I’ve always been interested in architecture, but honestly, all I’ve read online is how horrible the career is. The main reason I’ve thought about going into architecture is to be able to actually design and create buildings, but from what I’ve read, apparently very few architects actually do this:( the pay is also not as good as it could be. I’m beginning to doubt whether this is the right career for me. Does anyone have any knowledge/experience with what the career is like?
Do you like math? Have you thought about structural engineering? That’s what I do for a living, and I really enjoy it. It’s very satisfying to design a building and see it go up. My kids always liked to go around town and point out “Mom’s buildings.” 
@poubelle1, I think you need to talk to some real architects. Most architects I know (including my son) think architecture is a pretty darn good career, and they wouldn’t be happy doing anything else. Architecture combines a focus on design and structures with interaction with a wide range of people. It’s especially good for people who like to solve complex problems. Architects DO design buildings, but it may take some time to work up to that point, during which you work as part of a team, each responsible for segments of design and construction.
Salaries vary according to experience, location and firm. Even though entry level salaries can be low compared to other professions, over time you can make a comfortable living.
I would suggest you try to attend a summer Career in Architecture program that is offered by most architecture schools to get an idea of what the job entails.
Also, you should be aware that there are several routes to an architecture degree. You begin the 5.0 year Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree on Day 1, but you can also get an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts or Science in architecture (or anything else) followed by a Master of Architecture. A BA/BS+MArch takes on the average 6.0 to 7.0 years but will give you more flexibility and exposure to decide if architecture is for you.
@MaineLonghorn I’m okay at math but I definitely don’t love it so I’m not sure if that will work out:/
@momrath If you don’t mind me asking, what do most of the architects you know do? Are they working on details of the buildings or designing them? I’m going to be a junior next year so summer will be super busy for me, but a summer camp sounds interesting. Is it too late to attend one after junior year? Thanks for the information:)
What you need to keep in mind is everything that encompasses an architect “designing a building.” It’s not just drawing pictures of beautiful hotel lobbies and soaring roofs. It’s figuring out lots of details, like flashing, roof decks, drains, R values, means of egress, ADA requirements, flooring, precast concrete color, etc., etc. As a structural engineer, I really admire architects - they have a lot on their plate! They also have to interact with electrical, mechanical, civil, and structural engineers to make sure the building works.
Not to mention interacting with those pesky clients.
@poubelle1 The answer to your question is as wide as the field of architecture. If you think about the many different types of buildings – skyscrapers, houses, libraries, schools, hospitals, hotels, shopping malls, restaurants – and the level of detail in each you can get an idea of the breadth of work that goes into getting anything built. As @MaineLonghorn notes, architecture is a collaborative effort, many people have input on design and many people work on the details.
In addition to working with engineers in charge of the various aspects of the building, the architects also work with specialty designers (e.g. kitchen design, acoustical design, interior design), with city planners and zoning boards, with the building contractors and of course with the customers. It’s a complex process with a lot of moving parts.
Attending a career in architecture program the summer between your junior and senior years would be a good idea. Some architecture schools require submission of a portfolio with your application and a summer program is a good way to build material. In the meantime, perhaps you could visit a nearby school of architecture to see what the environment is like.
thank you both for commenting, I’ll take this all into consideration:)
There’s also interior design if you like designing the interior of buildings, or landscape architecture if you like the outside.
Architecture is no different than law or medicine. It can be great, or it can be miserable. It depends on the firm you go to work for, your skill, and your motivation. Starting pay has gone up and is now typically $50k+. In our part of the country students typically have multiple offers. What you do in the office depends on your skills and interests. Most people do not really want to be designers, they find other parts of the process that they find more rewarding. There are lots of roles to play, and most of the people I work with seem happy and lead nice lives. It has certainly treated me well, and I have not discouraged our kids from entering the profession.
Rick dm