AboutJohn Henry Architect AIA Expertise I am interested in the artistic and theoretical aspects of architecture and urban design/planning. I can discuss the progression of classical to modern architecture, the general stylistic and technical development, the formation of towns and cities, the background and training of architects. Ask any question relating to the profession, working with an architect, background information, etc.
Experience Custom Luxury Residential design is my specialty. We also have a variety of commercial projects: Hospitality, Resort/Themed Communities, Urban Design, Medical and Office buildings. We accept very few remodeling projects.
http://www.DreamHomeDesignUSA.com Residential Design
http://www.FloridArchitect.com Commercial Architecture
http://www.EuroDesignVIP.com Urban Design
Organizations American Institute of Architects
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
Publications Wall Street Journal, Builder Magazine, Professional Builder, Florida Home Builder, Sun Coast Architect, Southeast Home Builder, Orlando Sentinel, Florida Design, Naples Daily, Luxury Homes, Custom Builder, Orlando Magazine
Education/Credentials Bachelor, Environmental Design, Texas A&M University
Master, Architecture, Texas A&M University
Awards and Honors Regional Awards: Central Florida Parade of Homes, Street of Dreams Golden Aurora
Past/Present Clients Business/Service Professionals, Sports Celebrities, Saudi Royalty, International developers, Medical Doctors
My name is Nicol, and I am a 17 years old student living in Canada, Toronto. I have some questions about being an architect such as if I am capable of doing so. I am a quite well artist, delight in sketching and enjoy everything related to arts, except for art history because I have a terrible memory for dates and names. I like math and enjoy physics, but sometimes, my math and physic teachers are so HARSH (trust me, they are) that I might temporary hate it. Eventhough I am not getting EXTREMELY high marks like some do, I still have a good facility in understanding these subjects (if i try), but I am NOT crazy about math and physic either (like some science math freaks do). Please, remember that. However, leaving the MATH world, I also LOVE to design, houses, funiture...etc ; as you can see I play a game called "The Sims", it is a designing video game. Unfortunately, my linguistic skills are bad, well, good as well in a way. I am fluent in 3 languages, English, French and Chinese, but I don't think I will ever master all of them. I got a really bad mark in English this year, and I don't know why; perhaps my English teacher just hated me, you know , unlike math and science, English has no correct answer, the teacher can give anything he or she wants; or it is just my english skill is horrible. Last of the few things are, I am quite patient depending on the situation, and I am quite creative, (but after years being at school, my creative mind has been diminishing, little by little). So What do you think? Is there anything else I have to be developping? I heard architecture is HARD in university.I am planning to go to McGill Univeristy in Montreal, which requires Chemistry and I don't have a clue why. (Maybe they just want to torture us even more with these stuffs)
Answer Hello Nicol,
The university program is not terribly difficult and won't be if you enjoy the math and physics. While these two tools are used in the structural analysis and design courses, they are not the main focus of any architecture program. Being completely fluent in English is also not a prerequisite to be a good or competent or even great architect.
The real key is design creativity: to be able to use materials properly, to solve the client's space planning per site and budget constraints, to be able to create a functioning and durable building that delights the eye and is aesthetically pleasing in all aspects. Architects have only one product: a finished building that is successful in meeting client expectations and may say something more about the people who work or live there and the larger society.
Architecture also very often does not have a correct answer.
There are many.
If you 'start from zero' without preconceptions, then the game may be more difficult yet at the end more satisfying.
The university will introduce you to the 'tools' but in the end it will be up to you to use them in the best possible way. And you must always learn as much as possible in and out of the classroom.
Study, read, travel, sketch, take photos, create your own buildings even. Keep a portfolio of everything you do. It will be a record of your progress and also help you qualify for the university and for your first job.
Buy a simple cad program called 3D Home Architect. Buy magazines that illustrate house plans at your local bookstores and also commercial projects in trade publications.
In the end grades matter less than personal satisfaction and goals met along the way to something greater.
