4 answers
Laikyn
Student
Grand Junction, Colorado
1
Question
Asked
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When should I start pursuing my architecture and interior design career?
My name is Laikyn and I’m in 8th grade and I want to know the steps on how to work towards my career.
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4 answers
Ingo Friedrichowitz
Finance Executive
1
Answer
Palo Alto, California
Updated
Ingo’s Answer
Hi there,
one way to think about starting an architecture or interior design career is to work back to the college application for such programs. Having seen one of my children go through applying for architecture school, here are a several considerations:
1. Start working on a portfolio in high-school (ideally starting in the freshman or sophomore year). While not all colleges require a portfolio, it takes time to create it and the more items you have for the portfolio, the more you can select the best item.
2. Pursue a summer internship in the field (offer to work for free to make it easier to choose you). Maybe a local architect, local interior designer, or possibly even a local Restoration Hardware store (or similar) is open to the idea.
3. Keep up the good grades
4. Check the college requirements for architecture or interior design programs
Also, sometimes it is helpful to keep optionality. What if one doesn't like architecture or interior design, after having started to study? To give optionality, suggest to apply to a university that has a broader set of majors, and is not specialized to just architecture/design.
one way to think about starting an architecture or interior design career is to work back to the college application for such programs. Having seen one of my children go through applying for architecture school, here are a several considerations:
1. Start working on a portfolio in high-school (ideally starting in the freshman or sophomore year). While not all colleges require a portfolio, it takes time to create it and the more items you have for the portfolio, the more you can select the best item.
2. Pursue a summer internship in the field (offer to work for free to make it easier to choose you). Maybe a local architect, local interior designer, or possibly even a local Restoration Hardware store (or similar) is open to the idea.
3. Keep up the good grades
4. Check the college requirements for architecture or interior design programs
Also, sometimes it is helpful to keep optionality. What if one doesn't like architecture or interior design, after having started to study? To give optionality, suggest to apply to a university that has a broader set of majors, and is not specialized to just architecture/design.
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Hi Laikyn, it's great that you're thinking about your future career in architecture and interior design at such a young age. Here are some steps to help you get started on this exciting journey:
1. **Build a Strong Foundation in Math and Science:** Architecture and interior design often involve complex calculations and understanding of structural principles. Focus on your math and science courses in middle and high school.
2. **Develop Your Creativity:** Cultivate your creativity by taking art and design classes. Practice sketching, painting, or using design software to enhance your artistic skills.
3. **Explore Architectural and Design Concepts:** Read books, watch documentaries, and explore online resources to learn about architecture and interior design. Visit museums, architectural landmarks, and design exhibitions to gain inspiration.
4. **Take Relevant Courses:** In high school, if available, consider enrolling in courses related to architecture or design. This could include drafting, CAD (computer-aided design), or interior design classes.
5. **Participate in Extracurricular Activities:** Join clubs or extracurricular activities related to design, such as a school art club, to further develop your skills and connect with like-minded individuals.
6. **Build a Portfolio:** As you create design projects or artwork, start building a portfolio. This will showcase your skills and creativity when applying to college or design programs.
7. **Research Educational Paths:** Look into colleges or universities with strong architecture or interior design programs. Explore their admission requirements and prepare accordingly.
8. **Network and Seek Mentorship:** Reach out to professionals in the field for advice and mentorship. Attend local design events, workshops, or lectures to connect with experts.
9. **Apply for Scholarships:** Investigate scholarship opportunities specifically for architecture and interior design students. Financial aid can help support your education.
10. **Stay Informed:** Keep up with industry trends and developments by reading design magazines, following design blogs, and attending conferences or trade shows.
11. **Consider Internships:** Once you're in college, seek out internships or co-op programs to gain practical experience. Real-world exposure is invaluable.
12. **Continual Learning:** Architecture and interior design are fields that continually evolve. Stay curious and open to learning new techniques and technologies throughout your career.
Remember that your journey towards a career in architecture and interior design is a marathon, not a sprint. It's okay to explore and refine your interests along the way. Stay passionate, work hard, and never stop learning, and you'll be well on your way to pursuing your dream career in this creative and fulfilling field. Good luck, Laikyn!
1. **Build a Strong Foundation in Math and Science:** Architecture and interior design often involve complex calculations and understanding of structural principles. Focus on your math and science courses in middle and high school.
2. **Develop Your Creativity:** Cultivate your creativity by taking art and design classes. Practice sketching, painting, or using design software to enhance your artistic skills.
3. **Explore Architectural and Design Concepts:** Read books, watch documentaries, and explore online resources to learn about architecture and interior design. Visit museums, architectural landmarks, and design exhibitions to gain inspiration.
4. **Take Relevant Courses:** In high school, if available, consider enrolling in courses related to architecture or design. This could include drafting, CAD (computer-aided design), or interior design classes.
5. **Participate in Extracurricular Activities:** Join clubs or extracurricular activities related to design, such as a school art club, to further develop your skills and connect with like-minded individuals.
6. **Build a Portfolio:** As you create design projects or artwork, start building a portfolio. This will showcase your skills and creativity when applying to college or design programs.
7. **Research Educational Paths:** Look into colleges or universities with strong architecture or interior design programs. Explore their admission requirements and prepare accordingly.
8. **Network and Seek Mentorship:** Reach out to professionals in the field for advice and mentorship. Attend local design events, workshops, or lectures to connect with experts.
9. **Apply for Scholarships:** Investigate scholarship opportunities specifically for architecture and interior design students. Financial aid can help support your education.
10. **Stay Informed:** Keep up with industry trends and developments by reading design magazines, following design blogs, and attending conferences or trade shows.
11. **Consider Internships:** Once you're in college, seek out internships or co-op programs to gain practical experience. Real-world exposure is invaluable.
12. **Continual Learning:** Architecture and interior design are fields that continually evolve. Stay curious and open to learning new techniques and technologies throughout your career.
Remember that your journey towards a career in architecture and interior design is a marathon, not a sprint. It's okay to explore and refine your interests along the way. Stay passionate, work hard, and never stop learning, and you'll be well on your way to pursuing your dream career in this creative and fulfilling field. Good luck, Laikyn!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3767
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Laikyn,
Remember, the early bird catches the worm. So, get started right away and broaden your skills in various computer platforms, especially design programs.
There's a world beyond Autocad waiting for you to explore. Why not start with a simple Google search for "interior design software" or "exterior design software"? You could also do another Google Search, look up "architect designer's college courses in Colorado."
Looking ahead to your graduation in 7 years, some folks in the Artificial Intelligence field predict that there won't be a need for computer programmers soon.
They believe AI will handle everything. But don't let this discourage you. There will always be a need for human touch, in areas like spirituality. And if AI does end up doing everything, it's worth understanding how it works.
Have you considered becoming an AI expert in your field? Just like I focus on nutrition, you could blend AI with your passion for interior design and architecture.
Stay ahead of the curve by regularly searching Google for the latest trends and developments. That's my secret recipe.
May God bless you,
Jim
Remember, the early bird catches the worm. So, get started right away and broaden your skills in various computer platforms, especially design programs.
There's a world beyond Autocad waiting for you to explore. Why not start with a simple Google search for "interior design software" or "exterior design software"? You could also do another Google Search, look up "architect designer's college courses in Colorado."
Looking ahead to your graduation in 7 years, some folks in the Artificial Intelligence field predict that there won't be a need for computer programmers soon.
They believe AI will handle everything. But don't let this discourage you. There will always be a need for human touch, in areas like spirituality. And if AI does end up doing everything, it's worth understanding how it works.
Have you considered becoming an AI expert in your field? Just like I focus on nutrition, you could blend AI with your passion for interior design and architecture.
Stay ahead of the curve by regularly searching Google for the latest trends and developments. That's my secret recipe.
May God bless you,
Jim
Saleha Fatima
Freelancer
5
Answers
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
Saleha’s Answer
Hi laikyn,
Hope you doing well..
This is the very early stage of your career life being an interior designer and a architect only require proficient skills so go and clear your hands on different software like google SketchUp,autocad,revit ...
These are platforms where you can explore the world and designs ...
And till the time when you will be start doing your degree you will be very proficienct in these software that would help you in study as well as doing freelancing ....
I hope this small piece of advice helped you alot.
Best of luck!
Thankyou...
Hope you doing well..
This is the very early stage of your career life being an interior designer and a architect only require proficient skills so go and clear your hands on different software like google SketchUp,autocad,revit ...
These are platforms where you can explore the world and designs ...
And till the time when you will be start doing your degree you will be very proficienct in these software that would help you in study as well as doing freelancing ....
I hope this small piece of advice helped you alot.
Best of luck!
Thankyou...