1. You will work in teams.
Many people have the dream to open their own business. Maybe they just work better on their own, they are not a people person, or they just want things a certain way. As you continue your education in architecture, working in teams is no stranger. You will be working in a group at a certain point or almost always in every studio. Even though this may not be a thing for you, just pause and consider it for a bit. You will be working in a team when you go out to intern or when you work full time. This is part of your profession, so try to practice.
Tip to choosing a great team:
At first, people will choosing their close friends in studio, because they feel safe. Though, get to know people and know their strengths and weaknesses. I recommend choosing an individual who strengths or a great potential in: Speaking (The Presenter), Graphics, and Computer Program modeling.
2. You will have to handle criticism.
Every studio or architecture class will have a critique or presentation. So be prepared (not with the tissues) but taking in constructive criticism. This will be coming from your professor, teacher’s aid, studio mate, and a group of working professionals. If you receive a harsh comment, please do not take it to heart because these are steps to make you a better designer. Though, keep taking note, so that you can fix those mistakes.
3. You will speak in front of a group often.
Yes, my fellow introverts, you will. Whether you are in a small studio group, large lecture, or client – you will speak in front of groups of people often. This may be nerve wrecking most of the time. Though, do not let this intimidate you. While you are interning or working, you will be speaking for the work you have done to your team or sometimes a client.
TIP: To ease the nerve of speaking.
If you really do not do well with speaking to a crowd, please write bullet notes of the important ideas you want to convey for your design. If it is a timed presentation, write a script! For me, I would reserve at least 30 minutes to go over my presentation with my notes. The last thing you want to do is freeze, and skip out the important parts of your design.
4. Your eyes will get a lot of screen time.
A lot of the work is computer based, so please be sure to give yourself breaks and get yourself blue light glasses to relax your eyes for a bit. Please get sufficient lighting while working on the computer. Though, while you’re in school please take electives to not limit you to your computer. Take a furniture class, construction management, shade structure class, etc.
5. You will stay up late.
A lot of screen time AND staying up late is not a good combo. Though, sometimes you really cannot help it. You may need the time to learn more about the computer program, develop a concept for your project, do homework for other classes, or spending time for your part time job. This really does suck – it’s not fun especially when there are few days when you see night transitioning to morning. Professors will nag about ‘’toxic work culture’’ of all- nighters, but it cannot be helped sometimes. This applies especially when the professor of any class spread you thin on assignments. Please do not quote me, but it is ok. Though, please give yourself breaks such as naps, eating at the right times, or do what you need to in order for you to calm your mind. While I was interning, big firms might expedite your uber/cab ride home just in case you stay up late. Though, I personally think that is an example of toxic work culture if you are grounded and not taking proper care of yourself. Please put yourself first.
6. You will be doing a lot of graphic heavy presentations.
When doing architecture presentations, it will be a heavy production of graphics: 3D modeling, diagraming, rendering, photoshop (not in this set order). This will be great for your portfolio, and do not worry about making it perfect. After the semester is over, it is a good decision to touch it up again and document. Remember do not let perfect be the enemy of the good!
7. There are different branches within the architecture degree.
This can be confusing on what your niche in architecture would be. Though, that is completely normal to think that. Listed branch examples: interior design, landscape design, construction management, urban design, etc. Unless you are really set on what you want to learn, for example, residential then go for a studio that it focused towards that category. The benefit from that is that you will be really skilled in residential, but you might lack other areas in landscape or management. If you try to go towards a path to try studios with different mediums, just to figure out what focus you want to do, then that is fine too.
8. Being a soft spoken is undervalued, but passion will make you stand out.
If you are the type to freeze up in front of a crowd, shy, or very introverted. Do not let this discourage you. You decided to go into architecture for a reason. Develop and practice your skills to make your work noticed!!
TIP: Refer back to #3.
9. Distinguish being a designer vs. a drafter. You are a designer.
There has been this thought of the value of an architect designer compared to a drafter. As BIM technology advanced, the value of drafting is an essential part of an architecture designers work. Drafters are very talented individuals, trust me. A lot of great students who were skilled in drafting did have a good hand in studio, and this especially works well when your next steps is to design. The way I saw it was composing music – you have the sheet of notes in hand, though you need to slowly practice before you smoothly compose your piece!
10. Check if your architecture degree is accredited.
Please take note of this before you decide you want to pursue architecture. Please check if the university’s undergraduate and graduate program is accredited. That way it will save you decision making time, and how you will spend your money.
Wish you all well!