Is Architecture right for me?

College Majors Architecture Major
1

I want to become an architect but how do I know it’s the right career? If I wanted to become an architect, what are some things I’d have to like?

2

http://freshome.com/2015/01/19/10-signs-that-you-should-become-an-architect/

3

Physics, hands-on problem solving, creative thinking, design, dimensioning, communication etc.

4

At a minimum, you have to be 1) extremely artistic with a “think outside of the box” creative side; 2) have strong enough math and physics skills/knowledge to be credible as a civil engineering and 3) be able to work long hours under intense time pressure.

If you can honestly say that you have these skills, go for it!

5

I’m a parent not an architect, but my list, in rough priority order, would be as follows.

Strong sense of design: difficult to quantify, either you have it or you don’t

Passionate interest in buildings: the way they look, how they are used, how they are constructed, how they fit into their environment

Ability to articulate abstract concepts, both visually and verbally

Willingness to interact with people across functions: other architects, clients, contractors, suppliers, developers, public officials

Interest in both the art and the commerce sides of the business

Agility with computer design programs

Solid understanding of math and physics principles

6

You can also consider other things somewhat related to architecture. Civil Engineering, City / Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture

7

You have to love construction. Construction documents, details, and specs. You can love design, but if you don’t enjoy construction docs you will be miserable. Check out Auto Cad and look at construction documents, in architecture school you will see the design aspect, but not the construction part as much. Go to an architecture firm and ask them to show you their day to day process. Keep in mind if you if you get a BS Arch you could always change by getting a different masters. That is what I am doing.

8

Also you should be aware that while Architecture is a great career it can often be less lucrative than other Engineering careers. This is primarily due to the extreme cyclicality of the construction cycle.