Expert: Jodey Smith - 8/4/2009

Question
Dear Jodey,

I have a son who is going to start college this year. Since he was 8 years old, his passion has been design houses. He used to spend hours looking at floor plans and designing elevations and even has design like 10 houses that he says he is going to build. For a while he said that he wanted to be an architect. One day he talked to a gentleman that told him that it was a very bad choice because they do not do any money, and all they do is spend their time drawing plans for major companies. So my son decided that he wants to be an Engineer. He still wants to learn how to operates architectural design software, and keeps on reading interior decoration and houses magazines.  Am I wrong in assuming that Architecture should be his choice? If that is the case, how can I help him to make up his mind without exerting pressure on his decision?

Answer
Very good question.  I would suggest that you tell your son to pay no attention to the man "that told him that it was a very bad choice because they do not do any money, and all they do is spend their time drawing plans for major companies".  That man does not know what he is talking about.

It sounds to me like Architecture would be more fitting for your son's interests.  Tell him to pursue the career he is passionate about and the money will follow.


Thanks!

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