Expert: Nazim Nice - 5/3/2009

Question
Hi,

My name is Louis, and I am from Toronto, Canada. I have been wondering which career path is better between Urban Planner and Architect. I tried to apply for Waterloo architecture and I failed to get in. However Waterloo's urban planning program sent me an invitation because of the good marks I have. I did some research on it and I found out that Waterloo isn't the ONLY way to become an architect and I might just try again next year to other 10 universities across Canada. But then I did some research on their salaries and based on some sites I visited, architects do not gain that much after all, and the shocking thing to me was that urban planner actually gain more than architects! Is that true? However one of the site said that architects gain an average of 90k each year and some said 56k. That's a big difference, which one is correct?

I will talk a little bit about myself. I am a very good technical artist, and I do really well in mathematics and physics. At school I am known as the guy who can do arts and math. I was so confident that I could get into Waterloo this year that I did not pay attention to any other universities. Then I realized I failed the English entrance test. English is my third language, and French before that. So that English test, to me, is barrier that blocks me from getting into the program, and I know I cannot compete with English as first language people.

Is architecture something I should really look into? I never knew urban planning existed until now they sent me an invitation. When i think about it, it is not too bad. It might be fun to have the city in my hand instead of decorating a single building. However, architecture has been my dream career since i was little and it is quite shocking to me that I might change my mind all of a sudden to a path that I absolutely don't know anything about.

I thank you so much for your time.

Answer
Hi Louis,

I always recommend first following your dream, regardless of salary.  I think the money ends up working out if you really love what you do.  

Regarding architect's salary, this depends really on where you are working.  When you get out school as in intern, you may be making $40K but as you work your way up in firm over the years, you could be making $70-90K with 10 years+ of experience.  Of course, it takes time to work your way up.  You'll likely make less at a smaller firm.  If you start your own practice you have an opportunity to make more than this range, but also a lot less if you don't run your business well.

I wonder if there is a way to attend school this year and transfer?  Or in the States, you could likely get a 4 year degree in something (urban planning would be good), then go to graduate school for 2 years of to get a masters of architecture (MArch).  I'm not sure how degrees are set up in Canada, but in the states you either end up in a 5-year BArch program of a 4+2 Bachelor's of something + the MArch.

If the 4+2 program works for you, I typically recommend going to different universities for each degree.  This way you end up with a more rounded education.  

I hope this helps you - but I would first look into your options for architecture degree programs.  The 4+2 (if that is available) may be a good thing for you to consider.  That way you could start in urban planning, then choose to continue that at a graduate program, OR go get an urban planning job, OR go to graduate school for 2 more years to become an architect.

Please remember you'll need to research how things are done in Canada.  My experience is based on working in the States.

Good luck!

PS - your english seems very good - so don't let that hold you back!