6 answers
fatima
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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What are the pros and cons of being an architect?
I've had my heart set on being an architect but I just want to know what I'm getting myself into.
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6 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3736
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Fatima,
Insights into the Architectural Profession
Embarking on a career as an architect can be a fulfilling and enriching journey. However, like any other profession, it has its own set of pros and cons. Let's delve into the benefits and challenges of being an architect:
Benefits:
Innovation: Architects have the privilege of expressing their innovation by designing buildings and spaces that leave a lasting imprint on communities and individuals.
Fulfillment: Observing a project evolve from an idea to a completed structure can bring immense satisfaction to architects, as they see their concepts transform into physical structures.
Diversity: Architects engage in a wide array of projects, from residential homes to commercial buildings, museums, and schools, offering them the chance to delve into various facets of design and construction.
Critical Thinking: Architects are equipped to tackle complex design issues with critical thinking, offering intellectual stimulation and gratification.
Societal Influence: Architects have the capacity to mold our surroundings in ways that enhance people's quality of life, foster sustainability, and enrich the cultural tapestry of society.
Challenges:
Demanding Schedule: The architectural profession is renowned for its intense workload, often necessitating long hours, including evenings and weekends, particularly when deadlines are looming.
High Pressure: The need to fulfill client expectations, adhere to project schedules, and comply with regulatory standards can result in high stress levels for architects.
Licensing Hurdles: To become a licensed architect, one must undergo a strenuous education and internship process, and pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), which can be demanding and time-intensive.
Economic Instability: While seasoned architects can command competitive salaries, entry-level roles may offer lower compensation relative to the level of education needed to become an architect. Economic downturns can also affect job security in this field.
Communication: Architects must effectively liaise with clients, contractors, engineers, and other stakeholders throughout the design and construction process, necessitating robust interpersonal skills and the ability to manage diverse personalities.
In summary, the architectural profession offers a distinctive mix of innovation, problem-solving prospects, and the potential to positively impact society. However, it also presents challenges such as a demanding schedule, high pressure, licensing hurdles, economic instability, and communication that aspiring architects should contemplate before embarking on this career path.
Top 3 Credible Sources Consulted in Answering this Question:
American Institute of Architects (AIA) - The AIA is a professional body for architects in the United States, offering resources on education, licensure, practice standards, and industry trends.
Architectural Record - Architectural Record is a prominent publication in the architectural industry, featuring news, trends, projects, and insights relevant to architects globally.
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) - NCARB governs the practice of architecture in the U.S. and provides information on licensure requirements, examination processes, and professional development for architects.
GOD BLESS,
James Constantine Frangos.
Insights into the Architectural Profession
Embarking on a career as an architect can be a fulfilling and enriching journey. However, like any other profession, it has its own set of pros and cons. Let's delve into the benefits and challenges of being an architect:
Benefits:
Innovation: Architects have the privilege of expressing their innovation by designing buildings and spaces that leave a lasting imprint on communities and individuals.
Fulfillment: Observing a project evolve from an idea to a completed structure can bring immense satisfaction to architects, as they see their concepts transform into physical structures.
Diversity: Architects engage in a wide array of projects, from residential homes to commercial buildings, museums, and schools, offering them the chance to delve into various facets of design and construction.
Critical Thinking: Architects are equipped to tackle complex design issues with critical thinking, offering intellectual stimulation and gratification.
Societal Influence: Architects have the capacity to mold our surroundings in ways that enhance people's quality of life, foster sustainability, and enrich the cultural tapestry of society.
Challenges:
Demanding Schedule: The architectural profession is renowned for its intense workload, often necessitating long hours, including evenings and weekends, particularly when deadlines are looming.
High Pressure: The need to fulfill client expectations, adhere to project schedules, and comply with regulatory standards can result in high stress levels for architects.
Licensing Hurdles: To become a licensed architect, one must undergo a strenuous education and internship process, and pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), which can be demanding and time-intensive.
Economic Instability: While seasoned architects can command competitive salaries, entry-level roles may offer lower compensation relative to the level of education needed to become an architect. Economic downturns can also affect job security in this field.
Communication: Architects must effectively liaise with clients, contractors, engineers, and other stakeholders throughout the design and construction process, necessitating robust interpersonal skills and the ability to manage diverse personalities.
In summary, the architectural profession offers a distinctive mix of innovation, problem-solving prospects, and the potential to positively impact society. However, it also presents challenges such as a demanding schedule, high pressure, licensing hurdles, economic instability, and communication that aspiring architects should contemplate before embarking on this career path.
Top 3 Credible Sources Consulted in Answering this Question:
American Institute of Architects (AIA) - The AIA is a professional body for architects in the United States, offering resources on education, licensure, practice standards, and industry trends.
Architectural Record - Architectural Record is a prominent publication in the architectural industry, featuring news, trends, projects, and insights relevant to architects globally.
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) - NCARB governs the practice of architecture in the U.S. and provides information on licensure requirements, examination processes, and professional development for architects.
GOD BLESS,
James Constantine Frangos.
Aric Gitomer
Architect
28
Answers
Morris Plains, New Jersey
Updated
Aric’s Answer
Hi Fatima, What you will be getting yourself into is a fabulous field with so much to offer. If you are creative and love people and have a passion for finding solutions, then architecture could be for you! It is a long road to start your career and you should know that going in as well as not necessarily the best paying job. But many architects are in it for the love of design. Architecture school is typically 5 years for a BArch, allowing you to apprentice for 3 years after graduation and then sit through a multiple day test to get your license. There are other routes as well such as just getting a liberal arts education (4 years) and then going back for a Masters of Architecture which could be 2 or 3 years, and then of course you still need the apprenticeship and testing.
In regards to working you can expect long hours, but these hours fly by as you put your passion to work. It is a joy to see projects come to fruition and you can walk by and say I did that!" Good luck Fatima.
In regards to working you can expect long hours, but these hours fly by as you put your passion to work. It is a joy to see projects come to fruition and you can walk by and say I did that!" Good luck Fatima.
Dan Champagne
Sr. Real Estate & Construction Manager at ATT
36
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Hello Fatima,
One of the great pros of being an architect is that when you design something and then it gets built you get the satisfaction of seeing what you designed come to life. I was in school for construction, and I designed some plans for a house for a friend of mine. He actually built the house using the plans i drew and designed and to this day i smile every time i drive by that house.
One of the only cons that i can think about is the fluctuation in the job market. When i was getting out of college the demand for architects was very very low and my classmates had hard times finding jobs. but after that recession the building trades hit a boom and they were all in great demand. So, I think there may be a slight risk depending on current economy but i feel its way worth the risk specially if its something you enjoy.
Hope this helps
Best of luck,
Dan
One of the great pros of being an architect is that when you design something and then it gets built you get the satisfaction of seeing what you designed come to life. I was in school for construction, and I designed some plans for a house for a friend of mine. He actually built the house using the plans i drew and designed and to this day i smile every time i drive by that house.
One of the only cons that i can think about is the fluctuation in the job market. When i was getting out of college the demand for architects was very very low and my classmates had hard times finding jobs. but after that recession the building trades hit a boom and they were all in great demand. So, I think there may be a slight risk depending on current economy but i feel its way worth the risk specially if its something you enjoy.
Hope this helps
Best of luck,
Dan
Rajeev Parasnis
Retired
12
Answers
Panama City, Florida
Updated
Rajeev’s Answer
As a practicing California licensed professional engineer for the past 50 years in the architect-engineering field, I offer a different advice for Fatima. Welcome to the world of building. Architecture is half-art and half-science. All engineering is 100% science; decisions are not based on democratic vote. However, registered architects (RA) enjoy some poetic license, which professional engineers (PE) absolutely do not.
While Dan's response dwells on the current job market, I would not advice anyone to choose their profession based on real or perceived labor supply and demand conditions. Inflations come and go. Recessions come and go. Democrats and Republicans take turns. What endures is YOU, dear Fatima. You are going down a path of no return. Choose wisely. The profession of architecture is not the same as a construction contractor. Think of an architect as an artist who paints a nude. The engineers follow up and add the curves. By the way, the nude is male, not female.
It might be entertaining (or even inspirational) if you read Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" and "The Fountainhead" on a renegade architect in NYC. The setting was decades ago. But the theme endures.
While Dan's response dwells on the current job market, I would not advice anyone to choose their profession based on real or perceived labor supply and demand conditions. Inflations come and go. Recessions come and go. Democrats and Republicans take turns. What endures is YOU, dear Fatima. You are going down a path of no return. Choose wisely. The profession of architecture is not the same as a construction contractor. Think of an architect as an artist who paints a nude. The engineers follow up and add the curves. By the way, the nude is male, not female.
It might be entertaining (or even inspirational) if you read Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" and "The Fountainhead" on a renegade architect in NYC. The setting was decades ago. But the theme endures.
Danielle Bohannon, IIDA,NCIDQ
Project Management
4
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
Fatima
I have worked in Architecture for 13 years and just got licensed and while I agree it is a wonderful profession I will tell you it is not an easy one and not for everyone. I know that all professions have their goods and bads and many of the good things have been highlighted in previous answers which I agree with the. However, here are some thing I wish I had known before going into it! (Would still do it again 😀)
1. Long hours in school more so than most other degrees. You have studios which will take most of your time and energy. Unfortunately consisting of many all nighters.
2. Lots of testing, after you get your degree and complete your work experience you must pass the ARE which is a series of 6 exams. It takes on average 12.5 yrs to complete the licensing process ( based on ncarbs report). Although they have recently introduced new things think Ipal that can help shorten your time.
3. Architecture is not in general a well paid profession.
4. I think we have come a long way and every firm is different but in general not a good work life balance career. I wish I new this ahead of time because I always wanted a family and it is a difficult jugging both.
5. Disconnect between architecture school and practice.
I encourage you to evaluate what you like about architecture and what other life goals you have and see if it aligns. Talk to other professionals too there are so many different types of architecture you can go into.
Good luck!
I have worked in Architecture for 13 years and just got licensed and while I agree it is a wonderful profession I will tell you it is not an easy one and not for everyone. I know that all professions have their goods and bads and many of the good things have been highlighted in previous answers which I agree with the. However, here are some thing I wish I had known before going into it! (Would still do it again 😀)
1. Long hours in school more so than most other degrees. You have studios which will take most of your time and energy. Unfortunately consisting of many all nighters.
2. Lots of testing, after you get your degree and complete your work experience you must pass the ARE which is a series of 6 exams. It takes on average 12.5 yrs to complete the licensing process ( based on ncarbs report). Although they have recently introduced new things think Ipal that can help shorten your time.
3. Architecture is not in general a well paid profession.
4. I think we have come a long way and every firm is different but in general not a good work life balance career. I wish I new this ahead of time because I always wanted a family and it is a difficult jugging both.
5. Disconnect between architecture school and practice.
I encourage you to evaluate what you like about architecture and what other life goals you have and see if it aligns. Talk to other professionals too there are so many different types of architecture you can go into.
Good luck!
Eric Packer
Structural engineer
72
Answers
Boise, Idaho
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Fatima, you said that you have had your heart set on being an architect, and that suggests that architecture is the field for you. Grab hold of that passion and run with it. The field of architecture is very rewarding. In order to help introduce you to the field of architecture, I suggest that you start learning the most common drafting programs (Revit and AutoCAD) and then try and get an internship with an architecture firm. Most architecture firms will take on interns that are able to do some basic drafting. You can start taking drafting courses in your college of architecture or at most community colleges. All the best!