RESOURCES - Selecting a Program

RESOURCES

The following are resources to assist you in making a decision on an architecture.

First, contact each of the programs in which you are interested to receive promotional materials both from the university and the academic unit (architecture program).  I fully understand that each institution will have a website but sometimes having materials in your hands can be helpful.

All of these materials are helpful in learning more about the university and its architecture program; however, recognize that they are designed to persuade you to select the institution. Review the materials alongside materials not produced by the program or visit the campus to see for yourself.

STUDYARCHITECTURE.COM
Maintained by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), StudyArchitecture.com is a valuable resource for researching programs. Its primary content is a compilation of descriptions of the over 125 institutions offering professional degree programs in architecture.

The website provide you the ability to search the institutions and programs by a number of different criteria, including location (school, state, region), degree, population (female, minority, international, and out of state), curriculum (related disciplines and specialization), and financial factors (scholarships, tuition, residence, and degree level).

NAAB NATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL ACCREDITING BOARD

NAAB accreditation is the primary means by which professional degree programs in architecture assure quality to students and the public.

Like ACSA's StudyArchitecture, NAAB maintains a list of accredited architecture programs.

Architecture Program Search

CAMPUS VISITS / OPEN HOUSE
A very helpful resource is the campus visit. Campus visits are an absolute must, especially for your top choices. When arranging one, consider spending the night with a current student to get an inside feeling about the institution. If possible, request that you stay with an architecture student. In addition, visit with a faculty member or administrator within the architecture program, ask for a tour of the facilities of the program, and attend a class.

In the fall, most schools host open houses as an opportunity for prospective students to meet with faculty and students and to learn more about curricular opportunities. While these are excellent opportunities, recognize that they present the campus at its best. In addition to these planned events, visit unannounced to see the campus, including the design studios, in its normal setting. Many graduate programs in architecture host an open house in the fall for prospective candidates and a parallel one in the spring for admitted candidates. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about a program and make an impression.

In the spring, schools again host open houses but they are reserved for admitted students.  Visit again if your schedule allows, but sometimes visiting on your schedule may be more helpful.  

ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR ADMINISTRATOR
As you narrow your choices, one of the best resources is an admissions counselor or an administrator (director, advisor, or faculty member) from the architecture program. Remember, the task of these individuals is to assist you in learning more about their university and the architecture program. Develop a personal relationship with them to obtain the information you need to make an informed decision. Do not hesitate to keep in touch with them throughout the admissions process.

STUDENTS / FACULTY / ALUMNI / ARCHITECTS
An often neglected but important resource is conversations with individuals associated with the architecture program—students, faculty, and alumni.  During campus visits, ask for an opportunity to speak with students and faculty. Request the names of a few alumni in your area, both recent and older graduates, to ask their impressions. Finally, seek out architects in your area and ask them their opinions about the schools you are considering for admission. If you are unable to visit a program, request the email addresses of students or recent alumni to ask questions.

ARCHITECTURE CAREER / COLLEGE DAYS
While many high schools and community colleges host annual college fairs, these events do not usually focus on the architecture programs.  Fortunately, there are a handful of annual events that are specifically about architecture!

Held in the fall, the architecture Career Days/College Fairs are a great opportunity for you to learn more about pursuing a degree. You can interact with representatives from a variety programs and ask specific questions (see examples below); you will connect with faculty, program administrators, and possibly students and alumni. Having these conversations will help you gain a better insight and help make a decision about which program is right for you.

Below are the events slated for Fall 2018.

Boston, MA – Saturday, September 29, 2018

Boston Society of Architects – Architecture / Design College Fair

https://www.architects.org/programs-and-events/architecturedesign-college-fair

Philadelphia, PA – Saturday, October 6, 2018

Temple University – Philadelphia Architecture + Design Fair

https://tyler.temple.edu/philadelphia-architecture-design-fair

Dallas, TX – Saturday, October 13, 2018

AIA Dallas – 2B an Architect

https://www.aiadallas.org/v/event-detail/2B-An-Architect/5a6/

Chicago, IL - Saturday, October 20, 2018

Consortium for Design and Construction Careers – Chicago Architecture + Design College Day

http://chicagocareerday.org

New York, NY – Saturday, November 3, 2018

Center for Architecture – Architecture & Design College Fair

https://www.centerforarchitecture.org/k-12/architecture-college-fair/

Seattle, WA – Sunday, December 30, 2018

American Institute of Architecture Students Expo 2018

http://www.aias.org/events/forum-2018/

Finally, feel free to contact me with more specific questions on the process.

Dr. Architecture

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.

__________

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

Study Architecture - NEW

Just this past week, ASCA launched a new website - StudyArchitecture.com

From the home page.  

• Have you ever wondered how you can make an impact? Ever imagined how to create sustainable communities, how to make urban spaces more personal, or how to use design thinking to improve how people work, live and explore? It is simple. Study Architecture. As an architecture student, the built environment is your canvas, and imagination is your only limit. Explore StudyArchitecture.com to find a wealth of resources, including where to learn, what to know, and the latest news in the global architecture community.

Below are the main sections.

Where to Study - allows you to search from the accredited programs that offer degrees in architecture.

What to Know - connects you to a number of resources.

What's New - links to a periodic blog on all topics related to studying architecture.

Your Journey - provides you a road map to becoming an architect and making an impact.

Check it out!

http://www.studyarchitecture.com/

Professional Associations

I was wondering what are good programs/memberships to get into?  Such as AIAS and International Code Council.  Are there other ones out there that approach being LEED certified?  Besides internships what are other affordable ways to gain knowledge and experiences?  Would it be wise to participate in online competitions?  Could the competitions be damaging at all to my career?

_________

There are way too many professional associations/organizations to list, but rather search on Google keywords that you are interested - for example

http://www.architect.org/links/architecture_organizations.html

http://www.usgbc.org/ - US Green Building Council

While internships are certainly the best way to gain experience, you can certainly enter competitions (online or not) as well research with faculty (Are you in school?). 

Best.

Job Search Resources

I live in Portland, OR. I am desperatly looking for architecture work. I never see job postings in the Oregonian, Monster, and Craig's List. Can you give me better resources to find a job?

_____________

From what you have shared, I will provide the following -- the most effective job search method is networking, not looking on the internet job boards.  You do not share where you are in the process of becoming an architect.  Are you a member of the AIA? or any other professional organization from which you can network?

Have you researched the firms in Portland and approach them directly?  As you know, the market is challenging so firms are not advertising.  You need to approach them and create value for them.  Research the firms, determine which are the best for you and network you way in to someone who is responsible for hiring.

Did you go to school in Portland?  If so, what faculty did you have that might be of help?

Everyone you know and do not know are potential contacts.  I would spend some time, but not much in the job boards; instead, I would get out and meet people, preferably architects.  Volunteer with the AIA or other group for which you will connect with architects.  Attend lectures or other seminars where you will meet architects.

I hope this helps.

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.

Mechanical Engineer to Architect

Dr. Architecture,

I am a licensed P.E. in the state of Alabama in Mechanical Engineering and have almost 20 years of experience (from machine design to more physics based applications). I have a Masters and Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University, but am now considering the idea of transitioning to Architecture. I am looking to  a supporting role in an architecture firm. What might the best path be? Are there any options for distance learning (even a subset of the coursework), that have accreditation? I am a military dependent living in Ohio, but we will settle in the state of Colorado within the next year. I realize that the education and licensure can be state dependent. I appreciate any help you might be.

_________

First, congrats on your idea to pursue architecture.

Given your previous education, you may pursue the accredited Master of Architecture (3-4 years) at over 60 institutions around the country.  For the full list, visit -- NAAB - www.naab.org and ARCHSchools - www.archschools.org.

Unfortunately, there are no exclusively online degree programs in architecture for an individual that has a degree in another discipline.  With your moving to Colorado the only program in the states is University of Colorado - Denver.

Now, given your discipline is mechanical engineering, you may be able to pursue a position within a AE / EA firm which would allow you to contribute (not as an architect).

I would begin the process of networking through the professional association - AIA - American Institute of Architects and contact a few firms for possible positions.

Best.

Confused!

I am a soon to be junior in high school and am so stressed out on going to college and becoming an architect.  I don't even know where to start.

 

I want to live in a dorm and my choices are Philadelphia university, Cornell, Boston University, Columbia university. I don't know which are NAAB, i dont know what courses i need to take or how i pick them, i don't what a BArch, MArch, BS Arch is.

 

I love math and the idea of doing math and designing together because i love to choose what goes best, what goes with what and i love just staring at the beauty of buildings both modern and old. I was fascinated by both Italy and New York.  I cannot draw though, i am an A student but dont have many extra curricular activities. I am sooo stressed with SAT's and college applications and picking a college.  I love interior desginig as well as exterior but i dont even know what landscaping is 

 

I don't know what an SAT subject test is or how to apply to a university or what the requirements are. I want to go to a university not a college and get a degree and then a master but I'm so confused too with all the options of 5 years and four years and two and internships.

 

I would love to do a course in italy or maybe do a masters there after i have my degree here.  I am confused what an architect really is but i know i love it.

 

I want to earn money and secure my future. I dont really have money to pay for a university and I don't want to go to a community college i know there are loans, scholarships, and financial aid but i am so confused on that to.  I dont even know who can help me or what to do.  so please help me even if it is one step at a time

__________

First, relax.  Many high school students are becoming to feel stressed about college and the next phase of their life.  The easiest way to become less stressful is to relax and becoming informed of the process.

To start with learning more about becoming an architect, review the entire website -- www.archcareers.org and obtain a copy of Becoming an Architect; both resources outline the process of becoming an architect and highlight additional resources for you.

To discover which institutions have architecture programs, visit NAAB - www.naab.org and ARCHSchools.org.  Both will provide a list of NAAB accredited programs.  To learn more about the degree programs, review the previous entries on the blog -- http://archcareers.blogspot.com/ --.

To learn more about the profession, review the following from the Bureau of Labor Statistics - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos038.htm --.

To address many of your other concerns, I would suggest you schedule an appt. with the guidance counselor in your high school or contact a local university in your region.

Feel free to contact me with more questions.

 

Dr. Architecture

Success by Design

For the past two days, I have been attending and presenting at the AIAS Grassroots Leadership Conference.  I led a series of four workshops under the Career track.

During the conference I connected with Jenn Kennedy, the author of the new book, Success by Design: Revealing Profiles of California Architects.  While I have not yet a chance to fully read the book, I now that I can highly recommend it as it introduces you to 25 successful architects (Barton Myers, Ray Kappe, Art Gensler among them) and discusses how their career path.  Not to mention, the book includes images of their work.  

"this book offers stories of many diverse paths to success for those interested in starting or managing an architecture practice" -- Jenn Kennedy

If your desire is to become an architect, do check it out via her website - ArchitectSuccess.

Dr. Architecture

Architecture vs. Journalism

I am a high school senior trying to decide what major to pursue in college. I really enjoy organizing/planning spaces; on the other hand, I love writing. That presents two totally different majors: architecture and journalism. If I were to pursue journalism, would a university allow me to take architecture electives simultaneously? Then, after earning a bachelors in journalism with a few architecture credits, would I be able to pursue a masters in architecture?

Thanks for your help!
_________

First, I would not suggest you necessarily pick one over the other at this point in your life.  To keep your options open, attend a university that has both majors - journalism and architecture.  Assuming that the institution has an architecture minor, you could pursue an undergraduate degree in journalism and a minor in architecture.  Afterwards, you could pursue the Master of Architecture (3-4 years) for those that have a unrelated degree (journalism).

As well, you could pursue architecture as an undergraduate degree with a possible minor in journalism.  Again, pursue the Master of Architecture (2-3 years) for the professional accredited degree necessary for licensure.

At this point, keep both option open by writing and sketching.  

Here are some resources I found be searching on the two topics in Google.

http://www.rediff.com/getahead/2007/jul/17arch.htm

http://resource.bdonline.co.uk/questions/how-do-i-get-into-architecture-journalism

Master of Arts in Design Criticism

http://www.arch.uic.edu/programs/mad-crit.php

Dr. Architecture

Architect: Career Report

I am an 8th grader attending North Hills Preparatory in Irving, Texas. For a major project, I have to write a 900- 1200 word paper on the career of my choice and I am really interested in Architecture. I need to interview someone as a primary source for my paper. Could you please provide detailed answers to the following questions in the word document by tomorrow night, so that i may re- email you in case i need any clarifications? 

_______

I very much appreciate you contacting me concerning your career choice paper; further, I applaud your choice of Architect.

However, rather than reply directly to your questions, instead, I will refer you to resources that will be more helpful in writing your paper (see below).

Occupational Outlook Handbook - this government resource will answer many of your questions below.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos038.htm

ARCHCareers.org

ARCHCareers.org Blog
http://archcareers.blogspot.com/

Becoming an Architect, 2nd Edition - this includes profiles of over 50 students, interns, and architects
http://www.wiley.com/buy/9780470372104
 

Dr. Architecture

Interview Questions

1.     Could you please state your full name and your career in the field of architecture?

2.     Was this field in architecture always your dream job? If it was, what motivated you to succeed in this career? What inspired you to want to become an architect? If not, how did you end up choosing this job? When did you end up choosing to go into this field? Was it your 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, etc. job preference?

3.     Are there different positions or rankings in your field of architecture? Who do you respond to and who responds to you?

4.     Do you work for a certain company or own any companies? If so what does the company specialize in and where is it located?

5.     What kinds of data, people, and things do architects deal with?

6.      What style of architecture do you do, why did you choose it, and what other styles are there that architects do?

7.     Are you supervised by anyone or do you supervise people and how does that work out?

8.     Do you have any co- workers? If so how are the relations between you and your co- workers?

9.     Is there great opportunity to relocate your job to a different place? Where are the best places to live with a career like yours and why are they the best?

10.  What are your opinions towards the job and what are others’ opinions towards it? Why are your opinions like that?

11.  How long have you had this career and what has kept you at it for that long?

12.  What is your schedule? Dou you make it yourself? Do you have holidays? How is your time spent and how do you manage your time?

13.  How big can architectural companies be? What is the average size?

14.  Do you have a fast average or a slow growth rate?

15.  How many annual job openings are there in your company? In the country? World?

16.  What are all of the forms of education that architects need to become architects? (Courses, training, etc.)

17.  What are the different costs, times, lengths, and benefits of each type of education and training?

18.  What are the certifications and exams that need to be passed for certification?

19.  Are there any promotions awarded in architecture? What qualities are needed for promotion? How much time is needed for a promotion? Is there a percentage of workers who are promoted?

20.  Could you use the education and experience you gained in this field and take it to another career?

21.   Could you start your own business? How would you do that?

22.   What is the salary range for the average architect? What are the salary ranges for each position in architecture?

23.  Are there any commissions or bonuses awarded to architects?

24.  What are the employee benefits?

25.  How are raises, promotions, and bonuses based?

26.  Is the job stressful? If so, why? Are there time limits, hard clients, impossible conditions, etc.?

27.  Does the job get more difficult with age?

28.  How much freedom and chance to express your creativity do you get?

29.  What are the chances of becoming an architect and getting a good job out of that?

30.  How sustainable are jobs in the field of architecture in a failing economy?

31.  Where do you usually work to do your job? An office, home, anywhere, etc.?

32.  What areas in the world are usually the best for architects?

33.  What is the process that an architect must go through from the beginning by creating a plan for a building, to finishing the building?

34.  What does an architect’s average day look like?

35.  And any other information about architects, their careers, education, etc.?

 

Architecture and Actuarial Science

I’m currently a junior in high school and for years I’ve been considering architecture to be my future career. I feel like I’d love the job, but many say that during a recession, many architects suffer and many lose their jobs. With our hard to fully predict economy, I don’t want my life to depend on that and be at such risk. To be safe, I’m thinking about becoming an architect as well as an actuary and choose depending on circumstances. Do you have any advice as to what degrees I should try to earn? A bachelor’s in mathematics, or in architecture, or in actuarial science, or in art…? then masters?

I also heard that just a  bachelor’s alone in architecture is basically worthless…

But on the other hand, someone told me teachers with masters degrees are to be paid more and therefore schools such as my high school don’t like to hire them, if that’s at all true, is it also true with architects?

Also should I be looking for a school that is well known in the architectural field or one in the actuarial science field?

___________

I applaud your interest in architecture and actuarial science, although they are quite different careers.  If you have not already done so, review the following career information from the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Architect - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos038.htm

Actuary - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos041.htm

While I very much appreciate the fact that the architecture profession is tied to the economy, I would not use that as the sole factor in determining a career.  Think about career satisfaction.  Did you know that over 90% of architects would choose the same profession again?

As for which degree to pursue, I can suggest you consider obtaining an undergraduate degree in mathematics and afterwards pursuing a Master of Architecture.  It will take longer than an undergraduate in architecture and the Master of Architecture, but it will keep your options open.  For architecture, you must obtain the master degree for licensure or the Bachelor of Architecture.  A good resource to obtain is Becoming an Architect, 2nd Edition.

As for architecture schools, access http://www.naab.org -- I am not sure which school are appropriate for actuarial science.

Also, as a junior in high school, consider attending one of many summer programs offered for high school students.  One to consider is at the University of Illinois -- http://www.arch.illinois.edu/programs/discoverarch/ --.

Careers in Architecture Video --

Perhaps, a little long, this video introduces you to what architects do, what qualities you need to be an architect.

Architecture 1.1

Architecture 1.2



Architecture 1.3



Architecture 1.4

CAD, Revit, and Software

I am hoping that you will be able to help me. My son is in college studying architecture. Throughout high school he studied CAD - the only program related to architecture in our home town school system. However he has found that in college it is necessary to know many other programs to help him with his studies. Unfortunately though,  the school he attends is not teaching the students these programs but rather assuming they either know them or can teach themselves. With the amount of work to be done, my son does not have the time to learn these programs during the regular semesters. He is looking to learn the program Revit this summer either at a school that teaches it or whatever way available. Can you guide me into finding out where he would be able to learn this program? We live in North Jersey.

________

Architects use many different software; as well, architecture students use many different software.  Aside from CAD - computer aided drafting/design, many students use SketchUp (http://sketchup.google.com/), Adobe Suite (http://www.adobe.com/), Rhino (http://www.rhino3d.com/), Maya (http://usa.autodesk.com/maya/), FormZ (http://www.formz.com/), and BIM (Building Information Modeling) -- the list could be endless.

While it may true that some architecture programs may require knowledge of these software including Revit, I cannot imagine that it would be expected upon arrival from high school.  For example, I work at an architecture program in the midwest; we expect our students to know Revit ( http://usa.autodesk.com/revit-architecture/) by their sophomore year, but we teach the software.  Others learn it via a course within a community college.

Thus, I would not be overly worried that he does not know Revit.  Have you talked with the architecture programs and solicited their advice?  Check local community colleges to determine if they teach the course.  Assuming he can get his hands on the actual software, there are tutorials on the web.

http://usa.autodesk.com/revit-architecture/training/

Aside from there, there are probably plenty of providers of training but at a cost.

Post-Professional - UToronto

I came across your book few weeks ago and more recently your blog and they are extremely useful!

I am currently finishing my professional architecture degree. I am moving to Toronto next year and I was wondering if you could help me regarding a post-professional program I might apply to.

Do you know anything concerning the post-professional architecture graduate program (equivalent to MArch 2) of the University of Toronto?

How good is it? what it focuses on etc..

Perhaps compared to the US graduate programs?

I am not being able to find accurate and helpful assessments of the program online...

North American rankings are usually helpful but I cannot find any either.

__________

I appreciate that you have found my book and blog helpful.  Also, congratulations on completing your professional architecture degree and desiring to pursue a post-professional degree.

As for the University of Toronto, I cannot share any insight other than what is listed on their website (see below).  Unfortunately, I am not able to comment on its reputation or its focus.

http://www.daniels.utoronto.ca/programs/master_of_architecture/master_of_architecture_post_professional/103

For post-professional degrees, candidates typically select programs based on their available expertise, not necessarily reputation.  For example, if you are interested in urban design, which programs offer urban design?

Plus, many candidates take time between their professional degree and post-professional degree; in other words, many post-professional degrees are targeted to individuals that have professional experience.

I suggest you research programs from ARCHSchools.org – www.archschools.org and by contacting the programs directly.

Best!

Dr. Architecture

Architecture Schools in Canada

I am a recent Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering graduate, and am vigorously pursing a career in architecture, and in particular a M.Arch.  I am a Canadian, and have read your book, Becoming an Architect. I have a few inquires about architecture that I was hoping to get your response to.

1. Your book mentions to assess the importance of the reputation of the school.  I think that it depends on the employers, so my question is, from your experience, how important is the reputation of the school to an architectural firm?  For example, the University of Toronto and University of British Columbia M.Arch programs are the most competitive in Canada. Do architectural firms give more attention to students from competitive schools moreso than others (such as the University of Calgary's which is less competitive) ?

2. Does the CACB also conduct annual Architecture Program Reports that are accessible to the public?

3. Do you have a good resource for the job demand for architects in Canada?  Through rileyguide.com, I was able to link up with many sites pointing to American firms, and I see a demand for Building Integration Modelers, Health Care Facilities designers, and Project managers.  I can't seem to find a good resource for Canada.

4. Do you know if there is a resource/program for students to connect with architectural firms (preferably Canadian) to ask career questions & job shadow? 

I look forward to hearing from you!

_________ 

  

First, congratulations on your desire to pursue architecture.  Also, I appreciate your reading my book.

1. To truly gain the insight on this question, I would suggest you contact some firms; with that said, I would state that some firms may use the institution from which you graduate as an important criteria at the time of graduation, but after a few years, most will care more about what you can do as evidenced from your portfolio.

2. I do not know for sure, but I would imagine that the architecture programs in Canada are required to submit materials parallel to the APR as part of the accreditation process.  To know for sure, you should contact CACB.

http://www.cacb-ccca.ca/

3. I am not sure of the best resources, but did find the following:

http://www.architectstocanada.raic.org/Intro_E.html

http://www.archistaff.ca/index.cfm

http://www.archiz.com/dir-architect.html

http://www.archiplanet.org/wiki/Category:Architecture_Firms_in_Canada

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Architecture_firms_of_Canada

4. Unfortunately, I am not fully aware of resources but suggest you contact the following:

http://www.raic.org/index_e.htm

The RAIC does have a member directory that might be helpful in contacting architects.  I have found that most architects are willing to help.

Dr. Architecture

High School Preparation

I dream of studying architecture, however I do not have a plan to prepare myself for college while I am in high school.  Besides reading the recommended publications and taking a summer school program, how should I prepare for a career in architecture? Is there something that you think is important to take while I am in high school that would give me an advantage when it is time to apply for college?  I am currently a sophomore at St. Francis Central Coast Catholic High School in Watsonville, California and am wondering if you know of any programs in the Bay Area with local architects that I could get involved in.

Thank you for your time.  I look forward to your response!

_____

The best resources to answer your question is Chapter Two of Becoming an Architect, 2^nd Edition; it highlights academic coursework, exploration, visits, summer and after school programs.  Also, below are some specific programs in San Francisco to research.

Architectural Foundation of SF - http://www.afsf.org/afsf_programs.htm

AIA San Francisco - http://www.aiasf.org/

Finally, check out the handful of architecture programs in the Bay area – UC-Berkeley and California College of the Arts.

Best - feel free to contact me with more questions.

Dr. Architecture

Architect: School Project

I'm from Springwood Middle School. We are doing a project on what job we would like to be in, and I chose to become an architect. I wanted to ask you a series of questions. I hope you won't mind; answer them if you want to. What are some benefits that architecture offers? What difficulties do you face with this job? What responsibilities are required to be an architect? how many days or hours do architects work in a week? What skills are needed? What is the average salary for an architect/ you? Sorry if these are to many question. Hope you can write back soon. thank you once again.
________

Congrats on your selection of becoming an architect; while I am not an architect, but I can certainly direct you to resources that may be of help in your project.

First, some of the answers will be found by truly viewing the full pages of the ARCHCareers.org website. As well, a great resource for any professional career is the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos038.htm - You will see ARCHCareers.org at the end as an additional resource; this government resource will almost answer all of your questions.

Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design - 2nd Edition
http://www.wiley.com/buy/9780470372104 - book that includes interviews with architects that provide the insider's view of the profession. You can gain a preview of a portion of the book from the following:

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

Another website, but from Canada - still valid
http://www.raic.org/architecture_architects/becoming_an_architect/index_e.htm

Again, let me know if you have any additional questions. Best for your project.

Dr. Architecture

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

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?

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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