You are here:

Architecture/Architect: what should i do?

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/12/2008


Question
Im Abigail and I speak and write Japanese and i want to be an architect.  I LOVE drawing and designing houses. I want to know what i should do after high school. I am planning to go to University for the programs. I also want to know the steps I should take after University/College.  HOw long do i have to go for an architect school? How much will i earn?? is it hard??

Thank you for your time.  

Answer
Hi Abigail - thanks for your question!

You're already on the right track.  Be sure you choose a well-known accredited School of Architecture; the bigger schools often get the better visting profs - makes it more interesting.

While you're in school you'll have the opportunity to explore a lot of different tracks you can follow in the field.  Don't worry about what you'll do "after college" right now - you'll be a different person by then and you may have a very different perspective on the profession.

Your only after-grad goal should be to get registered; that means getting a 5-year professional degree (minimum) and getting through the Intern Development Program.  Then you'll be eligible for the Architect Registration Examination.  Get your license, whether you end up practicing or not.  That way you'll have it done - the longer you wait after school the harder it is!

While you're still in high school, take as many Art and Art History classes as you can - and skip all the mechanical drawing and drafting...that has NOTHING to do with architecture, and will hurt you in the long run.  Work on your skills as an artist - your ability to quickly and convincingly communicate your ideas in sketch form is one of the most valuable skills an architect can have!

How much will you earn? That's up to you and how valuable you make yourself.  Drafters and CAD operators are a dime a dozen; if you want to make money, you need to be a skilled designer and a savvy businessperson.

And yes, it's hard - and very competitive!

Hope this helps,

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com

Architecture

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.