Interior Design to Architecture

Okay so the thing is, the university I applied to didn't offer me admission in its B.Arch program (which was my first option) but is ready to take me for its Interior Design program (my second option).

Since a very long time I have wanted to pursue the profession of architecture.  So now the question arises-do I take the offer or I don't) But before making that decision, I need to know a few things because of which I'm writing to yo.

So I have two questions.

1- If I have a 4 year Bachelors Degree in Interior Design and I want to do my Master in Architecture, the universities will consider me for their masters program in architecture right? I will be eligible for continuing my studies in the field of architecture right? And later on I can practice as an architect(after passing the license exams) ?

2- What degrees (masters) are offered in architecture? Coming from an interior design background (a 4 year Bachelors in Interior Design), what degree options do I have for masters level after which I'll be eligible for a job in a firm as an architect?

I'm really really looking forward to your reply. 
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Answers to your two questions:

1) With a degree in interior design, you would be eligible to apply to a NAAB accredited Master of Architecture; however, the length of completing the degree would be 3-4 years.  

2) The only degree to pursue to become an architect is the Master of Architecture.  Once you have completed the accredited Master of Architecture, you could certainly seek to pursue a post-professional graduate degree in any number of disciplines -- urban design, sustainable design, preservation, etc.

Best.

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.

Interior Design Student contemplating Grad School

An admissions administrator from the University of British Colombia recommended that I read your blog.  I am so glad she did.  I have a few questions for you.

First a little background:  I am about to complete a degree in Interior Design.  While completing my degree, I realized that my passion really is architecture and urban planning and would like to pursue a license in architecture in addition to being a certified interior designer in the future.  I have looked at all of the pathways to becoming licensed and I know that if I can find a firm to take me on, I can begin IDP in about a year.  I am trying my hardest to go that route because I am scared of the financial commitment that graduate school entails.  But, just in case my dream scenario doesn't happen, I am applying to graduate school as a back up plan.

Question #1:  When in a full time graduate program, how realistic is it to be working full or part time?  And do many students double up and do IDP simultaneously?  I know my studio design classes right now take a lot of time and I am only a part time student.

Question #2:  Although my portfolio is good and very well-rounded for an interior design student, I have seen a few fifth year architecture students portfolios and I find them to be somewhat intimidating.  Do I need to streamline my portfolio and beef up my projects to be more architectural?  What are admissions persons looking for?  UBC is a 3.5 year program and they take students from all disciplines, but I would like to apply to some schools in California, as well, and I am worried about my ability to compete.  If you have any advice for interior design students at all, I would be glad to hear it.  

Thank you so very much

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Just a side note that my expertise is becoming an architect in the U.S. and not Canada.

Answers to your questions --

#1 It is extremely unrealistic to think you can attend a graduate program in architecture and work at the same time especially to earn IDP.  Graduate studies are very demanding.  Depending on the program, you may be able to work 10-15 hours per week in a firm, but IDP requires a minimum number of hours for six months to be counted.  Of course, there are programs that require a work component with their studies - Boston Architectural College and UCincinnati are two.

#2 As you applying to MArch programs with a degree in interior design, the programs are not expecting architectural work; they are expecting interior design work.  The best source to know what they are seeking is to contact the programs directly and ask what they look for in an applicant's portfolio.  Of course, they do look at the portfolio as an indicator of your work so design it well.  One resource to consider is Portfolio Design by Harold Linton -- www.portfoliodesign.com.

Remember, if you wish to pursue becoming a licensed architect, you must have an NAAB/CACB accredited degree.

Best.

Lateral Entry into Architecture

Originally ten years ago i wanted to study architecture, but i wasn't sure about it and the general opinion about job-possibilites after graduation was bad at that time, similar to nowadays. Looking back now i know that it was a bad idea to let me influence through these opinions. I'm now 31 have a bachelor degree in sportscience and business administration and working in marketing for an IT company. So far it doesn't sound bad, but i'm totally unhappy with it. I've a good spatial sense, good taste concerning colours, pattern and i can draw good (especially when it goes into detail and
exact proportions of objects), so I want to use this talent to create space, buildings, interiour.

I'm thinking about studying again, this time architecture. But if it would be possible i would do rather a master degree than a bachelor one, of course i do not want to waste any time anymore. I tried to find some examples of people who started as well late with architecture and earn enough money to make a living, but i couldn't. I'm curious about your opinion. Do you know anybody at this age who went into architecture? -what do you think about Master Degrees (3 Years) which are designed for people who have no architecture background so far? Which of these are recommendable? An important point is as well the question about the financing. Without studentship and additional work i won't be able to afford it.

Therefore I'm thinking about alternatives. Is there any design field which is complementary to architecture and maybe easier to access and in demand?

Any advise and hints are helpful!

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Although you are a little older (31), you can still pursue your dream of becoming an architect.  Given you have a degree albeit in another discipline, you can pursue the Master of Architecture (3-4 years) for individuals that have a degree in another discipline.  For a list of programs that offer such a degree, visit both NAAB (http://www.naab.org) and ARCHSchools.org.  Just be sure you pursue an accredited degree as it is necessary for licensure.

In my almost 20 years of working in three different architecture programs (IIT, Maryland, and University of Illinois).  I have know plenty of individuals who were your age or older.  Philip Johnson, one of the greatest architects in the 20th century did not become an architect until 39; he practiced until his death in his 90s.  Other than the financial impact, I would not worry about your age - besides, you have something that other do not - another degree.

Most graduate programs do offer assistantships and fellowships, but you would need to check with individual programs.  Given your background, you may be able to contribute to the program.

As for other career fields connected to architecture, you may consider any of the following:

Interior Design
Construction Management
Landscape Architecture
Urban Planning
Graphic Design
Product Design
etc.

You may also try to pursue employment in a design firm doing what you do now.  You would not be doing architecture, but you would be engaged in the environment.

Design Professions in Canada

I am graduated in Nuclear Physics in Iran. But I am  a Canadian citizen. I want to pursue my education in Canada . I am fond of interior design. I really like to design and make the inside of houses and restaurants and offices calmness ,beautiful ,interesting. I have searched for Interior Design as a master program , unfortunately I have not found any things. Is master of Landscape Architecture  suitable for me?  If yes , I do not take any architecture courses , I just make some handicrafts for designing  houses, can I apply for  Master of Landscape Architecture and  Architecture  at Canadian universities ?

 

And, does it have some smaller courses? I mean, I do not mind to study master of it , if there is any certificates, or courses which take less time ( about 6 months or so) and help me to find a good job.

 

Regards.

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First, my expertise is in becoming an architect in the U.S., not interior design nor landscape architecture in Canada.  With that said, check the following for CIDA accredited programs in Canada.  One institution, states that they have a Master of Interior Design.

http://www.accredit-id.org/accredited-programs

University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB

Master of Interior Design (2005, 2011)

Below are accredited landscape architecture programs in Canada.

http://www.asla.org/contentdetail.aspx?id=21636

If you wish to pursue architecture, visit the following.

Accredited architecture programs in Canada

I would suggest you determine which of the design disciplines you wish to pursue and do so.  Best.

Aspects of Architecture

As I've done a little more research, another questions popped into mind. I am interested in all aspects of architecture - I like the idea of designing buildings, planning cities, planning regional parks, working in the landscape architecture field, designing big structures or little structures, working in construction, understanding all the materials that are used to most effectively create or improve a building. Does a general M.Arch allow you to get involved in any aspect of building field more easily than a more focused degree (Master's of Urban Planning, Master's of Landscape Architecture)? I have this preconceived notion that if I earn a M.Arch I can find my way into any career I like, but if I pursue a Master's in Landscape Architecture I would have a more difficult time finding work outside of the landscape architecture field. Is that accurate or do I have it wrong?

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On the surface, I agree with your premise -- that a degree in architecture will allow you to become involved with many aspects of the built environment.  However, be aware of legal constraints of each related discipline, i.e., landscape architecture.  Landscape architecture is a licensed profession -- www.asla.org -- I am certain that an architect would NOT be able to practice as a landscape architect just as a landscape architect could not practice as an architect.  But certainly, an architect could become involved with landscape architecture or purse the necessary credentials to become one if desired.

As you research architecture programs, you may seek out ones that have either joint degrees or offer both degrees to have the option of taking courses in the related disciplines. 

At this point in your research, you may wish to truly discover these other disciplines - planning, landscape, interiors, construction, etc. by visiting professional associations and/or career websites/books.

American Planning Association - www.planning.org
American Society of Landscape Architects - www.asla.org
American Society of Interior Designers - www.asid.org
American Council of Construction Education - www.acce-hq.org/

Occupational Outlook Handbook - http://www.bls.gov/oco/

Along with my book, Wiley has a whole series -- of Guide to Careers in Design
Becoming an Interior Designer: A Guide to Careers in Design, 2nd Edition
Becoming a Landscape Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design
Becoming an Urban Planner: A Guide to Careers in Planning and Urban Design

Dr. Architecture

BA Interior Design

I stumbled upon your site and found it to be very informative and helpful. But I'm a little bit worried from when you mentioned that architects can do interior design but interior designers cannot do architecture.

I am currently at a community college completing my GE's and recently made the plan to pursue a BA in Interior Design. As much as I like Interior Design I also have an interest in Architecture. I have also and am planning on taking multiple drawing/art classes as well as calculus and physics for Architecture. After reading about the 4+2 plan on getting a M.Arch I decided that would be the road I would take. I also felt like it would be a better idea since I'm almost done with my GE's and have taken a few art courses already.

But, from what you said, is getting a BA in Interior Design a good start before going after a M.Arch in my situation?
__________

As the website - ARCHCareers.org - outlines, you can complete the education requirements of becoming an architect in more than one way.

Given that you are at a community college, you can do pursue the BA in Interior Design as you suggest. With the BA in Interior Design, you would continue with the Master of Architecture (3-4 years) to obtain the NAAB accredited degree.

Another route would be to transfer to an undergraduate degree in architecture (BS in Architecture); note that this is not a professional NAAB accredited degree. The institution you pursue will determine if you are able to complete the degree in two more years after your community college work. With the BS in Architecture degree, you would pursue the Master of Architecture (two years) for the NAAB accredited degree.

Given your question, the pursuit of an BA in Interior Degree is certainly a good choice as it will provide good preparation for the eventual Master of Architecture. The undergraduate degree will also prepare you will materials for your portfolio when applying to the graduate program.

Best! - Dr. Architecture

Architecture vs. Interior Design; M.Arch. vs. B. Arch.

I have a BS in nursing and I'm considering going back to school to study architecture or interior design. I've been studying decorating magazines and drawing house plans since I was little, and I've been debating which major I should choose. I didn't pursue either one the first time around because I was unable to attend a university where the programs were offered. Frankly, I didn't think I'd be very good at it since I'm not a very good artist. But I'm older now and I've spent 20 yrs. in hospitals. I'm tired out, stressed out, and burned out. I'm kind of nervous but, good or bad, I'm ready to try something new.

I think an architecture degree would be more versatile than a degree in interior design. From what I've read, architects can specialize in interior design if they want to. Assuming I enroll in an architecture program, I have 2 questions. First, I would be attending LSU which offers a 5 yr. B.Arch. program and a 3 yr. professional M.Arch. The M.Arch. would be the logical choice for me. But I've read some comments from students online stating that a B.Arch. program teaches more "fundamentals" than a M.Arch. Is this accurate? The B.Arch. curriculum includes 5 yrs. of design courses and the M.Arch. includes only 3. Is there something missing from the master's program or is it the same material taught in a shorter period of time? Would I gain anything by taking the longer program? How would each degree affect my future salary?

Second, how can an architect specialize in interiors without the training in color, furniture, and fabrics, etc. that an ID program provides? I wish I could do both. Would it be possible to have a double major in these 2 fields?

I know this sounds like nitpicking, but I just want to make sure I have all the facts straight so I know what I'm getting into.

I plan to take physics and another drawing course ahead of time. Any other advice or suggestions would be much appreciated.
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You basically have asked two questions -- architecture vs. interior design and if architecture, M.Arch. vs. B.Arch.

With respect to architecture vs. interior design, you are correct in that architecture is more versatile than interior design. I have often told many architecture students that architects can do interior design but interior designers cannot do architecture. With that said, you must decide which is best for you.

Resources to review are the following:

Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design
Becoming an Interior Designer: A Guide to Careers in Design

www.archcareers.org
www.careersininteriordesign.com

Your question about how architects can do interior design without training -- typically, it is through experience and working for a firm that specializes in interiors. Certainly, you could attend an architecture program at an institution that also has an interior design program. You could probably do a double degree, but you may learn as much through experience.

Ultimately, you must connect what you want and pursue it will full vigor.

As for the M.Arch. vs. B.Arch, you should pursue the M.Arch. (3-4 years) as it is designed for individuals who already have an undergraduate degree such as nursing. You will wish to verify that both degrees are accredited by NAAB -- www.naab.org --. You are correct in that most B.Arch. may have more design studios than a M.Arch, but more is not always better. The M.Arch. will be a sound program for you. Given that your commitment, the M.Arch. will serve you well.

As to salary, typically individuals with a M.Arch. are paid more.

You are smart to take physics and drawing. Begin the research process so you can apply for Fall 2010. Start the portfolio that will be required -- www.portfoliodesign.com -- Talk with architects and interior designers to gain perspective.

Finally, you may be burned out on nursing, but strongly consider a career in heathcare architecture, one of the largest industries within architecture. Given your experience, you would be valuable to employers.

Dr. Architecture