My son is an architecture major and although doing extremely well, questions whether it's the right path for him. Finishing his second year he has done well academically, has won awards/contests and his professors consider him to be one of their strongest and most talented students. He is very artistic as well as a strong academic student. He is a hard worker and his attention to detail and accuracy comes natural -- a bit of a perfectionist. He is very critical of himself and his work and often finishes a project thinking he has failed only to receive high praise from professors and peers.
Within the field of architecture, what types of jobs would he be well suited? I imagine there is a great need within architecture firms to have a very specialized, reliable, independent employee who is happy with some of the more tedious, mundane work that needs to be done with accuracy. But, I really don't know the field and would appreciate your insight to the inner workings and needs of an architecture firm.
Thank you for offering this service!
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As you discuss personality, I could not resist referring you to an article (A Difficult Character) on personality and the architecture profession; this will not provide the answer to your question, but it may be interesting reading.
I do not profess to be an expert on the profession, but it needs all types of individuals including ones as you describe (see Definitions of Positions). For example, 80% of all firms are one person - sole architects. Through coursework, reading, or meetings with faculty or architects, he can start to learn the different types of positions in a firm. One source is Dana Cuff's book - Architecture: The Story of Practice and Andy Pressman's book - Professional Practice 101.
In the manner in which you describe your son, he may be well-suited as a project architect in a firm.
Encourage him to interact with upperclassmen that have worked internships, faculty, and alums that are architects.
I do hope this helps.
I do not profess to be an expert on the profession, but it needs all types of individuals including ones as you describe (see Definitions of Positions). For example, 80% of all firms are one person - sole architects. Through coursework, reading, or meetings with faculty or architects, he can start to learn the different types of positions in a firm. One source is Dana Cuff's book - Architecture: The Story of Practice and Andy Pressman's book - Professional Practice 101.
In the manner in which you describe your son, he may be well-suited as a project architect in a firm.
Encourage him to interact with upperclassmen that have worked internships, faculty, and alums that are architects.
I do hope this helps.
Dr. Architecture
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