Hey from new member!

[Columbia_Seafirst]

Hey! I just joined this forum. I love Post-Modern Architecture and recently decided I want to go into architecture as my career path. Currently, I am a Junior at Fort Collins High School. I had a rough year in 9th grade because of OCD but I am doing great in 10th and 11th grade. I really care about school, but my GPA is only a 3.02 because of 9th grade. Still, I am working hard on improving that GPA, and doing well on the ACTs. I plan to go to Colorado State University for my undergraduate degree, then transfer to the Colorado School of Mines for a PhD in Architecture. I named my Username after the Columbia Seafirst Center in Seattle, my Favorite building. I think what triggered my love of Post-Modern Architecture was entering my high school last year. Fort Collins High School is a Post Modern, 285,000 square foot facility designed by legendary Perkins and Will, and was even the main cover photo of "Planning and Designing Schools". So, seeing this magnificent structure got to me and triggered a passion for architecture. I look forward to good discusions on this forum.

[SandmanNinja]

Hey Alexander and welcome.

 

I think Humans will always be building 'something' - flushing the old and designing the new - so I think it's a good field to go into. I think an Architect is a bit of Jack of all Trades (in addition to the actual 'proper' job duties as listed in the course catalog). Major in Architecture and maybe a minor in Art or something 'non-technical' that offers a good counter-point to and compliments the technical aspect of the Major.

 

I'm not an Architect but wish I had gone to school for it years ago

 

Welcome to the forums.

[Magnus_Alexander]

Welcome, Alex #2!

 

I know you're not really asking for others' thoughts about architecture, but looking back at things, I wish I would have been able to talk to someone in the industry before I got into it, so I'll say something anyhow.

 

First of all; architecture is a labor of love. If you don't absolutely, unconditionally love what you're doing, you're eventually going to develop some issues with the profession. You'll get worked to the bone in school, and spend plenty of sleepless nights in studio, and it really doesn't change once you graduate either. Additionally; if you view education for what it is: an investment in yourself, it's a high risk investment. It demands a lot of your time, and the financial payoff is not what you would expect for something so demanding. A lot of people have a misconception that architects are loaded and live lavish lifestyles, and yes, there are a few out there that do; but for every 1 architect living that lifestyle there are probably 10,000 that are struggling.

 

More things to consider: the competition can be fierce, and if you don't take criticism well, you'll have to learn to quickly, because everyone has an opinion (with an ego to match).

 

That being said, I'd like to show some positivity: I think the foremost would be the respect and status of the profession. Architecture is one of the 3 regulated "professions," the other 2 being the medical field, and law. I think since we are lumped in the same category as doctors and lawyers this is why people think we're rich, haha.

 

Another thing is in reference to what was mentioned by sandman; architects are the jack of all trades. You're still young, and although you seem passionate about architecture, you might change your mind later. The good thing is that you will most likely develop such a varied skillset that you can get involved in other professions with relative ease. Or perhaps you want to stay in architecture, but want to just implement other facets of design such as graphic design, industrial design, etc. If you like to build things, or just design things in general, you're bound to find something that will make you happy.

 

The real benefit of going to school for architecture is the work ethic and design process that you walk away with. Most schools don't really focus on software and don't care what you use, but all schools are concerned with getting you to think about design in a deeper, more meaningful way. I feel that the various strategies and processes that I learned in school help me in many other facets of life, and I'm not sure if you get that in other professions.

 

I hope this is insightful, and good luck jumping in; don't forget your parachute.