- - The original note follows - -
From: randolph@[email protected] (RANDOLPH@xxxxxxxxxx)
Subject: Re: career as an architect
Date: Fri, 11 Mar 1994 05:59:00 GMT
[A very belated reply--I'm putting it out here in the hope of seeing
some comments from people perhaps more knowledgeable than I.]
Angela Dellutri -
I'm returning to school as an architecture student soon, so I've
reseached this matter; here's my take on it.
> Can you please tell me are there any types of junior (grunt/gopher) work
> for architecture firms that he would be able to do doing the next few
> summers.
Alas, much less than before. Automation has pretty much eliminated
the need for drafters, though many firms still use them. My
suggestion here is to contact your local AIA--they may have some
suggestions. In California developers of tract houses and light
commercial structures rely on "building designers", who are not
licensed architects and need only modest training. There are probably
equivalent jobs where you live, perhaps even in architectural firms.
Working with a contractor also might perhaps provide some exposure.
> Also I have heard that you only need an Associates in Architectural
Design
> to get a job.
I believe these would be those unlicensed "building designers" I
mentioned above. There might be a career path from building designer
to licensed architect; it's worth checking out. Under California law,
a degree is not actually required; one is required to apprentice for
eight years, of which five can be at an accredited college, and pass
the architectural boards. I know of two people who've done it--one is
a noted Phoenix area architect; it's very much the hard way, however,
and I think school is a better approach if at all possible.
> I would appreciate some information on what it takes to become an
> architect.
Generally three classes of skills: three-dimensional design, architectural
drawing (which has a distinct style, and is different from drafting), and
interpersonal. The interpersonal skills are necessary for client and
professional relations, as well as the project management so necessary to
actually getting a building up.
Design skills are usually learned in a disciplined studio environment
like that of an art or architecture school or a working studio; it
typically takes about three years of full time study. Drawing is
usually squeezed into the studio practice; the interpersonal skills
are usually learned in presenting work in schools (the dreaded
"crits", or critiques) and on-the-job as apprentice.
For information on how working architects operate, refer to Dana Cuff's
*Architecture: the Story of Practice*.
> Are there better colleges than others for this field?
Of course. There are also important differences between good schools.
Generally, schools have a style they pursue--visits are a good idea, to find
out what the place is like. In addition, some schools are tightly tied to a
city's architectural community and these can be excellent choices if your
son
plans to settle in any particular community.
In terms of preparation generally, I'd suggest learning architectural
drawing (a hard thing to find outside of college--but ask around), or
perhaps studying line drawing and watercolor painting which, at least,
involves some of the same techniques. At the least, have him take a
look at Frank Ching's *Architectural Graphics*, a good basic text on
architectural drawing. I suggest a school debating team or something
similar for a beginning at presentation skills--anything that can
prepare a student for dealing with crits.
Good luck to you and your son!
Randolph
From: randolph@[email protected] (RANDOLPH@xxxxxxxxxx)
Subject: Re: career as an architect
Date: Fri, 11 Mar 1994 05:59:00 GMT
[A very belated reply--I'm putting it out here in the hope of seeing
some comments from people perhaps more knowledgeable than I.]
Angela Dellutri -
I'm returning to school as an architecture student soon, so I've
reseached this matter; here's my take on it.
> Can you please tell me are there any types of junior (grunt/gopher) work
> for architecture firms that he would be able to do doing the next few
> summers.
Alas, much less than before. Automation has pretty much eliminated
the need for drafters, though many firms still use them. My
suggestion here is to contact your local AIA--they may have some
suggestions. In California developers of tract houses and light
commercial structures rely on "building designers", who are not
licensed architects and need only modest training. There are probably
equivalent jobs where you live, perhaps even in architectural firms.
Working with a contractor also might perhaps provide some exposure.
> Also I have heard that you only need an Associates in Architectural
Design
> to get a job.
I believe these would be those unlicensed "building designers" I
mentioned above. There might be a career path from building designer
to licensed architect; it's worth checking out. Under California law,
a degree is not actually required; one is required to apprentice for
eight years, of which five can be at an accredited college, and pass
the architectural boards. I know of two people who've done it--one is
a noted Phoenix area architect; it's very much the hard way, however,
and I think school is a better approach if at all possible.
> I would appreciate some information on what it takes to become an
> architect.
Generally three classes of skills: three-dimensional design, architectural
drawing (which has a distinct style, and is different from drafting), and
interpersonal. The interpersonal skills are necessary for client and
professional relations, as well as the project management so necessary to
actually getting a building up.
Design skills are usually learned in a disciplined studio environment
like that of an art or architecture school or a working studio; it
typically takes about three years of full time study. Drawing is
usually squeezed into the studio practice; the interpersonal skills
are usually learned in presenting work in schools (the dreaded
"crits", or critiques) and on-the-job as apprentice.
For information on how working architects operate, refer to Dana Cuff's
*Architecture: the Story of Practice*.
> Are there better colleges than others for this field?
Of course. There are also important differences between good schools.
Generally, schools have a style they pursue--visits are a good idea, to find
out what the place is like. In addition, some schools are tightly tied to a
city's architectural community and these can be excellent choices if your
son
plans to settle in any particular community.
In terms of preparation generally, I'd suggest learning architectural
drawing (a hard thing to find outside of college--but ask around), or
perhaps studying line drawing and watercolor painting which, at least,
involves some of the same techniques. At the least, have him take a
look at Frank Ching's *Architectural Graphics*, a good basic text on
architectural drawing. I suggest a school debating team or something
similar for a beginning at presentation skills--anything that can
prepare a student for dealing with crits.
Good luck to you and your son!
Randolph