed into view in October, as if someone had struck a match. While the immediate reaction of architects has been as hot-faced witnesses to a conflagration (we do not control the hedge funds or the investment banks), we recognize the effects of the fire sale, particularly for our clients. It goes without saying that getting the job remains the defining business challenge we all face.

In case you find yourself in meltdown, realize this: Clients need architects now more than ever. At a critical time, good design and superior physical facilities can give companies or institutions a vital, competitive edge—with their peers, with their customers, with their employees, with the communities that they serve. We architects can dare to say, “Trust me,” because we speak with authority.