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noel
Joined: 26 Jul 2004
Posts: 4
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 Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 9:23 pm Post subject: Career advice |
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I have a BA in graphic design and have always regreted not pursuing a career in architecture (even though I started college as an architecture major but changed majors after 3 semesters-...not sure why...). Now in my mid 30's I have come to realize architecture is what I want to do.
I'm seriously considering going back to school but there's still a lot I need to know before moving forward.
Has anyone out there left their career to pursuit one in architecture.
What were the challenges. Was it worth it?
Any feedback or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks a million |
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juberx
Joined: 29 Jul 2004
Posts: 15
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| Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 4:33 am Post subject: |
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Since you've already decided that architecture is what you wanted to do, be brave and go for it. Of course, there might be a lot of catching up to do, but since this is your interest, what's stopping you?
There are quite a number of famous architects in our architectural books that have made it big although they were originally not educated as an architect. Geofrey Bawa, originally was a lawyer, before he become an architect, I think. (Correct me if I'm wrong)... I know there are at least a couple of others out there.
I guessed you've already made up your mind?  |
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noel
Joined: 26 Jul 2004
Posts: 4
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| Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 4:15 pm Post subject: |
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Juberx
I do realize it's not going to be easy, but I'm prepared for the challenge.
My goal is to be able to do residential design. I guess that's what motivating me.
I'll keep you posted. I really appreciate your feedback Juberx.
Good luck to you.
N |
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navinr
Joined: 26 May 2004
Posts: 7
Location: west l a
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| Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 5:36 pm Post subject: |
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Noel,
I wish you luck in whatever you decide. I'm 44, a registered architect and licensed general contractor in two states but ironically I'm not full time employed as an architect or a contractor at the moment.
I'm working for a City government in the Los Angeles area as a Building Official, supervising a Building Safety (construction permits) division.
Being an architect is not an easy path. The education is long, demanding, and often not much fun. Once you get out figure on at least 3 years full time working before you can get registered (once you pass the exam). I passed all parts of the exam in my first attempt back in 86', it was all day for four full days back then, I hear now it's on the computer, it's pretty tough.
A large part of working as an architect has not a lot to do with design. Design is just one small part of it. A lot of your time will be spent working on construction documents, specifications, construction administration, etc. Then add in all the ordinary business management tasks you'll also have to perform if you open your own office.
I still love design, in fact I've got a permit application in with LADBS right now for a new modern style 3 story duplex to built here in LA, (which I'm also going to build) but I don't know if I'll ever work for an architecture firm again. I was a great project architect, I worked for a very high volume firm for a lot of years, but it didn't have a lot to do with design.
I think your decision comes down to your current and expected economic situation. If you're wealthy and don't need to earn a living as an architect, by all means go for it, but if you're not, you should think about where you'll be living while you're in school?, will you be working part time?, where will you go to school?, how much will it cost?, will you be in debt at the end of school?, etc.
I don't mean to put a damper on anyone's dreams. If architecture and construction is in your blood, like it is in mine, then don't let anything hold you back. If you decide it's what you really want to do, then don't listen to anyone who ever trys to dissuade you.
Just remember it's a long process and you may get stuck working for a lot of years cranking out construction documents when what you really wanted do a lot of years ago was design buildings.
Best of luck, -Navin R. |
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juberx
Joined: 29 Jul 2004
Posts: 15
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| Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 8:47 pm Post subject: |
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u're right, navinr... I've totally missed the point about economic survival... True to some extent, an architectural career don't yield much monetary returns. But as with anyone who's considering an education, he would surely have thought about saving up money for his studies. It is going to be a long path, but it can be satisfying as well... It just depends on what exactly do you want in life.... just earning enough to survive? or wanting more wealth? ... of course, if you choose the latter, I guess you'll have to hunt somewhere else.... best of luck, noel!  |
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noel
Joined: 26 Jul 2004
Posts: 4
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| Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2004 8:53 am Post subject: |
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Actually no I'm NOT wealthy Nevin. I really hadn't thought about the financial burden that going back to school can cause. I guess I'm trying to do things one step at a time. I'm meeting with college advisors to see what courses are transferable etc, and from there I'll have a better idea about cost, and program's length of time, etc.
I also do realize that there's a lot more to architecture than just designing, and I'm willing to accept it. As long as I can design my own house, I'll be satisfied. I think it'll be something I can do even later in life (in my 60's, 70's or whatever age I live to) and that's another great thing about architecture (in my opinion) .
Thanks a million to botht of you for the feedback.
N |
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CorpID/Sophisticated SIgn
Joined: 02 Dec 2004
Posts: 8
Location: Westchester County, New York
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| Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 8:26 am Post subject: You have just the talent needed to get into....... |
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Architectural Signs.
Go to your search engine and keyword "Architectural Signs."
Let us know what you think.
A Story:
My partner's Son studied Architecture and couldn't find employment. He took a job as an architectural sign installer and learned about graphics.
He was sent to install signs in the offices of a well known cosmetics firm in NYC. While waiting in their conference room for the head designer he was admiring large photos of all the buildings that the firm owned around the world.
The head designer walked in and spotted his interest in the buildings and asked if he like the buildings. From studing architecture, he was able to identify the name of the Architect for each of the buildings (much to the suprise of the head designer). The head designer asked how he knew the architects of the buildings. He told him that he studied architecture.
Upon hearing of this, the head designer told the installer of the firm's plans to redo the offices of their various locations and invited the installer to offer his opinion of a few of their space designs. The installer was taught by his sign painter father, never to criticise anybodys work with words. He was taught that the way to criticise is by DOING BETTER!
So, as it turned out, the installer told the head designer that the plans were nice; however, he would have done them differently. How? The head designer asked. The installer said that he would show him by drawing up a set of plans. The head designer said he would look forward to seeing what he would come up with.
The installer went home that night and worked on his plan. When completed, he called the head designer and told him that he had something to show him. The head designer arranged to meet with the installer to view what he had come up with.
Upon seeing the installers plan, the head designer confessed that he like the installers ideas better than his own. He asked the installer if he would give him permission to use his ideas. The installer said "Sure - if you pay me for them." The head designer agreed and asked the installer if he would mind working on some other projects. The installer replied, "Sure - if you pay me for them."
To make a long story short, the installer is now in charge of the firms International store planning and is making near $300,000 annually.
The installers GRAPHIC DESIGN/Architectural disciplines is one of the main reasons why he went from making 50,000 annually to almost 300,000 annually in a very short time. His father being a sign painter, hammered into his son (while he attended college) the importance of Architectural Graphics in Architecture. The installer would always include Graphics on his school projects which he said was often overlooked by fellow students.
Graphics is an important element in commercial architecture so don't think you wasted your time. You can still used that talent to make a comfortable living by funnelling it into a different direction. Good Luck!
www.914signs.com |
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Architorture
millennium club
Joined: 31 Jul 2004
Posts: 1376
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| Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 8:36 am Post subject: |
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| hell open up any of the national publications these days and you can find entire pieces of 'architecture' that is JUST GRAPHICS... |
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