Expert: John Henry Architect - 8/17/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello!  I have just realized that I love architecture--looking at it, experiencing it, creating it.  I grab books about it at the library by the dozens; I spend my free time looking at home designs online or working out floor plans for my "dream home."  And on and on and on.  I like your reference to self-education in a previous answer, and I'm wondering if you have any recommendations for someone like me who would have a bit of trouble making time for a university program.  If I could create designs that would actually work, that would be great.  If I created some architectural designs that someone wanted to pay money for, that would be really great!!  What kind of math/science do I need to have a good grasp of?  Do I have to learn a program like Auto CAD?  If I must get a degree, I will consider following that through, but I am hoping there is a path of lesser resistance to becoming a legitimate architect.  Thank you very much for your time.

ANSWER: Great to hear you have a keen interest in this field.
Becoming a 'legit architect' means passing an exam, but designing houses alone requires no degree of any kind.  If you can create interesting designs that can be built -- most anything can -- then you have a very good chance.
You don't need very much math at all or science in fact.  Working with roof angles and geometries means being able to look at shapes in three dimensions.
Many excellent architects do not use a computer at all, so no AutoCAD experience required.
You can create nearly any building without a computer, just triangle and T square.  
The exception may be the post modern blob buildings with strangulated shapes and curving panels, but this type of design is rare in residential programs.
Frank Lloyd Wright apprenticed at a commercial architect's office with barely a degree in engineering.  He did learn a lot at Adler and Sullivan's office.  I suggest if you don't wish to pursue a degree at first to start work in a medium size office that produces semi-custom spec homes... by hand -- pencil on paper.  Then work in more sophisticated offices.  You may wish to learn some computer skills as well.  Start with something simple like 3D Home Architect for example, then work with the more sophisticated programs.
To earn the title of 'Architect' you have to attend a 5 year program, go through a 2 year internship, and then pass the licensing exam.  A university program prepares you in the basics to pursue any type of building design: commercial, insitutional, residential.
But if you work solely in single family home design you do not need a degree.  Look into the AIBD organization.
Your success will depend more on your will, determination, and skill building than a degree program.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for all the great information!  I have a few more quick questions:  Can you describe a "strangulated shape?"  How can I tell a "medium size" office from the rest, and then do I just call them and ask if they produce semi-custom spec homes without software, or is there a better way to word that query?  And what computer programs beyond 3D Home Architect would you recommend?  Are there any good resources that teach the basics of using a triangle and T-shape?  Thanks again for all the information and encouragement.

Answer
Hello Camilla,
The odd shape I mentioned... sample of one building of this type is the Rasin Building by Gehry.  Do a google image search or see attachment.
Medium sized office would have over 18-40 staff.
I think you can call any office to ask if computer use is required or not.
3D Home Architect should be your starter program.  I use Chief Architect now.  AutoCAD is an industry standard along all disciplines which is why it predominates.
Principles of hand drafting can be found in older copies of books on Architectural Drafting.
Best wishes,
JH