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ecstyle483
Joined: 02 Jan 2008
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 7:14 pm Post subject: What does it take to be an architect? |
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Hello,
I am interested in architecture but I am not sure how to pursue this occupation. I currently hold a B.S. in Economics and have decided to change my career.
I do have a passion for art and design but I am curious as to how architecture works. Would I have to love physics or engineering to be successful in this field? Any input or advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks, |
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wrdavis
Joined: 02 Jan 2008
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 8:06 pm Post subject: architect requirements... |
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the path to becoming an architect is relatively long and a lot of work, but it is a pretty rewarding profession. many schools offer a Masters program for people who hold a degree in something other than architecture. It's usually a 3-1/2 year program (a typical MArch is a 2 year program).
The engineering side of the profession can get technical, but depending on what school you choose, some focus more on theory and design, more than the technical aspects of the profession. It would be worth visiting a few schools during the academic year to see what type of work they are doing, and to learn about the program. The student presentations are usually open to the public, and even if you just randomly stop by one of the student design studios, you're likely to find someone there, day or night. You can look around the studio to see drawings, models, etc. and shat with the students to find out about the program.
after the professional degree, you have to go through an internship with an architecture firm which takes about 3 years. Then the exam - a multi-section exam (9 or 10 sections, I forget) that can be taken after you complete the internship.
It's a long process, but worth it if you're able to make it through. |
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designofthings
Joined: 02 Jan 2008
Posts: 5
Location: Vancouver
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| Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008 12:05 pm Post subject: |
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| I hear the MArch program is really intensive. . . did you (or anyone) find it required you to forgo your sleep on a regular basis? I've heard of people sleeping under their work areas. |
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wrdavis
Joined: 02 Jan 2008
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008 12:25 pm Post subject: sleep? sleep when you're done with your work... |
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| sleep is a commodity that takes a back seat to getting your work done. I knew a few people that could work their butts off during the day, and leave at a decent hour in the evening, but there were always nights that the whole studio was there working late into the night/morning. Often there are couches in the studio, or people put cushions under their desk to be able to take power naps during the day. |
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LEHNH
Joined: 04 Jan 2008
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 2:20 pm Post subject: The architect |
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| I recommend you to stay where you are, that’s because there are a lot of things that you will never know about the architecture if you are only thinking that architectures is surrounded by art... that’s the cute think, but is not, I recommend you to read about Walter Gropius and his thoughts about social life, art, architecture, technical supports and skills. This is not just a planning or a drawing, architecture is about humankind. I think that american Schools of Architecture are just a training camp for drawers and builders... that’s my point of view and I’m so sorry! |
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djswan
Joined: 17 Aug 2007
Posts: 691
Location: Montana, USA
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| Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 6:31 pm Post subject: Re: The architect |
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| LEHNH wrote: | | I recommend you to stay where you are, that’s because there are a lot of things that you will never know about the architecture if you are only thinking that architectures is surrounded by art... that’s the cute think, but is not, I recommend you to read about Walter Gropius and his thoughts about social life, art, architecture, technical supports and skills. This is not just a planning or a drawing, architecture is about humankind. I think that american Schools of Architecture are just a training camp for drawers and builders... that’s my point of view and I’m so sorry! |
That's the spirit!
I'm staying where I'm at.
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mx2
millennium club
Joined: 18 Jan 2006
Posts: 1966
Location: Miami, Florida
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| Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 6:06 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | I think that american Schools of Architecture are just a training camp for drawers and builders... |
Custom drawers I hope...I prefer either a solid wood with real dadoed joints, maybe in cherry and plenty of detail or perhaps a wenge, or sometimes a lacquered baltic birch or even stained...quite stunning to see the layering, typically routed and sanded...oh sorry, off topic.
Training camps are good...but I wouldnt say Architects are trained builders, per se. Architects are trained to be aware of all aspects of life, to some degree or another. It's not easy to cram all of that in 5 years. So typically it is clear to me that the school of thought is just that...to train Architects-to-be how to think. How to draft or detail another roof eave flashing assembly can be learned with experience...but how do you teach someone how to think? And I do mean in the sense of being able to conceptualize something meaningful...
mx2.5
p.s. Howdy all...sorry I've fallen off the edge of the earth but quite honestly, trying hard to make it work...prepping for this recession and still making strides in the profession. Just got a fat raise and looking forward to sitting for the ARE...I'll be back someday soon, I promise...kudos to the "crew" for keeping at it. Best wishes for all...and keep doing great things! Peace!.........oh, and don't forget: Once you go Barack, you don't go back! 
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*Art of Architecture: The conscious use of skill and creative imagination in the production of an aesthetic building.
*Science of Architecture: The calculated use of technical skill and knowledge in the construction of a functional building. |
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Madimel
Joined: 06 Feb 2008
Posts: 153
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
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| Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 7:49 pm Post subject: |
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| Your school experience no matter where it is depends on what you put into it. I've met really talented architects who are high school educated and really incompetant ones with graduate degrees. Like anything else, what you do with your degree really determines where you will take your career. Getting a degree is only a part of the equation, the field is so diverse, you will not fully know which direction your career path will take until you start working. You really should do some personal reflection and really ascertain why you want to leave your field of study. Going into architecture may put you in the same position as you are today. Like they say, the grass is always greener elsewhere. |
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RSCarcht
Joined: 02 Feb 2007
Posts: 79
Location: USA: RI, CT, NY, MA, FL
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WalkerARCHITECTS
Joined: 25 Sep 2007
Posts: 21
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| Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 4:46 pm Post subject: |
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In the US there is a clear path to your ambition from where you are now. A masters degree from an accredited architecture program is the first step. The next step is an internship and the satisfactory completion of the Intern Development Program and compilation of the NCARB record. Then take and pass the exam which you may someday be able to do concurrent with work experience. Having the academic credentials and a license as an architect still leaves the opportunity to actually get clients and associated projects as an unknown.
What are the economic impacts on the profession if Global population expands up to ten billion or more by 2050? |
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Antisthenes
Joined: 28 Nov 2006
Posts: 592
Location: Phoenix
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:33 am Post subject: |
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not always is a master degree even necessary
if you go the experience/apprentice route, by working for a architect you are able to sit for the exams FLW and Bruder did it this way.
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The most necessary/useful piece of learning is that which unlearns what is untrue: 'evil'
may be acquired, Happiness through virtue which is based on knowledge!/? |
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djswan
Joined: 17 Aug 2007
Posts: 691
Location: Montana, USA
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 4:50 pm Post subject: |
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That's good information. Alternative routes can be the most interesting. I have worked for lots of architects. any help there?
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Antisthenes
Joined: 28 Nov 2006
Posts: 592
Location: Phoenix
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| Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 3:11 pm Post subject: |
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get them to fill out experience paper work from your technical board?
AIA even gives grants to pay for testing to people pursuing alternative routes.
_________________
The most necessary/useful piece of learning is that which unlearns what is untrue: 'evil'
may be acquired, Happiness through virtue which is based on knowledge!/? |
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mx2
millennium club
Joined: 18 Jan 2006
Posts: 1966
Location: Miami, Florida
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| Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 9:46 pm Post subject: |
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I'm following the common route, however I am very curious as to these alternative routes. What the heck are you talking about? Do you mean the ageless concept of "Architecture without architects"? Translation: Architecture being the built environment and the purpose behind the design is not necessarily borne from individuals with framed diplomas and kudos on their gypsum walls...
...architecture can be built by someone with the good sense of craft and that person can come from any background. However this does NOT preclude that anyone can design architecture, nor build it either.
mx2.5
_________________
*Art of Architecture: The conscious use of skill and creative imagination in the production of an aesthetic building.
*Science of Architecture: The calculated use of technical skill and knowledge in the construction of a functional building. |
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djswan
Joined: 17 Aug 2007
Posts: 691
Location: Montana, USA
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| Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 6:26 pm Post subject: |
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I have found that most architects I have met and worked with are not very good at building things. So that being said, I suppose you don't have to be good at building things to be an architect. If that is the norm and most architects are not good at building things, an alternative route might be, getting, very good, if not excellent at building things. Perhaps even mastering the art of building something. College may be a waste of time for some folks following this route, unless the folks are proping the party bill. 
Derek
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