2 answers
Joseph
Student
Miami, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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What should I be doing right now that will build my skills to be an Architect?
I really didn't take any architecture classes in High School. And I'm a senior in high school transitioning to college.
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2 answers
Christopher Adeniji
Architect | Entrepreneur | Technocrat
45
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hi Joseph,
Thanks for your question and I want to start by saying, you’re not behind at all. I actually didn’t take any architecture classes in high school either. In fact, technical drawing was considered a major requirement where I went to school, and I didn’t take that either. But when I got to college, I adapted quickly because I was genuinely interested in learning and growing in the field.
What really helped me was staying curious, always sketching, and observing the spaces around me. I practiced drawing buildings and objects, paid attention to how people used spaces, and slowly taught myself how to think like a designer. I also started exploring free design software like SketchUp and watching tutorials to understand how architects think and work.
Right now, the best thing you can do is stay curious, sketch regularly, visit buildings, and ask questions like you’re doing now. Read books like 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School, watch architecture documentaries, and start seeing the world around you as a design lab. Those small steps add up.
I’m currently rounding off my master’s degree in Architecture and planning to pursue a PhD. I can say from experience: not having the "perfect" start doesn't matter. What matters is passion, persistence, and your willingness to learn. Don’t give up — you’ve already taken your first step in the right direction.
Thanks for your question and I want to start by saying, you’re not behind at all. I actually didn’t take any architecture classes in high school either. In fact, technical drawing was considered a major requirement where I went to school, and I didn’t take that either. But when I got to college, I adapted quickly because I was genuinely interested in learning and growing in the field.
What really helped me was staying curious, always sketching, and observing the spaces around me. I practiced drawing buildings and objects, paid attention to how people used spaces, and slowly taught myself how to think like a designer. I also started exploring free design software like SketchUp and watching tutorials to understand how architects think and work.
Right now, the best thing you can do is stay curious, sketch regularly, visit buildings, and ask questions like you’re doing now. Read books like 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School, watch architecture documentaries, and start seeing the world around you as a design lab. Those small steps add up.
I’m currently rounding off my master’s degree in Architecture and planning to pursue a PhD. I can say from experience: not having the "perfect" start doesn't matter. What matters is passion, persistence, and your willingness to learn. Don’t give up — you’ve already taken your first step in the right direction.
Scott Harvey, MBA
Teacher
2
Answers
Leeds, Alabama
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) would be a good start. If you can’t find any classes now, YouTube has loads of courses and videos. Studying the how and why builders build would make you a better architect. I’ve worked with builders and architects, so learning their tech speak and nouns they use for things would also benefit you.