<p>So as I said, I have a friend who is interested in architecture. What are some important things to know for some one who is interested in architecture?</p>
<p>Here's what I've got so far
-list of top schools, no need to list them all here
-you can't practice architecture unless you have a B ARch or M Arch
-Architecture schools are art schools. Architectural engineering is engineering, and an arch. engineer is actually not entitled to practice architecture unless licensed.
-helpful high school classes are computer graphics, art, photography, art history.
-Seems like you need an art portfolio--does this apply to all arch schools? and what do you need to put in the portfolio?</p>
<p>Please throw in anything important that one must know to pursue this career in the US. Thanks!</p>
<p>as far as the portfolio goes, each school will say if they require or not and all schools have different requirements (like # of pics, etc). If you are interested in Syracuse, make sure to look early as their portfolio is complex. </p>
<p>as for classes to take, i don’t know if photography and computer graphics is good for all schools. Certain schools don’t like you to be reliant on the computer. Art and art history are important though, and his/her art teacher should be able to help with the portfolio concept. </p>
<p>But otherwise thanks for doing the research (and not just making 10 new threads), seems like you have a good handle on things</p>
<p>Thanks,hawkswim. Please feel free to put in any other important info (i.e. I think needing a B Arch or M Arch to practice, or needing to submit a portfolio are important, must-know info). This way we can hopefully compile a thread where anyone interested in architecture can just read as a nice starting point.</p>
<p>It is the online version of The Guide to Architecture Schools. Also, you can order the printed version (brand new 8th edition) which has more information. Also the site gives you information about architecture education.</p>
<p>Another good book is:
Becoming an Architect by Lee W. Waldrep</p>
<p>^I agree with this…guided me through the process. I actually heard his presentation. Also search the web for architecture college fairs. They do have these at which you can see a number of great schools, get your portfolio reviewed and hear presentations on architecture and the admission process. </p>
<p>Also visit your top school choices. this helps getting a feel of the culture of the architecture program. Is it traditional or modern; is it artsy, technical, or a good balance; what is the curriculum; is it accredited; BArch vs BS/BA. </p>
<p>BArch (5 yrs) is the fastest way to get your license. </p>
<p>If you get a BS/BA in architecture then you need to go for a 2 yr MArch to get your license.</p>
<p>If you get any 4 yr degree in something other than architecture, you need a 3 yr MArch to get you license. </p>
<p>You also have to sit for an examination of multiple parts to get you license. </p>
<p>Portfolio wise, they are looking for creative pieces. They don’t need to see architectural drawings because they want to teach you how to do this, and you will have mandatory classes on this. They also want to make sure that you can think spatially. this is very very important. Good architects all think in 3D well. To show this, most colleges require still life pictures (of fruit arrangements) - basically anything that is a prop or set of props in front of you that you convey to the paper without seeing a picture. In a picture you get all the shadowing so the viewer knows what it is (your just copying it). In still-life drawings you need to make the drawing look like the set-up, and you don’t have any help from a picture. </p>
<p>This is some of the most important parts. I’ll take a break, re-read it and come back with some more info. Good luck to all that apply!</p>
<p>I read in another forum that you could go for a two year undegrad course then a MArch for 3-4 years, then an apprenticeship and finally go for a license. Is this possible because I was planning on taking this once I leave for the U.S. And one more thing I finished 3 of 5 years of BArch in the Philippines with no failing grades. And I also took a 4 year technical highschool and majored in drafting prior to my college course. I was already a certified draftsman after graduating highschool. Does anyone know what I would be needing to get into a school majoring in architecture?. Or would I have any difficulties entering a college with my current credentials and records? please any advice would help. What route should I take to become a licensed architect considering that I would have to work myself through college. Thank you PLEASE any thoughts or advice would be very much appreciated.</p>
<p>A two year undergrad course for architecture? Not sure what you mean by this, but you would need at least a four year degree to get into an MArch Program. The drafting experience probably won’t mean much to the arch school admissions. And there’s really no such thing in the US as a ‘certified draftsman.’ Is it autocad drafting or hand drafting???</p>
<p>The courses completed in a foreign university would have to be evaluated for credit. You should also look into a 5-year B. Arch instead of the 4+2 programs. Becoming an architect is harder than you you think. You will have to do IDP after school and then take the 7 licensing exams when you meet all qualifications to do so.</p>