Military to Architecture

Good afternoon air I am currently in the United States Marine Corps, I am about to get out and want to go to college and become an architect. I was wondering what would be the best way to do this. What college to go to and what classes to take.

Thank you or your time I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
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Congrats on your interest in pursuing architecture as a career field.

First, I would suggest you read previous posts on the blog - http://archcareers.blogspot.com --.  Next, I would obtain a copy of Becoming an Architect, 2nd ed. as it outlines the entire process of becoming an architect.

To become an architect, you need to accomplish three tasks 1) education - NAAB accredited professional degree in architecture,; 2) experience - complete the requirements of IDP; and 3) exam - pass the ARE.

As there are over 125 programs in architecture, I make it a point not to recommend one over another; it is your job to research the programs to determine which is the best fit for you.  Typically, you will have courses in studio, technology, structures, construction, and general education courses but it varies from program to program.

I wish you the best and do contact me again if you have any questions.

CAD Course

I have just found your blog and I have noticed that you seem to answer some questions from the public. I have a question about the necessity of CAD classes. I am in a community college in California applying this Fall for university. At my community college, they offer a class on Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD). I am currently enrolled in this class but  I feel like it might seem unnecessary.

The main reason I took this class is because I planned on adding my projects from that class in the portfolio needed to transfer. My main hope is to transfer to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. There is also the notion that if I take this class, I will be more competitive towards being accepted into the major.

Could you please give me any help if possible? 

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If you desire is to transfer to Cal Poly SLO, I would suggest you pose your question to the Architecture Department at Cal Poly SLO.  They will be able to help you best determine if taking the CAD course will be beneficial or not.

I will suggest that you take a freehand drawing/art course instead of CAD.  Most architecture programs that require a portfolio for transfer admission typically do not want to see work from CAD courses.  Instead, they wish to see creative work.

Review the following for prospective transfers applying to Cal Poly SLO.
 

http://www.arch.calpoly.edu/prospective/transfer.html

Please do not misunderstand me; you will want to learn CAD, BIM, and other softwares that architects use, but you need not do it now in the community college.

Best!

Computer Software

I was recently laid off of my position as an architect after working for the same firm for 23+ years.  The firm I worked for used VersaCAD as the design/drafting software for all our construction drawings.  No one else in the world uses VersaCAD.  I've been researching job opportunities as an architect in other parts of the state, and it is apparent I will need to have training on some other type of CAD software.  My resources are limited, so I'm trying to figure out what additional training to look for.  Do I do AutoCAD, Revit, BIM, or something else? In some ads I've seen SketchUp, 3D Rendering, Projects, and Uniform Drawing System also listed.  I am familiar with Word, Excel, Photoshop, Acrobat Professional; I know my way around both Mac's and PC's, as we have Mac's at home and I used a PC at work.

I would really appreciate some insight into what additional training might give me the best return (job possibilities) for my investment of time and money.  Thank you.

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First, I am sorry to hear that you have been recently laid off especially after 23+ years with the same firm.

As you are seeking this additional training as part of a job search, I would continue to research what software is being used by the firms to which you are interested.  Use you network to ask the same question to learn what is best for you to learn.

Understanding that I currently work within an architecture program, I would suggest considering the following but do talk with professionals in the firms:

Adobe Creative Suite Design Standard (InDesign, Photoshop, Premier Pro, Acrobat Pro, etc.)
Autodesk (AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, Revit Architecture, Rasterdesign, 3D Max Design

FormZ RenderZone
Rhino
SketchUp

Clearly, the shift occuring within the professions is from AutoCAD to BIM (Revit).  While you need to know AutoCAD (you know from your years of VersaCAD), you may wish to know learn BIM.  In addition, be sure to know the various presentation type software (Adobe) and 3D modeling/rendering softwares (FormZ, SketchUp, and Rhino).  In other words, you need to learn it all.

Obviously, many softwares make trial versions of their software available, but many have substantial discounts available for students.  I would suggest taking courses through a community college to learn but also to be able to take advantage of these discounts.

Bottom line, connect with the area schools, firms, and even AIA chapters for possible training opportunities.  One idea is to contact firms to determine if they provide training opportunities for you given your circumstances.

Dr. Architecture

CAD in High School

 I am a Sophomore in high school, and I am already seriously considering architecture as a career. I do have three major questions relating to CAD-related courses.
   I own your book, Becoming an Architect, 2nd Edition, which is great resource for me. When explaining what classes you should take, you mention that CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) courses are low-priority compared to art and drawing classes.
  My school offers not only a basic CAD class, but also specialized CAD classes, including Architecture CAD. The Architecture CAD class includes making floor plans by hand and on the Computer and making 3D models. Do you think this class is an exception to your statement about CAD classes, or did you mean to include classes like this? Also, if I take this class, do you think I should include my work in my portfolio?

My school offers a program where if you complete three progressive CAD courses (e.g. CAD-->Advanced CAD-->Architecture CAD), you get a Certificate of Competency. Do you think any universities would be impressed with that or even recognize it?

One last question: My school also offers a CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) course. It's like a wood shop class, but with computers to help you make your project. Should I take it, or is it too much like CAD? Should I include my work in my portfolio?

Thanks for taking the time to read my questions. Sorry if any of them are too wordy or hard to understand. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!

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Thanks for your question and compliment on Becoming an Architect, 2nd Edition.

To truly answer your question, I suggest you contact some college and universities that offer architecture and gain their insight.  As one who has serves within an architecture program, I can share that most will share that taking art or drawing courses will be more beneficial than the CAD or CAM courses that you are seeking to take at your high school. 

As much as the architecture profession uses computer as a tool, it is still just a tool.  Taking a creative course that connects your brain, eye, and hand will be more helpful.  Given you have two more years of high school, taking the introductory course in CAD would provide an overview, but I do not think it is necessary to take all three courses as you describe.

You may also wish to access SketchUp -- http://sketchup.google.com/ - a free and easy to use software that is different than CAD.  But also, begin to sketch by hand every day. 

If you have more questions, feel free to contact me again between now and your entering the career.

Dr. Architecture 

Job searching

I was hoping you could help with career questions. I have a liberal arts degree and curious about any work available for someone without a architecture degree, I have some CAD and Photoshop experience. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

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First, my expertise is on becoming an architect, but I will share some thoughts.

Given the current job market in architecture, it is highly unlikely that architecture firms will hire anyone without any architecture degree. With that said, you can certainly promote your skills to architecture firms, but you may need more than just SOME CAD and Photoshop experience. Outside of traditional architecture firms, possible other employer types might include engineering firms, landscape architecture firms, interior design firms or even construction companies. You have to think about possible employers who could use your set of skills beyond just the CAD and Photoshop. What skills did you develop from your liberal arts degree that would transferable.

Another thought would be real estate or manufacturers that need employees that know CAD.

Dr. Architecture