Everything You Need to Know Before Starting Architecture

Summary

In this insightful video, Dami, an architect from Vancouver, offers a comprehensive guide for those considering a career in architecture. He covers key aspects like the differences between school projects and real-world architecture, the complexity and constraints of professional work, and the importance of licensing. Dami also delves into career paths, highlighting the choice between working for a firm or starting your own practice. His advice is invaluable for anyone planning to pursue architecture, emphasizing the need to get licensed early and to gain practical experience through internships and co-op programs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Architecture school is fun but very different from real-life architecture work, where creativity is often less emphasized.
• 🏗️ Real-world projects take years to complete, with architects often working on one phase at a time, unlike school projects that are condensed into short semesters.
• 🔧 Architects often spend time on coordination tasks such as ensuring mechanical systems do not interfere with design elements like lighting or walls.
• 💡 In real-life, designs must be pragmatic and fit within budget constraints, focusing on functionality and return on investment rather than pure creativity.
• 🏢 Large projects require teamwork, with architects collaborating with other designers, consultants, and engineers, while small projects may involve solo work.
• 📈 Many architects specialize in specific building types or roles within firms, such as project manager, design architect, or construction documentation expert.
• 🖊️ After obtaining a license, architects can work for themselves, but it comes with significant responsibilities like marketing, legal work, and financial management.
• 📊 Working in a firm provides opportunities to work on a variety of project types and to collaborate with a team, whereas working solo can feel isolating.
• 💼 Architects need to complete extensive internships (3,700 hours in Canada) and pass licensing exams to practice independently or in firms.
• 💰 New architects typically earn less than those in fields like law due to the practical experience required after graduation to become valuable in the industry.
• 📝 Aspiring architects should consider internships, co-op programs, or freelance work to gain practical experience early in their careers, as it helps boost their value in the job market.

Q & A

What are the main differences between architecture school and real-life architecture practice?

In architecture school, projects are fast-paced and condensed into semesters, focusing heavily on design, research, and presentation. In real-life practice, projects span over years, with a focus on coordination, construction documentation, and collaboration. Day-to-day work often involves less creative freedom and more administrative tasks.

What is the role of an architect in real-life projects compared to architecture school?

In real life, architects often work in teams with engineers and other consultants to ensure all systems align with the design. They must balance functional and aesthetic considerations. In school, projects are more individual, and students have greater creative freedom to design without the same constraints or team involvement.

How does the scale of projects affect the daily work of an architect?

The scale of projects in real life means architects often work on large teams and on specific tasks like construction documentation or client meetings. Smaller projects may allow architects to handle multiple aspects of the project, from design to administration, but larger projects tend to involve a division of labor.

Why is coordination with engineers so important in architecture?

Architects must ensure that the systems designed by engineers, such as ductwork or plumbing, align with the architectural design in a way that is functional and aesthetically pleasing. Misalignment can cause issues like obstructing lights or walls, so coordination is key.

What factors influence the design process in real-life projects?

In real life, architects must work within constraints such as budget, client needs, and the return on investment. The program for a project is usually chosen by the developer or client, limiting creative freedom. Architects must balance their design vision with these practical limitations.

What are some benefits of working in a smaller architecture firm versus a larger one?

In a smaller firm, architects are likely to be involved in all aspects of the project, from design to construction administration, providing a more hands-on, diverse experience. In larger firms, architects often specialize in one area of the project but benefit from working with a team of specialists on complex projects.

What does specializing in architecture mean, and how does it affect your career?

Specializing in a certain building type (e.g., residential, commercial, institutional) or role (e.g., project architect, design architect) allows architects to focus on specific areas of interest or expertise. Specialization can influence the type of projects an architect works on and the firm they work for, often providing more efficiency but less variety in daily tasks.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of working for yourself as an architect?

Working for yourself as an architect provides complete control over all aspects of a project, from design to client relations. However, it can be isolating and requires handling administrative tasks such as marketing, legal issues, and finances. It's also more challenging to work on diverse projects compared to working for a firm.

Why is getting licensed as an architect so important?

Getting licensed is crucial for professional credibility and career growth. Licensed architects can sign off on projects, allowing them to take on greater responsibility, increase their value to a firm, and even open their own practice. It also gives them the authority to stamp drawings, which is required by many clients and regulatory bodies.

What is the typical salary expectation for new architects?

New architects often earn lower salaries compared to other professionals with similar educational backgrounds, such as lawyers. This is because architecture education doesn't fully prepare students for the practical demands of the field. However, gaining practical experience through co-ops or internships can help boost starting salaries.