Dear Future Architects

4/10/2016

Dear Future Architects,

I've always said Architecture is a "Love-Hate Relationship." It is so in two aspects: being in it or being outside of it.

We all know of someone who started in architecture school thinking they'd like it but instead hated it enough to completely switch majors. I know after my first semester at NYIT, the studio slimmed considerable. Their hate over came their supposed love for it. Therefore they remain outside of architecture.. Probably with a new found respect for it though.

Conversely we also know or are personally in a love-hate relationship with architecture ourselves as we speak. There are moments of frustration such as learning a new tool or task, a feeling of discontent over a design problem or maybe reliance on a team that just isn't working well together. Even as a registered architect, this can and still does occur. (While practicing architecture, you're likely to also experience challenging clients and contractors.) But all in all, you remain in love and the passion you hold keeps you progressing.

The difficult moments make the victories that much more sweet. Reaching a completed phase of design, being awarded a new project after a lengthy proposal process or having that viola moment when the best design scheme jumps out at you- these are the small wins.

It's just something about design, buildings & construction. I just love it. This creative technical art lured me in some 14 years ago during HS and I continue to be ever intrigued by where it will take me next. With the complex problems being created in society today, a new creative way of thinking is evolving. So future architect: Stick with it! You're needed more than you realize.

Sincerely,
An architect that achieved a dream by becoming one..

Photos base courtesy Pixabay.com

This post is part of #Architalks. A group of Architects come together to write blog post on a specific topic. Our fearless leader and curator runs Life of an Architect. Please see below for my fellow architects post:

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3 Comments

Mike LaValley link

4/13/2016 08:04:52 am

Jared, I complete agree with the sentiment you wrote about here. It's definitely a 'love-hate relationship' I think many of us have with the profession. But for all of the headaches, I couldn't see myself doing anything else except architecture.

Cindy

9/8/2019 08:37:36 pm

Jared,

I loved architecture school and now look back at my memories with nostalgia.

Unfortunately, when I graduated I realized how disconnected the real-world was to my education. I was not properly trained in drafting software (but was oh so educated in 3D parametric design), was not knowledgeable in different construction types or details, and I feel that my education should have had more courses in drafting basics.

My first year in the professional world was so frustrating, that it took me a long time to get over my resentment and anger towards my design school. I spent the next 2 years playing catch-up with my companions around me. The firms I worked at were cut-throat and competitive. In their mind, I was a waste of talent and money since I could not draft fast enough to appease their billing goals. I was looked down upon by project managers, and project architects. I was miserable, studying graphic standards, design details, and software tutorials in my free-time so I wouldn't get fired. I had no work-life balance and lived in constant fear due to the stress of trying to produce on time. I had too many difficult moments in my life to stick with this profession. The worst that comes to my mind, was when I was laid off due to not enough projects going on in the firm. And I understand, that's business. Thank God I had saved the little money I had made to pay my rent, but food was pretty scarce toward the end of that month unemployed. That was the turning point for me. I was done with this profession when I found out my salary was the same as an office administrator. The emotional and financial instability of this profession had solidified my decision to leave.

Let's be honest, firms want to hire the fastest draftsman. In conclusion, I loved architecture school but hated the culture of the profession.

galuapluservices-2 link

12/6/2021 07:27:04 am

Excellent article! Your post is essential today. Thanks for sharing, by the way.

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