University of Notre Dame, RISD, or UC Berkeley for architecture?

@decazzzz In the US, BArch curriculums are regulated by the architecture board so that they cover the same material: design, structures, sustainability, technology. The difference from school to school is more in emphasis than content, and, of course, an art school will have a greater art/design focus than a school like Notre Dame, though I wouldn’t necessarily call RISD “artsy” or "experimental.

ND definitely has a niche focus in classical architecture enhanced by a unique emphasis on hand drawing. If this approach is of interest to you, then ND is an excellent choice. If it isn’t, then there’s your answer. I’m not familiar with ND’s minor in real estate. You should make sure that that is doable as the BArch curriculum is quite demanding.

UCB offers a 4.0 year BA in architecture under their College of Environmental Design. You’ll need to be clear that a transfer from sustainable design to architecture is doable and that a simultaneous degree in business is an option. (Sounds like a stretch to me.) With a BA in architecture you could continue on to a 2.0 year Master of Architecture at Berkeley or at another school of architecture. Acceptance to UCB’s MArch program is competitive and may not be guaranteed. Either way, be sure to factor in the cost of the MArch in your decision.

I’m not sure what you mean by Berkeley’s “architecture is not much to talk about.” Do you mean the buildings themselves or the reputation of the School of Architecture?