Hello, I am about to finish a 2 year program in Architectural and Construction Technology resulting in me getting an Associates degree in the program. The issue is I'm not sure if I should continue in this field. Where I am from bachelors degree programs aren't offered, therefore I would have to do it internationally. Doing it overseas i would have to do 5 years more as the universities/colleges don't offer "skipping" a few years.
When I started the program it wasn't because I wanted a career in architecture, it was because I did Technical Drawing and AutoCAD in highschool and saw that they offered this in the description of the course. At the moment I can be a draftsman and I've sort of already started. In doing a bit of research I don't see much difference between a draftsman and an architect. I am worried that continuing in this field will not be beneficial to me. Also i am taking a year gap because I didn't want to make a rushed decision.
Should i continue in architecture or change my course?
I posted this hoping some professionals or persons in the field would educate me, and help to clear up lack of knowledge and confusion and you were of no help, thank you
I've worked in large firms and many times there's not much of a difference - how very arrogant of you - architects like you give this profession a bad name ...
Kinda have to agree with bennyc here, drafting and architecture are scientifically different.
That said, if you didn’t get into this to do architecture, keep it simple, just become a drafter, but maybe don’t find that job in architecture. Architecture firms have been moving away from hiring drafters in contemporary practice. So look for something in another field, and maybe figure out your options before you proceed.
For example, my sister works as a drafter for a steel company. Makes good money doing shop drawings, and likes what she does reasonably well…. All on a two year drafting degree.
While drafting may be part of the work of an architect. It is more of the technical documents (plans and specifications, etc.) part of architecture. A good architect should have knowledge and skill in drafting/CADD/BIM but their job and role doesn't end there.
An architect needs to design architectonically. The architect needs to have knowledge, skill, and talent in designing. That is to take an idea, and develop that idea not just artistically but architectonically. As in, the design needs to be thought through to how it is built so one must understand to some degree how buildings are built, fundamental engineering principles, etc. Architecture is an art and science. You need to think artistically and scientifically.
Some are a little rude in their response because most people who asks "should I continue in architecture"... their response is no. Namely, if you are going to ask strangers this questions, then no. Why? You should know your answer for yourself. It's your education. Your career. Take the helm of your life for crying out loud. That's their point.
I'll offer this thought: You should ask yourself if you want to commit yourself to the process of architectural licensure or if there are alternative yet related careers you may be interested in pursuing. You should also look at the various paths and options for licensure where you intend to pursue a career in a licensed profession as well as careers that might not require some kind of occupational license from a licensing body (often a government agency, department, etc.)
In the U.S., some states may have alternative paths to licensure that does not require a 5 year architecture degree (B.Arch). If you are interested in designing houses and related accessory structures, you won't need a license at all to design houses in most states in the United States. You can call yourself a building designer or house designer just not "architect" or "architectural designer" and similarly spelled ( "phonetically" ) titles. I do recommend you take some art basic design and maybe a few architectural design courses if you can, at the least before engaging in building design/home design. From a practical point of view of the profession, you do to have knowledge and skills in many of the things that are taught in architecture school and gained through experience working for an architect. While you might not have to do all the "studio" courses, many of the subject courses and a studio or two and working for an architect or experienced building designer would be a start to have to start as a building designer/home designer. Licensure as an Architect will typically require a full architecture degree but some states do allow alternative paths that don't require a bachelor's level degree.
I'm educating you with options to consider and think about. I can not provide more direct options for practicing in your country without knowing which country to research. There are a lot of countries so it is impractical to discuss the various requirements, paths, and potential exemptions for architecture and related professions in all these countries. In your country, you will need to look at whether or not you may design houses and some other buildings without a license as an architect as well as other occupations and what licensing requirements there is, if any.
What I said about U.S. is obviously U.S. oriented.
Most people here will speak from U.S., Canada, and U.K. points of view as that is where the majority of users here are or from. There are some from other places in the world. Naming a country is still potentially broad enough to not really give away your identity. If it doesn't bother you, would you be willing to indicate which country you're at? More targeted advice that may be more helpful could be provided by knowing the country.
If your user name is any clue of your locality in the world, you may be in Finland. I can tell you this much, you don't technically need a license to practice architecture. They do not have a licensing program in Finland. You just can't use the degree credential after your name which is more like a degree certification credential ( Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA)).
SAFA is a voluntary register/membership much like belonging to the AIA or AIBD in the U.S.
However, you may be able to work for an architect with that credential. I'll say that you'll most likely be limited by local jurisdictions to smaller / simpler structures like houses without the credential as they may possibly reject the submission because you don't have the credential. Over time, if you do good work, competently, the local officials may accept submissions from you on incrementally more advanced projects. You may have to prove yourself.
If you are in Finland, you may find practicing the profession without a degree credential or comparable professional certification. You will want to limit independent practice to houses and smaller structures for awhile. Getting a job working for an architect is going to be good for career development and learning what you don't know currently. However, nothing in law says you can not refer to yourself as an arkkitehti. Unlike U.S. and a lot of countries, the mere title "arkkitehti" is not regulated like the title Architect in its various language forms. Although the word and title means the same thing.... a designer of buildings. Finland does not regulate the title. U.S. and many other countries have licensing laws that regulates and requires a license for a person to call themselves an architect and regulates what projects and scope of architectural work constitutes the practice of architecture and therefore requiring a license to practices referring to the laws being both a title and practice regulation. Finland chose largely to neither regulate title or practice but regulate by use of building codes.... a variant of the Eurocode, IIRC.
I wouldn't recommend you using the title arkkitehti until you get architectural design classes behind you and practice some and develop the knowledge and skills sufficient for independent practice. You should only offer services as an independent practice until you have the knowledge and skills to do so. Being a draftsman is only a subset of the knowledge and skills that you need.
I'm going to pause here.
Jul 31, 23 5:57 pm ·
·
Annala
Thank you for actually explaining all that to me, I was asking because where I'm is much different than the US and was wondering if continuing in Architecture would actually be a waste of my time, but done more research since then and I am continuing actually working on my finalizing my application. Do you have any tips on going through architecture school?
I asked the question in hopes that someone would give me a break down of the architecture world and enlighten me on my clear lack of knowledge on the subject and help to clear the confusion. I have done research since and I'm still open to some good suggestions and tips for school and my application portfolio.
To my mind there is a world of difference between Architecture and Draftsman. Architecture is a world of ideas and the search for the material expression. Draftsmanship is the ability to read the intentions and put it all together with technical skill. I started out in a vocational High School in an "Architecture" Program. It wasn't much more than a drafting course. I consider myself an excellent draftsman. I than went to a 2 year school much like you - and realized I was in the wrong place. Somewhere in my 2nd year, I packed my backpack and stuck my thumb out on the highway to figure it all out. 1970's and the economy crashed. My Dad lost his job and I just couldn't justify staying in school. I took a couple of years off and ended up back in school. by my 3rd year I was ready to quit again. There was something more I was looking for - but you can't know what you don't know. Then one day I walked into the first day of studio and this was this fat French guy standing there introducing himself. I was a kid in an Architectural Candy Store - I understood everything he was speaking about. I worked with Jose' for many years and he opened an enormous door for me. Jose' was the last living assistant to Le Corbusier. He died this year. I remember our last conversation when we parted ways - Now you have to go find your own voice were his parting words. Why am I telling you all this? This is not a profession for the faint of heart. This is a profession for those who have something to say. Being a draftsman is noble. In fact, I still draft for other Architects doing design development and construction drawings in between my own projects. I love the problem of drafting - it is a logic of precise communication and an instruction to build. Now you have to decide who you are. Best regards.
Thank you very much for this, I am in a similar standing as you are, when I did my Architecture program the reality of Architecture and being and architect was not taught and there was not much difference explained being architect and draftsman. At the moment I'm applying for an architect program to continue down that path.
Well no we are not in the same standing. I am 65 and have spent a career as an Architect. My daughter once asked me if I thought she could be an Architect (She is now 34). My answer was yes - you understand the poetry of life. This - for me is the critical ingredient. For you it may be different....only you will know. Best to you
it all really depends on your personality type. I would suggest taking several tests to explore various career paths. I would suggest DISC, meyrs-Briggs, the millionaire Master plan test, and sparketype. If any results are behind a paywall, just plug in your results into ChatGPT and ask for careers paths matching your personality results. You also have to think this is something you’ll be doing for the majority of the rest of your life. Not just a few hours a week. Drafting every single day would be soul crushing for me. Money also became much more of a motivating factor after school that I ditched the glorified desk job (architecture) and transitioned into doing my own thing that involves a lot of onsite project management after plans designed and approved. If I wanted to stay behind a computer for 8-10 hours a day I would have gone into software (my personality type) and made 3x-4x the amount trading my time for money. In fact I’m self teaching myself coding in the few minutes of spare time that I have, just in case things don’t work out and I need a fallback career. Again this is my personality type and school does very little to prepare you for the real world. I highly suggest staying career fluid at your age and try out everything that comes across your lap.
OP- move on. With your resigned attitude, you aren’t after mastering this profession, so not only will you miserable, you’ll also be not be paid very well and you will probably be focusing your energy away from something that is truly your calling. Cut your losses before it’s too late.
i haven't sensed a "resigned attitude" from the OP. Far from it, they've been confiding that they're looking to learn more about the field while everyone is hurling assumptions.
Sep 3, 24 3:33 pm ·
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Should i continue in Architecture?
Hello, I am about to finish a 2 year program in Architectural and Construction Technology resulting in me getting an Associates degree in the program. The issue is I'm not sure if I should continue in this field. Where I am from bachelors degree programs aren't offered, therefore I would have to do it internationally. Doing it overseas i would have to do 5 years more as the universities/colleges don't offer "skipping" a few years.
When I started the program it wasn't because I wanted a career in architecture, it was because I did Technical Drawing and AutoCAD in highschool and saw that they offered this in the description of the course. At the moment I can be a draftsman and I've sort of already started. In doing a bit of research I don't see much difference between a draftsman and an architect. I am worried that continuing in this field will not be beneficial to me. Also i am taking a year gap because I didn't want to make a rushed decision.
Should i continue in architecture or change my course?
If you cant see the difference between a draftsman and an Architect then no, you should not continue in Architecture.
I posted this hoping some professionals or persons in the field would educate me, and help to clear up lack of knowledge and confusion and you were of no help, thank you
I've worked in large firms and many times there's not much of a difference - how very arrogant of you - architects like you give this profession a bad name ...
Kinda have to agree with bennyc here, drafting and architecture are scientifically different.
That said, if you didn’t get into this to do architecture, keep it simple, just become a drafter, but maybe don’t find that job in architecture. Architecture firms have been moving away from hiring drafters in contemporary practice. So look for something in another field, and maybe figure out your options before you proceed.
For example, my sister works as a drafter for a steel company. Makes good money doing shop drawings, and likes what she does reasonably well…. All on a two year drafting degree.
Use what you know to get a position in a firm. Work for awhile. Find a school that won't bankrupt you. Go from there.
While drafting may be part of the work of an architect. It is more of the technical documents (plans and specifications, etc.) part of architecture. A good architect should have knowledge and skill in drafting/CADD/BIM but their job and role doesn't end there.
An architect needs to design architectonically. The architect needs to have knowledge, skill, and talent in designing. That is to take an idea, and develop that idea not just artistically but architectonically. As in, the design needs to be thought through to how it is built so one must understand to some degree how buildings are built, fundamental engineering principles, etc. Architecture is an art and science. You need to think artistically and scientifically.
Some are a little rude in their response because most people who asks "should I continue in architecture"... their response is no. Namely, if you are going to ask strangers this questions, then no. Why? You should know your answer for yourself. It's your education. Your career. Take the helm of your life for crying out loud. That's their point.
I'll offer this thought: You should ask yourself if you want to commit yourself to the process of architectural licensure or if there are alternative yet related careers you may be interested in pursuing. You should also look at the various paths and options for licensure where you intend to pursue a career in a licensed profession as well as careers that might not require some kind of occupational license from a licensing body (often a government agency, department, etc.)
In the U.S., some states may have alternative paths to licensure that does not require a 5 year architecture degree (B.Arch). If you are interested in designing houses and related accessory structures, you won't need a license at all to design houses in most states in the United States. You can call yourself a building designer or house designer just not "architect" or "architectural designer" and similarly spelled ( "phonetically" ) titles. I do recommend you take some art basic design and maybe a few architectural design courses if you can, at the least before engaging in building design/home design. From a practical point of view of the profession, you do to have knowledge and skills in many of the things that are taught in architecture school and gained through experience working for an architect. While you might not have to do all the "studio" courses, many of the subject courses and a studio or two and working for an architect or experienced building designer would be a start to have to start as a building designer/home designer. Licensure as an Architect will typically require a full architecture degree but some states do allow alternative paths that don't require a bachelor's level degree.
I'm educating you with options to consider and think about. I can not provide more direct options for practicing in your country without knowing which country to research. There are a lot of countries so it is impractical to discuss the various requirements, paths, and potential exemptions for architecture and related professions in all these countries. In your country, you will need to look at whether or not you may design houses and some other buildings without a license as an architect as well as other occupations and what licensing requirements there is, if any.
What I said about U.S. is obviously U.S. oriented.
Most people here will speak from U.S., Canada, and U.K. points of view as that is where the majority of users here are or from. There are some from other places in the world. Naming a country is still potentially broad enough to not really give away your identity. If it doesn't bother you, would you be willing to indicate which country you're at? More targeted advice that may be more helpful could be provided by knowing the country.
If your user name is any clue of your locality in the world, you may be in Finland. I can tell you this much, you don't technically need a license to practice architecture. They do not have a licensing program in Finland. You just can't use the degree credential after your name which is more like a degree certification credential ( Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA)).
Reference Link: ACE-CAE Finland - How to become an Architect link ) and
( https://www.safa.fi/en/safa-membership/ )
SAFA is a voluntary register/membership much like belonging to the AIA or AIBD in the U.S.
However, you may be able to work for an architect with that credential. I'll say that you'll most likely be limited by local jurisdictions to smaller / simpler structures like houses without the credential as they may possibly reject the submission because you don't have the credential. Over time, if you do good work, competently, the local officials may accept submissions from you on incrementally more advanced projects. You may have to prove yourself.
If you are in Finland, you may find practicing the profession without a degree credential or comparable professional certification. You will want to limit independent practice to houses and smaller structures for awhile. Getting a job working for an architect is going to be good for career development and learning what you don't know currently. However, nothing in law says you can not refer to yourself as an arkkitehti. Unlike U.S. and a lot of countries, the mere title "arkkitehti" is not regulated like the title Architect in its various language forms. Although the word and title means the same thing.... a designer of buildings. Finland does not regulate the title. U.S. and many other countries have licensing laws that regulates and requires a license for a person to call themselves an architect and regulates what projects and scope of architectural work constitutes the practice of architecture and therefore requiring a license to practices referring to the laws being both a title and practice regulation. Finland chose largely to neither regulate title or practice but regulate by use of building codes.... a variant of the Eurocode, IIRC.
I wouldn't recommend you using the title arkkitehti until you get architectural design classes behind you and practice some and develop the knowledge and skills sufficient for independent practice. You should only offer services as an independent practice until you have the knowledge and skills to do so. Being a draftsman is only a subset of the knowledge and skills that you need.
I'm going to pause here.
Thank you for actually explaining all that to me, I was asking because where I'm is much different than the US and was wondering if continuing in Architecture would actually be a waste of my time, but done more research since then and I am continuing actually working on my finalizing my application. Do you have any tips on going through architecture school?
I asked the question in hopes that someone would give me a break down of the architecture world and enlighten me on my clear lack of knowledge on the subject and help to clear the confusion. I have done research since and I'm still open to some good suggestions and tips for school and my application portfolio.
To my mind there is a world of difference between Architecture and Draftsman.
Architecture is a world of ideas and the search for the material expression. Draftsmanship is the ability to read the intentions and put it all together with technical skill.
I started out in a vocational High School in an "Architecture" Program. It wasn't much more than a drafting course. I consider myself an excellent draftsman.
I than went to a 2 year school much like you - and realized I was in the wrong place. Somewhere in my 2nd year, I packed my backpack and stuck my thumb out on the highway to figure it all out. 1970's and the economy crashed. My Dad lost his job and I just couldn't justify staying in school. I took a couple of years off and ended up back in school. by my 3rd year I was ready to quit again. There was something more I was looking for - but you can't know what you don't know.
Then one day I walked into the first day of studio and this was this fat French guy standing there introducing himself. I was a kid in an Architectural Candy Store - I understood everything he was speaking about. I worked with Jose' for many years and he opened an enormous door for me. Jose' was the last living assistant to Le Corbusier. He died this year. I remember our last conversation when we parted ways - Now you have to go find your own voice were his parting words.
Why am I telling you all this?
This is not a profession for the faint of heart.
This is a profession for those who have something to say.
Being a draftsman is noble.
In fact, I still draft for other Architects doing design development and construction drawings in between my own projects.
I love the problem of drafting - it is a logic of precise communication and an instruction to build.
Now you have to decide who you are. Best regards.
And both require passion.
Thank you very much for this, I am in a similar standing as you are, when I did my Architecture program the reality of Architecture and being and architect was not taught and there was not much difference explained being architect and draftsman. At the moment I'm applying for an architect program to continue down that path.
Well no we are not in the same standing. I am 65 and have spent a career as an Architect. My daughter once asked me if I thought she could be an Architect (She is now 34). My answer was yes - you understand the poetry of life. This - for me is the critical ingredient. For you it may be different....only you will know.
Best to you
it all really depends on your personality type. I would suggest taking several tests to explore various career paths. I would suggest DISC, meyrs-Briggs, the millionaire Master plan test, and sparketype. If any results are behind a paywall, just plug in your results into ChatGPT and ask for careers paths matching your personality results. You also have to think this is something you’ll be doing for the majority of the rest of your life. Not just a few hours a week. Drafting every single day would be soul crushing for me. Money also became much more of a motivating factor after school that I ditched the glorified desk job (architecture) and transitioned into doing my own thing that involves a lot of onsite project management after plans designed and approved. If I wanted to stay behind a computer for 8-10 hours a day I would have gone into software (my personality type) and made 3x-4x the amount trading my time for money. In fact I’m self teaching myself coding in the few minutes of spare time that I have, just in case things don’t work out and I need a fallback career. Again this is my personality type and school does very little to prepare you for the real world. I highly suggest staying career fluid at your age and try out everything that comes across your lap.
OP- move on. With your resigned attitude, you aren’t after mastering this profession, so not only will you miserable, you’ll also be not be paid very well and you will probably be focusing your energy away from something that is truly your calling. Cut your losses before it’s too late.
i haven't sensed a "resigned attitude" from the OP. Far from it, they've been confiding that they're looking to learn more about the field while everyone is hurling assumptions.
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