Research of Architecture Programs

I've done some research on ARCHSchools.org, read some of NAAB.org, and I've contacted a handful of schools. I'm still about a year away from applying for any schools as I need to take several prerequisites and put together a portfolio, but I'd love to get your input on some programs as I approach the school application process.

I'm from the Chicago area, and I moved out Phoenix in 2007. I'd like to stay out west, and I've looked into the programs at University of Washington, University of Oregon, and UC-Denver. Do you have any idea how those programs compare to the upper echelon programs out east such as Yale, Harvard, or Michigan?
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Also, congrats on researching programs. Given that you are applying for F2012, you have plenty of time to do the research and select appropriate programs that best fit you.

To start with, I can appreciate that you wish to stay out west, but please consider this as an investment in your future; any time you spend is very short in the grander scheme. For example, I grew up in the midwest (MI) and attended a Big Ten program as an undergraduate. I would have never considered programs out west except for one of my professors changed schools and I graduated with MArch from a Pac-10 program. Since graduating more than 25 years ago, I have been back once.

Morale: Attend the program that best fits for you; I agree that location should be a consideration but research from the full slate of the more than 65 programs or so.

Next, every architecture school with an accredited program is worth considering even if it is not Harvard. Below is from the book --

Qualities that make a school good for one student may not work that way for another. You should consider a variety of factors in making your choice among schools. Although few would argue that certain programs, particularly those at the Ivy League schools, are excellent, the fact is that if a degree program is accredited by NAAB, it is valid for you to consider.

In the west, there are NOT as many programs as the east, but all are worthy of review -- Consider those you mention, but what about these other schools in the west -- Arizona State University, USC, SCI-Arc, UC-Berkeley, even Utah. Remember, you would be applying to degree program for those with an an undergraduate in another discipline and some design work; which program provides advanced standing, which program best integrates these MArch candidates with those with an architecture background?

Bottom line, I suggest you develop a list of criteria by which you will base your decision to strongly consider and apply. Do not compare each program against each other, but compare each program against each of your criteria.

Dr. Architecture

Becoming an Architect, 2nd Edition - Book Review

Below is an unsolicited review of Becoming an Architect, 2nd Ed.

Enjoyed the insight offered by Becoming an Architect. The content is concise, easy to follow, and seems to provide a necessarily broad overview of what is needed to pursue an architecture career. I'd recommend the book to any high school or college student interested in pursuing architecture. I love the pictures, diagrams, architectural drawings, and models because they help me make sense of the products created by architects. I find the interviews useful as well, mainly because there is such an array of professionals, students, and interns. It's helpful to get an idea of the architectural world via the opinions and views of those who are involved daily. I also like the organization - the blue shading for the interviews and the white for your writing. While I have not used the list of contact agencies in the back of the book, I have reviewed it and it's sparked several career ideas.

As I read, I wished that there were more interviews with architecture professionals who have backgrounds like me (i.e. did not begin pursuing the field until later in life). Most interviewees started by stating how they've known since childhood that they would pursue architecture, and this makes me question whether I am too late to pursue such a career. It would also be helpful to get an idea of which colleges focus on which aspect of architecture. I've read on several sites online that while architecture as a discipline does not vary, the way it's taught at different universities may vary widely. If possible, I'd love to get an idea of which schools are focused mostly on design, which ones are more technical, which ones place an emphasis on architectural philosophy, etc.

If you wish, you see a substantial online digital preview of the book via Google Books

http://books.google.com/books?id=6v83ALvUN6kC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA35#v=onepage&q&f=false

Dr. Architecture

USMC Medical to Architecture

I am looking at a medical retirement from the USMC here in a few months. I have been looking at my options and believe architect would be a good career path for me. I have the ambition, will, and potential, plus I like a challenge, so why not? The part I am confused on is the education part.

I know that the degree has to be NAAB accredited. What I don't understand is this, for example; North Carolina State University offers a degree called "Bachelors of Environmental Design Architecture". Now that program is not NAAB accredited, however after completion of that I can apply for a 1 yr Bachelors of Arch or 2 year Masters of Arch. What I do not understand is what is the difference between the Masters and Bachelors. You only need 1 to be licensed, but do potential clients/employers prefer the masters?

One other thing I am trying to figure out is this. I stay 2 hours away from the college, so I would have to commute daily to the college. Now nearby is a community college that offers a Architectural Technology degree. From your personal point of view do you think I could attend that course and then go for a 1 year or 2 year B Arch or M Arch degree using that pre-education?

For now my plan is to attend NCSU and go through their program since I know for a fact it will work, however if my second situation would work that would be the preferred method. Enclosed on the bottom of the email is the CCCC Arch Tech curriculum.
_______

You are correct in that the process of becoming an architect, especially the "education" part can be confusing. First and foremost, the most important task to complete is to obtain a professional NAAB accredited degree; this can be either the Bachelor of Architecture or the Master of Architecture.

Given your location, NCSU is one of the few programs that offer both which provides you options. In deciding, select the one that is best for you, not which one employers think is best. Granted, the BArch is less time, but the MArch may provide you opportunities for your long term career prospects.

As for attending the community college and first obtaining an Architectural Technology, I would suggest you schedule a meeting with NCSU to determine if and what courses will transfer. It may help you with more general education courses but some may not transfer. It is doubtful that you could get away with attending for the associate's degree and complete the BArch in only 1-2 years. This is another reason why to meet with NCSU staff.

While you may need to do so, I would not recommend commuting two hours to complete an architecture degree because of the time demands of the degree.

Dr. Architecture

Summer Programs - Worth it?

For my portfolio, I will be including my sophomore design work as well as many freehand figure drawings, color field paintings, and hopefully, I will be attending Columbia's Intro to Arch, from which I could use things to place in my portfolio. Which actually leads me to question. Is the Intro to Arch program worth it for students who already have 2+ years experience? I went through all the design fundamentals and learned a good deal, so I was just wondering if it would be worth it to me as far as the range of students go. Are there students who attend the program who hold bachelors in architecture or anything of that nature?
________

Given that you have 2+ semesters of design studio experience, I do not think it is essential that you seek out an experience such as Columbia's. It is expensive, but it may be helpful in developing materials for your portfolio and a letter of recommendation.

You would need to be in touch with Columbia to know who attends their program but most of them I would imagine are like you in that they have an undergraduate degree in another discipline but with little or no design experience.

I hope this helps!

Dr. Architecture

Art History to Architecture

I will be applying for the M. Arch 1 this next year and had a few questions for you wise ones. I am an Art History major with a minor in Architectural History as well. I began my college career as an architecture major but found out about the M. Arch 1 path and decided that it would be a better idea to major in a field aside from architecture for my undergrad. Anyways, I did take two sophomore level studios and got some work that was not so bad. The question is, should I include this work in my portfolio, or would it be a better idea just to leave it out because of my degree in art history? Also, if I include the models but have lost the technical drawings for the projects, should I redo them by hand, or do them in CAD?

____________

First, congrats on your decision to pursue the Master of Architecture; further, I applaud your decision to first pursue your degree in Art History.

As to your question if you should include work from your sophomore studios, I suggest that you first contact each architecture program to which you are applying and ask them their opinion. As a portfolio is to demonstrate creative work be it architecture work or not, the work from your sophomore work is creative work; what else are you including in your portfolio?

To the extent possible, I would redraw the drawings if the originals were done by hand. Typically, architecture programs want work to be submitted as was done for the course, but again, ask the question of the programs.

I wish you the best in your applying.

Dr. Architecture

Math Teacher to Architect.

I am considering making a career switch into architecture, and I’m looking for some advice. I am 25 years old, and I teach math to 7^th graders in Arizona. I fell into the teaching profession by accident, and I have been attempting to figure out the next step in my career for some time. For the past year, I have tossed around the idea of working as either a contractor, engineer, urban planner, or architect, and I have recently begun researching going back to school for my M.Arch. I have always been interested in math, science, art, how things work, and building structures.

When I was younger I spent hours building with legos, Erector sets, car models, and 3-D puzzles, and while it’s been awhile since I’ve used anything similar, I still find that I can get lost in 2-D puzzles and problem solving. All this explains my interest in researching a career in architecture, and I’ve learned the amount of work and time that goes into studying to become an architect (at least a year to get all my pre-requisite classes in order, 3.5 years of study in a M.Arch program, 3+ years as an intern, and then studying for licensure). Therefore, I want to be sure that I am truly passionate about architecture before I pursue the discipline as a career.

I have been reading your blog for the past week, and I have come across some information about summer career discovery programs: LAIAD, Harvard, UCLA, and Berkeley. I’m curious if you know of any other summer programs that might help me explore my interest in architecture?

__________

Congrats on your consideration of architecture as a new discipline. I appreciate you already researching the previous posts on the blog. The next best resource for summer programs is ARCHCareers.org -- http://archcareers.org/summerprograms.html - An updated list for summer 2011 should be posted at the end of January. Most of these are targeted for high school students.

Aside from summer programs, visit either UArizona or Arizona State as both have architecture programs; meet with students, faculty, attend lectures, shadow a course or two. If possible, contact an architecture firm to do the same. If you do not have any art in your background, take a drawing course to develop work for your eventual portfolio that you will need when you apply to graduate programs.

Finally, to compliment my blog, consider obtaining Becoming an Architect, 2nd Edition. Best wishes and you find out about other summer programs, let me know.

Dr. Architecture

MArch vs. Post-Professional Degree

I was curious if you have encountered many B.Arch grads pursuing an M.arch after licensure? I graduated with a B.Arch a few years ago, have about three years of work under my belt and have started sitting for sections of the ARE, while life is pretty uncomplicated and I have the time. However, I would like to keep the option of teaching open (my understanding is the M.Archs are necessary if one wants to teach later on) and do still have a strong desire to go back to school in the next couple of years. I myself don't know anyone that has taken this track but I just wonder if it does happen occasionally and would like to hear your thoughts on the idea.
_______

First, congrats on your obtaining your BArch and a desire to pursue additional education.

As you BArch is a first professional degree, you do not need to pursue the MArch, instead seek a post-professional degree. At some institutions, it may be called a Master of Architecture; at other institutions, it may be called either a Master of Science in Architecture or by another name.

NCARB maintains a list of post-professional degrees available as you may gain IDP credit by pursuing a post-professional degree.

http://www.ncarb.org/en/Experience-Through-Internships/Meeting-NCARB-Experience-Requirements/Supplementary-Education/Supplementary-Education-Elective/Post-Professional-Degrees-Overview/Post-Professional-Degree-Programs.aspx

While most accredited architecture programs will probably prefer candidates with a post-professional degree, you may be able to teach with only your BArch if you apply to some programs or seek a teaching position within a community college.

I would advise that you not pursue a post-professional degree ONLY to have the credentials for pursuing teaching; instead, determine what aspect of architecture you wish to pursue and seek a program that fits your interest.

Best!

Dr. Architecture

Master of Architecture - Options

My husband is an active duty marine and I am limited on my educational opportunities. I am trying to further my career while moving frequently to different bases. I am strongly considering enrolling in the BS program of Interior Design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Online. An online program seems to be the best route for me. If pursuing the M.Arch I path, are there any BA/BS programs that aren't recognized or that won't transfer when pursuing a Masters in Architecture? When pursuing a Masters from a grad school, is there any discrimination towards previous BA/BS obtained, or is it all fair game?
_________

In one respect, you can obtain any undergraduate degree to pursue a Master of Architecture; however, the degree you receive will determine the length of time for the MArch degree.

For example, if you obtain a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies degree or equivalent, a Master of Architecture will typically take two years, but some graduate programs will require three years. Instead, if you obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, some programs may require you to take more than two years depending on the curriculum of your BA degree and the courses you took.

If your undergraduate degree is in an unrelated discipline, a Master of Architecture degree will take between 3-4 years depending on the institution. This would be the case of your the Interior Design degree you mention in your email. While you could certainly pursue the online program, there are no online 3-4 year Master of Architecture degrees. The Boston Architectural College (BAC) does have a distance MArch, but only for those that have an undergraduate BS in Architectural Studies degree.

Thus, graduate programs do not discriminate but rather accept you where you are given your undergraduate degree.

I certainly appreciate you limits; do the best you can and I wish you well.

Dr. Architecture

Pre-Architecture Postitions

I am considering pursuing a M.Arch, but before making the time and financial commitment I want more first-hand insight into the profession of architecture, as well as gain some experience to help me through the M.Arch program. A job with an architecture firm would be ideal (I'm willing to do just about any kind of work, as long as I can observe the architects), but I've read those jobs are few and far between. I've read a good alternative is a job with a building construction company. If jobs with architecture firms are indeed difficult to find, what kind of jobs should I look for with construction companies? Do you have any other suggestions for pre-M.Arch jobs?
_____
I can certainly understand your desire to work in the field prior to committing to your studies, but depending on your background, this may be difficult even within a construction company. Many construction companies require union membership.

Instead, I would suggest you attempt to gain informational interviews with architects from different firms - small, large, etc. In this way, you see a diversity of experiences to aid in your decision.

Use the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects in your region or simply the Yellow Pages to aid you in identifying architects with whom to interview and meet. Are you near a school of architecture? Do the same with a school?

Dr. Architecture

Architecture Programs

I know a student (B, average math, no design background, only art is ceramics) who wishes to enter an architecture program. He could obtain an internship with an architectural firm in India first semester and enter college in the spring. He'd like to attend a college next fall where he can transfer into a pre-professional architecture program if he cannot be admitted to one directly. He lives in Virginia, and certainly cannot get into VPI or UVa. Any suggestions?
________

I would suggest you focus on programs that offer the four year pre-professional degree. These degrees would be most flexible if he pursues the internship or is not directly admitted. You could pursue any program in the country, but programs in the near region include the following:

Catholic University of America (Washington, DC)
Cincinnati, University of (Cincinnati, OH)
Clemson University (Clemson, SC)
Hampton University (Hampton, VA) - 5 1/2 Master of Architecture, but in Virginia
Kent State University (Kent, OH)
Kentucky, University of (Lexington, KY)
Maryland, University (College Park, MD)
Memphis, University of (Memphis, TN)
Miami University (Oxford, OH)
Morgan State University (Baltimore, MD)
North Carolina at Charlotte, University of (Charlotte, NC)
Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)

Another option would be community colleges that have articulate courses with an architecture program. For many 4+2 programs, the first year or two is mainly general education courses which would allow him to take these courses and transfer after his first year.

Dr. Architecture