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Hi, I am a sophomore in high school, I am very interested in architecture but...

I need help on where to start, and also where to look for programs, internships, shadowing opportunities, and maybe better practice for it like maybe taking an online course or something, I am very passionate about it and want to make sure I am very prepared before going into college...Thank you very much!!!

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Gloria’s Answer

You can look for for free courses of your interest. I work for Oracle company and we have several free trainings not only for a technical engineer, you can find Finance solutions that you can learn and you will enjoy a lot.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Blair
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Aric’s Answer

Hi Blair,
It is so great to hear how interested you are in architecture at such an early stage in your life! It is a long road so buckle up and get ready for your journey. You can start out by improving your art skills by taking lessons in art and exploring different mediums. Start to become more aware of your surroundings. When you walk down the street don't just make it a process of getting from point A to point B, make it an experience. Notice whether the sun hits you in a certain way and the warmth it brings, how those that make you feel. Notice the shadows and how that impacts you. Look at everything down to the spaces between the branches of the trees and what shapes they form. Maybe even stop and sketch what you are experiencing.
Learn to listen to people and understand what there true desires are and ask many questions that play upon past answers. It will lead you to being a great listener and explorer giving you an impactful advantage on others coming into architecture with no background. College will only enhance these abilities and make you that much better.
Focus on your schoolwork and get great grades since architecture school is competitive to be admitted to. Good Luck on your future adventure!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice. Blair
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Kangana’s Answer

It’s great that you’re thinking ahead about your future in architecture! Here are a few steps you can take to get started and build a solid foundation:

1. Explore Architecture Basics
Online Courses: Websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer free or low-cost introductory courses on architecture, design, and construction. Some courses focus on specific areas, like sustainable architecture or design principles.
YouTube & Blogs: There are plenty of resources to get an idea of what the field involves. Channels like The B1M (for construction and design) or 30X40 Design Workshop offer insights into architecture and design.
2. Look for Internships or Shadowing Opportunities
Local Architecture Firms: Reach out to architecture firms or professionals in your area and ask if they offer internships, job-shadowing programs, or volunteer opportunities. Even if they don’t, they might offer advice or connections.
Architecture Events/Workshops: Attend local workshops, open houses, or exhibitions. This is a great way to meet professionals and learn about the field.
3. Join Architecture-Related Clubs or Programs
School Clubs: Check if your school offers any architecture-related clubs or art programs. You could also join clubs related to design, engineering, or construction.
Summer Programs & Camps: Many universities and organizations run architecture summer camps or programs for high school students. Look for opportunities like the Pre-College Programs offered by schools such as MIT, Harvard, or Cornell.
4. Build Your Portfolio
Practice Drawing & Design: Start practicing your skills by sketching, designing floor plans, or using software like SketchUp or AutoCAD. Many architects use these tools, so getting comfortable with them early is a plus.
Start a Design Project: If you can, work on a small project like redesigning a room or creating models of structures. This will give you something to showcase if you apply for internships or programs.
5. Research Architecture Schools & Programs
Research colleges and universities that have strong architecture programs. Many schools have pre-college programs where you can get a taste of architecture and meet others interested in the field.
With your passion, you’re already on the right track. Taking these steps will help you gain experience and knowledge that will set you apart when applying to college programs in architecture. Let me know if you need more detailed resources for any of the steps!
Thank you comment icon I will use this advice as I prepare for my career. Blair
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Blair !

I am very happy to give you advice to prepare in High School for your future college Major of Architecture ! It is wonderful to know that you have this ambition !

High School classes can help. Be sure to take classes in drawing and sketching, especially any art classes that cover how to do blueprints. Learning how to draw and read blueprints will be a huge skill to have prior to college.

Learning how to build scale models now will help you immensely in college. Do an online search for how to build scale models and start out by making a scale model of your home. It should be fun.

Shadowing, although for students not sure of a career, could still be beneficial to you. You sound definite about a career in Architecture, so you can use the Shadowing experience to get a sneak peak at what goes into the work. I would advise phoning all the architect firms in Kansas City until one says that you may Shadow. Try a few, too if more than one says okay. Architectural firms in or around Kansas City, Kansas that you can call are NSPJ Architects Webster Architects, Klover Architects and Keith Mueller Architecture. Go to their websites and find their phone numbers and inquire about Shadowing.

For additional Shadowing possibilities, connect with the Young Architects Forum which is through the American Institute of Architects. I left the link to their website below.

Another thing that you can do is to begin reading about the history of Kansas City Architecture. A good book to get from the Library or buy would be, "A Guide to Kansas Architecture" by David Sachs and George Erlich. It might be in a Library or you can get it online. I would also suggest going online and doing a search for architectural textbooks that you can read online. Reading about the focused subject will be very helpful.

I hope this helps. Best wishes in all you do !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS - KANSAS BRANCH https://www.aiaks.org/
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Michelle! Blair
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James Constantine’s Answer

Good Day Blair!

Getting Started in Architecture: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Understanding the Field of Architecture Before diving into programs and opportunities, it’s essential to understand what architecture entails. Architecture is not just about designing buildings; it encompasses a wide range of activities including urban planning, landscape architecture, interior design, and sustainability practices. Familiarizing yourself with these areas can help you identify your specific interests within the field.

2. Educational Pathways As a high school sophomore interested in architecture, consider the following educational pathways:

High School Courses: Focus on subjects that will build a strong foundation for architectural studies. Key courses include mathematics (especially geometry and algebra), physics, art, and computer-aided design (CAD) classes if available.

Bachelor’s Degree: Most architects hold a professional degree in architecture from an accredited program. Research schools that offer Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) or Bachelor of Science in Architecture degrees. Look for programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

3. Online Courses and Resources To enhance your skills and knowledge before college, consider enrolling in online courses related to architecture:

Coursera: Offers courses from universities like Yale and the University of Michigan on topics such as architectural design and history.

edX: Provides access to various architecture-related courses from institutions like MIT and Harvard.

Skillshare: Features practical classes on design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit.

These platforms can help you gain foundational knowledge and technical skills relevant to architecture.

4. Internships and Shadowing Opportunities Gaining hands-on experience is crucial:

Local Firms: Reach out to local architectural firms in Kansas City for internship or shadowing opportunities. Many firms are open to high school students eager to learn.

Networking Events: Attend local architecture events or workshops where you can meet professionals in the field. Organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA) often host events that are open to students.

Job Shadowing Programs: Look for job shadowing programs through your school or community organizations that connect students with professionals.

5. Design Competitions Participating in design competitions can also be beneficial:

National Design Competitions: Look for competitions hosted by organizations such as the AIA or local architectural societies. These competitions often provide real-world problems for participants to solve creatively.

6. Building a Portfolio Start compiling a portfolio of your work early on:

Include sketches, CAD drawings, models, and any projects you’ve completed during your coursework or independently.

Document your process: Show how you develop ideas from concept to completion.

A strong portfolio will be essential when applying for college programs later on.

7. Additional Resources Consider joining clubs or organizations related to architecture at your school or community:

Architecture Clubs: If your school has an architecture club, join it! This can provide networking opportunities with peers who share similar interests.

Online Communities: Engage with online forums such as Reddit’s r/architecture or other social media groups focused on architectural discussions.

By taking these steps—focusing on education, gaining experience through internships, enhancing skills via online courses, participating in competitions, building a portfolio, and networking—you will be well-prepared for a future career in architecture.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

1. National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
This organization provides accreditation for professional degree programs in architecture across the United States, ensuring educational quality standards are met.

2. American Institute of Architects (AIA)
The AIA is a professional organization that offers resources for aspiring architects including networking opportunities, educational materials, and information about internships.

3. Coursera & edX Course Offerings
Both platforms provide access to university-level courses covering various aspects of architecture which can enhance understanding and skills relevant to the field.

Probability that the answer is correct: 95%

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Thank you comment icon Thanks for your encouragement! Blair
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