Architectural sociology is receiving renewed attention but still remains a neglected area of investigation. As a major theoretical perspective within sociology, symbolic interaction helps us understand how the designed physical environment and the self are intertwined, with one potentially influencing and finding expression in the other; how architecture contains and communicates our shared symbols; and how we assign agency to some of our designed physical environment, which then invites in a different kind of self‐reflection. This article discusses numerous instances of symbolic interaction theory–architecture connections, with applied examples showing how symbolic interactionists and architects can collaborate on projects to the benefit of each, and to the benefit of humanity.

For many years, I (Bugni) have collaborated with architects and other design professionals in the marketing, planning, programming, and evaluation of buildings. As part of this work, I have had numerous opportunities to observe and critique the process of building design. In project after project, I have seen major gaps and disconnects in the process of creating humanized spaces for people. These observations have prompted me to research and write about the impact of architecture in our lives; its influence on the development of self, organizations, and communities; and its potentiality in changing and elevating the human condition.My (Smith) research interests focus on the social psychology of organizations, organizational culture, organizational performance and development, and community sociology. As a result of this research and the administrative positions I have held, I am convinced that social scientists need to converse far more with architects about how their theories and research apply to the design of physical structures and places. We need to convey how these environments impact people, and especially how self definitions and expressions of self are affected, and to demonstrate how people simultaneously construct meaning for their physical structures and places. We need, however, far more than just talk about such matters. We need to show how designed physical environments can be humanized and we need to convince architects that their profession has much to gain from this shift in design approach.

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