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Is majoring in architecture really as hard as people say it is?

I am currently a high school senior and have been interested in majoring in architecture for a while. However, recently I have been worried that I may struggle to find time for a job, for myself, and for what's important to me due to heavy coursework and intense projects. If the work is as time consuming as I have seen people online say, how can I manage this? #fall25

college-advice architecture work-life-balance college-majors stress-management
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Sara’s Answer

Yes, architecture school is incredibly demanding—it's not just time-consuming but also humbling, especially if you have professors who like to “weed out” students. While your primary focus will always be your studio projects, you’re also expected to read extensively on history and theory, master math and physics for your structures courses, develop computer graphics skills, and become a proficient researcher, since architecture relies heavily on precedent and data.
I’m sharing this not to discourage you, but to help you make an informed decision. In the U.S., most states require a professional degree (at least five years of college), around 3,000 hours of internship experience, and several licensing exams (about six) before you can call yourself a licensed architect— and you’ll only be licensed in that particular state. It’s a lengthy journey, and many of my former classmates have gotten sidetracked and never ended up getting licensed.
Additionally, architecture in the U.S. isn't particularly lucrative. While you can earn a decent wage, I, as a recent graduate with a master’s degree, actually make less per hour than my 19-year-old nephew who works at Costco. Interns and recent grads typically earn very little. I love my job and survival race, but architecture is notorious for its poor work-life balance. Thankfully, there’s been a recent shift in work culture that’s starting to impact the architectural field. I’m fortunate to have a good job that values its employees, but firms like that are not the norm.

I’ve persevered through these challenges because, at the end of the day, I truly love architecture. However, the path from university applications to licensure is long and difficult, and I wish someone—anyone—had warned me before I signed up. I would have approached things very differently.
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Henry’s Answer

I had luck on my side but also a lot of grooming from my dad and family. You can say I was push to be more n architecture since I was in middle school I learn the tools had construction experience and knew how office work looked like before going in to cal poly. The love I have for architecture is with the title todologo which it means you do and know all there is to know about all subjects. You can find a niche in architecture but u don’t get to know architecture until u become a todologo which is Spanish term I think. I got out of school in 2015. Know I have a little piece of heaven with my office that me and wife work I spend most of my day and night working but I would not call it work. You got to be lucky or know the right people to get what I have is still a lot of work but is fun. With all and all of you like to work as architect and think is fun you should try it school is a really fun animal but have a plan after try to be ur own boss with all the new tools I think it will be the only way to make it fun.

Henry recommends the following next steps:

Plan to work for minimum of 5 year at an office
In 5 to 10 try and fight to open your office
Linces will help but not 100 need it you can have a mentor/partner
Us ai to multiply ur power is a tool not the end
Have fun 🤩
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