What does a architect's day looks like on a day to day bases ?

An architect's day-to-day is all about developing designs for buildings (or even cities) and then communicating those ideas to a client and, ultimately, helping them to realize that design into a reality. One of the interesting things about architecture is that it really promotes being a "jack-of-all-trades", which means that you could be asked to do everything from budgeting the cost of a billion dollar project but also know how to hang marble in the elevator lobby. Typical tasks in the day-to-day of an architect include:

1) Being creative! There is actually a very rigorous process to being creative in an architecture firm. Usually you will have to generate multiple solutions to a particular design problem, and then discuss them internally as a team before ultimately presenting them to the outside world. A design problem could be, for example, that a client knows they want to build a certain number of square footage of office but then it is really up to the architect to come up with all the interesting ways to arrange those square feet so that the office functions optimally but also that it has interesting spacial qualities and looks interesting.

2) Making drawings, physical models, 3d computer models, and rendering. Architects are visual people, so a lot of time is spent making visuals. When designing, you will have to make lots of drawings to show what your ideas might actually look like. Today, this is pretty much always done on the computer, with CAD software in 2d and an increasing amount of work with 3d software from which you can make renderings as well as produce physical 3d prototypes.

3) Coordinating with multiple different parties. Architects are asked to be the central coordinators between what the client wants to be built, what we have architects have designed, and what the builders on the ground actually construct. This means that we often have to meet with and communicate with not only our clients, but also consultants that help to realize the building (like structural engineers, acoustic engineers, etc) as well as the contractor who manages the construction on the site.

Architecture can be very rewarding because design is very challenging intellectually and seeing your designs realized as a building is incredibly exciting. However, to be fair, the day-to-day is very hard work because all the three items above require lots of energy producing drawings and adjusting designs to get things right. This can be a very challenging process and often very long hours. I would strongly recommend trying to get to spend time in an architecture office to see if you like what the people are doing at their desks, as well as meet the people to see if they are the kind of people with whom you like spending time - this is really the best indicator of whether you will enjoy the profession.

For further research, I would recommend visiting the NCARB website for the IDP program (http://www.ncarb.org/experience-through-internships.aspx) - this is the governing board for testing for architecture licensure and the IDP program is a good reflection of what the profession values as important experience for all architects to acquire.

Over time, you might encounter that there are two paths in architecture: becoming an architectural designer or a technical architect (or both), depending on your interests. An architectural designer focuses on the design of the buildings; being able to communicate your ideas through 3d models, sketching, rendering etc. can be instrumental. Technical architects tend to gravitate towards the detailing, construction documentation and/or administration. Depending on what role you fill, your day-to-day will differ: some days you might spend producing drawings or 3d models, other days coordinating with the owner/consultants/contractor, going out on site to see the progress of the work, etc. Moreover, some architects are interested in the business/client management aspect and become project managers. Depending on the size/type of the firm, you may have a specific role, or you may need to fill multiple roles in order to get the job done. Overall, the profession is varied enough that you can find a niche you enjoy, be it at small/medium/large firms, working on hospitality/commercial/residential/etc. projects, being out in the field or working mostly in the office.

I recommend asking your guidance counselor if your school has any CO-OP opportunities with architecture firms. My high school did - it combined team building workshops with actual work experience at a firm; it was a great way to immerse myself in the practice of architecture.

I encourage you to visit the following websites:
- American Institute of Architects (AIA) - www.aia.org - This is the national professional association of architects. There are also local chapters (i.e. AIA New York, AIA Portland, etc.) that highlight events, etc. in your area. Among other things, they issue a compensation survey, which will give you a good idea of what architects' salaries are like in the current economy.
- Archinect - archinect.com - The goal of this website is to 'make architecture more connected and open-minded.' There are some interesting threads from current practicing architects/intern architects/students in the Discussion Forum re: schools, salaries, specific firms, etc.