|
View previous topic :: View next topic
|
| Author |
Message |
darkuser
Joined: 02 Aug 2004
Posts: 8
|
 Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 12:54 pm Post subject: decisions decisions decisions .....argh...... |
    |
|
Hi All,
Well, i'm not an architect and will probably not be one. I've just finished high school, and i'm having to decide between Pharmacy, Engineering and Architecture. Can't help it; it just so happens that all these are available to me at the right place and at the right time. I have read extensively into all three subject, but i'm stll struggling to decide between the three. Those of you who've just finished high school will understand my situation. At my age i can literally do anything as well as be interested in anything. So would any of you guys recommend Architecture to high school students - the pros and cons etc.? Would you still do architecture if given the chance to go into other professions that are better paid? thx
Dar |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
hanhnguyen
Joined: 26 May 2004
Posts: 12
|
| Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2004 6:27 am Post subject: |
|
|
You must be very good at school to be accepted in all 3 fields. Congratulation! Here is some of my experience:
-You can work hard to be a good Engineer. But you have to be gifted to be a good Architect.
-You don't need to compete in Engineer (Civil Engineer I mean )as in Architecture, because not many people want to join the force (hard work as computer programmer, not pay very well as accountant and no fancy title as architect).
-You will start engineering designing along with preparing permit paper work all along and always.
-If your architecture work is ugly, people will say "so-and-so Architect is a bad one". If your engineer work fails, people will only say "it's a bad design".
-As an Architect, you come home and read Sigmund Freud. An Enginner, you come home and watch football, because people don't need to "feel" your enginering system.
-Be an Architect, you'll learn to lead people, because your design will force people to see, to feel, to live accordingly. Be a Engineer, you'll learn to pleae people, because your design has to follow clients needs, architecture designs, science laws and alll kind of agencys rules and regulations.
-An Architect constantly learns the new living styles and standard. A Enginner main concern is only one thing: "water runs downhill".
-You'll go crazy to find the perfect looking for your architecture. But as a Enginner, after satisfy all the rules and regulations, you find yourself lucky to have ONE solution.
Doesn't matter what you do, you will find the most satisfation when you can involve directly with designing process, learn and brainstorm with your coworkers, make the impossible become possible. The money might not be a lot but you'll learn how to be more organized, to be a a team player, a problem solver,... The path is never end if you never stop to learn.
Best of Luck. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dgt
Joined: 22 Jul 2004
Posts: 92
|
| Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 9:49 pm Post subject: |
|
|
darkuser,
If you are looking for a high-paying career, architecture is not for you. Very few architects are well paid. Do not fret though, you have time before you make a hard decision. There are alot of general education classes you must take in college before you must choose a path. Good Luck!
Regards,
dgt |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LeCorbusier
Joined: 15 Apr 2004
Posts: 139
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 7:42 am Post subject: Heres some food for thought: Thats a bunch of rubbish |
|
|
Another Pompous, delusional architect, trying to justify the morbid state of the architectural profession. Ill set the record straight. . . And of course you will dismiss me as a disgruntled doorknob detailer. But I am not. I do know that almost every architect I know, which is many, have been disillusioned by this profession.
| Donald wrote: | Heres some food for thought:
Pro - Self gratifying Profession if motivated in Design, Construction and the like. - Well of course -But you can be self gratified as an engineer or a janitor as well - depends on what you want. This is not a Pro
Con - Self destructing Profession if not motivated for Design, Construction and the like. Well of course -But you can be self destructing as an engineer or a janitor as well - depends on what you want. This is not a Con
Pro - Can make a bundle of $ if approached with the right attitude and motivation. - Very few make a bundle of money like maybe 2%
Con - Can not make any $ at this if your motivation and attitude are not into it. - Most make a little money like maybe 98%
Pro - Will demand alot of hours of your time and efforts. - enough said
Con - Will demand alot of hours of your time and efforts. - Hopefully you dont need a social life or family.
Pro - A chance to meet interesting Clients who appreciate Design and Good Building practices. -
Con - A chance to meet Uneducated Clients who don't appreciate Design and Good Building practices, and don't seem to work well with others.
The only people who hire architects are those who HAVE to hire
architects. Most clients dont giuve a crap about design - they just want a cheap building. If you disagree, you are a liar. Look at the housing industry. Look at your local strip mall and Commercial corridor. Im guessing 3 percent of all building in the US is built with any thought for architectural design.
Pro - You need to be liscensed in order to create AND certify your designs.
This is just the red tape, as with any profession.
Con - You certify stamp work that puts all the liability on you!
Pro - Architecture is an Art and a Science and Engineering is not. Neither is football or being a nurse, is engineering any less of a profession? - And by the way, Architecture is not art.
Con - Engineering might pay more in the long run, for the average Joe.
Engineering will always pay more in the long run. Period.
Pro - You can actually see the rewards of your work in action.
Con - You might not see the rewards of your work constructed the way you intended it to be. --- Almost All professions work in this manner,
why is this unique to Architecture?
Pro - You need to be a creative mind and think in 3 dimensions in order to succeed in Architecture. Thats the hard part. This is not true. The only people who make money in architecture are the ones doing cookie cutter office building, Gap Stores, Mcdonalds - Nothing to do with real design.Con - You might not get the hard part which could pigeon hole you into a category such as door knob detailing. - No you will layout Gap stores, because people dont care about buildings, they only care about consuming.
Pro - Pharmacy is a Science that pays well even if you don't count pills well.
Con - Architecture is an Art and Science that doesn't pay well if you can't count well. - This ones just stupid,. I wont even respond
Pro - If its in your blood to be an Architect, you will never be bored of the work. - Once again, why is this unique to Architecture?
Con - If its not in your blood to be an Architect its a long row to hoe. |
Here you are pompous-ones, step right up and take your shots at me. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LeCorbusier
Joined: 15 Apr 2004
Posts: 139
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 10:07 am Post subject: Donald - This ones for you |
|
|
Perfect answer Donald, the typical arrogance of a delusional person.
You know that the content of what I write is accurate, therefore your
petty critique of my typographical errors and "web-speak", are all that you can focus on. Stop trying to justify your paltry existence, and don't mislead others into a profession riddled with discontented "creative individuals" because you have fooled yourself into believing otherwise.
You must not have that much work on your table to have posted here 235 times.
Here is the biggest CON in architecture - The Arrogant pompous asses that you have to deal with on a regular basis, who do the least amount of work but attempt to take all the credit. Their are many. Why do you think everyone in the industry hates architects? Pure arrogance. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
gg5
Joined: 25 May 2004
Posts: 9
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 10:47 am Post subject: |
|
|
Wow, LC – what’s up
Although I don’t agree with everything Donald wrote, I think you should lighten up a bit. Just the forcefulness of your response suggests a certain amount of arrogance. Maybe you know of what you speak. Let he/she who has not sinned cast the first stone.
Our decision maker is looking for thoughts on architecture as a profession, and although it is flawed (as is every profession is) Donald has attempted to provide a synopsis of a profession in an attempt at a cleverly phrased passage. It is this attempt at “being clever” that I think best exemplifies what architects do, or should I say try to do. No doubt there are restrictions that must be overcome, and no doubt the profession has been passed to a new generation of architects from an older more pompous generation. It is our responsibility to make the profession what we want it to be, Donald has his opinions you have yours. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LeCorbusier
Joined: 15 Apr 2004
Posts: 139
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 7:12 am Post subject: Posting a reply |
|
|
The architecture profession is a brutal world, in many respects. I wouldnt reccomend it to anyone. If someone still wants to enter the profession than they can do it at there own risk. They may actually like it. Most dont. Most are underpaid and overly stressed. People say its gratifying or prestigious, this can be true in any profession. I could go into full detail about the downfall of the profession, and maybe I will follow up with my views on the topic.
Another perfect example of the arrogance of the people in this industry, Few architects read Freud, only a typical architectural psuedo-intelectual would even make a pretentious comment like that. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
RWL
Joined: 10 May 2004
Posts: 399
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 8:07 am Post subject: |
|
|
Yeah, Corbu-- no wonder you're dead, and speakng from the grave!
Real objectivity! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LeCorbusier
Joined: 15 Apr 2004
Posts: 139
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 11:40 am Post subject: What? |
|
|
Here was the nice persons question...
"Would you still do architecture if given the chance to go into other professions that are better paid? "
I said "no". And there are many other architects who agree.
But if you insist on deviating from the subject.
I'd say just as many things have been destroyed because of wayward causitive thinking. Are you misleading this youngsters life because of your own cause? Are the Taliban justified in destroying ancient Hindu Temples just because they did what they thought was right? Whose cause was to put the lean in the tower of Pisa? Causitive thinking is often brought about by personal gain. Without resistance, it wouldnt be a cause at all. Its up to society to dtermine which cause acheives fruition.
Nothing worse then a delusional idealist.
I suppose we should all sign in with our First names only.
My name is Ken. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LeCorbusier
Joined: 15 Apr 2004
Posts: 139
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 12:45 pm Post subject: What? |
|
|
WHAT GOAL ARE YOU REFFERING TO?
Also, What does my vocabulary or lackthereof have to do with it? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LeCorbusier
Joined: 15 Apr 2004
Posts: 139
|
| Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2004 1:41 pm Post subject: You need help |
|
|
I guess I should "Quit Being"
Are you 14 ?
Its too bad you feel the need to continue this.
Donald, You have serious issues, I suggest you seek help. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mimih23
Joined: 08 Aug 2004
Posts: 36
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 12:02 am Post subject: uuummm..... |
|
|
Ok, I'm sorry.....
but you guys have gotten on my last nerves with this ridiculous going back and forth taunting of one another.
Let's try to keep it simple...
If your desires lead you to do something knowing full well the consquences...by all means attempt it.
I have learned that you can not truly plan your destiny nor know in advance what you TRULY desire.
You my friend have time to find out if architecture or pharmacy, etc. is the thing for you.
I suggest instead of hoping for answers in a chat room that you ask faculty and architects within your community what it is like to work in the field.
Get some experience....volunteer, visit offices....make yourself known .....this will help later if a reference or recommendation letter is needed. (trust me I know  )
Life is not easy....don't expect it to be a piece of cake...expect life to offer you challenges by which you may learn from and grow into a mature individual...
we can do all we can to plan our lives according to some agenda....but those things we can not control (the desires of our heart...for example) we must accept.....note I did not say we must follow or do....but accept the desires for what they are...
YOU ARE A PERSON WITH AN ECLECTIC TASTE.....
I have a BA in Psychology....I have a love for music, physics and art,.........and after all the crap I've experienced and desires put aside due to circumstances, etc.......
I still desire to become an architect....
It's my passion.....and I accept that decision.
All I can do is try.....and if it works out...and I've done all that I can to succeed.......then I've reached my goal. I haven't given up....
Note all my passions will still remain.....and in the future I hope to tie all of my interests together if possible.
Best of luck!
I hope this helps......
(...and I apologize for all the bickering......)
MiMi |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
darkuser
Joined: 02 Aug 2004
Posts: 8
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 11:17 am Post subject: |
|
|
Hi all,
I'm the decision maker. I very much appreciate all the help you guys have given me so far. I'm writing my university application in the next couple of days, and my decision is probably going to be some branch of engineering. Unfortunately, the British system doesn't allow for later specialisation, so it's very unlikely that i will become an architect at a later date.
To the very last person who replied, my problem is just that: i simply don't have the time or money to do a three year BA and then study seven years architecture afterwards. So far, my efforts are focused on avoiding such a later career change....it's the last thing i want.
That is not to say that i've chosen to not do architecture because of all the negative feelings expressed in this thread. In fact i've seen worse comments on engineering forums. My real reason is that, given the fact that i'm not even sure i want to be a full time architect after seven years, it would be a very restrictive path to follow, with only oppotunities in landscape architecture, and interior design, if i were to give up after the BA.
As i have said, i haven't actually applied yet, so if any of you think that this thinking is wrong, please help by pointing me in the right direction. thx
Dar |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Richard Haut
millennium club
Joined: 18 Apr 2004
Posts: 1110
Location: Nice, France
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 11:37 am Post subject: |
|
|
I find it intriguing that some have tried to imply that engineering is not a creative profession.
not all engineering is exciting - but some of it most certainly is.
there is an overlap area (for example bridge design) which architects love to be involved in; however the engineer is essential.
the input of engineers who work with the most advanced/innovative end of the architectural profession are themselves highly creative.
since you are not someone who dreams of being an architect - and only an architect - the choice of engineering may prove to be a good one.
best of luck.
_________________
Richard Haut has worked with the architectural profession for over 25 years and produces the weekly Richard Haut's Competitions, which has given architects details of many thousands of projects for which they can apply across Britain and Europe. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
noOne289
Joined: 17 Sep 2004
Posts: 6
Location: Cincinnati, OH USA
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 12:22 pm Post subject: |
|
|
DU,
I'm not yet an architect, or even an architecture student, so take what I'm about to say with a grain of salt. While I'm not an architect, I went to school originally for architecture. Actually, I went to school for Civil Engineering with the intent of getting a M. Arch. Once I began my C.E. education I hated it and quickly transferred into something that, at the time, seemed more interesting. I am now a full time Computer Science Engineer and have been for 5 years. And I hate it. So much so that I'm looking into schools for Architecture for next year. My point is, if you choose a profession based solely on the amount of time it will take to begin work or the salary you will earn, you may well regret it later. I'm now looking at starting a family at the age of 34 because I made a series of bad choices when I was younger. While it is impossible and unfair, to ask you to make lifelong commitment based on little to no exposure to your career choices, it sounds like that's exactly what your system requires. It seems as though you have taken the right approach and sought the opinions of many people in the candidate professions. Just be sure to focus on what really matters to you. Although 7 years seems like a long time from now, it's not nearly as long as earning one degree and then returning to school and pursuing your degree at that point.
Another point I should make is that, in the United States, it is possible to return to school for a significantly lesser period of time and acquire a M. Arch. For example, my C.S.E. degree is entirely unrelated to architecture, but it will only take an additional 3 year commitment before I begin my internships in architecture. With that in mind you may want to pursue an undergraduate degree in engineering and take some architectural history and technical writing electives. The worst case, then, would be that you hate the classes, realize you made a good decision and have broadened your education. The best case would be that you have taken enough architecture courses to reduce your time working towards a masters. This is all assuming that a similar option is available to you in the U.K.
I'd like to finish by explaining my reasons for returning to school so that, hopefully, you will be able to avoid making the same mistakes. In H.S. I found that I stood out, academically, in 3 fields: Math, Physics and Art. In all other coursework I was above average, but certainly not the best. What this translates to now is that I am bored with work because it does not involve all of the areas in which I have an interest. My current field does not offer a creative or social outlet and, so, I find that I can not be truly satisfied with my work. While the money in engineering is better (from my experience), that alone can not outweigh your happiness in your chosen profession. It is rare for someone to be talented both logically and artistically. It is equally rare for someone to be above average across the board. If you match either or both of these descriptions you may want to spend some time considering whether engineering will really keep you satisfied for the long haul.
Whatever path you choose I want to wish the best of luck and I hope you find success and happiness. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
blogger
del.icio.us
digg
slashdot
