4 answers
Gabby
Student
Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada
1
Question
Updated
541 views
What should I become a planner, interior designer, or architect?
I'm in 8th grade and I have a passion for art, design, and creating spaces. Urban planning is the most interesting to me, but I'm not sure about the political side of it. Interior design also is fascinating, but I would if I'm not creative enough. Lastly, I love architecture but I am not the best at math and I wonder what daily work is like. Any other career ideas? I know I want to go into those kind of field areas. Perheaps a civil engineer? This is stressful..
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4 answers
Henry Ling
Architect
25
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Henry’s Answer
Hello Gabby,
It appears that you're interested in a profession that involves art, design, and the creation of spaces. The response to your query is largely dependent on the scale you prefer to work with. If designing small, intimate spaces using measurements in feet and inches appeals to you, then interior design might be your calling.
On the other hand, architecture also involves the creation of spaces, but on a larger scale, dealing with measurements in yards or meters. This field requires a broad knowledge base, as it encompasses a bit of everything.
Lastly, urban planning operates on an even larger scale, dealing with areas in acres or kilometers. However, this field tends to focus more on the overall layout of spaces rather than their design.
It appears that you're interested in a profession that involves art, design, and the creation of spaces. The response to your query is largely dependent on the scale you prefer to work with. If designing small, intimate spaces using measurements in feet and inches appeals to you, then interior design might be your calling.
On the other hand, architecture also involves the creation of spaces, but on a larger scale, dealing with measurements in yards or meters. This field requires a broad knowledge base, as it encompasses a bit of everything.
Lastly, urban planning operates on an even larger scale, dealing with areas in acres or kilometers. However, this field tends to focus more on the overall layout of spaces rather than their design.
Never thought of it that way, that's great to consider! Thanks!
Gabby
Rory Lall
Administrative Assistant
57
Answers
Valley Stream, New York
Updated
Rory’s Answer
It really depends on your interests. But here is a brief breakdown:
Urban Planner:
Role: Urban planners work on shaping cities and communities. They analyze land use, transportation, and environmental factors to create sustainable and functional urban spaces.
Skills Needed:
Analytical Thinking: You’ll assess data, trends, and community needs to plan for efficient land use.
Communication: Collaborate with stakeholders, government agencies, and the public.
Policy Knowledge: Understand zoning laws, environmental regulations, and community development.
Career Prospects: Urban planners often work for local governments, consulting firms, or nonprofit organizations. They contribute to city development, transportation networks, and community well-being.
Interior Designer:
Role: Interior designers create functional and aesthetically pleasing indoor spaces. They consider layout, color schemes, furniture, lighting, and materials.
Skills Needed:
Creativity: Designing beautiful and functional spaces requires creativity.
Attention to Detail: From selecting fabrics to arranging furniture, precision matters.
Client Interaction: Understand clients’ preferences and translate them into designs.
Career Prospects: Interior designers work in residential, commercial, or hospitality settings. They collaborate with architects, contractors, and clients to transform spaces.
Architect:
Role: Architects design buildings and structures. They consider functionality, safety, aesthetics, and sustainability.
Skills Needed:
Design Proficiency: Architectural creativity and the ability to visualize spaces.
Technical Skills: Understand building codes, structural engineering, and construction methods.
Project Management: Architects oversee projects from concept to completion.
Career Prospects: Architects work in architectural firms, construction companies, or as independent consultants. They design homes, offices, museums, and more.
Considerations:
Passion: What excites you? Do you love designing interiors, envisioning city layouts, or creating iconic buildings?
Education: Architects require formal education (usually a bachelor’s or master’s degree). Interior designers may have degrees or certifications.
Lifestyle: Architects often work long hours, while interior designers may have more flexible schedules.
Impact: Architects shape skylines, while interior designers enhance daily living spaces.
Ultimately, follow your passion and explore internships or shadow professionals in each field. Whether you’re drawn to city planning, interior aesthetics, or architectural marvels, your choice will shape the spaces we inhabit!
Urban Planner:
Role: Urban planners work on shaping cities and communities. They analyze land use, transportation, and environmental factors to create sustainable and functional urban spaces.
Skills Needed:
Analytical Thinking: You’ll assess data, trends, and community needs to plan for efficient land use.
Communication: Collaborate with stakeholders, government agencies, and the public.
Policy Knowledge: Understand zoning laws, environmental regulations, and community development.
Career Prospects: Urban planners often work for local governments, consulting firms, or nonprofit organizations. They contribute to city development, transportation networks, and community well-being.
Interior Designer:
Role: Interior designers create functional and aesthetically pleasing indoor spaces. They consider layout, color schemes, furniture, lighting, and materials.
Skills Needed:
Creativity: Designing beautiful and functional spaces requires creativity.
Attention to Detail: From selecting fabrics to arranging furniture, precision matters.
Client Interaction: Understand clients’ preferences and translate them into designs.
Career Prospects: Interior designers work in residential, commercial, or hospitality settings. They collaborate with architects, contractors, and clients to transform spaces.
Architect:
Role: Architects design buildings and structures. They consider functionality, safety, aesthetics, and sustainability.
Skills Needed:
Design Proficiency: Architectural creativity and the ability to visualize spaces.
Technical Skills: Understand building codes, structural engineering, and construction methods.
Project Management: Architects oversee projects from concept to completion.
Career Prospects: Architects work in architectural firms, construction companies, or as independent consultants. They design homes, offices, museums, and more.
Considerations:
Passion: What excites you? Do you love designing interiors, envisioning city layouts, or creating iconic buildings?
Education: Architects require formal education (usually a bachelor’s or master’s degree). Interior designers may have degrees or certifications.
Lifestyle: Architects often work long hours, while interior designers may have more flexible schedules.
Impact: Architects shape skylines, while interior designers enhance daily living spaces.
Ultimately, follow your passion and explore internships or shadow professionals in each field. Whether you’re drawn to city planning, interior aesthetics, or architectural marvels, your choice will shape the spaces we inhabit!
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Gabby
Ahmad Almheiri
12
Answers
Updated
Ahmad’s Answer
Wow, it’s really impressive that you’re already diving into thinking about your future career! With your love for art, design, and creating spaces, you’ve got some exciting options ahead. Whether it’s shaping cities as an urban planner, beautifying interiors as a designer, dreaming up buildings as an architect, or even tackling big projects as a civil engineer, you can make a big splash in any of these fields. Since you’re just in 8th grade, you’ve got the perfect chance to try different things—maybe start with a fun design project at home or join a school club related to design and architecture. Every little step will help you figure out just what makes you tick and light up with excitement. Keep dreaming big and exploring your passions—you’re going to do amazing things!
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Gabby
Suzan W.
Workplace Experience Senior Manager
12
Answers
El Dorado Hills, California
Updated
Suzan’s Answer
Based on your interests in art, design, and creating spaces, there are several career options you can consider:
Urban Planner: Urban planning involves designing and developing cities and communities. While there may be some political aspects involved, the focus is primarily on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. You can work on projects such as designing parks, transportation systems, and public spaces.
Interior Designer: Interior design focuses on creating functional and visually appealing spaces within buildings. It involves selecting and arranging furniture, materials, colors, and lighting to create a desired atmosphere. Interior designers work on projects such as residential homes, offices, hotels, and retail spaces.
Architect: Architecture involves designing and constructing buildings and structures. While math is important in architecture, there are various software tools available that can assist with calculations. Architects work on projects ranging from residential homes to large-scale commercial buildings, and their work involves both creative design and technical aspects.
If you're unsure about these options, here are a few other career ideas that might align with your interests:
Landscape Architect: Landscape architects design outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and campuses. They combine elements of art, design, and environmental science to create functional and visually appealing landscapes.
Industrial Designer: Industrial designers create and develop products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They work on a wide range of products, from furniture and appliances to electronics and vehicles.
Exhibition Designer: Exhibition designers create engaging and immersive experiences for museums, galleries, trade shows, and other events. They combine elements of art, design, and storytelling to create visually stunning and informative exhibits.
Remember, it's never too early to start exploring your interests and gaining experience in these fields. Consider taking art and design classes, participating in extracurricular activities, and seeking out internships or mentorship opportunities to further explore your passion.
Urban Planner: Urban planning involves designing and developing cities and communities. While there may be some political aspects involved, the focus is primarily on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. You can work on projects such as designing parks, transportation systems, and public spaces.
Interior Designer: Interior design focuses on creating functional and visually appealing spaces within buildings. It involves selecting and arranging furniture, materials, colors, and lighting to create a desired atmosphere. Interior designers work on projects such as residential homes, offices, hotels, and retail spaces.
Architect: Architecture involves designing and constructing buildings and structures. While math is important in architecture, there are various software tools available that can assist with calculations. Architects work on projects ranging from residential homes to large-scale commercial buildings, and their work involves both creative design and technical aspects.
If you're unsure about these options, here are a few other career ideas that might align with your interests:
Landscape Architect: Landscape architects design outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and campuses. They combine elements of art, design, and environmental science to create functional and visually appealing landscapes.
Industrial Designer: Industrial designers create and develop products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They work on a wide range of products, from furniture and appliances to electronics and vehicles.
Exhibition Designer: Exhibition designers create engaging and immersive experiences for museums, galleries, trade shows, and other events. They combine elements of art, design, and storytelling to create visually stunning and informative exhibits.
Remember, it's never too early to start exploring your interests and gaining experience in these fields. Consider taking art and design classes, participating in extracurricular activities, and seeking out internships or mentorship opportunities to further explore your passion.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Gabby