I want to become an Architect, but I don't like ART as much?

Question

I am not interested in art museums, but I like to build and plan buildings, houses and..... DO you think should I become an Architect? Maybe you can recommend me another career? What does an Architect really do please explain me on your own words. And if there any Architects any advice and help please. Thank You.

Answer 1

While art and architecture are considered by some to be synonymous, each is distinct and exists on its own terms.  When the two combine, as in an extraordinary museum like the Tate, or the Uffizi, or the Guggenheim, well, then the results can be sublime.

Architects are problem solvers; they use their design skills and their knowledge of building materials, systems and technology to create structures that are sturdy, efficient and, in terms of context and character, pleasing to the eye.  That's where Art may come in--  part of the balance, rhythm and decoration of a structure is based on well-known artistic principles from the Renaissance and from the anciet Greeks, Romans and Egyptians.

An architect is an assembler of components into a cohesive and effective package.  There are more than 2,000 individual building components in an average house; the success, or failure, of that house as a home for its owners is based on the architect's ability to find the right components, use them wisely and efficiently, and assemble them in a way that provides safety and comfort, pleasure and security to the owner.

If you like design, are reasonably good at visualizing things in 3-dimensional space, and have good communicative skills, you probably can become an architect. It is a profession like becoming a doctor or a lawyer and so it demands a fair amount of schooling.  An ability for, and a love of, design will carry you through the required courses in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Mechanical Systems, Statics and Dynamics.  

There are a number of architecture-related careers that do not require quite so much schooling, and are thought of as more technical in nature than pure design.  Specialties in detailing, structural engineering, building technology, specifying and value engineering, are all areas that work along side and with architects.

Look in your local phone book for architects that have AIA as part of their name or title.  Call one of their offices and ask politely for an appointment to take a tour, see what it is they do and to talk briefly about career goals and preparation.  Most pro's are happy to assist young people who have an interest in the profession.

I am an architect in private practice.  Over my 40-year career I have designed more than 100 homes, and more than a million square-feet of commercial space.  I still look forward to my next project as an opportunity to take what I've learned from the ones I've done before and to improve upon it.  There is always room for improvement, for things to become better, more humane, more successful. It is in this way that the profession advances itself, and contributes to the well-being of the client/consumer.

You might want to check out a couple of books, or go to a couple of websites, to see what architecture is about.  For the aethetic basis of most of today's design, check out Vitruvius' "10 Books of Architecture"; for insight into the vision of architects, read the biographies of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbousier, Philip Johnson, Leonardo da Vinci and Pietro Brunelleschi, Charles Rennie MacIntosh, Edward Lutyens, and about anybody else whose work you've seen and admired. An outstanding website is "greatbuildings.com"  You'll find a lot to look at there.

Answer 2

Yeah, i think it's alright not to like art as much. If u enjoy designing living spaces, and planning it, then go ahead with Architecture. Coz it's more about lines lines and more lines. Less about fine art in general.

Answer 3

Here is a link to the Occupational Outlook Handbook that describes what they do, salaries, education, and how many are needed.