2 answers
Rene
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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What are the best thing to learn before going into architecture and what are some things to consider when starting my own construction company?
I was thinking of starting my own construction company before going into architecture because I was going to use the money from my company to pay for architecture school.
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2 answers
Aric Gitomer
Architect
27
Answers
Morris Plains, New Jersey
Updated
Aric’s Answer
Hi Rene, You seem to be planning a long road ahead! Do you already have experience in construction? If you do that's great and you will have been exposed to many aspects of architecture already. Some of these item would be understanding the documents the architect has prepared for you to construct whatever project you are working on. You will become familiar with building codes and design.
Having a construction company will also require you to interact with people and create their vision. The architect has an intimate relationship with each client to understand their unique wishes for their project. Every project is as unique as it's owner. Therefore no on e solution fits all. That being said learning how to communicate with people and listening to them is crucial in being a good architect. If you are still a student then math is important and well as artistic abilities. Architecture school is typically a five year program where you spend a great deal of time in a design studio learning how to visualize solutions and understand problems. Critical thinking is a very special skill you develop along that five year period. You should become sensitive to your surrounding, take in all that you see. For instance how does the sun impact the shadow of a building, how do you feel next to a space. What sounds are effecting your mood as you may be walking a long a corridor with tiles versus carpeting. All these and many many more come into play when you are looking for solutions. If you are interested in what it might be like to be in architecture school feel free to read my blog about first year students' introduction to architecture... their first assignment, it is very enlightening! https://www.archdaily.com/885258/a-glimpse-into-the-weird-world-of-architecture-students-first-assignments. Good luck Rene!
Having a construction company will also require you to interact with people and create their vision. The architect has an intimate relationship with each client to understand their unique wishes for their project. Every project is as unique as it's owner. Therefore no on e solution fits all. That being said learning how to communicate with people and listening to them is crucial in being a good architect. If you are still a student then math is important and well as artistic abilities. Architecture school is typically a five year program where you spend a great deal of time in a design studio learning how to visualize solutions and understand problems. Critical thinking is a very special skill you develop along that five year period. You should become sensitive to your surrounding, take in all that you see. For instance how does the sun impact the shadow of a building, how do you feel next to a space. What sounds are effecting your mood as you may be walking a long a corridor with tiles versus carpeting. All these and many many more come into play when you are looking for solutions. If you are interested in what it might be like to be in architecture school feel free to read my blog about first year students' introduction to architecture... their first assignment, it is very enlightening! https://www.archdaily.com/885258/a-glimpse-into-the-weird-world-of-architecture-students-first-assignments. Good luck Rene!
Bill Lorigan, RA, NCARB
Architect
3
Answers
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Updated
Bill’s Answer
Hi Rene,
Going into "architecture" and staring a construction company are two different paths. What I think you are asking is about becoming an Architect or starting a construction company. They have some similarities, they both deal with the built environment and interact with clients.
Both are rewarding professions. An architect needs a professional degree, a BArch or MArch, an apprentice period, and an exam before becoming a Registered Architect. A contractor can go to school to learn a trade and/or learn in the field working with a contractor and then take an exam to become a licensed contractor.
Regards,
Bill Lorigan
Going into "architecture" and staring a construction company are two different paths. What I think you are asking is about becoming an Architect or starting a construction company. They have some similarities, they both deal with the built environment and interact with clients.
Both are rewarding professions. An architect needs a professional degree, a BArch or MArch, an apprentice period, and an exam before becoming a Registered Architect. A contractor can go to school to learn a trade and/or learn in the field working with a contractor and then take an exam to become a licensed contractor.
Regards,
Bill Lorigan