<p>Okay, I have a dilemma. For as long as I've known, I have wanted to be an architect, but as much as I love the art form, I'm also in as much of love with traveling. I don't want to just go on the casual vacation every year or so of my life, I really want to soak up the entire globe and all that it has to offer.<br>
I have also come to realize that the architecture that I would be most interested in doing would be something involving old castles, chateaus, mansions, etc. My passion extends to these such gorgeous/classical structures moreso than it does towards any other form of architecture. That being said, here are my two questions:</p>
<p>1.Is there such a path that I can take towards a more specialized form of architecture, rehabing old/historical buildings, etc.
2.Are there any jobs involving architecture and travel?</p>
<p>**Also, a big salary is something that I am looking for (as shallow as it may be), for my ultimate dream neccesitates a whole lot of mula being settled in my pocket.</p>
<p>Quote:"**Also, a big salary is something that I am looking for (as shallow as it may be), for my ultimate dream neccesitates a whole lot of mula being settled in my pocket. "</p>
<p>You might want to rethink architecture as a career :-)</p>
<p>well, the average starting wages for architects are like $50,000. if you are good and work in like a big urban area, you could probably make much much more...</p>
<p>my dad works with architects in the bay area and they live in apartments (worth like around $1 million) in san francisco and marin...so yeah.</p>
<p>(<em>sobbing</em>)Aahh!! That's what I was affraid of! Well, my second choice in career would be investment banking (please, no rude comments, I do find it very interesting and am prepared to work hard)...does anyone know if it is at all possible to double major in architecture and finance? Haha...oh, boy. Yes, I do realize that I am reaching for the stars here!</p>
<p>Well, on the east coast, starting salaries after 5 years of college are probably in the $40ks, well below most other major areas of study. And around here, I don't know any architects living in million-dollar houses.</p>
<p>In my experience, architecture is a very special and specialized field. It takes a fair amount of passion and dedication. If one is truely deciding between architecture and finance, I'd be inclined to recommend exploring finance. You will likely find more job opportunities and a better salary.</p>
<p>Thank you for your input, archiemom. Do you have any suggestions regarding the travel/rehabing classic architecture questions--disregarding salary?</p>
<p>well archiemom, isn't architecture a rapidly growing field. i have looked into it quite a bit. maybe its different out east because there isn't as much room available? i'm not sure.
also, with all the troubles in the housing market right now, many housing related careers are VERY slow. real estate, architecture, construction, etc....</p>
<p>but over here, architecture is a good field to go in as far as salary. the only thing is that the hours are a killer. but like i said, it depends where you are working. in the city you will make quite a bit doing commercial urban projects whereas if you choose to work in a rural or suburban area, you will make less doing residential or commercial...</p>
<p>oh and by the way, my information is based off only a year of two of research and statistics from career sites and people that my dad has worked with recently. it sounds to me like archiemom is in the field and knows much much more. just thought i would clarify that! :]</p>
<p>Not through any specific experience. My career has been pretty traditonal in that I have always worked for small architectural firms (well, up until last month, but that's a different thread altogether).</p>
<p>I think that most architects have a strong connection to history and also to travel. I would suggest exploring your interests from the opposite direction. Perhaps study history and concentrate in "built history". Maybe some sort of writing or journalism and concentrate on the travel industry. Most architects I know do a far amount of traveling...for enjoyment and inspiration.</p>
<p>The issue with architecture as a career choice is that the educational part is very involved with teaching drawing, mostly technical, the building process, with a smattering of engineering disciplines mixed in, and of course DESIGN. Architectural schools turn out low-level interns who will spend the next 3-? years of their lives learning the trade by working with licensed architects. In most cases this involves pretty mundane day-to-day work, not alot of creativity and not alot of compensation.</p>
<p>Once you pass the licensing exam (taken no less than 3 years after graduation) then you have some flexibility in job opportunities. Some architects continue to work for meduim to large-sized firms, becoming associates and eventually partners; some go off on their own and start firms. Some stay one-person firms (like my husband); some grow a firm. Some architects do not stay in a traditional career, but work for industry, institutions, etc. in facilities or planning. Some teach; some research. Etc. etc.</p>
<p>My point is that the early years in an architectural career are pretty much the same, until you earn a license. The you have much wider opportunities to chose specialization.</p>
<p>But if your main interest is in historical buildings, without an interest in drawing and design themselves, you might be better off with a major in architectural history and a career in teaching, writing or photography.</p>
<p>Look into these programs
Bachelor</a> degree in Architectural History and Criticism, General College and University Degrees.</p>
<p>wow, that is good to know, thanks archiemom!</p>
<p>also, many schools offer a Bachelor's in architectural studies and if you decide that you like it, you can get a Master's in architecture!</p>
<p>:]</p>
<p>jackht27:
In my experience, the architects who have the best salaries, own the firms. And that leaves an awful lot of workerbees working those killer hours for below average pay. BUT, most architects and interns LOVE the work and the field, and so put up with it, until they can be in control of their own destiny (if they can).</p>
<p>And while I have considerable experience in the commercial side, I have absolutely no experience with residential architecture. Well, other than the fact that my husband has been trying to make a living at it since 1983! I guess we're doing okay. But we are far from even "upper-middle class" :-)</p>
<p>Yes, Jack...anyone with a degree other than a B.Arch can go back for a M.Arch and be on the traditional architectural career track. Although there are fewer Masters program than Bachelors.</p>
<p>yeah that's my dream, to own my own firm in san francisco, seattle, or portland....ahhh if only...</p>
<p>:]</p>
<p>An excellent plan. Good Luck with it. And a degree from Oregon will be a good start.</p>
<p>Thanks! Would you happen to know, when an arch student graduates are the majority of jobs that the person would be offered are in the vicinity of the place where that person graduates?
Although I love the west coast, I think it might be nice to go off east and experience something different. I was just curious as to whether I would be trapped on this side of the country for the rest of my life...</p>
<p>You will absolutely be able to apply for jobs anywhere in the country. Most colleges host interviews and career placement opportunites for soon-to-be-graduates. And you will have plenty of opportunities to research job postings on your own. Architecture is architecture (as a career) everywhere.</p>
<p>Although it was almost 30 years ago...I grew up in Michigan, went to college in Indiana and then worked in Oklahoma before finding a job in Connecticut. It's just harder to interview and make the decision to move, but that would be the case in any career.</p>
<p>Okay, that is relieving. Although I don't necessarily want to to across the country for a career, I would like to have the freedom to do so, if I choose to...</p>
<p>sball....there are architecture degrees in Historic Preservation.....check that out.</p>
<p>Master's</a> degree in Historic Preservation and Conservation College and University Degrees.</p>
<p>It would be interesting to find out what the job possibilities are using this degree.</p>
<p>Oh my goodness!! Yes, it would be, archiemom!
Thank you so much soozievt--I'm going to check that out right now!!</p>
<p>yeah.. investment banking is not exactly a great industry to enter right now. but it will be once again soon. :) hopefully.</p>