<p>which is better:
-going to an architecture school right after highschool
-or going to a regular college then transfering to the school of your desire after two years?</p>
<p>if you know you want to do architecture, or have a strong passion for it, i don't see why you shouldn't go right into it. if you don't like it later on, you can always switch out into something else</p>
<p>Do not go into Architecture at all.
How can you have a passion for anything you have never done what so ever. A passion for being a baseball player is because you played some baseball. You have never done any architecture. I had never done any architecture but assumed what it would be like. I was sucessfull (not financially) and good at Architecture, but because of the type of person I am I was also very sucessfull at being a Securities Broker which was much more like what I thought it would be and much more mentally and financially rewarding. </p>
<p>Let me try to help you. I worked for 17 years in the architecture business. I hired probably 50 or 60 diffferent architects. I am writing these messages because you people who are going into architectural studies to become architects do not have a clue of what real architecture is like. One tenth of one percent of all architects ever get to draw or design anything. In a firm like SOM which has some 900 people maybe 3 do 98 percent of the design. They probably have a minimum of 12 to 15 years experience. Within a firm their are no open contests or forums to find the best designers. It is basically limited to the few.
I know this because I was one of those limited few. The rest of the designers in the firm do basically minor door or window details.
After becoming one of the limited few and 14 years experience I really made no kind of money. That kind of experience, and that kind of position in any other profession makes you a very good living.
Let me put it this way. Achitecture is what you know about building construction. Lintels, mullions, headers, grade beams, and facia's, not freehand drawings and sketches. Most all design and drawing is done on CAD. What they have you do and learn in the architecture classes is nothing like you will do at an architectural firm. Example: You will train as a jockey, could be one of the best horse riders ever and start out shoveling manure and end up working in the stable. Pick another profession to pursue. I am telling you what very few really know, or will tell you about this profession. I am trying to save you, just like I wish someone would have done for me. If you need more specifics, write me I will explain more.
Spides:</p>
<p>This is my opinion only but if you know you want to be an architect then the BArch is the best avenue.</p>
<p>It is the most competitive, most rigorous entry into the profession--but it gives you the best leg up to a successful career. Since only 13% of women get registered (and I'll take a wild guess and say you are female?), you have to assume that the odds are against you and you should grab any opportunity that gives you a leg up.</p>
<p>thanks everyone.
Spides I believe I never said anything about not having the passion for architecture. I definetely don't have the experience you have in architecture since you've been practicing even before I was born. But for my age, 16, I'v done alot and I have a great penchant for architecture. I've already designed a home, I've taken courses for autoCad, introduction to architecture, etc. Currently I'm helping building a restaurant and resort. I don't believe you have the right to assume I don't have a passion for architecture without knowing me. Through thick and thin I plan to stick with architecture. I've gone this far and I love everything about it, yes even the hard times. Nothing is perfect and nothing will ever be perfect, but to me architecture is the closest thing to it. You say that you wish someone would've saved you from working in architecture, so its obvious that it is you who doesn't have the passion for architecture. I don't care if I have to "shovel manure," I wouldn't care if I have to dive in it. If I get to do what I love, I'm ready to do anything. But thank you for your advice, spides. I had plenty of people telling me that architecture isn't a women's job, that architecture is very competitive, and that I'll probably not beable to make it. These things just makes me stronger and urges me to prove them wrong.</p>
<p>Cand1licious....you go girl! :D Keep reaching for your goals.</p>
<p>^ i got into calpoly pomona under landscape architecture.</p>
<p>I didn't like it so I went to city college and after two years of architecture curriculum, i was accepted into Cal and UCLA's architecture program.</p>
<p>I will be one of the 30 students that was accepted this upcoming fall to their new undergrad architecture program.</p>
<p>Congratulations vyan!</p>
<p>Cand1licious, stick to your goals. Take what Spides says with a grain of salt. My son is going to be a junior in high school (turns 16 in 3 weeks) and he is similar to you. Wants to be an architect. Follow your dreams and don't worry about the money. Happiness and enjoying what you do is more important. Just because Spides doesn't like it does not mean everyone else will hate it. Good luck!</p>
<p>remember that the final judge for
how you will engage your future years of your practice is yourself.
listen carefully but critically to the people around you, and make
well guided decisions through your own experience vs. those around
you.</p>
<p>Congrats to you vyan!</p>
<p>thank you all for those congratulatory comments</p>
<p>to clarify my post more and not just to be a bragger,</p>
<p>like sashimi said, the judge of which is better is yourself. In my case, going to a city college and transfering into a school of my DESIRED dreams are better.</p>
<p>thank's everyone (:
vyan, I agree with your decisions. I would rather go to a regular college then transfer to my dream school, than be stuck in the middle.</p>
<p>I just noticed your post. I am married to an architect and have been one myself for 25 years. DO NOT GO INTO ARCHITECTURE. The future of the profession is grim to say the least. Spides is right!<br>
However, should you decide to pursue the field anyway, go only for the BArch degree and only at the absolute MOST technical school at which you are accepted. You will need your technical, math, and engineering skills far more than you'll ever need or use art. CMU, IIT, MIT - And remember, only about 12-30% (depending on source of info) ever become Registered ARchitects. In my city, only 10% of registered architects make more than $60K. Ouch!</p>
<p>News to me. I am having the time of my life and would recommend the profession to any energetic kid with a bit of design talent and nerve.</p>
<p>Also, I completely disagree with the advice about technical education. The design education is what propels talented architects forward--in my observation.</p>
<p>Sorry it's been a bummer for you and your husaband though.</p>
<p>That does sound really grim, fencersmother. May I ask if you and your H are self-employed or if you work for an architectural firm?</p>
<p>Why do you think registered architects make so little, as they have knowledge of both art and technology. It must be difficult to find people really skilled in both areas.</p>
<p>Architects make so little because architecture is so little valued by consumers. They see more value in a home built out of foam and stucco by a developer that looks like 2,000 other homes in the immediate area than in something designed just for them by an architect and constructed out of quality materials. They bargain and badger our fees down until there is really not much money to be spread around to the people who do the work after things like rent on the office and paper and ink and computers are paid for.</p>
<p>all drawing, detailing and other technical issues architects deal on a daily basis require a ton of decisions to be made. what is design? on one level, design is about making decisions. a technical program with little design focus will only teach students how to follow, but not think for themselves and be good decision makers</p>
<p>Maybe appreciation for architecture goes the same way as the fine arts. In times of economic hardship, people care more about getting the basics than attending their symphony or buying an original work of art. :(</p>
<p>The problem with architecture in the NE US is that for many projects, design/build and engineering firms have taken over. Also, unlike other professions (medicine etc) where professions stick together, architecture has always been cut-throat- architects are always more than willing to undercut their colleagues just for the work - mostly 'cause they love design. Both my H and I are registered archs, and he is employed now as a legal consultant, having also obtained his JD. I work for a small firm, parttime, since I still have lots of young kids at home. I am glad cheers loves his job - certainly few of us would do it if we did not have this as both vocation and avocation.
We love the field, it is just that unlike other professions, there is a "sell yourself" factor; if you can't sell yourself, you'll make a living, but the big money is in selling the project, not in design (which VERY few actually get to do). If it is your passion, go for it. But know that there is very limited work, and especially if you want design, you will be "on the boards" for possibly 20 years before you design anything other than a door knob. (I have one son who just graduated with a BArch at Notre Dame a couple years ago. He's working in China!)</p>
<p>I'm sticking with architecture all the way, low income or high.</p>