Advertising to Architecture

I am 28 years old, and have been working in Advertising for the past 6 years since I graduated college. I am not an art/graphic designer, but rather in Client Services/Account Management (basically spend my days managing projects and campaigns). 

I don't think this is the right fit for me, and have been strongly considering a career change to Architecture. The problem is, I have ZERO experience. My undergrad degree is in English and Film Studies. 

Do you have any tips on how I can build a portfolio while still working full time? I live in NYC, so I have a lot of resources, however I am not quite sure where to start. As you have said, I would need some type of portfolio or design project under my belt in order to apply to any Masters programs (even the programs for people like myself with a BA in an unrelated field). 

If you also think that at 28 I shouldn't be considering a move to Architecture, I would love to hear your thoughts on that too. 

Thank you very much!
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As your undergraduate degree is in an unrelated discipline a portfolio that you submit for graduate studies does not need to be architectural; instead, it needs to be creative. To that end, consider simply taking a drawing course (life or figure) from an area institution.  Of course, you could also take any other creative art courses - sculpture, painting, ceramics, etc.

Center for Architecture (offers courses)

http://www.cfafoundation.org

Also, I would contact a few graduate architecture programs and ask them what they are looking for in their applicants.  Visit to see if you can see some examples.

Learn how to actually design the contents of your portfolio -- www.portfoliodesign.com is one good example that parallels the book by the same name.  View other examples on www.issuu.com -- but do not get intimidated by what you see.

Aside from building your portfolio become involved with the architectural community of NYC - namely the AIA New York chapter.  They also have events, lectures, etc. for you to learn but also connect with professionals in the field.

http://main.aiany.org

Best in your search!

Drawing Skills necessary to become an Architect?

All of my life that I can remember, I've been interested in buildings. I have watched HGTV frequently since my early teens, which, compared to other teenagers, I consider slightly abnormal. Architecture is probably one of my few deep interests.

I'm now 17 and just completed junior year in high school. Throughout all of my school years I've gotten As, and I've taken AP English and Chemistry classes. I've gotten decent ACT (28) and SAT (1850) scores. I've also taken CAD classes (dual credit) for the past two years, earning both As and praise from my teacher. I've heard photography helps as well, and I've been very interested in that. I've taken classes from a professional photographer who is a family friend. I'm even taking my own senior pictures this year.

I consider myself very interested in becoming an architect.

However, more recently it has come to my attention the amount of art classes that architecture students have to take. I can draw a decent stick figure, but really that's about it. I used to take art in elementary school and was good, but I stopped after 5th grade and my drawing skills have suffered immensely.

Honestly I'm not ready to give up on my dream of being an architect, but I'm worried about the art classes. Are the classes really as prevalent as I've heard? Is the fact that I lack drawing skills enough for me to not pursue architecture? Are there other architecture related careers that do not involve as much art? Does my adequacy in CAD drawing alleviate some of the drawing pressure? Does my background in photography help? What do the colleges expect from incoming architecture students? What advice would you give to someone in my situation?

__________

First, congrats on your desire to pursue architecture and your academic successes.

Please let me provide some insight on an architectural education; in my opinion, it takes three things to be a successful architecture student - 1) intelligence, 2) creativity, and 3) passion/dedication.  The best part is that you only need two out of the three.

Having worked at three architecture programs, I would not worry about the art courses.  Architecture is not about art, but it is about creativity and the ability to communicate your ideas.  Architects do use hand-drawings and sketches to communicate their design ideas, but also use computers to do so.

How much graphic courses you take will depend on the program you select.  Some programs have an ART emphasis - Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) or Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), but others do not.  Some require a portfolio from high school applicants, but others do not.

Do not get me wrong -- you will need to draw, but you admit that you were good, but you are out of practice.  If possible, take an art/drawing course in your senior year.  If that is not possible, simply draw for 30 minutes every day drawing every day objects -- do not worry about the quality of the drawings -- instead, work on developing the habit to draw and see.  That is important in architecture.

Keep asking questions of the profession, potential architecture programs and of me as appropriate.  I would still consider architecture as a career choice, but continue to learn more.

Best!

Launching your Career!

Hello Dr Architecture,
 

I am a senior attending a high school in Boston. I started to express interest in Architecture during my Sophomore year, but I really began to decide on my major at the end of junior year. After being accepted to WIT BS-ARCH program, I have been looking for different ways to really kick start my way into developing the skills and the mentality to a career in architecture.

Classes I have taken that I believe help are: 2 years of adv art, 1 year of Physics (highschool level), 1 year or precalc, and 1 year of Geometry.

In what ways can I prepare myself for the college courses and the architectural college life.

____________

First, congrats on your admission to WIT.

At this point (prior to starting college), there are many ways that you can begin your preparation and career in architecture.  Below are just to get you started.

1) See - one of the most important skills of an architect is "to see."  Every day, truly see the built environment around you.  Take notice of details, buildings, and how people use the buidings.

2) Sketch - if you do not already, begin to draw/sketch every day.  Document what you see and develop your hand skills.

3) Read - go to the public library and read about architecture.  At this point, it does not matter the book; besides most architecture books are mostly images.

4) Visit online - there are many online architecture magazines and journals; take the time to visit, read, and see the images.

5) Connect - to the extent possible, connect with architects or current architecture students at WIT.

6) Obtain a Mentor - Through your contacts, find a mentor that you can tap as a resource for the rest of your career.

That is a start, there are many others -- Best in your launching your career.

I am currently a junior year at my school and i was wondering how can I improve my creativity in order to become an architect. I'm just taking my architecture class this year but i feel like i need to take some other classes as well to improve my creativity. Any suggestions?
______

First, what architecture classes are you taking this year?

There are many ways to improve your creativity. Here are some --

• Look -- Look all around you at the built environment. Look at the details of a door, a window, or another part of a building to see the creativity.
• Draw -- If you can take a freehand drawing art course while still in high school. If not, simply start to draw. First, draw what you can see -- your hand, a tree leaf, a shoe. Later, draw what you cannot see but is in your imagination.
• Read -- Check out books on architecture and read about design and creativity.
• High School Summer Program -- If you schedule allows, attend one of the many high school summer programs that architecture programs offer. A list is available from www.archcareers.org.

Dr. Architecture

Where to Start?

I am incredibly interested in pursuing a Masters in architecture, but have zero artistic/design educational background. I recently graduated with a BS in Economics (so I've got the math side down), but am very confused as to how I would get myself started with architecture. Do you recommend I take intro art classes first? I do not have a portfolio and it appears that this is one of the main pieces of getting into an architecture masters program.

Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

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As you state, all MArch programs not only require a portfolio but many also require a freehand drawing course prior to admission. The course, a life or figure drawing course, can be taken at an area community college if desired. It is an opportunity to develop your drawing skills but also possibly obtain a letter of recommendation from the instructor.

In addition, begin to draw every day. Purchase a sketchbook and draw everyday objects -- shoe, chair, etc. Do not worry about quality but focus on developing your ability to see. In addition, begin to become aware of your built environment.

You could also consider attending a summer program -- http://archcareers.org/summerprograms.html

If you are near an architecture program visit to talk with students even if you do not wish to attend. Attend their lecture series, etc.

Dr. Architecture