This page is intended as a service to YOU, a young person thinking about becoming an architect. There are a few general details here that you may find helpful in making up your mind.
What MONEY will I make ?
If you just want to make lots of money, you have come to the wrong place. Most architects will tell you that. You can make a comfortable living but, unless you are fortunate, you will not be fabulously wealthy. Architecture has other rewards.
Deciding on a career is a very important decision you have to make. The problem is that many people don't make this decision and just aimlessly fall into jobs they hate every day. For me, architecture is not like that. OK, we all have bad days at times, but, I usually look forward to going to work. Getting paid to do what I enjoy is great.
So, what qualities do I need to be an architect ?
PERSEVERANCE
Becoming an architect is not an easy task. The degree is long, 5 years or 6 years depending on the route you take, then about another 3 years of practical experience beyond that before you take the Architect Registration Exam. After successfully completing this exam you finally become an architect. As you can see, this is a long road and, like running a marathon, it takes perseverance to complete it. But, I think it is worth it in the end.
ARTISTIC
Can you draw ? Do you like sketching, designing, and imagining new things in your head? You need to be able to see things in three dimensions in your brain. Many people cannot do this. You have to see the building in your mind, to put it together there, then translate it into 2d drawings so others can build it and the owner can experience it. You need to have an eye for beauty, harmony, color, proportion, and scale. Many architects can draw and paint and, if you are gifted in this area, it will add to your architectural ability.
ANALYTICAL
The beauty of architecture is that it combines art and science. On the scientific side, you need to have an analytical and logical mind. You need to enjoy analyzing and solving problems. Designing a building is an extremely complicated task. You have to be able to handle vast amounts of input and data which you then synthesize. You see it in your mind and you sketch ideas and concepts, evaluating and refining them until you devise a solution. You are the ultimate problem solver.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
You need to be a person with an eye for detail, one who is observant. Are you someone who notices things most others would miss? Do you enjoy working on and producing precise and accurate work?
CREATIVE & IMAGINATIVE
Most architects are creative people with good imaginations. Sometimes you have to come up with unique solutions to problems. Your mind has to expand into the unknown.
ENJOY TECHNOLOGY
Many architects today use computers and technology to carry out their tasks effectively and remain competitive. If you enjoy using computers and modern technology, this is the place for you. Even customizing and/or writing programs for a CAD system is a creative act which involves analytical problem solving and imaginative ideas. (Take a look at my home page and you will see some of my CAD work. I also enjoy designing this web site as it is a creative task which requires both artistic, scientific, and technological ability).
RESPONSIBLE & ORGANIZED
As an architect, you carry many responsibilities and this also involves organization. You have to program your time to meet deadlines. You have to respond to the needs of your client. You have to supervise the construction of buildings and the paying out of millions of dollars, and so on. None of this can be handled in an irresponsible care free manner. If you are responsible and organized, you are in the right place.
Do I need all of the above to be an architect ?
No, but having many of these qualities will certainly make you a better architect. If you have a number of these qualities and you become an architect, I believe the chances are good that you will find you have a career that you enjoy rather than one that you merely endure. It is a good feeling to wake up looking forward to going to work rather than hating almost every day on the job.
So how can I learn more ?
If you live in Northeast Texas, call me, Alan Roberts and I will try to put you in touch with an architect you can go and visit. If you are in Tyler you can come and visit me at the office & see what we do.
