5 TIPS: TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WHILE IN ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL

1.TRAVEL

      Whether going on a trip with family, organization, or for the heck of it. Take advantage of traveling, it’s going to be worth it…I promise. It’s good to step out of the studio at least once a year and learn from different places. Learn from building structures, nature, communities, and cultures. There is beauty when you see everything coming together, or learn from what may not work. While being a college student, can be rough when it comes to funds. It is best to save your money, take a loan, or even boost your portfolio. If money is an issue, you don’t have to fly out. You can also take a road trip and spend a few nights in a city you want to see. Just make sure you are safe, but most of all choose a friends and/or family members who would make the trip fun to go on. Always have a buddy system so you feel safer when you travel to new place. Lastly, don’t forget to grab your sketch book and a camera to document.

2.JOIN DESIGN COMPEITIONS 

      Yes, join them. Studio can be a bit too much, and what more is it to work on if you are going to join a competition. I totally understand, but it doesn’t hurt to try. At first, I was hesitant to join competitions because I thought I had to have the coolest graphics and the best renderings to win them. Though, let me tell you this, narrate your abstract well cause this will help you if your competition requires one. If the competition is the type where the presentation boards
speak for itself and have a word limit, point out the key concepts of your
project. Create a diagrams to break down the key elements of a site or
structure. Whatever you decide to do, think what is the best way to get the
point across. Lastly, if you don’t have time to do a competition- remember you
don’t have to do this by yourself, you can always gather a team, just so it
eases off your workload. Don’t forget to enjoy the process! It’ your
opportunity to flush out your creative thoughts.

3. BUILD YOUR NETWORK

      I highly encourage to keep building your network of not only your studio peers, but your professors, practicing architects, landscape architects engineers, contractors, and the list goes on. Basically, those related to the same field that you’re in. Ask them questions, let them be your source of knowledge because this will be part of your lifestyle in the long run. If you are an undergraduate reading this, and you will let this tip fly by. You will be missing out- you never know getting advice from a professional can be helpful in a class you’re taking *ahem* Architecture Systems.

4. FIND OPPORTUNITIES TO FEEL INSPIRED 

     Being a designer does not come easy, though there are ways to help you improve in your skills. A couple ways to help you are to learn from other people wheter it’s through reading, good to lectures (doesn’t always have to be architects), going to an art exhibit, or traveling for architecture, or simply talking to those who have experience in the field of design and construction. There are countless ways to help you in your passion as a designer. Always stay curious and ask questions! 

5. HAVE FUN IN STUDIO

     Your studio will be part of your professional network, and some of them could be your long-time friends. What makes architecture school so unique to be in, or even a degree that has a 24/7 studio, is that you spend day and night together..literally. Make the most with your studio mates. While I was in studio, I was serious when it came to academics. There is definitely pressure when you are against 90+ people in the first year. I’m pretty sure all of us wanted their work to be noticed by the professor. The competition in the studio can be real, and sometimes it can get personal between people. Though, to break the tension, to put it simply its good to just take a break. Talk to people not about studio, to give some oxygen to your stressed brain. Grab a late night snack at a near by convenience store or a restaurant that opens late