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Architecture career path and skills?
What do you need to do to be an architect? How much drawing is there and do you have to be good at it?
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Thomas’s Answer
Undeniably, the heart of any architectural project lies in "the drawings". However, my experience has shown me that there's so much more to the job than just drawing. Every project requires a dedicated project manager, someone who grasps the entire process and can ensure the project is completed on time and within budget. Additionally, there's a vast array of artistic methods available to express an idea. Some people prefer hand sketching, while others lean towards digital sketching, 3D modeling, graphic rendering, and visualization. There's a whole world of creativity out there waiting to be explored!
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Ahmad’s Answer
Hello there! It’s fantastic to see your interest in architecture! As you begin this journey, remember that while drawing is a part of architecture, you don’t need to be perfect at it right away. You can develop and refine your drawing skills gradually through practice and training. Start exploring CAD software, join architecture-focused clubs or workshops, and connect with professionals in the field. As you pursue your education and hands-on experience, your abilities will grow. Keep a curious and proactive mindset, and enjoy each step of your learning process. You’re building a great foundation for a successful career in architecture! Best of luck.
Updated
Gina’s Answer
Hello Mauricio!
My name is Gina Roca and I'm an Architecture graduate student at the University of Florida. I completely understand your questions and concerns; it is important to look at all those factors when considering diving into this field. Here are some of the recommendations I have as a graduate student but also recommendations that have been provided by professors, college advisors, and architecture professionals/designers:
1. There are many skills an architect can have but the most important ones are time management, cleanliness when making projects, punctuality, teamwork, and practicing your design skills. These are all important because combined they help you be an efficient architect student and later on they translate over to what your job may entitle you as a professional architect.
2. Expect to work hard and take a long time to perfect your work. You don't necessarily have to lose sleep over a project as long as your time management skills are set and you have a sense of urgency for your work. If you split your work and take into consideration all you have to do you can create a plan that allows you to perfect your work in a timely matter and in a way where you don't end up overwhelming yourself.
3. When it comes to drawings, I can attest that there is A LOT of drawing that goes on in architecture. It can range as simple as making a sketch up to a precise, fully measured drawing that is up to scale and that can be presented as a proposal. For drawings not only do you need to know how to draw but you also need to learn how to convert "real-life" measurements like feet into inches or centimeters so that you can translate your work accurately onto your drawings.
4. Something you "have to be good at" is thinking outside the box and thinking innovatively and creatively. When it comes to architecture; design is a vital thing for the field and without being creative your work may be stale or may seem as if it was repeated. It is not wrong to utilize things from other projects, but always make sure to give credit and transform that element into something that translates into "your language" for your work. When it comes to "your language" it refers to the type of characteristics you give your work that help it stand out in a sea of proposals and presentations. This is something that can help you be successful and unique.
5. Even though these recommendations are part of the field, I would highly recommend communicating with a professional architect who is actively working on a project to hear their input and get some pointers on what to expect in the field. "Shadowing" is also a great idea to see what an architect does in a day or during their work. It is important to communicate and not be afraid to ask questions because these are the questions that will lead you to your desired path either in the field of architecture or wherever you desire.
Hope this information helps you and continue researching this information!
Best regard,
Gina Roca
My name is Gina Roca and I'm an Architecture graduate student at the University of Florida. I completely understand your questions and concerns; it is important to look at all those factors when considering diving into this field. Here are some of the recommendations I have as a graduate student but also recommendations that have been provided by professors, college advisors, and architecture professionals/designers:
1. There are many skills an architect can have but the most important ones are time management, cleanliness when making projects, punctuality, teamwork, and practicing your design skills. These are all important because combined they help you be an efficient architect student and later on they translate over to what your job may entitle you as a professional architect.
2. Expect to work hard and take a long time to perfect your work. You don't necessarily have to lose sleep over a project as long as your time management skills are set and you have a sense of urgency for your work. If you split your work and take into consideration all you have to do you can create a plan that allows you to perfect your work in a timely matter and in a way where you don't end up overwhelming yourself.
3. When it comes to drawings, I can attest that there is A LOT of drawing that goes on in architecture. It can range as simple as making a sketch up to a precise, fully measured drawing that is up to scale and that can be presented as a proposal. For drawings not only do you need to know how to draw but you also need to learn how to convert "real-life" measurements like feet into inches or centimeters so that you can translate your work accurately onto your drawings.
4. Something you "have to be good at" is thinking outside the box and thinking innovatively and creatively. When it comes to architecture; design is a vital thing for the field and without being creative your work may be stale or may seem as if it was repeated. It is not wrong to utilize things from other projects, but always make sure to give credit and transform that element into something that translates into "your language" for your work. When it comes to "your language" it refers to the type of characteristics you give your work that help it stand out in a sea of proposals and presentations. This is something that can help you be successful and unique.
5. Even though these recommendations are part of the field, I would highly recommend communicating with a professional architect who is actively working on a project to hear their input and get some pointers on what to expect in the field. "Shadowing" is also a great idea to see what an architect does in a day or during their work. It is important to communicate and not be afraid to ask questions because these are the questions that will lead you to your desired path either in the field of architecture or wherever you desire.
Hope this information helps you and continue researching this information!
Best regard,
Gina Roca
Updated
Henry’s Answer
Hey there, Mauricio!
Becoming an architect is a bit like mastering a sport or a musical instrument. It's not something that happens overnight, but rather, it's a journey that involves years of schooling, hands-on experience, and plenty of tests. The key is to keep practicing until it feels as natural as breathing.
Sure, drawing is a significant part of it, but it's even more crucial to know how to bring a building to life alongside designers, engineers, and contractors. So, in essence, being able to communicate effectively and build relationships with others is a skill that's even more important. That being said, never underestimate the power of a good sketch—it can really take you places!
Becoming an architect is a bit like mastering a sport or a musical instrument. It's not something that happens overnight, but rather, it's a journey that involves years of schooling, hands-on experience, and plenty of tests. The key is to keep practicing until it feels as natural as breathing.
Sure, drawing is a significant part of it, but it's even more crucial to know how to bring a building to life alongside designers, engineers, and contractors. So, in essence, being able to communicate effectively and build relationships with others is a skill that's even more important. That being said, never underestimate the power of a good sketch—it can really take you places!
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