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What subjects should I focus on when thinking about taking architecture? What steps should I follow in order to becoming a successful architect?
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Brent’s Answer
K-12 education should include: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Physics, Art (particularly drawing), Drafting, Social Studies, Music, Foreign Language(s), Art History, Economics, etc.
Steps to become a "successful" architect:
1. Be curious
2. Get a sketchbook and use it every day (sketch !!)
3. Get good grades in K-12
4. Sketch
5. Find an accredited architecture program and enroll
6. Sketch
7. Work hard in college (read, talk, think, experiment, etc.)
8. Sketch
9. Learn AutoCAD, Revit, Photoshop, Illustrator, In-Design, Excel, SketchUp, Lumion
10. Sketch
11. Pursue a practicum during your last or second to last year
12. Sketch
13. Travel some
14. Sketch
15. Try to get employed by a firm that you admire
16. Sketch
17. Find a mentor !!
18. Sketch
19. Take the exams
20. Party !!
Steps to become a "successful" architect:
1. Be curious
2. Get a sketchbook and use it every day (sketch !!)
3. Get good grades in K-12
4. Sketch
5. Find an accredited architecture program and enroll
6. Sketch
7. Work hard in college (read, talk, think, experiment, etc.)
8. Sketch
9. Learn AutoCAD, Revit, Photoshop, Illustrator, In-Design, Excel, SketchUp, Lumion
10. Sketch
11. Pursue a practicum during your last or second to last year
12. Sketch
13. Travel some
14. Sketch
15. Try to get employed by a firm that you admire
16. Sketch
17. Find a mentor !!
18. Sketch
19. Take the exams
20. Party !!
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Brent must be a very old-school architect! I agree sketching is important but architects use computer software 99.9% of the time in the work environment. I would say sketching is critical for designing and thinking innovatively and we use computer software as tools to translate designs into reality.
In addition to sketching and/or taking art classes, I highly recommend some tutorials (either online or in-person) on photoshop, illustrator to start. Learning how to draft simple things in AutoCAD is also a plus. I also found learning a simple coding program can be helpful. I took logo programming when I was in high school and I find that learning the systems in logic was super helpful for understanding other Autodesk software programs that we architects use. Turtle Academy is a great resource if you ever get interested in coding. You could also try learning other simple coding languages such as Python or C++ if that interests you.
Although K-12 curriculum usually does not provide courses specifically for architecture, you might find architecture summer camps. NOMA has a great summer camp program in SoCal (Southern California - but they are virtual at the moment) https://socalnoma.org/summer-camp/. You could also check your local AIA chapter (American Institute of Architects) and/or Colleges, Universities or Community Colleges to see if they have any summer architecture programs. Summer programs are great - I went to one between junior and senior year of high school and I just loved it and at that moment I knew I wanted to be in architecture.
Good luck!
In addition to sketching and/or taking art classes, I highly recommend some tutorials (either online or in-person) on photoshop, illustrator to start. Learning how to draft simple things in AutoCAD is also a plus. I also found learning a simple coding program can be helpful. I took logo programming when I was in high school and I find that learning the systems in logic was super helpful for understanding other Autodesk software programs that we architects use. Turtle Academy is a great resource if you ever get interested in coding. You could also try learning other simple coding languages such as Python or C++ if that interests you.
Although K-12 curriculum usually does not provide courses specifically for architecture, you might find architecture summer camps. NOMA has a great summer camp program in SoCal (Southern California - but they are virtual at the moment) https://socalnoma.org/summer-camp/. You could also check your local AIA chapter (American Institute of Architects) and/or Colleges, Universities or Community Colleges to see if they have any summer architecture programs. Summer programs are great - I went to one between junior and senior year of high school and I just loved it and at that moment I knew I wanted to be in architecture.
Good luck!