What it takes to become an architect

[SR-D]

after countless hours of searching i found this site....i am 16 years old, and i want to be an architect....but i never learned how to draw (im on it now tho) just wanted to know what it takes to be an architect and if it is necessary to learn how to draw very well. \

 

Thank you in advance

[neko]

after countless hours of searching i found this site....i am 16 years old, and i want to be an architect....but i never learned how to draw (im on it now tho) just wanted to know what it takes to be an architect and if it is necessary to learn how to draw very well. \

 

Thank you in advance

 

you don't have to possess the 'natural talent' to draw in order to be a successful architect - you can be taught to draw with practice.

 

probably the most important attribute is a burning desire to overcome all obstacles in the interest of pursuing your goals.

 

you must also really want to be an architect, because their are lots of good reasons not to be one !

 

i don't want to turn this into a long lecture, but talk to as many people in architecture as you can. you will probably find many different opinions on the subject.

 

best of luck !

[bgiroux2]

I'm an architect in the US, so I can't speak about the rest of the world, however in the US you need to go to an accredited college (usually 5-6yrs depending on the program), then intern for another 2-3yrs or so documenting hours doing specific tasks under a licensed architect just to have done a little of everything while still learning the ropes. After you complete the required amount of hours interning you can then take the ARE exam. A 6-part/test exam (each test takes 4-6hrs) and after that you are then licensed to work in the specific state you registered for. But thats just the standard in the US.

 

I can tell you myself, I cannot draw at all and have made it in the field. Architecture is now in a mostly digital environment now and it would be very rare to find a firm who hand draws their work now, its all on the computer and sketching (at least in a developed, presentation sense) is all done on the computer.

 

It takes a lot of work (especially in school), you dont make as much as a doctor or what you would expect, but if you love the work stick with it. Its amazing to see a project go from a sketch to a built project.

 

Theres a US related website that might help you see the process involved:

 

http://www.ncarb.org/

[andriyg81]

I personally think that you should get a good understanding of perspective and be able to sketch by hand. I don't think it is important to create paintings, but it will help dramatically in your study and your field if you can sketch well by hand. Clear easy to understand sketch can say a lot.

[SR-D]

thank you for the amazing advice !!! i am now completely pumped up ....... im just going to dive into it...and do nothing but architecture

 

thank you