3 answers
Maggie
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
4
Questions
Asked
598 views
What architectural field would you suggest based on interests?
I am a highschool student and am hoping to get my associates degree by the end of highschool. I want to work in some sort of architectural job, but I don't know what would be best based on my interests? Any suggestions?
3 answers
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
566
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Maggie, I appreciate your interest in learning more about architecture degree options. I hope the following information will clarify your options and guide you towards a decision.
Since you're keen on architecture or design and aim to complete an associate's degree by high school graduation, you have several architecture-related fields to choose from, depending on your interests and career goals. An associate's degree is a great first step, but it's crucial to understand the various architecture and design sectors to choose the right educational and career path.
Consider architectural technology or architectural drafting, which focuses on the technical side of architecture like drafting, computer-aided design (CAD), building information modeling (BIM), and construction documentation. If you're tech-savvy, detail-oriented, and interested in the practical aspects of building design and construction, a degree in architectural technology might be right for you. Many community colleges and technical schools offer programs in this field, providing practical, hands-on training.
Interior design is another option. Interior designers create functional and beautiful interior spaces for homes, businesses, and institutions. If you're passionate about spatial design, color theory, materials, and furnishings, an interior design degree could be a good fit. Many community colleges and art schools offer associate's degree programs in interior design, teaching foundational knowledge and skills in space planning, design principles, and computer-aided design software.
You might also consider landscape architecture, which involves designing outdoor spaces like parks, gardens, campuses, and urban plazas, with a focus on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and human well-being. If you're interested in environmental design, ecology, and outdoor spaces, a degree in landscape architecture might align with your interests. Some community colleges and universities offer associate's degree programs in landscape architecture or related fields, providing opportunities to learn about landscape design principles and practices.
When looking at colleges for architectural studies or related fields, consider program accreditation, faculty expertise, curriculum, resources, and opportunities for practical learning and professional development. Choose schools with programs that match your interests and career goals. Consider visiting campuses, attending information sessions, and talking to current students and faculty to understand each program's strengths, culture, and resources. By exploring different architectural fields and researching potential colleges, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your educational and career path in architecture and design.
Since you're keen on architecture or design and aim to complete an associate's degree by high school graduation, you have several architecture-related fields to choose from, depending on your interests and career goals. An associate's degree is a great first step, but it's crucial to understand the various architecture and design sectors to choose the right educational and career path.
Consider architectural technology or architectural drafting, which focuses on the technical side of architecture like drafting, computer-aided design (CAD), building information modeling (BIM), and construction documentation. If you're tech-savvy, detail-oriented, and interested in the practical aspects of building design and construction, a degree in architectural technology might be right for you. Many community colleges and technical schools offer programs in this field, providing practical, hands-on training.
Interior design is another option. Interior designers create functional and beautiful interior spaces for homes, businesses, and institutions. If you're passionate about spatial design, color theory, materials, and furnishings, an interior design degree could be a good fit. Many community colleges and art schools offer associate's degree programs in interior design, teaching foundational knowledge and skills in space planning, design principles, and computer-aided design software.
You might also consider landscape architecture, which involves designing outdoor spaces like parks, gardens, campuses, and urban plazas, with a focus on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and human well-being. If you're interested in environmental design, ecology, and outdoor spaces, a degree in landscape architecture might align with your interests. Some community colleges and universities offer associate's degree programs in landscape architecture or related fields, providing opportunities to learn about landscape design principles and practices.
When looking at colleges for architectural studies or related fields, consider program accreditation, faculty expertise, curriculum, resources, and opportunities for practical learning and professional development. Choose schools with programs that match your interests and career goals. Consider visiting campuses, attending information sessions, and talking to current students and faculty to understand each program's strengths, culture, and resources. By exploring different architectural fields and researching potential colleges, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your educational and career path in architecture and design.
Tashnim Husain
3D Modeler & Graphic Designer
14
Answers
Dhaka, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
Updated
Tashnim’s Answer
Hello Maggie,
There are many interesting specializations within architecture, so the best fit for you depends on your specific interests! Here are some areas to explore based on common interests:
If you love technology and innovation:
Computational Design: This field uses programming and digital tools to design buildings and optimize their functionality and efficiency.
Building Information Modeling (BIM): This involves creating 3D models of buildings that contain all the data needed for construction and facility management.
If you're passionate about sustainability and the environment:
Sustainable Design: This focuses on creating buildings that are energy-efficient, use recycled materials, and minimize their environmental impact.
Landscape Architecture: This field blends architecture with landscaping to design outdoor spaces that are functional, beautiful, and environmentally conscious.
If you're drawn to history and preservation:
Historic Preservation: This involves restoring and renovating older buildings while maintaining their historical character.
Adaptive Reuse: This field finds new uses for existing buildings, giving them new life and reducing the need for demolition.
If you enjoy the artistic side of design:
Architectural Design: This is the core architectural field, focusing on designing the overall form, function, and aesthetics of buildings.
Interior Design: Though a separate field from architecture, interior designers create functional and stylish spaces within buildings.
This is just a starting point, of course! There are many other specializations within architecture. To help you narrow it down, consider what excites you most about the built environment. Do you dream of designing cutting-edge skyscrapers or restoring historical landmarks? Are you passionate about creating sustainable communities or designing beautiful interiors?
Once you have a better idea of your interests, you can research specific architectural fields and see which one aligns best with your goals.
There are many interesting specializations within architecture, so the best fit for you depends on your specific interests! Here are some areas to explore based on common interests:
If you love technology and innovation:
Computational Design: This field uses programming and digital tools to design buildings and optimize their functionality and efficiency.
Building Information Modeling (BIM): This involves creating 3D models of buildings that contain all the data needed for construction and facility management.
If you're passionate about sustainability and the environment:
Sustainable Design: This focuses on creating buildings that are energy-efficient, use recycled materials, and minimize their environmental impact.
Landscape Architecture: This field blends architecture with landscaping to design outdoor spaces that are functional, beautiful, and environmentally conscious.
If you're drawn to history and preservation:
Historic Preservation: This involves restoring and renovating older buildings while maintaining their historical character.
Adaptive Reuse: This field finds new uses for existing buildings, giving them new life and reducing the need for demolition.
If you enjoy the artistic side of design:
Architectural Design: This is the core architectural field, focusing on designing the overall form, function, and aesthetics of buildings.
Interior Design: Though a separate field from architecture, interior designers create functional and stylish spaces within buildings.
This is just a starting point, of course! There are many other specializations within architecture. To help you narrow it down, consider what excites you most about the built environment. Do you dream of designing cutting-edge skyscrapers or restoring historical landmarks? Are you passionate about creating sustainable communities or designing beautiful interiors?
Once you have a better idea of your interests, you can research specific architectural fields and see which one aligns best with your goals.
Yvonne Landivar
I design kitchens and bathrooms and I’m a licensed contractor
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Yvonne’s Answer
Hello Maggie, I would also recommend you volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, where you can get first hand experience in how a house is built. A Job at the a local home center is also good exposure and learning about materials. There are also internship opportunities in an architectural office, interior design firm, or with a contractor so you can learn about how all these fields are interconnected. A great skill to learn is also Sketchup, there are courses you can take online and tutorials. Above all keep learning, and don't worry too much about which specific area you will go into, once you are exposed to a variety of fields related to design, and architecture you will gravitate towards the path that will feel most fulfilling.
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