Architecture vs. Interior Architecture

I have come across your ARCHCareers blog quite a few times during my research of architecture education. Thank you for taking the time to keep it on-going. Last May, I graduated with a B.A. in journalism. If I had to do it over I'm pretty sure I would major in architecture and interior design. In fact when I was younger, I said I would major in journalism and minor in architecture, but as you're well aware of architecture isn't really an area you minor in - at least if you want to be a practicing architect. Over the past year, I have been researching architecture and interior design programs, but due to uncertainty of which path to take, I have have not applied to any. I want to be able to work in both fields. 

At first I leaned more toward interior design and taking architecture courses to complement. However, I'm realizing that while I want to be able to work in the field of interior design, I also am drawn to structural knowledge, renovation and preservation projects, urban design and planning, and the social impacts that architecture can have. Ultimately, I would want to have the ability to be very hands-on in the design and full visualization of whatever project I'm working on. Given that, a graduate architecture degree would probably provide more career diversity. I would appreciate your feedback on possible educational routes I can take. 

I would also like your perspective on the following:

Through research, I see interior architecture is an area I'm drawn to. However, the only program I've come across that seems to focus on interior structures as the basis for their IA program is the masters program at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. With other programs, interior architecture is simply another term for interior design. Do you know of any other programs that focus on interior architecture in the interior structures since?

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I appreciate your comments on the ARCHCareers blog.  Also, congrats on your interest in architecture and interior design.

When individuals share that they are interested in architecture and interior design, my simply reply is that "architects can do interior design - interior designers cannot do architecture."  As you state, a Master of Architecture would create greater career flexibility especially given both of your interests. 

Your statement -- "I would want to have the ability to be very hands-on in the design and full visualization of whatever project I'm working on." -- leads me to think that a graduate degree in architecture is better suited for what you wish to accomplish.

One resource to explore is the Interior Architecture Knowledge Community of the AIA (see below):

http://network.aia.org/interiorarchitecturecommittee/home/
The Interior Architecture Knowledge Community provides leadership and expertise to  practitioners of interior architecture and design, working cooperatively with its members and other interiors organizations to address relevant, timely practice issues, markets, and trends, such as licensing, liability, environmental, and technological considerations.

In terms of the Interior Architecture program in Chicago, I know of no other direct programs except perhaps Miami University in Oxford, OH - One suggest is to pursue the MArch at an institution that also offers a degree in interior design. For details on those programs, visit CIDA -- http://www.accredit-id.org/

To the extent possible, have conversations with professionals in both disciplines and keep asking questions.  Another resource at Becoming an Architect and Becoming an Interior Designer both published by Wiley.

Best.

Making a Decision

Thank you first of all for your website and all it's truly helpful information. I was wondering if you could provide some insight from a professional standpoint. Currently I'm deciding between Penn State and Virginia Tech. 

I was accepted into Penn State's architecture program, but only university studies for Virginia Tech. I'm very interested in attending Tech however, and trying to decide whether or not transferring in would be a suitable option for me. I'm willing to work hard, extremely hard, but it is a risk to try to get in, especially when I've been accepted to Penn State and Rensselaer. 

Could you give me your opinion on any of these three colleges? I'm very interested in city design (especially working for a firm such as SOM), although I also am open to designing houses. Thank you for your time!

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Thanks for you kind words on the website and its helpful information.

Having previously worked at an institution that had a two-tier admissions process, I would strongly advise you to pursue you top desired program despite what obstacles there may be -- If you are interested in VTech, contact them to best learn the process of switching from University Studies to Architecture; I found the following website, but contact the actual architecture program.

http://www.registrar.vt.edu/registration/restricted_majors.php

Ask how many students they accept from University Studies?  Are you able to meet the requirements as listed above?

Unfortunately, I do not have personal insights on the three institutions that you mention.  Instead, think of the criteria by which you wish to determine your decision -- location, cost, facilities, reputation, size, etc.  Compare each program against your criteria to determine which is the best for you.

Ironically, the three programs from which you are deciding are in rural locations yet you are interested in city design.  Which of the three will provide the avenue for you.

I wish you the best and do let me know what you decide.

Architecture vs. Journalism

I am a high school senior trying to decide what major to pursue in college. I really enjoy organizing/planning spaces; on the other hand, I love writing. That presents two totally different majors: architecture and journalism. If I were to pursue journalism, would a university allow me to take architecture electives simultaneously? Then, after earning a bachelors in journalism with a few architecture credits, would I be able to pursue a masters in architecture?

Thanks for your help!
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First, I would not suggest you necessarily pick one over the other at this point in your life.  To keep your options open, attend a university that has both majors - journalism and architecture.  Assuming that the institution has an architecture minor, you could pursue an undergraduate degree in journalism and a minor in architecture.  Afterwards, you could pursue the Master of Architecture (3-4 years) for those that have a unrelated degree (journalism).

As well, you could pursue architecture as an undergraduate degree with a possible minor in journalism.  Again, pursue the Master of Architecture (2-3 years) for the professional accredited degree necessary for licensure.

At this point, keep both option open by writing and sketching.  

Here are some resources I found be searching on the two topics in Google.

http://www.rediff.com/getahead/2007/jul/17arch.htm

http://resource.bdonline.co.uk/questions/how-do-i-get-into-architecture-journalism

Master of Arts in Design Criticism

http://www.arch.uic.edu/programs/mad-crit.php

Dr. Architecture

Architecture - Career Decision

I am interested in architecture and I just finished high school this year and graduated with science subjects,physics, chemistry, mathematics and English in my home country Tanzania, out of the six options of courses I was asked to choose, I later was chosen to do computer science... is computer science related to architecture? Can i just pursue that degree then do architecture later? Or will I have lost a lot of time by then? And what will be the major requirements since I don't have a portfolio of work....Another thing is that I have an opportunity to study a foundational course in the UK at Sheffield Int. College which will direct me to Structural engineering and architectural studies. What is the difference between this and architecture itself?

My great desire is to be an architect. I just need to know what path I ought to take so that I won't waste time and later regret
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First understand that my expertise is in becoming an architect in the United States. With that said, I would suggest to you that computer science is not related to architecture. In the US, you could certainly pursue architecture (Master of Architecture) after you received a degree in computer science. It would certainly take you longer.

To apply to a Master of Architecture degree, you will definitely need a portfolio of creative work. If possible, take courses in art, freehand drawing to produce materials for your portfolio.

Below are definitions of the two terms.

Structural engineering is a field of engineering dealing with the analysis and design of structures that support or resist loads. Structural engineering is usually considered a specialty within civil engineering, but it can also be studied in its own right.

Architecture is the art and science of designing and erecting buildings and other physical structure

In summary, if your passion is architecture, you may wish to consider studying it as soon as you are able. I wish you the best.

Dr. Architecture

Architecture to Other Design Disciplines

I have a question about my career choice.

I am a freshmen in college and have recently decided to pursue a major in architecture.

Let's say I do get my degree in architecture, but rather than just design buildings I want to maybe seek a job in industrial design or interior architecture. Would I be able to do that with my degree in architecture or should I just pursue a degree in the subjects directly? ex: Industrial design, interior architecture.
________

Excellent question!

In my opinion, the education that you gain as an architecture student would be well-suited if you later decided to pursue another design related discipline like industrial design or interior design. More than anything, you learn the design process as an architecture student. How to take a problem statement, generate possible solutions, further develop those solutions and eventually finalize a single solution for presentation. You would do something very parallel in industrial design or interior design. The difference is the scale of the problem and the palette of materials and tools you use to develop your solution. For industrial design, you may be asked to design the next child's toy or household appliance while in architecture you are designing a public library or civic building.

With that said, another approach would be to pursue a straight design degree as an undergraduate and upon graduation decide on your next step; if it is architecture, you can pursue the Master of Architecture (3-4 years) for those that do not have an undergraduate degree in architecture. Your option to become an architect has different paths.

Below are some resources --

Becoming an Architect, 2nd Edition

Becoming a Product Designer

Becoming an Interior Designer, 2nd Edition

National Assn. of Art and Design Schools

Finally, a note on interior architecture; this truly is architecture and not a separate discipline like industrial design. Think of a doctor who later specializes in cardiology (heart). An interior architect is an architect who later specializes in interiors.

I hope this helps. Do let me know.

Dr. Architecture

Staying in Architecture

I am 27 years old. I obtained my BS in Architecture in 2005 from a NAAB accredited school. After graduation I started work as an intern at a respected small/ mid-sized residential architecture firm know best for traditional custom homes. Although traditional and classical styles are not my forte or particular passion, I thought of it as a great opportunity to learn more about them and get practical experience at a design-oriented firm. I always had good reviews about my work, but knew that to advance further I needed more education. So after working full-time for two years I returned to school in 2007 and continued working part-time at the same company. Since I was juggling a very tight schedule I thought that staying with the same company where I already knew the ropes would be the best thing to do at the time. Unfortunately the housing bubble burst and after asking all of the full-time employees to reduce their hours for six months the company had to start laying people off, including myself in February 2009. I then graduated with my Master of Architecture in May 2009.

Since then I have been looking for work and found few opportunities. I have been trying to stay in Atlanta because my significant other's career is taking off here and he has been getting a part time MBA. I truly believe that I belong in the design field in one respect or another, but I am beginning to wonder if I'm the only person that feels that way. I know that lots of people are out of work, but it's at an important point for me where I feel like I may have to leave to field. Can you recommend related careers that might not be so obvious? (I applied to be an architectural graphic designer -- sign design). Is it possible to get back to architecture after a departure from the field?
_________

First, I am sorry to hear that you lost your architectural position; as you recognize, the architectural profession has been hit very hard by the economic situation.

At this point, I suggest you consider yourself as a set of skills that are marketable to employers rather than a career title. Instead of using the title of architect as your goal in the short term, analysis what skills you have developed through your architectural education and position. What did you learn?

Perhaps, most importantly, you learned how to design and the design process which can be transferred to a number of other disciplines. I always joke that all you need to do is place a word in front of designer and you have a career, i.e., interior designer, furniture designer, exhibit designer, graphic designer, industrial designer. As well, graduates now have superb digital skills compared to graduates from the previous generation -- this particular skill can relate to web design, graphic design and the like. One of my former students actually designs wedding invitations as a side business.

Architects are problem solvers and every employment sector needs that skill. Architects learn how to be creative, communicate graphically and orally, participate in a team environment and construct models. All of these skills are transferable to other positions in the short term until the profession rebounds.

The following link on ARCHCareers.org has a list of related disciplines to consider:

http://www.archcareers.org/careerplan.html

Also, consider becoming an architect within employers other than traditional firms. Corporations, governments at all levels, educational institutions (teach CAD or drafting at a community college), developers, engineering and design firms all hire architects on staff or for contract work. Sometimes you have to think outside of the box.

Ultimately, you can reenter the profession, but the key is to stay engaged through reading, connecting with other architects (join the AIA or another professional association, maintaining or improving your skills, and set career goals that move you towards licensure; have your started your NCARB Council Record? In some states, you can actually begin to take portions of the ARE or you can gain credit towards IDP through community service or reviewing the EPC - Emerging Professionals Companion.

Guidance Requested.

I ran across your blog today. I have been thinking about becoming an architect for years. My delay and ambivalence has had to do with raising/financing three kids, the growth in my own business, and the reality of life as an architect (my brother in law is one). Now, however, my youngest is in college, my design business is exceedingly slow, and I am definitely moving toward a change.

I have been thinking more and more seriously about getting a march I in architecture. There's part of me that's terrified of not being up to the mark, of being too old to tackle this. But I'm not sure that's my greatest impediment. (I took two courses at UCLA last fall and did well.) I'm old enough not to want to waste money and time in a formal 3 yr program unless I have a better idea of how I could fit into the world of architecture.
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Wow - I will be honest. Most individuals that contact me are at the start of their career - i.e., students in school, recent graduates. Sometimes, I hear from a early to mid-career who wishes to pursue architecture, but your background is a first.

I will do my best, but it may be best to talk on the phone to brainstorm together.

First, given your design-related background and that you have between 25-40 years of productive work life, I would suggest you go for it - become an architect. Philip Johnson did not become licensed until he was 39 and practiced the craft into his 90s until he passed away.

Clearly, you have many developed skills to offer the marketplace; perhaps the question is whether or not you do it on your own or part of another firm. Of course, as you admit - where do you go with this. One source you may wish to access is the book - What Color is Your Parachute? by Richard Bolles (Ten Speed Press). Next to the Bible, this is the best selling book; Bolles helps readers determine the next step for their career.

Other than reading, I would suggest you begin to truly network with other design professionals as you may already be doing. Be willing to share your story of who you are and ask for ideas on what to do. You are LEED and I am sure you could serve as a consultant.

Granted becoming an architect will take some years (5-6), but will it be worthwhile. I have been in education for almost 20 years and did have a student entering our MArch program in his mid-50s with a Ph.D. in Mech Eng. He brought a great deal to the program despite he was older than some of the faculty. He is gainfully employed in the profession soon to be licensed.

Bottom line - discover what you love and find the opportunites that allow you to pursue your passion -- i.e, find your passion and find someone to pay you to do it. I have had the fortunate to do that for almost 20 years.

Best -- If you wish to discuss via phone, let me know as I can serve as a consultant. Do look at my book, Becoming an Architect, 2nd Edition.

Becoming an Architect

I am hoping you can give me some advice, I have worked as a Quantity Surveyor/Cost Manager in the UK for the last 5 years, I also have studied and attained an MA(Hons) in Business and Management and an MSc in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management.

I am very interested in living in the USA and also I am considering a career change to architecture.

I was hoping you might be able to advise me on the best route to studying and becoming an Architect in USA and likely timescales given my experience and existing qualifications in Construction.

Another point to mention is that I am considering part-time studying as an option to allow me to maintain an income during my studies.

Thanks in advance for your help.
_________

The process of becoming an architect requires three accomplishments - 1) education, 2) experience, and 3) examination. To best learn this process, I refer you to ARCHCareers.org and the book, Becoming an Architect, 2nd Edition.

Because of your previous degrees, you may pursue the Master of Architecture (3-4 years). Upon graduation, you would need to work for an architect for approximately three (3) years through Intern Development Program (IDP). Once you have met the education and experience requirements, you may take the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).

The time it will take may vary, but should be about 7-9 years.

Finally, you may find it difficult to study part-time as most architecture programs require full-time study. To research programs, visit either -- www.naab.org or www.archschools.org --.

Dr. Architecture

Advice for education after a BArch degree.

Hi Dr. Architecture:

I am hopeful you can give me some advice and direction. I am in my 5th year of my bachelors program of architecture. In reviewing my future I am considering more education before practicing architecture. My consideration is based on a couple of factors, the current state of affairs in the U.S. today making it extremely tough for the college grads to locate job offers, and my desire to enahnce my skills from other B of A graduates through additional skills. Through my B of A program I beleive that I have developed some good foundation to my design skills but I am not sure a Master program in architecture will completely benefit me if it continues to focus on design. Say for example in the future my desire is to have my own development firm, would it not benefit me to have an engineering degree or possibly a degree in structural engineering. My bottom line question is what kind of further education can compliment my B of A degree and then prepare me to compete more advantangeously in the job market and my future as an architect. I am in my 20's now and I want to address my educational requirements right now for proper preparation of my career vs trying to tackle a lot of education after entering in a career direction. Any direction or advice would be great. Thanks.
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First, congrats on approaching the graduation of your Bachelor of Architecture. Next, I applaud your interest in continuing your studies.

However, while I applaud your desire, I question your considerations. In my humble opinion, you do not continue your education because you are not able to secure employment or simply want to enhance your skills.

From your statement, it appears that you wish to pursue further education but you are not sure of which discipline to pursue. With this perspective, why continue your studies. I would argue that you "begin with the end in mind" first; determine which discipline you wish to pursue and then pursue graduate studies.

What would happen if you chose structural engineering for your studies and later found out that you had no desire to pursue it as a career.

Education (Graduate Programs) will always be there. I would suggest you strongly consider entering the workforce, albeit difficult, to help you learn to which discipline you wish to pursue. It is admirable to "address your educational requirements right now" but why do it now if you are not sure of the disipline.

Of course start your career/graduate studies research now. Talk to people, read, research programs -- petersons.com -- etc.

Just my thoughts. I hope this helps!

Dr. Architecture

Engineering or Architecture

I came across your archcareer blog the other day and was hoping you could give me some advice. I am currently undecided between Virginia Tech and Penn State. I have been accepted to the architecture program at Penn State. However, I then was thinking about possibly going to Virginia Tech for engineering and then getting my masters in architecture.

I was thinking of going for mechanical or civil engineering with the ultimate professional goal of being an architect. I was just wondering a few things. If I did go for engineering, would it be smarter from an architecture standpoint to go for civil or mechanical engineering? I was always wondering if it would be worth going for a degree in engineering and then a masters in architecture, as far as job prospects and salaries, or if it would be smarter to just go straight to Penn State and go right into the architecture program? Thank you for your time.
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To best decide, you need to determine what you want.

If you want to just pursue architecture, attending the BArch at PSU may be the perfect choice for you, however, if you want the opportunity to pursue both engineering (civil or me) and architecture, VTech may be perfect. Both paths are good choices, but which do you want?

The engineering undergraduate degree with the architecture graduate degree will take you longer (probably 7 or so years) vs. the BArch at PSU will probably 5 years. This impacts cost.

When choosing engineering, choose what you would enjoy the most, but civil engineering is certainly more directly related to architecture, but so is mechanical.

As you are having difficulties, I suggest you do some more research on the career choices prior to making the institution choice.

Dr. Architecture

Business student interested in architecture!

I am currently a third year university student studying for my degree in international business. The thing is, I'm started to really learn how much I love architecture...I love reading about it, seeing it in different cities and countries, sketching floor plans and designs...I really enjoy it. The problem is, I will be graduating next year with a degree in international business. Is there any way I could get a head-start on an architectural program after I already have my degree in something else? What about finding a business or marketing job at an architectural firm and seeing where that leads me? I realize that you need to have the proper degree to become certified...but do I have other options?
_________

You are in a perfect place to become an architect. To get you started, I suggest you review the ARCHCareers blog as I have answered many parallel questions.

http://archcareers.blogspot.com/

With your degree in international business, you are eligibel to pursue a professional NAAB accredited Master of Architecture (3-4 years) at any one of a number of institutions (www.naab.org).

In the interim, there are summer programs to assist you in preparing materials for your portfolio; it may be possible to secure employment within architecture firm, but the current economy may make that difficult. You need to immerse yourself with the profession. Read architecture, look at architecture, talk architecture, draw architecture.

Before you graduate, seek out possible courses that connect international business and architecture.

Best.

Dr. Architecture

Career Decision.

Hello Dr. Architecture,

First off, I am convinced that you are an architecture angel (an arch angel! haha.) Your posts have been extremely helpful and easy to understand. But...the time has come, where I feel like my situation is too strange to base my decisions off of other people's special circumstances.

I currently attend University of Oregon and I am pursuing a double major in Judaic Studies and Interior Architecture(accredited 5 year program). I am in my second year of college..but technically a first year in the architecture school because I applied & got in as a sophomore. I realized recently that I am able to graduate as a Judaic Studies major next year. This realization left me with two options
1) Continue with my original plan - interior architecture & Judaic studies degree until my IARCH degree is finished in 2013 & graduate as a double major(IARCH & Judaic Studies) & triple minor: business, architecture, art history

2) Graduate with just a bachelor of arts in Judaic Studies and then apply for a M.Arch 3-4yr program at a graduate school. Assuming that I got into a graduate school and did the Grad program for 3 years...I would also be graduating in 2013, but this time...with a Masters degree.

What should I do? Stick with my original plan? Or graduate early as a Judaic Studies major & apply for Grad school? If I graduate early I could have the option to attend a different university - which would be nice to get another perspective. However, what do archiecture firms like better? A B.IARCH and Judaic Studies OR A bachelor of Judaic Studies WITH a Masters of Architecture/IARCH?

Thank you so much!
_________

As to your situation, what you do depends on what your career goals are? Continue with #1 if you wish to graduate with an interior architecture and Judaic Studies degree; this will depend on what your career goals with these degrees. You would NOT be able to pursue licensure as an architect with only the Bachelor of Interior Architecture.

Instead, switch to #2 if you wish to pursue the professional accredited Master of Architecture after receiving your BA in Judaic Studies degree. This route leads you to the necessary degree to become a licensed architect.

Thus, what do you wish to be doing 10-20 years after graduation and which plan will allow you to get there.

Thanks and best wishes with your decision.

Dr. Architecture