Trying to choose the appropriate career for you can be tough. Not only will you have to think about whether you enjoy the job, but also whether you are well-suited.
Plus, you may also have to consider other factors, such as whether it is a good career or how easy it is to enter this occupation.
If architecture is a career that you are contemplating, we are here to give you all the information you need to know about this potential profession.
Table of Contents
What Is Architecture?
Before establishing whether this is a good job, you must first understand what architecture is and what the job will entail.
If you are seriously considering a career in architecture, you will likely already have an idea of what this job means, However, a more thorough explanation of it will nonetheless be helpful.
Essentially, is designing buildings and other man-made structures. It requires the designer to both scientifically and artistically plan out a building, whether it be a home or an office space.
The building has to be well thought-out and scientifically planned to ensure that it is well-supported, safe, and structurally maintained.
At the same time, a building should also look nice and have aesthetic value. An office should look different from a gym. Ultimately, an architect has to juggle these seeming opposites.
How Can I Become An Architect?
Becoming an architect can be tough, but it is worth it if you have a passion for the industry. To start with, you will likely need good high school qualifications to get onto a university program.
Ideally, these qualifications should be in subjects related to architecture, namely math and science. From there, the two main routes you can go down to become an architect are through university or an apprenticeship.
University
Choosing a university can be hard. After all, there are plenty to choose from! Fortunately, most universities offer some form of architecture course.
In university rankings, these are some of the best schools for architecture in the USA:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- University of California
- Rice University
- Cornell University
- Harvard University
- Yale University
Consequently, you may want to consider going to one of these universities if you are thinking about going into architecture.
Of course, some of these top universities will require a lot of hard work and dedication to get into. You may also want to study in another country, where courses will be slightly different.
Going down the university route may take longer than other typical undergraduate courses. A typical architecture degree that has been authorized by the ARB (Architects Registration Board) will normally take 3 years.
On top of this degree, you will also be expected to do some practical work in the field and you may even have to get further qualifications, such as a Master’s degree. As a result, some courses can take 5 years to complete.
As part of your degree, you will be expected to complete various assignments. Often, you will be required to pass a written and oral examination.
Good university courses will give not only theoretical knowledge but will also provide practical experience that you can learn from.
Apprenticeships
If you are not eager to study architecture at university, another option you can explore is finding an apprenticeship.
Essentially, apprenticeships enable you to work in the industry, thus giving a more hands-on experience. Plus, a lot of these apprenticeships are paid, meaning that you receive money as well as experience and education.
The downside of these apprenticeships is that they can be harder to find. If you are a high school student, it may be worth talking to a career’s advisor.
They may be able to guide you as to what architecture apprenticeships to apply for. After completing your apprenticeship or degree, the next step is to find a job in the industry.
Is It A Good Career?
Pros
Yes, architecture is an excellent career choice. It will be a great option for people who like problem solving, as the job will require you to find answers to complex questions.
Plus, it will be great for people who are creative, as these problems may require creative solutions. Creativity is also important in making buildings look unique and aesthetically pleasing.
Architects are also always in-demand, Buildings constantly need to be built, whether that be brand-new homes, hotels, or shops. Moreover, old buildings will also need to be improved with the help of an architect.
Additionally, architecture is a rewarding job. This is because you are helping people to improve their lives. Your work can result in a family having their dream home. Moreover, the job may have opportunities for you to travel.
Another reason why architecture is a valuable career is that it is relatively well-paid. If you are looking to live a lavish lifestyle, architecture is not a bad route to go down. On average, architects earn approximately $88,000 per year.
The exact wage you get will depend on a number of factors, such as your qualifications, experience, and employer. Beginner architects are unlikely to earn this much money.
Cons
However, compared to other professional careers, this wage is not particularly high. Considering the amount of work that goes into the career, one can argue that architects deserve higher pay.
Of course, architecture may not be the right career for you if it does not interest you or you do not enjoy it.
Furthermore, you should not consider the job if you are unwilling to put in the time and effort required to become an architect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Skills Are Required To Become An Architect?
You will need:
- Problem-solving
- Imagination
- Creativity
- Teamwork
- Numerical skills
- Communication
Is 25-Years-Old Too Old To Become An Architect?
No, you can certainly still become an architect at this age. Though it may take a while for you to develop the qualifications needed to become an architect, you will still be able to work in the industry for decades.
Final Thoughts
Overall, we firmly believe that architecture is a worthwhile career. If you have a keen mind and enjoy problem-solving, this job will be ideal for you.
As long as you are willing to spend a lot of time and effort on this career path, it will likely be worth it.
