Very odd situation

College Majors Architecture Major
1

<p>Hello to all. I am looking for some general advice on architecture graduate studies. My situation is unique in that I am looking to perhaps go back to architecture school as a second career more for the enjoyment and NOT for the financial need. </p>

<p>A quick summary: I was a former architecture student but gave it up after second year to pursue a medical education. There were a number of reasons for this. A big part of it was my inability to handle the subjective nature of grading and feeling that I would never be a "great architect". In studio, my artistic (art skill) presentations were high caliber, but my designs and natural design aptitude I felt was inferior to many of my peers. Eventually, I couldn't deal with this and left to do pre-med. I became a medical doctor and am a partner in a large cardiology practice practicing invasive cardiology. I enjoy medical practice and have done very very well financially. I am now 40 years old. While I still enjoy my medical practice, I still love architecture and a part of me very much regrets the fact that I never finished the program. I still sketch and have a very nice library of architecture books, etc. My dilemma is that I feel that someday I would like to pursue/continue my architecture studies. I will have financial stability to do so and will always have my medical degree and highly technical skills to make a living. A part of me wants to continue the architecture studies for personal self fulfillment...NOT necessarily as a career. I am well versed on the details and requirements to practice as a licensed architect and I know that is not going to be a reality for me. </p>

<p>I know this all probably seems odd. Perhaps its an early mid life crisis. Anyway, the crux of my questions center around the feasibility of someday pursuing a M. Arch, even on a part time basis. This would not likely be as a means to an end (i.e not intending to become a fully licensed architect), but to enrich my life and allow me to work on a dream of mine that I have never fulfilled. Are there programs where classes could be taken part time? Are there programs, where courses could be taken on-line? I'm just looking for some thoughts on this. I have kept up with some of my former classmates and the profession has been good to them from a personal enrichment standpoint, but not financial standpoint. I still cannot understand how an architect is compensated so poorly. I have friends who are 15 years out, still struggling to crack the six figure mark. These are very talented individuals. I think very highly of the profession and respect those of you who can make a living at this. Perhaps, part of my issues now are just regret at my failure at the profession 20 years ago. I will never likely fulfill this part of my life, but I'd at least like to try. I can live with that. I enjoy this forum and appreciate in advance any thoughts on the issue.</p>

<p>MDarch</p>

2

<p>I can’t give you specific advice because I’m not far enough into Architecture yet. However, I’m in a similar situation. I’m 35 and have gone back to school part time to study architecture. I don’t have to work and am not doing it for the money but rather the personal fulfillment of studying something that very much interests me. I hope to one day become an architect, but it’ll be a long road because I need to balance it with taking care of two very small children. When I asked the professors/TA’s about this, they said it was possible, but probably only if I did the program very slowly. For example, if I’m taking a studio class, it should be the ONLY class that I take that semester. It seems to be good advice. Also, I’m in a 4+2 program, which is easier because it is stretched over a longer time-frame. </p>

<p>I say “go for it”. You only live once! Enrich your life and study you passion. </p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

3

<p>MD; I have seen some highly successful people give up a career later in life an become happy architects, but never have I seen one do this while maintaining their first career. I can’t even imagine studio + invasive cardiology. You seem to have achieved excellence in your field, so to be a mediocre architecture student because you are trying to maintain another full-time job would not seem to be very fulfilling. Any chance you could take nine months off and become a full time architecture student for a year? See if the fire still burns bright and if you can now put up with the subjective nature of the profession. The challenge will be in deciding what to do if you discover you have a real passion for architecture.</p>

<p>rick</p>

4

<p>Rick:</p>

<p>Thanks for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it. I think right now I have decided to develop my art skills and learn as much about architecture as a hobby as possible. Perhaps someday I may go back to school and give it an honest try, but for now, I may enjoy it just learning on my own. There are alot of great books and resources out there to keep me busy for a while :). Again, thanks for the kind reply.</p>

<p>MDArch</p>

5

<p>Depending on where you live you may be able to take an introduction to architecture program. These programs are often designed to accommodate people who have “day-jobs” but are considering architecture. They provide a high level exposure to architecture school and an opportunity to build a portfolio.</p>

<p>This is Columbia’s program. Other architecture schools have similar arrangements.
[Introduction</a> to Architecture | GSAPPonline](<a href=“http://www.arch.columbia.edu/school/section/programs/introduction-architecture-0]Introduction”>http://www.arch.columbia.edu/school/section/programs/introduction-architecture-0)</p>