Do you want to be an architect?

Do you want to be an Architect?

It takes a lot of commitment and desire to become an architect. Nobody becomes an architect because they think it sounds cool or they like to draw. There is a lot more to it and I think it needs to be a calling for you to even think you will experience any measurable success. Do you think you have what it takes to be an architect?

Design Studio: Top 10 Things you should know

Architecture school is all about the studio. Whether you are new to design studio or a seasoned pro, there are a few things that I thought I would share with all you that dispel some commonly accepted ideas of what architecture studio really requires from its attendees. I think you might be surprised to read a few things on this list but I promise that you will be better off for having read this list.

What makes you a designer?

As a practicing architect. not everything I do is big picture design. From the overall time I spend working in the office, very little is – but good architecture isn’t always about the big killer idea. I consider coordinating a project and the details of the construction of that project integral to a successful design.

Drawing like an Architect

I am living proof that you don’t have to draw well to be an architect. Having the ability to draw beautiful pictures doesn’t hurt but let’s pull the curtain back and be honest here for a minute … Architects communicate through their drawings – we aren’t making art. As architect Lou Kahn once famously said, “an artist can make a cart with square wheels, but an architect can’t.”

How much money does an architect make?

Architects can make a great living but there is balance between money and happiness that must be found. This post contains a snapshot of some of the best places to work and what areas pay the highest salary for architects. Before anybody start whining and moaning about how architects are underpaid, let me tell you know that I don’t want to hear it. Teachers are underpaid.

The ‘Not so Sexy Side to Architecture’

There is a reality check coming for most graduating architecture students. Practicing architecture for 99.9% of the architects out there means something other than designing – at least what you might typically think design really means. The practice of architecture is more than sketching on trace paper, parti diagrams, deciding what pens to draw with, groupies, and last-minute trips to Vegas with the client. It means solving problems – sometimes incredibly mundane and uninspired – yet very important problems to the people who retain your services.

An Architect’s Tool Bag

To be an architect you must have specific tools to get the job done. Here is a look at the ones I use most often. Some (but not all) are clearly throw-backs tools that reflect the fact that I graduated from architecture school 20 years ago. Despite the fact that I am pretty good at AutoCAD, I didn’t put it on my list of tools. If I had made my list a little longer it probably would have showed up.

Life of an architect

Link - http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/do-you-want-to-be-an-architect/

Graphic Standards

How an architect draws is a reflection of many things – you can frequently tell the priorities of a firm just by looking at the quality of their drawings. I didn’t say the content of their drawings – and this isn’t just semantics – it speaks to the culture of the firm. For the purposes of today’s article, I am going to assume that all architectural drawings are correct and serve their purpose of conveying intent, scope and quantity.

Working on the graphic standards is always a lengthy process of trial and error. In most cases it not’s just about the output of the drafting software, it’s also about how you draw the things that convey the information.

Tools of the trade: Sketchbook

THE SKETCHBOOK

Architecture schools typically have a sketchbook on their mandatory freshman supply list.  In my opinion it is one of the most important tools to help one document, problem solve, practice drawing and archive their career as an architect.

How to pick a sketchbook:

There are hundreds of different types of sketchbooks to choose from and it can be intimidating to figure out which one is just right for you.  Realize that although it’s nice to have a series of similar sized sketchbooks that will sit neatly together on a shelf it’s not the end of the world if you switch it up from time to time.  If you’re buying your first sketchbook you will go through an adjustment phase where you’ll realize what size, shape and paper type works best for you. The sketchbook I use is a wirebound 9”x12” hard covered 100 page book.  This is my favorite type because this size gives you tons of space to draw on, it lays flat so you don’t have to mess with the crease and it is solid which allows you draw on a hard surface. The hardcover also protects your drawings from wear and tear.  I have some sketchbooks that have taken me a few years to fill up and since the information inside is important to me I want to make sure the paper is protected from getting damaged.

The drawback to this sketchbook is that it can be a bit cumbersome. A 9”x12” book doesn’t exactly fit in your back pocket but, if you’re going to class, a meeting or traveling you’re likely going to be carrying a bag that you can easily stow it in.

What to put in your sketchbook:

First thing…always write your name and contact info on the inside cover.  The last thing you want is to lose months of ideas and notes because you left it on a table at Starbucks or a seatback pocket on the airplane. Now, if you’re using your sketchbook to record illegal business transaction (or the sort) then I suggest you put somebody else’s name on the inside cover (you know, just in case).

After you have your contact info down just let the rest flow.  Don’t be afraid to draw anything and everything that you can think of.  I’ve noticed that there are a couple of reoccurring themes in my sketchbook…

.Furniture projects                            Architecture competitions                         Floor plans 

     

                                         Graphic design                               Museum exhibitions

                                          

Why you should have a sketchbook:

As I mentioned above I feel it’s important to have records of all of your thoughts, ideas and designs that are centrally located and easily accessible..

What Starbucks Gets that Architects Don’t

Or why I left the architecture profession

Today I'm sharing the arcticle about what Starbucks gets that architects don't. This arcticle shared Christine Outram in her website. And in the article says that it's not important what is cheap and comfortable to the producer, but it's important what is more expensive and more comfortable to the costumer.

Read the full arcticle here - https://medium.com/what-i-learned-building/a844ec3343da

Starbucks interviewed hundreds of coffee drinkers before determining that round tables would be the best solution for people.

Do You Have What it Takes to be an Architect?

Do I have what it takes to be an Architect? Will I be any good at architecture if I become an architect? Will I make any money as an architect? …

In my mind, there are three major things that will help determine if you will experience success as an architect:

1. You have to be smart
2. You have to work hard and demonstrate dedication to the craft
3. You have to be a social and likable person