If you're so easily discouraged by bad news then don't bother. Otherwise take the gamble and don't come back here in ten years looking for validation on whether to switch into architecture. Same response now, same then.

What is it with young people today looking for the most assured way to easy success? Architecture is not that. There's no formula you can just apply to your life and make it work. A bit of luck and some financial backing helps but people who want it make it work.

the economy is booming at the moment, so its not hard for people starting out to find a good position.  the profession is cyclical with the economy; i would not recommend graduating during a recession. 

get a degree that can get you a license.  if you do bachelor's, verify it's the B.Arch that can get you a license. 

i would think it would be a little easier to start with architecture if that's what you're going in to.  switching will add at least a year. 

fill out your fafsa for financial aid.  

I am also curious about what sort of work environment architects tend to have. Are clients more often commercial or private? How companionable are your coworkers? Is there much sexism?  Do you usually have plenty of time to sleep, exercise, etc.? Do you have days off? Thank you for your comments.

for any newcomers to archinect, do not take seriously anything RickB-Astoria has to say. he is not an architect, and has absolutely no relevant professional or academic credentials. despite having been banned several times in the past for his conduct on this forum, he continues to regularly post long-winded faux-knowledgeable ramblings on a variety of topics, mostly centered on the professional practice of architecture — about which he knows absolutely nothing). 

for more examples, search the forum “Balkins”  and you’ll quickly see what I mean. 

Thank you all very much. I wonder if this thread can work as a somewhat representation of what sorts of personalities I might encounter professionally?

Make every effort you can to spend some time in two or more working architect's offices and observe what they do all day.

For education, the quickest and least expensive route in the USA would be a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture program.  A public college in your home state will probably have the lowest tuition, but there are many variables that can potentially put a private or out-of-state program within your reach.

Architecture jobs are quite plentiful at the moment.  Doing as many internships and summer positions in architect's offices while you are still in school will greatly improve your ability to get a good job upon graduation.

Don't be discouraged from what you read here, this place is no fair representation of the architecture field, this is just the internet.

Awesome, thank you. Those last bits were most informative. I appreciate the straight forwardness. 

I wanted to chime in because what stands out in your post is the financial based questions. The student loan and pay prospect question make it seem as though you will not be getting much boost from your parents or much financial help. Architecture pays relatively well (about the same as teachers and government workers) and there are plenty of firms where you can work 40-45 hrs a week for that relatively good salary, however keep in mind the more realistic hours and better pay the more boring the work. So here’s the scenario, you work WAY more in college than most other majors (keyword “more” not harder because there is definitely merit to what Rick said above about architecture students reworking ideas again and again for no reason for art sake) yet when you graduate you make about as much as Frat guys who spent their entire college days day drinking and earning a Poli-sci or communications degree. You can make a decent salary but you’ll be living really frugally and working on pretty boring work with minimal vacation, benefits and ownership of your tasks (7 years in and a license and I still wasn’t allowed to decide where to lay out control joints in sidewalk or the design is taken care of in the marketing department of the client’s business and you regurgitate it into construction documents). The reality is that the services clients want us for isn’t “Architecture!” It’s drafting plans to get permits. It’s a very frugal choice with pretty bland and limited career options. 

It can be a really cool hobby, but don’t expect to get much out of it as a career.

I had one of the most satisfying experiences of my career at a recent building opening  ( First nations learning centre  / school ) where a bunch of students / elders  / councillors who got up and discussed what the school meant to them personally and to their community and were breaking down in tears describing the significance to them.

The group then introduced me personally and others who were part of the team who contributed to the project, then what wasn't expected was the several hundred people applaud us for our efforts .....that was f___ing cool and pretty overwhelming for me too. 

So yeah, the profession is hard, takes a lot of perseverance, integrity and stubbornness but when you do a decent job and are rewarded with that level of appreciation it's all good!

Then, just for consideration, what careers would you recommend as an alternative to being an architect that fits with the same interests (living/working spaces, design, etc.)? 

A alternate would be to get in on the developer side.  Basically, a site acquisition and development manager.  They are the guys and gals who set the design tone, the parameters, the goals, and hire the design team and make lots of spreadsheets.  Then they get to critique the design, pick materials, etc.  Essentially all the fun stuff... but they have masters too who expect the project they are managing to have good returns, high lease rates, etc.  I've also noticed a lack in 'grey hair' folks, so I'm guessing it is a pretty harsh employee attrition rate.

Guessing the degree would be commercial real estate with a minor in project management.

Thank you! That sounds pretty neat. I'll definitely look into the position.