there should be some sort of online forum where young grads could exchange unwanted degrees, there are certainly plenty unfulfilled arch grads who would be happy to trade.

in your case, just be prepared that a job as an architect also involves lots of tedious and monotonous work. If you really care about the final product, you will push through and get it done, but keep that in mind. Study architecture because you love it, not because you hate accounting.

otherwise, your mentor gives some reasonable advice. start looking through architecture magazines and websites and get a sense what kinds of work different architects do and begin to get a sense what your interest is. it will help you to move forward more quickly in your new career if you can focus on the kind of practice that you really care about, what kind of buildings you love, what kind of office you want to start out in.

I’ve always felt the world was upside-down….we should be retired when we are 26 and start working at 65 when we have learned enough about the world to make wise career choices.

Any career can end up “tedious” if you let it. Tedium comes when you’ve done something long enough to “get-it”, then it’s up to you to move on to something you don’t get, then once you get-it again you move again (can be within a company or change company’s). In our business if you’re good enough you will eventually move beyond the tedious…think tedium is largely self-inflicted.

I would see if you could work part time in an office, or shadow your mentor around for a few days to see what the real experience is like.

Additionally, spend more time drawing than learning Revit.  Revit is a construction document generation tool and not a design tool that will be helpful in the early stages of studying architecture.  

BCIT does revit courses, see if you can hop into one over the summer.  Applications are fast approaching for M.Arch programs, not sure if you have enough time to apply.  You need a portfolio and everything.  Since Im assuming youre at ubc go check out some of their presentations at the end of this semester.  A quick trip to the lassare building should fill you in on the dates of their studio presentations.

You you intern, or get your first job, on the accounting side of a large architectural firm and work your way into business development there while taking some courses on the side. No need to stay in the dental implant biz.

Should be 'You can intern..' above obviously. Point being you should not throw your existing talents and education overboard when pursuing a new career, especially if those talents have a widespread application across all fields as yours does.

money is completely overated. its really boring to be quite honest.

Honestly get an internship before you think you know what a career in architecture is. The very few jobs that actually hold up to the glamorous idea of what an architect is are reserved for trust funders who can work for free. Most places you'll be changing line thicknesses in CAD and laying out toilets to building code all day long every day. Your coworkers won't say anything to each other all day because everyone is busy desperately trying to meet ridiculous deadlines and you're employer won't value you at all, all this while making as much as the clerks at Vons. Go for it, you might make it big, you might be the best designer this century, but have your business degree as back up. Don't underestimate what it's like to be poor post-college. Especially when you've worked your ass off and watch distance grow between old time friends who can afford nicer areas to live and more expensive weekend activities. Money isn't everything but being broke sucks. 

Architecture field is so vast, knowledge gained in schooling is very different then practical things. As of I know about this field, you always work practically while your schooling too. So initially you just need a hold back, if you get it in your starting days then definitely it become beneficial for you. The more creativity you show in your work ,the more precise and perfect you will be. 

Its nice to want to pursue dreams - but is it practical - for most of us it isn't 

financial responsibility should always come first - pursuing a dream at the expense of making ends meet and saving just doesn't make sense. Not being  able to pay your bills is a huge ball and chain on a "dream" pursuit

Getting out of school with a net worth of $00.00 is not so bad, you can earn a few dollars and kick around Europe for a few months with your girlfriend before deciding what to do. Getting out of school with a negative $250,000 net worth is a whole 'nother ball game. You are, essentially, locked in to making a house payment for thirty years - only you have no house.  

Where is Balkins? His opinion on this is greatly needed.

Architecture is a stupid move unless your rich jewish uncle is one (an architect), and he has a fair number reputable clients. Other than that your just another cog in the global machine. Enjoy a life stuck behind a computer screen to hopefully make others rich. 

Ignore everything, this is the only thing that matters.

Always chase your dreams, if it doesnt work out, you may end up broke however at least you will die happy. The last thing you want in your life is to live a life full of regrets and what ifs. To me, if I tried my best and I failed, I am HAPPY, because I gave it my all. Life is short, you and I can be dead when tomorrow comes. Personally, I would rather live my life (whether it be broke) happy, chasing my dreams doing what I want and love to do. Don't let anyone or anything stop you!

*** just one exception. If you have a kids, wife, and a family to feed... and chasing your dreams may make them homeless...then it is not a good idea.

how about marrying someone who is an architect and live vicariously?  your spouse would be happy practicing architecture without worrying much about financial future..  my wife used to enjoy watching me design things.. now she's saying that I should get out of it for better pay and low stress... :(

  You got plenty of time.  I'm 35 with a bachelor's, not working in this industry, plan to go do my master's in 2 to 3 years. ;)  They say most architect's don't get established until they're 50.

My advice is find a source of income, preferably in your current field, start a side business or something so you don't feel guilty while studying architecture or if it doesn't work out.  Atleast you won't have to worry about money or being broke.

It would be great if you could get an advise from a local architect (a friend of a friend maybe?).  This forum will not be able to help you.

This forum is notoriously unhelpful for an honest question like yours. That being said, I would stick with money. Money sounds boring because you can make it right now but you’ll sure miss it if you get into architecture.

Short answer it's never too late. I was 27 when I started architecture. Got a job immediately after graduation. Very happy with the field in general, alot of diversity in the type of work I do. Feel free to send me a PM, I live in Toronto and we can chat if you want some advice. 

Hi, I want to know if you pushed through taking M.Arch? And how did it go? I might go through the same situation as you because I have to take Accountancy program for college due to some unexpected problems. But I'm planning to take M.Arch (my dream ever since was a child up until now is to be an architect, really!!!) once I have a stable job as an accountant and when I'd be able to support myself financially when I start architecture school.

Btw, during my senior high school years, I took STEM-Engineering so I have some background when it comes to software like AutoCAD and plates. I also enjoy sketching, drawing structures, and creating building models whenever I have free time.

Don't assume that architecture will safe you. It will open doors.

When you are finished (+15 years) you will be finding yourself in a different world, as a different type of architect, because the world is changing.

Of course, go pursue your dreams!