Expert: Paul S. Brown, AIA - 6/1/2005

Question
Hello again,
Thank you for getting back to me so quickly!  Your idea about interior design is very interesting.  I've actually thought about that as a career as well, but I was unsure if anyone would hire me without actual direct interior design experience.  I have worked both for companies and for myself designing print patterns for wallcovering, coloring patterns, designing coordinates, and I know Photoshop inside and out.  Any CAD programs I should know that would help me break into interior design? Any other things you think I should do?  (Make up some trend boards maybe?)
It's funny that you're in Boston- I'm near Framingham.  Maybe you could be the person I call and speak to! (:
Thanks again!
Lynn

Followup To
Question -
Hi Paul,
I am a 33 year old woman with a BFA in textile design.  I enjoy what I do, but have found it very difficult to make a living at it in the part of the country that I live in.  When I think about possibly going back to school for a new career, architecture stands out in my mind as something I could really get into.  
But I think maybe I have a romanticized idea in my head of what architects do.  Could you give me a little reality about what it's like to be an architect?  How long would I have to go to school?  What are entry level jobs like?  What do they pay?  What could an experienced architect expect to make?  What are the different phases of a project, and how long do projects last?  What are the daily responsibilities and duties of an architect?
Any books you would recommend?  
Any info you think is important to someone wondering about entering this field would be very appreciated.  
Thank you so much,
Lynn
Answer -
Hi Lynn:
Sounds like an important question; let me see if I can help at all...
With your background in textiles, and if you have had some related experience, you might be able to talk yourself into a job with an Interior Design department of an Architectural firm.  Have you tried this?  Are there any good-sized firms in your area with in-house interiors?  This would be the best way to 'test the waters' and get paid for it; without going back to school right away.
Don't worry; I know you said 'architecture' and not 'interior design'; but they are related and would give you some insight.
Now, on to your questions....
The reality of what an Architect does on a daily basis really runs a wide spectrum, depending on the specific structure of the practice a person is in.  At present, my days consist of lots of paperwork associated with approving money changes to large projects during the Construction phase, along with trips to the jobsite on a weekly basis to review construction progress.  In the past, my days have consisted of furiously long hours managing a team of young computer-operators as we put together a set of drawings and specifcations.  At other times, I have spent my time researching historic building materials and methods, and then designing sensitive repairs to historic-monument status projects for the National Park Service.  I have balanced on the outside ledges of buildings to inspect roofs; walked through standing water in basements to look at heating systems, and spent delightful design-review meetings with lawyers who serve us wine and cheese.  You get the picture:  lots of variety depending on what you are focused on at the time.
Entry level for an Architect with a good degree; good portfolio, some internship experience... probably about $35K right now in the Boston area.
Phases; length of project:  again, these depend on the project.  Some clients only want a quick design study for an interior build-out; these can be over in a week.  Right now I am on a project that is 4 years old - a public middle school.
Books:  no; throw away the 'career choice' books.  Visit offices instead.  Just call them up, tell them what you told me, and ask to speak with an architect.  They will give you their time if they can.
Good Luck!
PB

Answer
Hi Again Lynn:
Sorry it took me a little longer this time; busy since yesterday! (and thanks for the nice comments).
I definately think you have a good shot at getting an interior design job.
You should do the things you mentioned, and then just go out there and start talking to people and interviewing.
You might also consider taking a class or two in the evenings; both the Boston Architectural Center, and now also Suffolk U., have good classes at night.
Yes, it would help if you could say that you know AutoCadd; the industry-standard computer aided design tool.  Lots of places teach basic autocadd.
Talk? Sure, send me a private email and I will send you back my phone number:  brown@draws.com
Cheers,
PB