Barbie has always had a dream house, but she's never been able to design one of her own ... until now. Love it or hate it, Mattel's latest addition to their Barbie I Can Be line of dolls is Barbie Architect, complete with a blueprint holder (in pink), hardhat, and black glasses perched jauntily on top of her head. According to Mattel, the Barbie Architect is "ready to tackle the daily responsibilities of a real architect in or out of the office... wearing an architecturally inspired dress showcasing a city skyline, Barbie doll’s outfit is symmetrically stylish with bold colors and clean lines. In designing this doll, Barbie partnered with members of the American Institute of Architects to keep Barbie I Can Be… Architect doll authentic to the career."  

While fine for the office, those high-heeled boots seem less than practical for a construction site, but she does have a hard hat at least. 


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The new Barbie Architect and a model of her latest dream house.

And if Barbie's firm can't get enough work to keep her on the payroll, Mattel might consider adding one more accessory in her signature color — a pink slip.

The doll will be available from major retailers in Fall 2011. 

Clarification: According to the AIA, they did not partner with Mattel on the doll, but two AIA members from upstate New York were part of the conversation with the company. The organization is supportive of the concept however. According to Matt Tinder, Media Relations, AIA, "We’re pleased that a new generation of young people have an opportunity to imagine becoming an architect. We believe the Barbie I Can Be… Architect will help inspire a new generation of young people to consider the profession of architecture."  
 
P.S. For another humorous take on Barbie Architect, check out this earlier blog on the subject by writer and former Record editor Charles D. Linn, FAIA.