I’ve got an interesting meeting today. I’m having coffee with a young woman who is thinking about what careers she should be aiming for. And I wondered if you could help me.
She wants to be an architect, and as you know it isn’t a career I would suggest as ideal for a young person (particularly a young woman). But you might think differently, and more particularly you probably have an idea about how she can be helped to make the right decisions for her.
What do you think about the future of architecture for young people today? What do you think are the opportunities and the threats?
If you were in that position today, looking back from where you are now, what would you do differently?
There may be other careers that someone with an interest in design, buildings, construction, the built environment, might consider. What are they?
And most particularly, what resources are available to help her decide?
I hope by asking on the blog we might collect together some ideas, advice and resources which will help the many young people thinking for the first time about becoming an architect.
Please make your contribution below, and I’ll share them all.
Thank you.
Image: The Bachman House by Bruce Goff, Architect (isn’t he an inspiration!) photo by ejojola
Hi, I think this all depends on what her motivation is. If the choice of architecture is based on a love for the arts the even though the discipline is having a hard time at the moment it likely to have picked up in seven years when she will have graduated. A lot of women do drop out of Architecture (course rates are currently 50% split while RIBA membership stands at just 19% having fallen from 25% over the last two years so I would advise she reads some of the research before making a committed decision (I can point you in the direction if need be) . If though her motivation is to be part of the building process then there are other careers such as site manager, QS, setting out engineer etc that might be of more interest, again there are gender related barriers but if she is determined this should not put her off if she is prepared for them. Also these roles are often sponsored or offered on day release which might be good to know. I hope that helps. Feel free to get in touch if you would like more help or want me to introduce her to a qualified arch (man or woman) warm regards chrissi
Hi Chrissi,
this is really useful and yes, please do share the research. Is it published online?
When I was studying I think the percentage was less than 10%, but to paraphrase Laurie Anderson, when are we going to ‘make a buck’?
hi Mrs, Chmrissi, name Jusly I want an architect so what are some good advice for me wanting to be an architecture designer
I come across this quite regularly. In the practice where I work I tend to be the person that mentors the work experience placements. They are given a research task followed by a design task (choose a site anywhere in the world and design your own house); this is to give them an insight into the profession. We don’t undervalue them and make them do photocopying or making teas. This only deflates them and gives our company a bad reputation.
If they are interested in becoming an Architect I refer them to the ‘becoming an architect’ section on architecture.com and explain what an architect does, explain the processes we go through to get our initial ideas in our head realised as built form and explain the education system. 7 years sounds very daunting to a 15 year old – it’s half their life after all.
This is the point where I get very excited about ‘architecture’ again. The nice side, the glossy side. All mr ARs come off the shelf to show great examples of work around the world. they are shown the Presidents Medals webpage for exemplarary student work (and my work that was submitted for it several years ago!!)
But then, reality kicks in; recession, long working hours, rubbish salaries, reduced hours, undervalued in the profession by others and then find it difficult to suggest that they should be considering architecture as a career. This is further amplified by my role as a visiting practitioner at Huddersfield University. Part 1s can’t get work – even the very talented ones. Diploma students are starting the course with no work placement experience (and it shows) and only the exceptional Part 2s are finding work. yes, the recession won’t last forever and things will get better but I can’t see the salaried architect (which makes up the majority of us) ever being rewarded in a way which is commensurate with the length of training and the responsibilities we take on.
It’s always best to be honest and upfront with young people. I’m never bitter or twisted as I love what I do and don’t know what else I would do if I had to do it all again. I always say that if they are really passionate and driven about architecture and design then go for it! There will always be opportunities in emerging markets for young people that dont have mortgage and family commitments etc.
But if they want to pursue architecture because they think they will be well paid at the end (like lawyers, dentists etc) then forget it. Do the chatered surveyors course instead.
Thanks Ian,
I don’t envy you teaching at the moment. It must be really frustrating.
It would be great to get more honest views about studying and practising architecture out for people to share and discuss.
My son who is 15 years old has wanted to be an architect since he was 12. For work experience he has managed to secure a placement in Foster and Partners. He is very excited, but simultaneously very nervous. Can you advise on how to make the most out of this experience?
I wanted to become an architect from a very young age, at school I loved art and really loved TD (as it was in my day 🙂 and I have always had a love of buildings and structures, so I could only see one way forward, but this was in the days when we were encouraged to get jobs out of school, not take college courses and uni was for the rich (obviously it wasn’t, but that was how it was perceived then)
Because of this, I tried to get jobs within the industry, but it was very hard without the right qualifications, so I gave up and worked in a 9-5 job instead.
What I would say is DON’T GIVE UP IF YOU LOVE WHAT YOU DO! keep trying, keep studying and learn all you can about what you love. If it isn’t a passion, don’t do it for all the reasons the people who know what they’re talking about above say so, but if you love it, keep at it, again, for all the reasons above.
I wish now that I had continued trying, instead I do something else I love, but there is always that nagging question… ‘what if…’
Maybe we can help you feel that it isn’t all its cracked up to be Denise. You’ve got a successful business, which is more than many architects these days, and you clearly love what you do.
It hasn’t been easy to admit it, but I’m glad I didn’t qualify in the end. I’m much better doing what I’m doing. The problem is of course, we can never go back and have another go!
Never let those who have given up on their dreams and aspirations tell you that you cannot achieve yours.
My advice would be similar to the two above me, go for it!
If someone is dead set on doing something as you say this girl is, it means they’re the type of person who thinks ahead.
If she does a degree in architecture and down the line the economy is still bad, it’s an excellent thing to be qualified in.
Wouldn’t you say that other degrees were more transferable?
What other degrees could we suggest?
There was an interesting discussion related to this, and also pulling in how architecture relates to design, regeneration and probably also things like the Internet of Things over at http://roryhyde.com/blog/?p=614
I’m outside of the industry, so don’t have any direct experience to relate – however, I have to live with the outcomes 🙂 so think it’s important we get good people designing and building the areas in which we live.
One area I think will be growing in importance over the coming years is how technology will shape the buildings and our interactions with them. So far this is mostly visible with BIM systems, but it’s starting to spread out into the rest of the environment and become networked. It’s a tangential skill-set, but maybe if architecture isn’t the way forward then something combining architecture with design and computing could be?
Thanks Adrian, that’s a really interesting suggestion!
She should seek work experience in an office and ask to shadow project Architect to find out exactly what the job entails. All too often I interview youngsters starting their year out who are completely oblivious to what they may be expected to do!
She should do it because she feels she must not because she wants to having seen a few episodes of Grand Designs. She must realise it is an all encompassing vocation; more than a career.
I would recommend an early subscription to either Architect’s journal or Building Design and perhaps read Christopher Alexander’s ‘A Pattern Language’ or Corbusier’s ‘vers un architecture’
Good point Alun.
Turns out this student has had some work experience which has really helped her understand what it is to be in practice. Fortunately for her the firm were very busy and got her to muck in once they saw her take to CAD!
Many school pupils are trying to get experience in an architects practice. What advice would we have from a practice point of view, to helping them get a ‘yes’ when they get in touch?
You can find lots of research on my website go to http://www.constructingequality.co.uk go to resources then research. The most relevant will be why women leave architecture, I’m pretty sure there is a direct link to it
I would say read as much about cities and architecture as you can, get involved in G4C and Constructing Excellence. Start networking now even though you have no experience or knowledge, don’t be shy just get out there and be honest about why you are there, then by the time you qualify you will know loads of people and learn lots and lots on the way. I would also learn to sketch amazingly (I am rubbish) and also keep right up to date with Adobe CS and 3D CAD, make sure you can produce great visualisations and animation will be a bigger and bigger thing in the future. Don’t forget to get a good understanding of BIM – something you won’t need at college but the industry is very hot on. Bentley have issued free student licenses now http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Corporate/News/Quarter+1/Launches+STUDENTserver
Good Luck…. just make sure you are a cut above the rest in skill and knowledge!
Great that Bentley are offering free licenses and server access to schools and students.
Wonder if AutoDESK will follow suit with their own tempting offers?
I was born as my mother was studying architecture in school. Following her education she immediately became an artist and reminded me of grueling experience in her college. I on the other hand, was always intrigued by materials and how things are put together. I knew I was destined to be an architect and this option was not even a consideration. I entered architecture school (Cooper Union) and was confronted by peers that either idealized the profession or took it as is. It was not surprise that it was expected to stay 3-4 night in a row to be berated by bitter egomaniac professors who themselves were berated in prior years. It is expected to earn $25,000/year after five years of education and $125,000 debt. It is expected to work for years until one can get some form of or any glorification of being an architect. I never questioned this and was always under impression that one was destined to be an architect or not. If one was only considering this direction, I can assure that they will be confronted by a myriad of obstacles prompting them to reconsider. After working as an architect for years, I did reconsider and entered construction career in which I am very happy. With this in mind, I am very grateful for the formal education an architect that I was provided. Education of an architect is broad, yet demanding and it is always easy to realign ones passions. As an example my classmates became architects, furniture/product designers, construction managers, film set designers, writers, animation techs, fashion designers, fabricators, educators, and so on… So in the end, only advice I can give is to pursue what you want to do in the moment and try to be good at it. I on the other hand, realized that my perception of an architect is different from a standard definition. This standard definition is in a constant flux.
Thanks very much for putting forward your personal take on this.
From my own experience I’d say that architectural education did open my eyes to a much broader view of the world. Many of the skills I learned have been transferrable to other design disciplines, as my colleagues will attest whenever items must be arranged on a page or screen!
Get a great education, a top education. Because a good school will introduce you to the realities of the business, a bad school will have you make pretty buildings with no consequences or holistic view. If she goes to a good school she will be able to make her decisions based on all the education she gets if its worth pursuing. I think that is, along with strict fundamental skills and design history, the real goal of a design/architecture school.
That reminds me.
She should join PolyArc and talk to students to get the best idea of what they think the best schools are.
http://polyark.ning.com/
And perhaps get in touch with Archaos too?
http://www.archaos.org/
Go for it -its a diverse and exciting profession, something for everyone. Go visit loads of stunning buildings, find some work experience in a few different types of practice, visit building sites, delvelop skills on the creative and technical side. Read some introductory books (my first wereExperiencing Architecture by Rasmusen and Richard Rogers first monograph – showing my age now).
I was in that same position a long time ago. I entered school as an architecture major and spent 2 years before I realized I wasn’t sure if that was the path for me. I changed schools & majors and received by BS in Business, a much more versatile degree. After working my way up in a major investment management firm for the better part of a decade, I wasn’t as fulfilled as I was when I studied architecture. I’m now in my 5 year (out of 7) of night school pursuing a B-ARCH degree. I needed to take the long way because I was unsure. If architecture doesn’t work out, I have a fallback, but I’m not planning in using it. It’s a tough field to survive in, but to me, it’ll be worth it. If I had known how much it was a passion then, I may have stuck with it as a youth, but that’s not how it works sometimes.
Having recently finshed Part II and subsequently been made redundant it would be easy to take a prticularly negative view of the profession. I would not neccessarily agrre with earlier comments on the transferability of an architecture degree as it is often viewed by other professions as a very specialist subject (even though those who have done an architecture degree know otherwise). I guess I would re-itterate the advise about what she really wants to do. IF her heart is set on architecture then architecture it must be, but if she is interested in the construction profession as a whole then maybe a degree in another field may be beneficial. let us also not forget that 18 is an early age to be deciding on wwhat to do for the rest of your life, and although the architeture path is a long one it is not one that is only vailable at the beginning of your career.
I would never seek to discourage someone – particularly on the basis of their gender, ethnicity or background – from pursuing their passion. In these difficult times young people need to be sure that if they’re going to university that they know what they want to study. Get work experience, talk to professionals, read magazines, take a year or two out… whatever it takes to ensure that they go into it eyes wide open. But to discourage someone who is passionate and excited about a career, especially on the basis of them being a young woman, is not what we should be doing.
I work in an organisation called Places Matter! in the northwest and work with young people from a wide range of backgrounds to give them more of an understanding of architecture and the built environment and raise awareness of the careers in the sector. Our projects particularly target those underrepresented in the sector – young women, black and minority ethnic young people and those from less affluent backgrounds – who are aspiring architects. We’ve also worked on the Architecture for Everyone programme with the Stephen Lawrence Trust which tackles these issues – their website may be a useful link http://architectureforeveryone.org.uk/careers
Projects that give young people the opportunity to take part in design programmes, learn about architecture, meet architects and other design professionals and get more of a feel of what it is to work in the sector can be really valuable. It’s important to be honest and realistic, making it clear what the challenges they are going to face are and give them the opportunity to ask architects the burning questions that they have. Opportunities like this can really help young people decide if it’s for them. The Architecture Centre Network website http://www.architecturecentre.net/docs/network/centres provides links for who is delivering similar work in her area.
Really? No waste your time.
Hi James,
Just checking what you mean – do you mean ‘don’t waste your time’ or something else? Curious…
Architecture is a wonderful career choice, and worthy of pursuing if design, construction, and sustainability are all of interest. Indeed it can be a very lucrative and satisfying career, and/or it can be very hard graft and not as sexy as some might think. I studied construction, loved design and drawing, and too wanted to be an architect. My first work placement from college in an architects practice turned my career upside down. I Worked with a very experienced chartered buiding surveyor. We went out on site, measured, them drew buildings, did designs, and lots of other really interesting things too. The balance of out of office work and in office drawing work was wonderful. Interestingly, the architects of the practice, rarely drew anything and were tied up in meetings all the time – all the drawing was done by others! This changed my perception of the career I wished to follow. O went on to study Building Surveying at Northumbria University (excellent course and track record) and have never regretted it. I now own my own practice, do design work, work with architects, and all in all, am very pleased I changed direction. Also, there ate a lot of architects out there, and on tough times, Manu I know have been cast aside. A building surveyor gad many many
Sorry pressed publish by mistake there …
Interestingly, the architects of the practice, rarely drew anything and were tied up in meetings all the time – all the drawing was done by others! This changed my perception of the career I wished to follow. I went on to study Building Surveying at Northumbria University (excellent course and track record) and have never regretted it. I now own my own practice, do design work, work with architects, and all in all, am very pleased I changed direction. Also, there are a lot of architects out there, and in tough times, Many I know have been cast aside. A building surveyor has many many skills that can stand up in recession. Please, do go for architecture if that is the love and passion, but, do explore other options. I did and I feel I made the right choice for me.
Regards
Adrian Marston
http://www.smithmarston.co.uk
http://www.righttolightsurveyors.co.uk
I would discourage EVERY intelligent young person NOT to study architecture. Of course I am bitter because they failed me at the end of my third year. I fought the decision for five years and my MP even wrote to them to reconsider granting me a resit. They woudn’t budge. They will fail you too if they don’t like you and their “academic decision cannot be challenged”, so states the university regulations in Scotland. Of course I didn’t think to read the rules before I went. Wish I had. The course is totally subjective, with a big dose of vidiousness thrown in. I eventually retook the 3rd year (and passed) in England. I had a better experience (obviously because I passed) and it’s no fairer there. Afterwards, I got on fine working in an architect’s office but I decided I couldn’t continue to Part Two as I knew that whether you pass or fail is like flicking a coin – you might be lucky or you might not be. I know many unlucky people including two that were failed at the end of the 5th year. This is NOT uncommon. Keeps the number of qualified architects down, especially women. But I’ve seen plenty of cruelty aimed at men too – often the most attractive, talented ones. Then again, if you are not terribly academic and you know an architect/are willing to pay someone to do your drawings for you then it is the easiest degree possible. At no point do they ever check/test students are doing their own technical drawings that they hand in. I am absolutely certain of this. Cheating is rife. Even Richard Roger’s, in his biography, laughs about handing in drawings his girlfriend Gorgie did on his behalf. Ha ha!
I am 14yrs old and i really want to be an architect at the age i am now and all i need is a little push i am really dedicated to my work and like drawing and making things ppssible for life and i really want to be very succesful