How is it being an architect?

Question

I am thinking to take up architecture for college. Please do tell me about its ups and downs.

Answer 1

Your decisions are important than others. I am a civil engineer, I took this subject because i like. In my opinion, Architect should be the one who can taste the  life of all the organisms, with imaginations and creativity. He/she should be like a musician. peace minded like  Lauri Baker, the famous Architect. Think about your self. Just taking a subject and doing graduation is not a valuable, in your life. If you can do something with your skills and knowledge, then you are satisfied.

Take a light to see your own way. think ahead for future. Act with time to reach your destination.      

Answer 2

First, I am not an architect.  I looked at the field and even spoke with some professors at the University of Florida.  One was nice and helpful.  He told me the work wasn't hard, but it was very time consuming.

In the end, my wife and I moved.  I was debating between Architecture and Engineering.  The closest Architecture school is 3 hrs from here, and the local University had Engineering.

I am now working as a Fire Protection Engineering Consultant.

Good luck on your quest.  If you become an Architect, please be nice to your consulting engineers.  We make your big idea work!

Answer 3

There's only one way to find out and that is to jump in with both feet.  In my twenty years of practice, I've seen them all, good, bad and indifferent.  Although I have to admit that the candidates with an inquisitive personality tend to go farther in this field.  As for Architecture School, they are HORRIBLE!  They are extremely competitive and the comments from visiting professionals/instructors are brutal.  You should visit a school and ask the students for horror stories, we all have either seen or personally experienced them.  Don't worry, you'll get over it within a month or two, but your experience will be quite eye opening.  Then after architecture school, you will have to fight through the gauntlet of back stabbing co-workers and the marginal and uninspired project managers.  You'll work long hours for meager pay and you will wonder why you decided to choose this path.  You'll forge ahead and keep at it then suddenly, most everything makes perfect sense.  You take the ARE and pass with flying colors and live happily ever after.  

Just remember, you will get out of any field of choice what you decide to put in it.  If you have passion, then you have a chance at succeeding.  There will be many people along the way that will try to squash your spirit, don't let them win.