4 answers
Yamileth
Student
Covina, California
3
Questions
Asked
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How can i get started in architecture, interior design? Is it possible to take this course as a minor degree?
I'm currently a (junior) in high school and exploring my options/choices in different careers and found architecture, interior designing very interesting. #art #interior #interior-design #architecture #design #career
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4 answers
Roxanne Keibler
Architect
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Roxanne’s Answer
I’m an architect in nyc and I didn’t go to architecture school! Though I def had to just want to learn really hard and put in the time on my own. Best thing you can do is learn Revit, and read up on construction details (lots of books and YouTube videos). I lied in my first interview for a job working on a short term contract for an architecture department using Revit- I had never seen Revit before, but I was confident I could figure it out, I’m good at spatial thinking and software. I just asked one person one question and another person another question and googled a lot, I figured it out and kept getting more contracts at better and better firms. It’s a great way to see a lot of corrections architects make and you do the work, so you learn very quickly. Let me know if you have more questions!
Ellen Rosenthal
Retired Art Teacher
239
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Yamileth
Great choice of career path, both are great fields in which to apply your art skills and interest. To prepare as a high school student, you should be taking art classes, including computer graphics classes, and some physical science classes, like physics. Talk to your art teacher about your career interests, and ask around your family or friends if they know of any architects or interior designer that you could talk to. If not, many furniture stores employ interior designers, and you could ask them for some insights. (I'm thinking of the chain Ethan Allen on the East coast, but there may be other furniture chains on the West Coast).
To become a licensed architect, you will need a post graduate (after college) degree in architecture, and then an apprentice with an architectural firm until you can pass the exam to get your license; the (paid) apprenticeship usually takes about 6 years. There are all types of jobs within an architect's practice, and I'm not sure if the person who gave a previous answer is a licensed architect, or if she is working in an office under a licensed architect, but having a degree is usually necessary to work as an architect. The requirements for architecture schools vary, but you should have classes in art and art history, a good portfolio which shows your art skills, and a good grasp of physical science. So you will probably want to major in art in college, build up a good art portfolio, and also take some science class.
Becoming an interior designer does not require a license, and you can often get a job working in interior design right out of college. You should major in art and be prepared to show a portfolio of your work, and, ideally have a internship with an interior designer as an added plus. You should also have some basic experience in computer graphics, so take some classes while you are still in high school and more in college. When you look around at colleges or art schools, see if any of them offer classes or even a major in interior design, and also check out if they have internship programs.
I have to say this, although it worked for the person who gave a previous answer, I would NEVER ADVISE ANYONE To LIE on a job interview. Dishonesty is not a good trait; it could come back to bite you. Be honest about your skills and about your willingness to learn new ones.
I hope this helps.
Great choice of career path, both are great fields in which to apply your art skills and interest. To prepare as a high school student, you should be taking art classes, including computer graphics classes, and some physical science classes, like physics. Talk to your art teacher about your career interests, and ask around your family or friends if they know of any architects or interior designer that you could talk to. If not, many furniture stores employ interior designers, and you could ask them for some insights. (I'm thinking of the chain Ethan Allen on the East coast, but there may be other furniture chains on the West Coast).
To become a licensed architect, you will need a post graduate (after college) degree in architecture, and then an apprentice with an architectural firm until you can pass the exam to get your license; the (paid) apprenticeship usually takes about 6 years. There are all types of jobs within an architect's practice, and I'm not sure if the person who gave a previous answer is a licensed architect, or if she is working in an office under a licensed architect, but having a degree is usually necessary to work as an architect. The requirements for architecture schools vary, but you should have classes in art and art history, a good portfolio which shows your art skills, and a good grasp of physical science. So you will probably want to major in art in college, build up a good art portfolio, and also take some science class.
Becoming an interior designer does not require a license, and you can often get a job working in interior design right out of college. You should major in art and be prepared to show a portfolio of your work, and, ideally have a internship with an interior designer as an added plus. You should also have some basic experience in computer graphics, so take some classes while you are still in high school and more in college. When you look around at colleges or art schools, see if any of them offer classes or even a major in interior design, and also check out if they have internship programs.
I have to say this, although it worked for the person who gave a previous answer, I would NEVER ADVISE ANYONE To LIE on a job interview. Dishonesty is not a good trait; it could come back to bite you. Be honest about your skills and about your willingness to learn new ones.
I hope this helps.
ALEXANDER HAECKER
Architect
6
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
ALEXANDER’s Answer
There are very few accredited architecture undergraduate degrees being offered. I think Drexel University in Philadelphia is the only one left (might be missing one or two). Most architecture degrees are offered at the Master level. But, there are many undergraduate programs that offer Bachelors of Design or something similar that one could minor or major in. And it would give you a good sense and exposure to the world of architecture. Having said that, getting a more well rounded liberal art undergraduate degree focused on some other but complimenting passion/interest of yours before you go to grad school is also an option.
Leahanne Thomas
Career Coach
42
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Leahanne’s Answer
Yamileth, architecture and interior design are great paths if your skills align with things and ideas. Architecture is typically harder path to crack as schools often require you to have a drawing portfolio, and interior design has less rigorous demands. Since you're a junior though, you have time. I would suggest finding an architect and interior designer in your community and ask if you can shadow them for a day. This will give you great insight to what the job looks like on a daily basis. If you then find your interest grows, reach out to colleges and ask to talk to them about their programs. They will tell you what you need as part of your application and they will guide you on how to get it over the next 2 years you have left in high school. You can pick up some courses at community college as well that will help prepare you as well. Good luck and I'm excited for you!
shadow professionals in your community in both professions.
reach out to colleges for more information on admission requirements.
pick up community college or HS courses that will help you.
Leahanne recommends the following next steps:
Try to find online courses to understand the basics of these courses .
Find out institutes which offer these courses .
Find out about entrance exams required for relevant courses.
Prepare and enroll. Intern under good seniors/firms in the same fields.
Sapna Chauhan