3 answers
Jordan
Student
Grundy Center, Iowa
3
Questions
Asked
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What type of person would be a good fit for architecture? How did you know this field was right for you?
I am a 16 year old girl. I am a junior in high-school. I am currently interested in the architecture field.
#architecture #architect #career #college #university #degree
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3 answers
Christopher Jones
Architectural Job Captain
7
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
As was previously mentioned, an interest in the profession is a great start. I was in high school when the idea of a path in architecture first occurred to me, and it eventually was let go as I pursued other things, but I eventually made my way back to it and am happy I did. Someone once told me that architecture is the field for those who are interested in everything - and in my experience, even after several years in the field, it still rings true.
As an architect, one must be a little proficient at everything in order to succeed. On any given day I may switch between my left and right brain several times before lunch. So if you have an artistic flair but an appreciation for order and systems, if you like math but also the arts, if you appreciate a good story but also see the value in how a book gets printed - then architecture may be for you.
Also, if you are a team player and enjoy collaborating with others to achieve an end result, but can equally push things through on your own just the same, then it might be the profession for you. Much of the architect's time is spent coordinating, collaborating, and working with others to achieve a larger goal. A process that can be equal parts rewarding and frustrating no doubt, but is worth it in the end.
My advice is if a fulfilling career is what you seek and you are already interested then you may already know the answer to your question. Best of luck to you.
Get a Francis Ching Architecture book and study it.
Download Sketchup and see if you find it interesting.
Download Revit and see if it's not too overwhelming.
Try to find architecture in your city that inspires you.
Look for architects talking about their profession and what they do on YouTube.
As an architect, one must be a little proficient at everything in order to succeed. On any given day I may switch between my left and right brain several times before lunch. So if you have an artistic flair but an appreciation for order and systems, if you like math but also the arts, if you appreciate a good story but also see the value in how a book gets printed - then architecture may be for you.
Also, if you are a team player and enjoy collaborating with others to achieve an end result, but can equally push things through on your own just the same, then it might be the profession for you. Much of the architect's time is spent coordinating, collaborating, and working with others to achieve a larger goal. A process that can be equal parts rewarding and frustrating no doubt, but is worth it in the end.
My advice is if a fulfilling career is what you seek and you are already interested then you may already know the answer to your question. Best of luck to you.
Christopher recommends the following next steps:
Will Xue, CFA
Manager at PwC
102
Answers
Updated
Will’s Answer
Hi Jordan,
You are off a great start with passion in the architecture field!
Instead of giving your some high level description, I would approach the question from the employer perspective. i.e., what skills employers are seeking for and how to quantity their desire for each skill.
Please take a look at the "Skills That Affect Architect (but not Landscape or Naval) Salaries" section after clicking the following link:
https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Architect_(but_not_Landscape_or_Naval)/Salary
Highly sought-after skills are:
Operations Management
Strategic Project Management
Customer Relationship Management
Construction Estimating...
Certainly you don't need to stick to the payscale site as it's based on sample surveys. Instead, maybe try the similar approaches to see the top skills the market is looking for and then start honing those skills via relevant courses/certifications etc.
Hope this helps. Good luck🤞!
You are off a great start with passion in the architecture field!
Instead of giving your some high level description, I would approach the question from the employer perspective. i.e., what skills employers are seeking for and how to quantity their desire for each skill.
Please take a look at the "Skills That Affect Architect (but not Landscape or Naval) Salaries" section after clicking the following link:
https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Architect_(but_not_Landscape_or_Naval)/Salary
Highly sought-after skills are:
Operations Management
Strategic Project Management
Customer Relationship Management
Construction Estimating...
Certainly you don't need to stick to the payscale site as it's based on sample surveys. Instead, maybe try the similar approaches to see the top skills the market is looking for and then start honing those skills via relevant courses/certifications etc.
Hope this helps. Good luck🤞!
Calvin Saboorian
Director - Real Estate
34
Answers
New Orleans, Louisiana
Updated
Calvin’s Answer
Hi Jordan,
I have worked with many architects and one thing they all have in common is passion for their work and tremendous amount of creativity. As Christopher has stated it is a mixture of art and math. Also, collaborating effectively with others, especially your clients. Talk to an Architecture firm near you and see if some can spend a little time with you and discuss what they do.
I believe you will enjoy being an architect, because above all is fun.
I have worked with many architects and one thing they all have in common is passion for their work and tremendous amount of creativity. As Christopher has stated it is a mixture of art and math. Also, collaborating effectively with others, especially your clients. Talk to an Architecture firm near you and see if some can spend a little time with you and discuss what they do.
I believe you will enjoy being an architect, because above all is fun.