Becoming an interior architect requires a combination of education, experience, and licensure. To become an interior architect, one must obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field. The process involves four years of architecture school, followed by a higher education diploma, and extensive experience under the supervision of a registered architect.
To become an architect, one must complete three qualifications (Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3), two years of practical experience, and register as an architect with the current route to registration. Unlike interior decorator schools or programs that are only two to four years long, it takes an architect much longer to grasp the fundamental knowledge and skills required.
A bachelor’s degree in interior design can take up to four years to study the intricacies of the field. It is also possible to become an interior designer in less time through an associate’s program, which takes two years. Obtaining an Associates Degree or Certificate from a community college might take two years or less and provide a better idea of the field.
Some interior design programs can be completed in as little as 6-12 months, while others can take 2-4 years. A master’s degree typically takes one to two years full time or four years part-time. The length of time it takes to begin a career as an interior designer can range from one year to four years, depending on the educational path chosen.
The Interior Design at NJIT is a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree that is fully accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. To become a licensed/registered/certified interior designer, two years of field experience plus at least 60 credits of interior design fundamentals are required.
📹 4 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STUDYING INTERIOR DESIGN | interior design carrer tips
These are the things to know before studying interior design. If you want to become an interior designer, you need to have a clear …
How long is an interior architecture degree?
The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Architecture with Integrated Foundation Year is a four-year degree program that includes a foundation year designed to foster creativity, an Integrated International Foundation Year for international students to develop English language and creative skills, and a Professional Practice Year for students to gain valuable industry experience before their final year of study.
What qualifications do you need to be an interior Architect?
An interior designer can pursue a foundation degree, higher national diploma, or undergraduate degree in interior design, architecture, or spatial design. There are various routes to becoming an interior designer, including university courses, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. Employers may prefer enthusiastic, willing learners and good grammar. A Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card may be required for construction site work, requiring a valid CITB Health, safety, and environment test. Explore these options to find the right fit for your career.
Is interior design harder than architecture?
Interior design and architecture are two distinct fields that require distinct skills, knowledge, and creativity. Interior design focuses on the aesthetics and functionality of interior spaces, working with colors, textures, furniture layouts, and lighting to create visually pleasing and practical environments. It requires a keen eye for detail and a creative mindset, as designers need to bring their clients’ visions to life while ensuring the space meets safety standards.
Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings and other physical structures, requiring a strong grasp of engineering, mathematics, and environmental factors. They work closely with city planners and adhere to zoning laws and regulations, which can complicate the design process. Both fields share the common goal of creating beautiful spaces, but the level of complexity in their roles can differ. Architects often deal with larger-scale projects and consider more variables, while interior designers focus on finer details within the walls.
Education and training are also important factors in choosing between these fields. Architects typically require a professional degree in architecture, followed by an internship and passing a licensing exam, while interior designers may pursue a degree in interior design, which can be less rigid.
Both fields offer job satisfaction, with interior designers making a significant impact on people’s daily lives and architects contributing to the landscape of cities and communities. Both fields offer unique challenges and fulfilling careers for those passionate about design.
Is interior architecture a good degree?
Pursuing a degree in interior architecture offers numerous benefits, including a lucrative career, creative freedom, and collaboration with various stakeholders. The demand for interior design jobs is increasing, leading to a consistent flow of job opportunities for interior architects. The average salary for an interior architect worldwide is around INR 8, 00, 000 per annum, with an annual bonus ranging between INR 2, 00, 000 and INR 5, 00, 000. Interior architects can also shape society by creating purposeful and safe spaces, focusing on sustainable remodeling and designing for communities with specialized needs.
They can work on residential projects, schools, hospitals, museums, and theatres. Additionally, interior architecture is known for its interdisciplinary learning approach, involving collaboration with engineers, architects, lighting consultants, and other professionals to minimize discrepancies and ensure a smooth workflow. This approach exposes individuals to diverse perspectives and expertise, enriching their knowledge and problem-solving skills.
How to be an interior Architect?
To become an interior architect, one must obtain an undergraduate degree in architecture, complete an internship, obtain a license, continue their education in interior architecture, and apply for an interior architect position. Interior architects are specialists in designing interior spaces, ensuring they meet the needs and purpose of a building. They are responsible for choosing materials, colors, and space distribution, and have a background in architecture and design. Key skills for interior architects include proficiency in mathematics, budgeting for projects, and expertise in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software for creating blueprints and 3D models.
To become an interior architect, one must obtain a bachelor’s degree in architecture, complete an internship, obtain a license, continue their education in interior architecture, and apply for an interior architect position. This will help individuals evaluate their career path and determine if it is a good fit for them.
Should I be an architect or interior designer?
Architecture requires a strong understanding of mathematics and physics, but interior design can be a more appealing option for those with limited aptitudes. Interior spatial design is not an interior decorating course, but rather a course that demystifies key elements needed to design a three-dimensional space. It teaches about light, its impact, positioning items, and spatial functionality to maximize the potential of a space. Architecture studies are more technically focused, but interior design courses will not only focus on decor and trimmings.
When considering architecture, it is important to consider whether you are more interested in the broader societal impact or the psychological effects of interior design. The overlap between both disciplines makes it difficult to answer this question, but the effects of interior design on individual experiences within spaces are crucial for healthy buildings. In conclusion, both architecture and interior design require a strong understanding of mathematics and physics, but the focus should be on the individual’s interests and the broader societal impact of the design.
How many years does it take to be an interior designer?
A bachelor’s degree typically requires four years of study, but two years of experience are typically required for certification. Therefore, a minimum of five to six years of formal studies and on-the-job learning are necessary to obtain the degree.
What is the highest salary of interior architecture?
The mean annual income for an interior architect in California is $177, 642, with the highest earners receiving $148, 000 and the lowest earners receiving $162, 854.
Is interior design career worth it?
Interior design is a remunerative profession with a substantial initial remuneration, which can be a disadvantage for those embarking on an entrepreneurial venture or employed in a firm, as it requires a significant investment of time to attain a comparable income.
What is the youngest age to be an interior designer?
Interior decorating programs typically require a minimum age of 18 to enroll, but some programs accept students as young as 16, provided they have a parent or legal guardian’s consent. Interior decorating is an unregulated profession, and if you want to branch out into interior design, you will need to complete additional training and become legally licensed. However, you can train as an interior decorator or develop your décor skills earlier to gain experience until you’re older enough to consider licensing.
If your local area doesn’t allow training until 18, use online resources to practice basic décor skills. Google interior décor blogs or vlogs, read planning magazines, and use reputable resources as a research guide. Practice by helping your mom re-coordinate furniture or giving your best friend’s bedroom a complete makeover. Building a small portfolio can also help you present your work to potential programs. The more experience you have before training, the higher your chances of being accepted into the program of your choice when you’re older enough.
Which degree is best for interior architecture?
A bachelor’s degree in interior design is necessary for entry-level positions and requires four years of full-time study. It provides a comprehensive understanding of interior design concepts and allows students to choose a specialization. A master’s degree, which takes two years of full-time study, is ideal for leadership positions and offers advanced curriculum and niche specialization opportunities. Common specializations include residential, commercial, hospitality, and sustainable design.
📹 Everything You Need to Know Before Starting Architecture
Everything you need to know before starting a career in architecture. This video discusses things they don’t teach you about the …
Great article. I’ve been an architect 40+ years, the key is curiosity about how things work, communicating with people, finding and expressing creative solutions. It’s a team event, not an artist sitting alone. Time management is critical, no need for all- night design efforts. Learn to sketch to explore ideas, not as art to frame. Look at your table: how is it made? Draw how the parts go together, then think about options. What if your wooden table had metal legs instead- how would that work? Then look at your room- sketch how it is, then think about changes. What if your room had different windows? Sketch, think, and repeat.
I wanted to be one since I sat at a drafting table at age 7. 20+ years practicing. If you don’t like problem solving, this won’t be a fit. If you seriously enjoy finding solutions to complex problems, this is a field that would be appealing. It’s very rewarding when you see the fruit of your labor as a built environment that you and other can inhabit and occupy.
Great article! Thanks for sharing all those options for folks starting out. After architecture school, I skipped working for a design firm, and worked for a contractor instead, and eventually went out on my own in residential design. Very important for anyone who wants to hang out a shingle is to get into networks with folks who need your service. Eg. I networked with a lot of real estate investors who needed design help for their properties. There are investors who are always looking for architects/designers for residential, commercial, industrial, etc.
I’m a really introverted person who wants to go into architecture. From your sharing it seems like there’ll be a lot of presentation and working with a lot of people… I guess having to frequently work with people is really inevitable huh. Edit: Guys, the main issue for me is not with presentations and public speaking. Those things follow a script and with enough rehearsing I can do them well. I’m talking about responding to unexpected situations and questions and networking skills.
Hello Dami, I must compliment your work ethic. It must be CHALLENGING and time consuming to be an efficient architect, blogger and you-tuber (with professionally curated content and detailed replies) all at the same time. Thank you for your content, you deserve to be at a greater space and will be soon hopefully. Best wishes :).
As san Architectural Designer at a corporate firm in NYC I’m really only now realizing a lot of things that nobody ever presented to me before actually getting a job in Architecture. I wish I had a article like this, and someone to really get it into my head how overworked and underpaid Architects can be…
I left my job from architecture firm after 1 month of working their because the work was exhausting and reputating one thing for different designs. We architects can work on different areas like film industry, game production, on advertising, creative industry and so on Beacuse we know 3D modeling, 3D rendering, design process, visualization ….so on.
Finishing school and THEN learning how REAL profession works is DEFINITELY a FAIL OF EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM. This is the thing i hate the most about architecture school. Teaching a practical profession without a practical approach. The level of education and the mentioned undervaluation of interns and professionals with lowering pay and overworking needs to change for the best and evolve ASAP.
honestly i chose architecture my first year of university after being undeclared bc i like art, design, sustainability, think u can do a lot with the degree and wanna contribute something to the world. i’m a bit nervous it’s not actually the field for me esp because i am not a math person, but i also would love to help design green hospitals or welcoming homes. i’m in my 2nd year now at a different competitive university that unfortunately has no design school. it’s stressful bc i have to teach myself modeling software and read design textbooks in my free time, but there is so much opportunity here — this year i’m designing a memorial for a house museum exhibition that will actually be physically constructed on campus!!! i have a lot of trepidation, but so far i love it and if it doesn’t work out there’s always set/stage design or article game development, and maybe museum work (if i marry someone rich 😅)
It’s a little frustrating seeing this, but also very helpful. Knowing I’m probably at least a decade away from my dreams of being a residential architect. (as a first year going into summer studio in arkansas 🙂 It makes me want to challenge the system a little. Why don’t they tell us this in school? To take on an intern that doesn’t know the ins and outs of how a firm works, I could imagine is quite useless. There’s such a disconnect between the education system and how life really operates. Quite frankly, it’s baffling. Regardless, I’m still excited to be an architect. I like working in a team and seeing a project I contributed to come to life. Thank you for your article, its made me realize I need to readjust my expectations, and maybe how I ask questions to my professors in the future lol.
I live in Athens, Greece and my goal is to change the city’s whole feeling with architecture. I’m still in high school but I’m doing really good with my sketches and work. I hope that I’ll succeed. And to whoever is reading this, have a wonderful and productive day 😊 UPDATE: I changed my mind and settled upon wanting to become a Civil Engineer Teacher. About two months ago I finished the Panhellenic Exams ( Every student has to take part in the exams if they wish to enter a Public University ) and I got accepted into the Uni I wanted and also placed 13th in the overall score! My goals now are the following: 1. Finish the Uni with a high grade 2. Take courses in ECO-Engineering 3. Go to study extra abroad at the University of Washington ( My Uni has a partnership deal ) Thank you all for the positive comments.
Great article. I remember wanting to be an architect as young as 10 years old. Always designing/building things. I went to a technical school for architecture for 2 years. And found out rather quickly that it wasn’t going to be what I thought it was. So glad for that school and the professors (they all needed to be currently working in the field to teach) they were very honest about the work and career paths. So glad I shifted and moved to something else. While still being able to design and build some stuff
Excellent article! As an architecture undergrad, however, I honestly think the profession will go the way of the dodo bird, simply because many architects have let themselves become irrelevant. When you become a cult-like profession and real work needs to get done, society will just move around you…I think construction management and engineering and maybe urban planning will be far more relevant than the traditional architecture profession. And it doesn’t help architects that their education is super expensive and a way for colleges to generate revenue without any guarantee of jobs upon graduation. My advice: go for an undergrad in architecture to learn skill sets and get a well-rounded technical education, but with the expectation that you are probably never going to design something yourself until you have your own practice or are independently wealthy! Try to diversify into construction management or something related to architecture at the graduate level, maybe manufacturing and get into product design!
Hey! I’m just a highschooler but for some reason they make it seem like you need your entire retirement plan sort out, I was quite doubtful about my choice to study architecture because I was wondering if I wanted to do it because I liked it or because I was finding another route to escape my parents choice to make me a dentist, I was having this doubtful phase for like a year now, I decided to check other options and on the way found your articles, it made me realise how much I liked it. I know this sounds like a rant of some sort but I really needed to tell this to someone. thx for your articles!
Thanks Ms. Dami. I am a high school senior who recently got accepted into university for the 5 year B.Arch program. I have had my doubts on going to school for architecture and choosing it as a profession (mainly from stories from students who saw architecture as something it isn’t) but perusal vids like this and working on my college admissions portfolio and design analysis papers have made me excited for my university education as well as becoming an architect. So glad I found ur website.
I am a second-year architecture here in the Philippines, I watched this article over and over again to get an idea of what to do before taking architecture. i really expect the unexpected before taking up architecture. but now it makes a progress for me to work smart and collaborate with classmates. thank you for this motivational article of yours.
I left architecture in the 90’s after 4 years in the practice. Over the next 30 years, these are all the different jobs I’ve had while leveraging my design and presentation skills: 3D modeler/Animator, Accident forensic reconstructor, Multimedia/Web designer, Art Director, Creative Director and now UX Architect in the IT industry. Funny thing is I get to use the title Architect now even though I never completed my AIA/NAAB certification process. Compared to architecture, my jobs had progressively consumed fewer working hours while my compensation growth was inversely proportional (commensurate with equivalent architectural seniority level); and I still get the same satisfaction from the practice of design. In the digital world, you usually get to see the fruits of your design labor within weeks or months, not years. Your 5/6 year investment in the professional degree may still be valuable other career paths that provide fairer compensations.
I’m 50yrs old now, out of high school I tried architecture courses in college and discouraged by my male professors, so to see you; a woman explaining architecture is so appreciated. Yes, I did give up (didn’t have a voice then). I’m in accounting now; however, I will always regret not doing what I wanted to love!
Any design profession where your not working on your own project and funded by you is just an extended customer service job! Most people fall in love with the idea of “being” a designer, artist, etc then realize that the profession leans heavily on selling ideas, resolving conflict, appeasing clients, and taking A LOT of creative compromises! To thrive you need to be Great in Sales, Mediations, Forecasting, and that Jedi Mind Trick where you convince the client it was their idea!
Just saw this in my feed. Love your article! 🙂 Frustrated architect here. Wanted to take architecture every since I was a kid, but ended up doing software development. 🙂 I’ve always wondered how my life would have turned out if I did pursue architecture. From your description, it’s very similar to software development — things you learn, the scale, the things you do, coordination and collaboration with others, career path, etc. How come you architects always have the best production value in your articles? 🙂 Will be subscribing. 🙂
This is a great description of the profession. I am a semi-retired Architect with 49 years experience and it is refreshing to see an honest reflection of the day to day process. It can be tough financially if you are not focused, but it can be rewarding seeing your projects years after completion adding to the community.
I am also an architect, well actually I am rethinking my life. I think the industry is not working from so many aspect. Firstly the industry right now is solely based on client: it means no focus on community, no focus on environment, no focus on your rights as an architect Second, making architecture your identity ( a world said by so many architects) makes it easier for firms to abuse your time and money. Saying “architecture is not a profession is who you are”. I think that absolutely nonsense, your identity is not as small as a building you design. Third, competition is very much encouraged and egoism is something normal to see between architect. Fourth, it is very easy to get burned out!
I’ve worked in IT for years, but never liked it. Architecture and design are my biggest passions, so I figured I should give this a shot before I’m too old to switch gears easily. Helpful info! This wasn’t discouraging at all. My professional romanticism was already burst long ago, I never figured I would be churning out beautiful designs every day lol
4th year architecture student here, year 1: easy but you get to know you don’t know anything Year 2: you question everything you do and maybe even have the occasional breakdown on almost not passing. Year 3: I don’t care what the critics say I’m gonna stick to my guns and defend my ideas and learn as much as I can from potential mistakes and successes Year 4: one year to go, can’t wait Year 5: not been there yet Overall my bachelor’s degree was the roughest year since I was up 8ish and went to sleep around 23ish, one time around 01/02ish due to the search for perfection Architecture is fun but let’s not look away from how stressing it can be and is
when i was kid i wanted to be an architect cause of this one game i seen then became obsessed. im in 10th grade rn trying to figure out what colleges i would apply for and what schools have an architecture program. it just makes me so anxious and excited at the same time thinking of this! but i feel like i can do it if i have hope 😊
Wow. Big topic. Very challenging. I was registered in 1974 (46 years!). The expression I use is that it is a great profession but a so so business. Your advice on getting registered ASAP is very well taken. I do have a few suggestions tho. 1. Talk about firm types: strong idea, strong delivery; strong services. 2. To think ahead snd plan ones career. It’s very doable if one does it. People often do not imagine that they can think 3, 5, snd 15 years ahead, and yet just be thinking and writing it down it’s possible to plan where one wants to be snd to get there. 3. Lastly taking to people face to face (zoom to zoom?) to find out what they are going and finding somebody who is doing exactly what you/they want to do for themselves. Is invaluable and sometimes one finds that one does not want to be or do that after talking to a person who seems to have all one thought one wanted. Sorry for the convoluted language but the concept is important. Thanks for going this. Very interesting. 👍🏻
Everything you say is quite true even here in the Philippines. It’s not necessarily that it’s a trap, but here you grow up perusal TV or movies whose leading characters or love partners are architects. They’re essentially portrayed as very sexy, rich, intelligent, and creative people which may be the case for some but definitely feels like an unrealistic modern standard. Parents also encourage their children who are good at art or even drawing in general to go into architecture because “there’s money there” and that going into an fine arts program isn’t lucrative or even dignified enough for some of them. There’s this pervasive idea here that if you can draw you should be an architect without truly understanding what responsibilities and struggles really go into going into the field. As an artist I loved drawing people, but I admit that I should’ve asked myself if I even liked drawing buildings or environmental spaces before going into architecture. That was my mistake, and a lot of other people’s mistakes too. This is why in my uni a lot of people shifted out of the course around the first three years. Great content btw, you really laid out what it’s like to be in a firm in today’s context. Subbing just because you got me to write this long af comment! Cheers~
This was a really great article, I’m a graphic designer and honestly I’ve been feeling like I can’t really grow or help out the world like I want to in that industry. After perusal your article I’m more interested in learning more about the profession, because I’m just not sure if I can really go far in life career rise in graphic design.
I’m 27 years old. I want to start over,study a field that I’d be happy with.I am curious to learn about Architecture+interior design and general medical studies with a short speciality in psycho-nutrition. I hesitating between the two fields, which one going to worth the time(years spent in studies ; Archi 6years/Med 7 years) effort and would last for the up coming years cause you know all how Artificial intelligence and IT in general changing the world, most fields skills or carriers options are somehow disappearing. The biggest common point between Architecture and Med for me is to get to work as an entrepreneur on my own business on my pace…I mean for Med, a specific schedule that suits my lifestyle where I’d be aimed to help people prevent getting sick! maintain their PhyandPsy health at early stages,i want to insure that my patients live a balanced healthy lifestyle and avoid getting into that deep hole of diseases,symptoms and stuffs that come with pathologies…So I’d incorporating online consultations for ex too..However for Archi,I’d offer services through a personal brand. Believe me If I could combine both I would do it definitely.Unfortunately,for architecture there aren’t any shorts programs at universities in my country. Dear Architects,Dear Doctors What do you Think,any insights or thoughts are welcomed ?Thanks. Ps: you can mention incomes/ salaries even though I don’t consider them that much as an indicator of comparison.
I’m a licensed architect who went through the bullshit. She tells the truth. DamiLee, you are the official Jesus for “potential” architects. Listen to her, SAVE yourself before ruining your life by the SCAM that ALL architecture schools are. I promise you that architecture schools are nothing more than a slave producing factory for the construction industry. Almost nothing you enjoy from school will be what you practice,and the licensing program is an even worse LIFETIME trap with annual fees for zero reward, nor will you ever truly experience the buildings you waste your soul and time to design/build. Fellow architects to be, do your HOMEWORK and don’t lie to yourself before you let your so-called professors and schools trick you into become their non-livable salaried or no-pay slave labor. Think about it, COMPARE industries, don’t be stupid.
I recently just graduated with a masters degree in architecture yet it’s been quite challenging for me to secure entry to gain experience in the United States so I am currently living in Canada hopefully this makes a difference given the current hiring landscape with COVID and all. I really appreciate your perspective !!! 💯
hi, Im a third year student here, the struggle is real but i feel like i am engrossing to it and feel satisfied of what i had learn every semester. yet, i am super nervous and anxiety to imagine what’s happen when it comes to working field as it is tell to be more challenging.So, it is great to hear from you, this means alot
Thank you for this vid, Dami! I am going into a landscape architecture program this fall and I am SO EXCITED and was lowkey dreading perusal this article haha, but honestly I am not at all deterred by what you have said here! I am coming from a very pigeon-holed prior career trajectory and am just so happy to get into a more practical field and to learn skills I can use in landarch and a bunch of other endeavors. <3
I’m in high school now but this article was really good. It gives a good insight for some people that may not understand that architecture may look like only designing buildings and stuff but it’s much more than that in the real world. A lot of people don’t know that you do a lot more than ”just” design buildings and stuff, you also have to go through all the other procedures to even get close to finalizing something. The moment I found out what architecture was I wanted to be one. I have always been fascinated by the action of designing and planing a structure or place, and the more I got to know how the world of architecture is, made me even more intrigued. I can’t quite explain it but the idea that architecture has all of these other things involved makes me want to become one even more. I plan to go to the University of Waterloo here in Cambridge, Ontario. Feel free to let me know any tips about the said university, I think their Co-op system is very cool. I also would like to(in the future) become more of a hospitality architect. I am a lot more fascinated by designing Hotels and Resorts.
really found this article helpful, thank you. made me realize that architecture is NOT for me lol. i just like the idea of creating designs, and you know, all the basic things they make you do in college. now when i think about it, i don’t see myself being happy with the career itself. it’s still very fascinating though, and i’ll always look up to architects. and besides, i really want to have a part time job while i’m in college, (probably a weird and unusual dream for a high school student) and i think studying architecture wouldn’t let me have any time for that.
I wanted to be an architect since I was in high school then I went to college and started my arch courses, but I soon realized I couldn’t give school my full time cause I had to work full time to pay for school, I ended up switching majors to economics and have been working for 5 years in the field. Now as an adult I wish I had stuck to architecture 😢
Love your tone of voice. Calm, knowledgeable about the main topics, sounds like you care not only about the subject but also about your viewers. You do not come off as arrogant and that keeps the viewer interested in the subject and not you. Your appearance is very neat and confident and that breeds confidence in the subject matter too. Loved your article. Want to see more! Thanks.
Urban planner here. I work closely with a lot of architects specific to the design and construction of new schools. I often feel bad for young architects who tend to be delegated to project management. That said, the group work aspect is very rewarding. It’s really fun working with different disciplines. If you are interested in working in the built environment, I strongly consider students to look into urban planning / urban design programs as well.
I’ve often thought of Architecture as the epitome of creativity and I’d love to design and build my own land one day with cutting edge green technology in open and closed ecosystems. I’d love to create magnificent buildings that blend with nature and grow with it and make my own utopia to share with people and create my own world (like Singapore). This article help put things in to perspective, i’ve considered on Architecture in the past (along with many other careers) but as I get older the more I want to create and what better way as an adult to express your inner child and make a mark in the world
I felt every detail you said coz it’s true it was a trap 😂. It’s experience after experience after experience needed before you can set up your own firm. I think Architects should invest in business management courses to learn how to properly manage the money involved in it. Just passed the board exam and now looking for a job. Found out the salary would just go a little bit higher if licensed but yeah it’s good to be early. Then you will have to gain more skills and years in this field to be successful in life. Years of investment. 🎉
Hi! Very insightful! I’m trying to make quite a big decision here. What do you think about starting Architecture as a 34 year old? I have the opportunity to get a scholarship (since I’m not living currently in my home country and otherwise would be impossible to afford it atm for me), but I’m having a hard time deciding whether to go for this career or not. I have a couple other options too, but this one has been a big draw in my life, but never really got around to try to go for it. I have a background in design and in music. Thank you!
I’m graduating high school in like a month and for the past two years architecture seems very interesting for me and I would love and try it but the thing that I’m worried about is my drawings skill, I’m literally so bad when it comes to that and I’m scared that, that is gonna be a big problem, do they teach you everything about that in school?
If you want to be a well paid architect, you better love it like nothing else, because it will consume your life. it is long hours of drafting, homework, work work, personal projects, school projects and assignments. if you are not going to put in 100%, don’t try because I have found out that if you are not going to work hard and give it everything, there is someone right behind you that WILL. DO NOT TAKE ARCHITECTURE AS A WHIMSICLE DECISION OR BECAUSE YOU CAN DRAW OK. it takes more than that, just the math you will be doing in school will exclude most from being an architect. My first day there were 20 kids in my class, the next day there were about 8.
Thank you so much DamiLee for taking the time to make this article. I’m a marine engineer looking into a career transition out of sailing, and I’ve been contemplating a shift into architecture, but I believe my skills and talents would be better directed in another role based on how long I’ve been working in engineering operations. It would seem a bit late to reinvent myself from scratch now. Architecture is nonetheless a remarkable profession, great edifications have been brought about by it, and I’ve always had an interest in it since I lived in New England. I could see a career shift most likely associated with architects as clients and team personnel, possibly in civil engineering. Let me know what you think! Your articles on the subject are great and I look forward to seeing more of them! Keep it up!
as a master student in architecture, my advice is to never go into architecture without a BURNING passion for it. go for interior design if you’d like this type of career. reason being is that the market for jobs are really trash for architecture students. part timers at mc donalds or starbucks make better money vs fresh grad architecture students. if you’d still want to delve into architecture, then start with critical thinking of anything that people do, be friendly towards seniors because you will be lost without them, start networking during studies, be involved in any workshop/tournaments/programmes that is available. Don’t go aiming fully on marks. Start specializing in some parts of architecture ie software skills, photoshop or realistic rendering
I’m bailing architecture after my bachelors’ degree. On a side, I feel like I’ve managed to escape this unfulfilling career path (for me!!). I guess it’s just too early to say that was the right decision. Going back in time I would have probably made the same choice of studying architecture 1000 times. Unless this article existed in 2017!
I’m currently 16 and in my second last year of high school in which I took computer science as an extra subject. Currently confused between Computer Engineering and Architecture/Architectural Engineering since I will have some experience in computer science but I also like sketching. This article gives me an insight into the field, so thank you ❤
I rarely comment on article but after seeing your article I had to. Your energy is amazing and you seem very knowledgeable. I got a bachelor in Computer Science and I’m looking into learning Architecture & Interior Design as an hobby (maybe more in the future idk yet) and this article explained so much. Thank you for all this information, you are such a great inspiration! I subbed and I hope you keep making articles and maybe other types of content. This website deserves to be in the top ranks for the content it provides. Thank you one more time <3
Here is what you need to know: -Your boss will take ALL the credit for your designs. -You will get under paid. -You will be micromanaged at every step. -After ten years exp you’ll lose a job because some fresh grad teen used hype words in their interview and the old man doing the interview thinks he’ll get lucky one late night at the office. -Most of the crap you’ll hear in the office is just people being pretentious douchbags. -Every client will tell you how to design because they know just as much as you after perusal a few DIY shows and flicked through some magazines. -Every bulider will tell the client they could have designed it as its just “putting rooms beside rooms” -Every person in IT (information technology) will use the term “Architect” when all they do is write code. If you want money, study cyber security. Architecture is a vampire society, you’ll only reach the top once the person who should had retired 20yrs ago dies as they cant let go. I was an electrician for 12yrs, Qualified architectual technician and I have a degree in commercial construction management. it ain’t worth the hype.
Neat article. Construction admin is optional, and not all firm get into that. As a principal of my own (residential/small commercial) firm, I stay away from it. Just takes way too much time. Getting laid off back in 2011 was the best thing that happened. Luckily being licensed allowed me to set up my own studio. Never looked backed. Can’t beat the freedom compared to working for a firm. I hire “freelancers” to help me with finishing up CAD plans for permit. It’s a clean setup and the income is MUCH better.
Wanted to be an architect at first, but ended up getting a bachelor as a Construction Architect. (a mix of Architect and Engineer) So happy I choose that, because that introduced me to BIM and ICT. One of the big things I think is healthy for an Architect to know as well, is everything that entails building services, HVAC, electrical ETC.
Great article and summary! I agree with most of it, but do fear that the industry is backsliding in most of the areas discussed due to fee crunch. Licensure is only worthwhile if the firm makes it worth your while. Whether this is better opportunities, better salary or both. I see too many people get licensed and remain as CAD monkeys getting charged out as a fully fledged architect, just for the sake of waving around a title.
I’m an Acoustical Consultant and Designer and I can confirm that even for engineers and consultants, the day-to-day is way different than what you find in school. And budget management is one of the pillars of this industry. You MUST know how to allocate hours and resources to complete a project on time and complete. Great article! 👍
Thank you for giving me an insight about the world of architecture.I came from business degree and some of my high school friend is doing a degree in architecture.What you are saying is right in a way that if an archithect wants to design a building and build it,he or she has to deal with a lot of people including mechanical engineering people and electrical engineering people.It is not counting the builder, welder,plumber etc.Most of my friend want to be the sole archithect
Subscribed. Good article, but it wasn’t at all going in the direction I was expecting: As a graduate with a Bachelor in Architecture, I’d like to add: 1. Most of you won’t be Architects coming out of school. Many of you won’t be coming from accredited schools meaning you can’t take the ARE right away. Most of you will find that the license won’t be useful for you as an employee. Those that do take the ARE out of school from an accredited program, you may still find that it’s experience in the field that will help you pass the exams. 2. Architecture is the only luxury profession. CPA’s, Engineers, Doctors, Lawyers are all perceived as necessary to pay taxes, to make sure the building doesn’t fall down, to keep with your health, to keep you out of jail. An Architect has its value, but often overlooked by work of an Engineer or even Contractor who ends up doing the “design”. Since we’re not recognized as necessary, we’re paid that way. 3. To really make any money out of this, you need to have your own firm. That means sales. That also means you need a partner. The most successful firms I’ve worked for have one person concentrating specifically and only on getting new clients and taking care of the business end of things. The other partner exclusively is focused on the building design. 4. Oh, by the way, design is only about 10% of being an Architect. Yes, the rest is filled with the logistics of creating CD’s, answering RFI’s, putting together details, working with the City, field walks, putting as-builts together, etc.
I’m a 13 year old who wants to do architecture. People are already warning me about how hard physics is so I know how bad studying for Architecture is. My mother also asked me multiple times if I’m sure if I want to become and architect. Generally I’m so confused on what to do because I don’t want to waste my time choosing a subject that won’t benefit me
Fair warning. Just know that you’ll be losing A LOT of sleep if you study architecture. You’ll also be burning a lot of money in model making materials and 3D printing. When you do finally finish your degrees, you may get PTSD like I do. You’ll then be thrust into the industry without having learnt anything that is actually practical in the real world.
– starts with sketching – Google said architecture is best for sketching lioe things etc etc… – my bff choose b arc and the college – me heart broken bcz my dad passed away due to covid ( convinced by bff for her proposal to being an architect student ) – first year : complete mess, incomplete works, no pass mark (still struggles to complete ) – second yr : again messed up due to first yr . – current situation : don’t know what to do and doing nothing Any suggestions to improve myself 🙂
Hey guys I’ve just posted my first ever youtube article on architecture and while I’m satisfied with the end result I’m unhappy about not having any feedback whatsoever and not knowing what I could improve for future ones (don’t get me wrong, it was predictable and a result of not having any previous subscribers). If you could give your honest opinion on the content and the article in general it would mean the world to me 🙂
Dami Lee, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I needed to hear this. I am interested in a Landscape Architecture career and by just attempting to design and manage my own garden project, I came across lot’s of complexities already… administration, legal, construction & engineering… This article was an eye-opener but in a positive way. I feel actually more encouraged to pursue architecture.
Loved the article! But I wanted to talk about something over here. I am about to become a senior in high school and I have to decide what to do for college as soon as possible. The thing is. People say you should follow your heart and go with a major you are really interested on, or that you are passionate about. To some extent, I agree on that – by the end of the day it would not be so pleasant to be working on something you despise. Although, I find myself in a position in which many other highschoolers can also relate. I do not really know what I want to do. I mean, I know I like architecture or design for instance, but I am not sure if that is the right path. The problem is that schools do not teach us to make such decision. I am not sure if I want to follow a career such as a computer engineering because averagely speaking it gives considerable money. I also do not have the dimensions of working hours or if I would be happy doing so. I think what I need the most is someone to tell me how is the job in practice. But not the perfect job or something like that, for example when they say “architectures make 50thousand a year in the first year of work”. We all know that this varies a lot. I want to know, when you graduate, where do you wanna go first? How you start you career? When or do I specialize myself? If someone could explain a little bit more about, I would be immensely grateful, and so so sorry for the long text.
Here’s what you need to know: buildings are easy. It’s people who are difficult. You are never going to get taught anything about people at university (you’ll be lucky if you get taught anything about buildings, but that’s another story), but understanding your clients, and getting your clients to agree with each other, and extracting the REAL brief from your clients, and extracting the REAL budget, and preparing your clients for the building process, and getting your clients to agree that there will be no further changes to the design, and that the building contract is a legal thing and not something they can change at a whim……and on and on……….THAT’S the real challenge of an architect’s life. You might think you are going to be spending your time colour-washing sketches and doing glorious photo-real renderings………..you’re not. That’s 5% of the job. Most of the time you metaphorically have your hands dirty in the nuts and bolts of engine compartment, and spend almost no time thinking about what the car looks like. Most of the rest of your time is spent talking to people, and dealing with a multiplicty of their frustrations and ignorance.
3D models are so valuable for making a beautiful design functional. Having all the engineering disciplines at 3D model review fixes all the pitfalls before they destroy the design. You sell the design to the client based on how it looks. The teams job is to retain the design and fit in all the unsexy utilities and control the cost.
I love how people say all you do is draw and build models how can you never sleep and work 30-50 hours a week for 6 years. It is actually incredibly time intensive, your equipment is expensive, coming up with ideas can take days, it can be really demoralising if you get hooked on design thats shit and have to change it, modelling takes days and weeks, CAD and Rendering takes hours, good portfolios can take hours or days. But everything about architecture I love just as much since I was 10 and maybe more so.
I’m an intern architect in the same city as you Dami, and its refreshing seeing someone that isn’t that jaded by the profession by now haha. Just throwing my 2cent in here. To anyone trying to become an architect, please, ask yourself if you really love the REAL aspects of architecture. Architecture / design school is amazing, but its NOTHING like the actual profession. I for one knew what I was getting into, I believed I was passionate enough about it, and for the first year or so, I loved it. But I eventually grew to resent my choice in architecture… mostly because of the effort : money aspect. Dami is not exaggerating. You make pennies compared to your 6 year grade school counterparts. The only time it somewhat equals out is post architecture license and add maybe 10 years of experience after licensing. Where as the Law students will be making that amount maybe 2 or 3 years post grad. This difference isn’t just restricted to lawyer, doctors, or other grad school professions. Its the same with developers, real-estate agents etc. I’m lucky to have friends in each profession… we all work extremely hard and we all strive to better ourselves in our respective fields, but its demoralizing when your efforts are always rewarded shy of what you expected it to be. TLDR; if you’re in this for money, dont. run. Go do stocks, or start a business. If you want money and wanting a career focused life in construction, think of working as a developer or a real-estate agent / real-estate investor.
Great article, I’ve been in the field for 16 years now, things I wish I would have know before going into architecture. I took a non-traditional path, worked in a local paper mill for 13 years, but always wanted to be an architect. I felt the disappointment of school not fully preparing me for what working in a firm would be like. One thing not mentioned is there are a lot of high stress people in architecture, a lot of them are firm owners or principals. Not to dissuade others, but this is one thing to consider as well, your interpersonal skills and how to effectively deal with stress. It is a general part of life, every profession or industry has it’s unpleasant side. I agree with the point of moonlighting whenever you can. You know more than you think you do, and this is a great way to build confidence. My best advice for anyone thinking of architecture as a career….go job shadow at a couple firms in your locale, and not just for a day. If you can find a firm that will let you volunteer during the summer while you’re in high school, you’ll get a better perception of what the profession is like. Plus it will add to your resume and make you more marketable if you decide to follow this path.
I wish i saw this before going to architecture. Now im a freshman and i found that im not really interested in buildings etc. I was always told that if you like drawing you should be an architect even tho i wanted a more art related course. Im scared of shifting cuz i dont want to disappoint my family and they look down on art as a career hahah. Might shift next year cuz architecture is a big responsibility and i shouldn’t force myself making half assed designs :)) what other art courses are there? Thank you sm for this vid <3
i don’t know what is wrong with me and my ambitions but i actually don’t mind the field’s day-to-day working environment like having to do what others say, work on someone else ideas in a team, be responsible for one phase/part of the project. i always struggle a lot at school due to the fact that every half semester i have to prepare fully original project myself and i guess i just lack creativity to do so. great article!
I wants to design classical buildings and possibly even cities, I’ve been want to be an architect for a while now but after experiencing my high school principals of architecture course I’ve come to the conclusion that the system in most schools isn’t designed for someone like me and my desires. I also realized I can’t draft productively in a dismal modern environment as most schools are boring in nature. When contemplating how I use my college tuition, I feel distressed as I don’t want to pay to work in a mental prison for the rest of my life.
Ok for me..am from nigeria…just got into the college kinda looking for an inspiration from a person to follow the footsteps..ànd be the greatest architecture..also you mentioned the license. Hoping if am done with my sch …I can get mine I dubai and USA . Hope I can get someone here who will guide me through the path of architecture…and my idol is zaha
Currently in the field for nearly 6 years now . Currently in the testing phase and honestly I plan to leave the field for tech as soon as I can! The field is not only exhausting but it’s honestly toxic. The dated practices, lack of flexibility after it’s been proven that hybrid works best for so many, slight hazing for new professionals, the lack of appreciation for the profession from other respected professionals and/or seasoned architects to the newer generation, the “boring” projects and the large/small firm dynamic, and low pay off compared to other professions . Such a draining profession.
I manage a CAD Engineering team in Carlsbad CA. One of my employees left five years ago to work towards becoming an architect he did over three years in the firm before eventually coming back to my team. He told me that the one thing that held him back was the firm told him he needed to go and get project management experience before he would be recommended for his exams. He was completely thrown for a loop, became depressed, and asked for his old job back. He was also only paid $18/hour for his work. Of course, we pay him a lot more. But it just seemed pretty sad that spending so much on a degree and then there are more obstacles still in the way is a destroyer of dreams.
I studied civil engineering while my brother studied architecture and he found it irritating that my stating salary was $80k while his was only $63k lol. You don’t make a lot of money starting out as an architect and architect licensing exams are pretty brutal because they don’t want to saturate the market. And as an architect you gotta learn how to hustle; There are plenty of people wanting to convert their garage, adding patio, adding a bathroom, or remodeling their kitchen, etc. Make friends with contractors so that they can funnel you work. My brother and I have our own side gig apart from our day job where he works on design and architecture while I’m on MEPS and we make easy money doing TIs. Our revenue for FY2021 was $300k from the gig alone. Gotta hustle, people.
Please make a article on students who who have done their bachelor’s in some other country like India and then want to come to Canada and have a career in interior designing, like do we get to have a job and work or do we have continue with master’s degree and then what is the criteria to get permanent residency
I’ve been perusal a lot of stuff on architecture as a career and every single of them says how creativity is absolutely needed for me to improve. So growing up I never had the opportunity to do practical crafts or explore building things and now I’m doing my A levels, personally im under a lot of pressure that I can’t even spare the time to make something and even If I do, I usually run out of energy. I’ve never really been able to see the potential creativity in me, do you think I should still take arch? People ask if I’m creative enough but that’s the thing I literally have no idea but I want to find out if I have the potential in me, given that I never had the resources or the opportunity to design something.