Monday, October 30, 2017

Art History to Architecture


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Firstly, I just wanted to say that I am a huge fan of your blog. That said, I have a question about preparation for graduate school. I am currently a junior at UC Santa Barbara and I'm majoring in art history with an emphasis in architectural history. The program is not accredited so I will need to pursue a M.ARCH when I graduate. Besides maintaing a high GPA, what are some things that I can do in these next two years to help me prepare for admission to a graduate school? I want to go to a top architecture school so I would like to get a head start on whatever it is that you recommend.
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Thanks for being a fan! Also, congratulations on your desire to pursue architecture.

First, the program you are attending is not an architecture program and could not be accredited. With that said, you will wish to pursue a MArch (3-4 years) for those with a degree in a discipline other than architecture like your art history degree.

In addition to stellar academic performance, take courses in art/freehand drawing to create work for your portfolio. Also, connect with some faculty who will write your letters of recommendation. Finally, begin to research programs via the following:

NAAB - www.naab.org
ARCHSchools - www.archschools.org

To the extent possible, visit an architecture program to learn more about the process of applying and the curriculum of a MArch. There is not one directly nearby to Santa Barbara, but perhaps visit LA to visit USC, UCLA, or SCI-ARC.

Dr. Architecture

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Careers in Architecture and Beyond

Over the past few years, there has been many articles and discussion on what careers an architect might pursue other than architecture.  

We know there are those careers that are related, i.e., interior designer, landscape architect, urban planner, but what else?



Well, review the articles listed below
 



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Nine More Alternative Careers for Architects

Architect Magazine April 26, 2017





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10 Essential Skills for a Life Beyond Architecture

Archinect March 24, 2017

 

Career Opportunities Architecture After School

Jackie Craven March 5, 2017



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Pursuing Alternative Paths in the Name of Design
Architect Magazine February 7, 2017


Amazing Things Architects Make when They Are Not Architecting

WIRED January 27, 2017



21 Careers You Can Pursue with a Degree in Architecture

ARCHDaily November 7, 2016




Eight Alternative Careers for Architects

Architect Magazine June 1, 2016




Architecture and Beyond: Opportunities Abound

Success by Design April 1, 2012




Architect or Whatever?

New York Times January 20, 2010



Best
Dr. Architecture

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Computer Science and Architecture

I am currently working on my undergraduate degree in Computer Science.  And I love software development.  But I also have a strong passion for architecture. I have less than two years to go before I complete my degree, so I do not think it will be wise for me to switch majors now (this late in the game), especially if switching to a career much less stable than the tech field. 

But I also do not want to spend the rest of my life wondering if I would have enjoyed a successful career as an architect. The only solution I can come up with at this point is to complete my undergrad in computer science and then pursue a Master of Architecture degree.  But I feel like this will leave me with a lack of focus in either fields and I will just end up somewhere in the middle. 

Any suggestions? 
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I would certainly agree that it is not wise to switch majors now.  

Given your interest in both disciplines, your idea of pursuing a Master of Architecture after your CS degree makes sense.  Remember, if you truly wish to be a licensed architecture, you will need to obtain the professional degree in architecture.

But do you wish to be an architect or do you have the passion.  Is there a way to use your CS degree within the discipline of architecture?  Obviously, there are more and more innovation of computer science in architecture.

Who are the companies that develop software for the architecture industry?  Below are just a few.

Autodesk
Graphisoft

Also, be in touch with the following association.

ACADIA - Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture
http://acadia.org/

If you have NOT already done so, I would suggest you contact the Career Center on your campus and flush out some ideas.

Best.

Dr. Architecture

BArch vs. MArch in Australia?

May I please ask you to advise on my following case?

I possess a bachelor degree in Business from India. Additionally, I pursued MSc Construction Project Management from the U.K. Thankfully, I found a job in U.A.E in a company that deals with fire rated Facade in a project managerial role. Currently, the company has placed me in a project in Saudi Arabia - Highspeed Haramain Railway project. I have gathered 1.5 years of work experience in the facade field. 

Since I have an obsession for design, I am desiring to do an architecture degree in Australia. The question is if I should choose a Bachelor degree in Arch. or directly a Master's in Arch. The intention is also to gain PR status in Australia so that I can gain the license. 

Although, your advise has been in North America, I'd imagine with your extensive knowledge and passion, you could show me a pathway.
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Thanks for reaching out.

But as you point out, my knowledge base is on becoming an architect in the U.S. not Australia.  I truly do not know the answer you are asking for programs in Australia.  To that end, I would suggest you contact the architecture programs directly and inquire as to whether you should apply to the BArch or the MArch.

I will state that architecture programs in the U.S. would welcome you to apply directly to a Master of Architecture degree with your previous education.  Of course, the duration of the program for you would be 3-4 years.

I am sorry that I am not able to answer your question directly.

Best.


Dr. Architecture