Architecture, a respectable career?

indy787 · 10-22-2004, 10:29 PM

My parents want me to be a doctor, but I just cannot see myself handling those situations well and it is not my main interest. They want me to have a job with good job security, a nice salary, and openings in large cities. Is architecture still a career that fits those needs. I have wanted to be one forever and I think it seems like an exciting, interesting career. Would you reccomend getting into the field. If so, what colleges are best for the major and how does University of AZ's architecture program rank? THANKS!

calidan · 10-23-2004, 02:29 AM

The University of Virginia has an excellent architecture school. I have not heard much of AZ's school/department, though.

BY ALL MEANS DO NOT BECOME A DOCTOR. If you do not want to be a doctor, then DO NOT BECOME ONE. I would not want a doctor unhappy with his career operating on me.

I would 100% reccomend going into architecture- from what I hear (from many family friends), it is a highly fulfilling, exciting, fun, and well-paid job.

Good luck!

celebrian25 · 10-23-2004, 09:35 AM

I've heard the opposite, it's comparable to engineering, high pay at first, but it levels out after a few years. Any pluses and minuses that come with engineering come with architecture as well. MIT, UVA and quite a few others have respectable schools if you're really interested in architecture. Also, some schools require an art portfolio or some drafting skills, so make sure you know the requirements beforehand. I think it would be a good idea to shadow or meet an architecture to really find out what it's like before you commit to any plan.

btw i'm not recommending you become something you don' want to be

bettina · 10-23-2004, 03:09 PM

Architecture is not a reliable career. People in it usually love it, though. You will work for yourself and struggle, or give in and be a cog in a big firm.

clewlessme · 12-25-2004, 08:36 PM

I think becoming a "great" architect like Frank Lloyd Wright, for example, is completely individualistic. Just as in any job, it's what you make it out to be. If you're blessed with innate talent and have a lot of ambition in any field then you're (almost) sure to make it big, earn a big salary, and live comfortably.

Trust me, my mother's an RN and she HATES it. I'm ASIAN and most all Asian parents want their children to become doctors and even she said it's NOT worth it. Most people are in it for the money and when they become doctors they're left disillusioned. Not to mention, they're in a huge debt from med school. If YOU don't want to be a doctor, don't do it. Would you want to wake up every morning to dread going to work? Just remember, only you can decide what's right for your life.

(I guess I'm partly biased because I'm going to be an archy in 8 months, but still, I suggest doing what you want to do.)

Hope this helps! Good luck!

bigjake587 · 12-25-2004, 08:47 PM

Architecture is a fantastic career if you're interested in that. I remember taking an introductory class in 9th grade and absolutely loving it. I can't vouch for the job security, but almost all architects make good, middle-class salaries and can work in big cities. Furthermore, there are those that can become extremely successful because in architecture, there are a lot of opportunities. The career does not just level off if you dont want it too. You can minor in business along with architecture and then open up your own company or invest in real estate. My uncle was actually an engineer and, now, retired, he designs houses, has them built, and then sells them...i, for one, am interested in economics, but i have great respect for architects and i think its a great field and exciting career. If you're passionate about it, go for it. You can achieve just as much if not more as an architect as you can as a doctor.

thekev · 01-14-2005, 12:33 AM

Ditto, big jake.

GoBlue81 · 01-14-2005, 12:41 PM

"it's comparable to engineering, high pay at first, but it levels out after a few years."

High pay at first??? Are you sure you are not mixing up contractors with architects? Do you know how much an architecture grad makes for the first 3 years before he is qualified to take the qualifying exam? Do you know how much he then makes for the first few years if he is lucky to pass the first time?

It can be an interesting career, just make sure you are good at it.

barrons · 01-14-2005, 12:57 PM

I think most people in it like it or branch into other good careers in real estate. Pay is poor at first but a good living can be made over time. I think the people in it are generally pretty cool too.

taxguy · 01-14-2005, 01:33 PM

If you go into a career that you dislike, you will age very early, and it will kill you! If you are lucky enough to go into a career that you both like and are good at then you will be much better off than most of the population.

Be aware that architecture is a very tough, demanding profession. First, most kids in top architecture programs will attest that they are one of the, if not the hardest working kids among that of any college program. Expect to put in long hard hours in school each year during the program.

If you are good, and you need to be competant, then you will make decent pay, not great,but decent . If you start your own business and attract a following, you can make a lot of money.

My suggestion to you,which is the same that I have given my kids is: follow your dreams. You don't get as much of a chance to do so when you get older. If you feel that you will like architecture (after investigating it) then, by all means, study it in school. Even if you don't like being an architect, you can always use your training in other ways such as buying properties, fixing them up, and selling them. You can always switch careers too. Just follow your dreams. If you like what you are doing and good at it,both the money and job satisfaction will come.

MarcusG · 01-14-2005, 02:22 PM

you may never become super-wealthy.....but you will always have a job

GoBlue81 · 01-14-2005, 08:24 PM

Useful info on how to select a school (ACSA)
http://architecture.about.com/gi/dyn...ctASchool.html

Private_Joker · 01-14-2005, 09:52 PM

I heard Rice University has a great architect program for undergrads.

celebrian25 · 01-15-2005, 11:39 AM

Yes, I do know a lot about architecturor's salaries. I'm talking about when you get your first big job, not the second you get out of school

Fallinwater0328 · 01-16-2005, 03:55 PM

An architecture professor said that after he graduate from Harvard, he got a $3000 per month job at a famous firm in NY. As well as I know, the average starting salary is about $20000 a year. Poor architects!!!!!!! Or if you become a stellar one like Frank.O.Gehry, or Steven Holl, you can get $3000 per hour!