don't go into architecture...seriously.

If I could go back and do it again, I would have listened to all of the sobs that told me not to go into this field.  

Does working for an architectural firm help one gain experience?

Won't hurt but probably won't help much either, since you really won't know how to do much except make the coffee.  BUT, it will give you more of a feel for it and may help you to see what a bad decision you are contemplating.  If you are making any kind of real money in finance, you are going to be extremely frustrated with the compensation levels in architecture.

Great hobby, lousy profession.

Whats with all the posts with i-bankers wanting to go into architecture? You can only sell your soul once.
 

This is America.   Package your soul under a corporation, insure it, and sell it through a derivative market.  You can sell your soul several times and jump out with your golden parachute when the devil comes to collect.  As has already been outlined on these forums, take whatever you want, then hide your money so you won't be held accountable for the decisions you make.

After you use your banking skills to amass a fortune at the expense of others you will be well-positioned to enter the profession.

If you already have a fortune - generally a good idea if you're thinking of entering architecture as a profession - then go work in construction so you can see what it is that architects are supposed to be doing and how effective they are in reality.

I am very glad I stayed in Architecture.  Great job,  Great people.

I am very glad I stayed in Architecture.  Great job,  Great people.

Do you have a trust fund?  High earning spouse or significant other?  Or does the romance of the starving artist hold a special appeal?

Maybe he just likes his job and colleagues...

coming from finance?  are you crazy?  you must not care about money.

Be Kind, now! 'Finance and investment' is a big discipline....

GO INTO REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT <PERIOD>