<p>" -What do you think architects should be good at before applying into architecture, and what skills should an architecture student have acquired prior graduation? (obviously being creative, maybe being good at debate? etc…?)"</p>
<p>You should have at least a basic level of math and physics (AP credit would be nice). You should also have some studio art courses, because chances are that if you don’t enjoy the project based art courses you won’t enjoy studio.</p>
<p>“-Your definition of an architect. (Mr. Doug Patt says it’s a verb… what do you think)”</p>
<p>An architect is a person who is registered and in good standing with a state registration board.</p>
<p>“-What’s it is like day to day? From newly grads first year, until their retirement (i understand it’s different for everyone, but what should one expect?)”</p>
<p>The average firm size is 5 people, but there are 1,000 person firms out there so the experience varies wildly. A couple of years out of school you might be site adapting pre-designed Chili’s restaurants on to pad sites, or you could be on the design team for a 1,000’ high rise in Shanghai. Very different experiences and very different compensation levels. In general you will start out as a team member either designing or producing a project in the office. Over time you will get more exposure to the consultants and other team members. Eventually to the client, and then the opportunity to lead a project. Then the opportunity to run multiple projects and then perhaps the chance to run the office.</p>
<p>The real transition for most folks is when you reach the point where you are no longer focused on how to make yourself more efficient, and focus on how to make your team more efficient. </p>
<p>“-Is every job travel friendly no matter what? The girlfriend of a friend has a brother who’s an architect. She says he travels to conferences to NYC and California(and quite other places) a couple times every year. Also I’ve never talked to him personally just what his sister tells (I live in Canada, Montreal to be specific and i would prefer to stay here. But if the opportunity presents itself i don’t mind relocating.”</p>
<p>Most firms work regionally, so there may be a limited amount of travel. If you want to travel find a firm that does work nationally and internationally. You will get to travel till you are sick of it.</p>
<p>“-Would I be able to live comfortably salary wise? (I ask because I’ve heard some horror stories about architects being payed peanuts especially when an employer knows you have to get experience to be licensed) And i always seem to prefer civil engineering because of the salary. I don’t know why but i always envision myself as to, althought by fallowing my dream, not being able to support my family as an architect”</p>
<p>Again this varies wildly. In small firms the owners can make a lot of money, but it does not typically filter down to the staff. Larger firms usually have higher compensation levels and a more defined career path. Some specialties are particularly well compensated. We have recently hired healthcare architects with 8 years of experience who are being paid in the six figures, at least 20k more than a commercial architect with the same experience. Ultimately your job security and compensation come down to your ability to attract and keep clients. Without this ability you will become vulnerable in your 50’s as cheaper and younger people come up behind you.</p>
<p>Here is a site set up by the AIA to answer questions like yours;</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.archcareers.org%5B/url%5D”>http://www.archcareers.org</a></p>
<p>rick</p>