We are all naturally drawn to the things we’re told to avoid. Often, students who are unfamiliar with the details of architecture as a field ask an experienced professional for advice. They are quickly met with warnings like, “No, don’t choose it as your career, run while you can,” which understandably piques their curiosity even more. This unintended allure, combined with the mystery surrounding the profession, can cause interest to grow unknowingly. Of course, there are also genuine enthusiasts who are passionate about architecture and determined to pursue it. If you’re considering architecture as a career, here are my top recommendations you should know before making your decision.
Jack of all trades, master of “all”
The best analogy in my opinion to compare with an architect is a film director. You see, every great film features memorable dialogues, an engaging screenplay, carefully chosen costumes and meticulous color grading, among other details that contribute to its greatness. Interestingly, in a full movie production, each of these tasks is handled by specialized teams. There’s even a separate team for writing the story, which kickstarts the entire production. While all these individuals are credited in the rolling credits, it’s usually the director’s name that we remember and praise. This is because the director understands the roles of everyone involved, enabling them to communicate effectively with each department and ensure a cohesive, successful outcome that we admire on the big screen.
Architecture is much the same. An architect has knowledge of electrical layouts, plumbing, mechanical systems and structural design. This broad understanding allows them to lead discussions across various disciplines and still keep the project on track. A building must have effective plumbing, reliable electrical systems, structural integrity and, of course, beautifully designed spaces tailored to the client’s needs. If the architect didn’t understand these various components, they wouldn’t be able to design the building successfully.
And yes, mastering all these areas requires extra study, extra hard work and extra effort in every aspect.
Architecture is a business, not a job.
Imagine designing a building for someone who will live in it and getting paid for your work. In this scenario, you would be working directly for that person, not as an employee under a boss in an office. If you choose to work in an office, you’ll likely be designing under the direction of a principal architect for a client. This can lead to several frustrations. First, the design won’t be your own creation; it will be the brainchild of the principal architect. Second, even if you come up with a “great idea” during the project, your thoughts may never reach the client, as you’ll be following a strict chain of command.
Yes, as an architect, you may need to work under a practicing firm or a real estate developer for 2 to 5 years to gain experience. Architecture is a practical field that can’t be mastered through books alone. However, at the end of the day, working as an office employee, doing desk work and designing projects by simply following commands was never your dream in the first place.
The Bachelor degree is different from Engineering
Many engineering universities that offer a variety of engineering subjects also have a field of study for architecture. However, there’s an open secret that isn’t often discussed: studying architecture does not lead to an engineering degree. Upon completing your degree, you won’t receive a B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science), but rather a B. Arch (Bachelor of Architecture).
This distinction is important because an architect’s role is different from that of an engineer. Engineers are primarily responsible for creating or building things. They handle the practical, hands-on work. For example, a software engineer develops software and an electrical engineer designs and builds electrical equipment. While engineers may also engage in design or research, their primary focus is on the actual creation of the products they design.
Architects, on the other hand, are more like advisors. Their job is to guide clients on what would be best for their specific needs. After an architect has completed the design, the client then typically works with a civil or construction engineer to bring the building to life. In essence, the architect’s final product is a set of digital or printed drawings, maybe supervision while constructing but that’s where their job ends.
Your target audience as an architect : Who are you choosing this career for
Another analogy that comes to mind is the comparison between a fashion designer and a tailor. From the 2nd title, it may sound like a bad thing that architects are not exactly engineers, but this can actually be seen as a positive thing. Like a fashion designer, an architect’s primary focus is on design and creativity, rather than the technical aspects of construction.
Consider a client who wants a unique piece of clothing that perfectly matches their personality, something that stands out from anything available in the market. A tailor, skilled as they are, may not be able to deliver that level of customization. Similarly, a civil engineer might be adept at designing standard buildings, ones that are functional and straightforward to construct. However, when a client desires something truly unique, that’s where an architect comes in.
In short, architecture is a profession that caters to clients seeking a luxury experience, much like fashion design. While architects also engage in designing low-cost solutions for communities or housing, they often need larger, more prestigious projects to secure the funds necessary for such endeavors. This ability to balance creativity with practicality is what makes architecture a luxurious profession for clients who desire something extraordinary.
How I see this profession is forwarding to the future
As of 2024, I believe that the resources needed to become an architect are much easier to access than they were a decade ago. This has resulted in a growing number of architects graduating each year. However, if we consider the previous analogies, we must ask: how many skilled film directors or fashion designers does the world really need to meet its demand? With the increasing number of architects, the supply is outpacing the demand.
Globally, many architects are frustrated by low-paying jobs and inadequate compensation for their work. The rise of AI further exacerbates this issue by making creative work seem less valuable and more easily replicated. Unless a revolutionary change occurs in the field of architecture, relying on luxury clients is a risky path. These frustrations often lead architects to advise against pursuing the field to those who are interested.
In conclusion, architecture remains a prestigious profession. It requires a broad skill set, encompassing creativity, technical knowledge and inspiration, making it a challenging but rewarding career for those who are passionate about it.
