<p>I'm a rising soph thinking of MArch after college, but I might want to do an MEng, MSc or MFA first. Right now, I'm thinking of triple-majoring in Phy/Mus/Art. How soon should I do my MArch?
Thanks for your help.</p>
<p>Why would you want to do another masters before an MArch?</p>
<p>Unless you're uber-rich, it's hard to see someone able to afford all that, considering that architecture isn't one of the higher paying professions out there. I'm not going to feed you the sob story that so many people do, you'll be able to live fine on an architect's pay, but I'd definitely avoid aneccesary school debt. An MEng, MSc, or MFA won't help you one bit if the plan is to go into architecture.</p>
<p>Just among people I've known, they did their M.Archs at vastly different times. A friend of mine is starting hers this year after years of being a photographer, other friends have gone on to an M.Arch directly after undergrad (particularly those in 4+2 programs). Many people wait 2-3 years after undergrad so that they can get a little work experience, save a little money up, relax a bit... basically, I guess what I'm saying is don't worry about it yet! Especially as you don't sound totally sure about architecture anyways. Wait until you feel that you are completely sure that it's what you want to do right then, there's no set perfect time for it.</p>
<p>Thanks, larationalist. I'd really like to be a painter, too, maybe professionally/just as a hobby and I was wondering if I need an MFA for that. Also, I've been researching structural engineering/arch masters programs, but that combination doesn't seem to exist...I love design, etc, but I'm also fascinated by bridges and other such structures/urban planning. How much of a say do architects have in bridge design and construction? Do I just go into civil eng or would arch be more useful? Especially since most CE progs I've seen foucs either on the environmental aspect or on earthquake resistant structures...</p>
<p>Your eyes are bigger than your stomach, jrock. </p>
<p>Very few architects get to design bridges. They are routinely designed by civil and structural engineers. I have done the preliminary design on one small bridge.</p>
<p>Norman Foster designed the Millau Viaduct--which proves the advantage of having an architect design a bridge--but still--he's the exception. <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/4095037.stm%5B/url%5D">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/4095037.stm</a></p>
<p>what about Calatrava?</p>
<p>maybe you could work for ARUP as an architect slash engineer. they do some great stuff</p>
<p>Tzar, Calatrava was actually trained as an engineer and a sculptor. So bridges are <em>right</em> up his alley.</p>
<p>Jrock, if what you want to do is be an architect and do painting on the side, then you certainly don't need an MFA. You need talent and drive, and that's pretty much it. Someone wanting to buy a painting isn't checking on whether the artist has a NASAD accredited MFA or what, they just buy what they like.</p>
<p>Engineering + Arch masters don't seem to exist because they're entirely different professions. Frankly, if you tried to do the engineering & the design on your projects, you'd go crazy and not have enough hours in a day. Firms will do both sometimes, but they do this by assembling a team of people where some are trained in architecture and some in engineering, not by trying to put the load on one person who's trained in both.</p>
<p>Thanks for all your responses everyone. Much appreciated.</p>
<p>Yeah, I saw a documentary on the construction of the Millau - amazing.</p>
<p>I just check ARUP's website. Cool stuff. </p>
<p>Thanks, larationalist, I guess I still have a lot of time to decide.</p>
<p>Foster and Grimshaw are architects who concentrated on the technical aspects of buildings--with great success. Aiming for an office like either of those might be a good fit for you.</p>
<p>I recommend you watch the movie The Gherkin to get a feel for Foster's office--just ignore th obnoxious American consultant. I also recommend you watch Sketches of Frank Gehry--because it shows how technical Gehry's office is--particularily regarding 3D software and material use.</p>
<p>Another thing you might enjoy, speaking of Arup, is facade engineering. many of the top firms have a curtain wall team--a team that does nothing but engineer the skins of large buildings. The curtain wall team usually commmands great respect in an office. </p>
<p>There are some great overseas jobs in facade engineering...</p>
<p>Many architects paint. Richard Meier paints a few hours a day supposedly. Some wouldn't dare to paint. They don't think they are good enough--Gehry for example. Many of the top archtiects are close friends with the top sculptors and painters of their day.</p>
<p>Thanks, cheers. I'll try to get both videos.</p>
<p>I agree, why not an M in Civil Engineering. Structural engineering and architecture is a good combo.</p>