It is not unusual for students to enter a graduate architecture program from a completely non-architectural background. Requirements vary from school to school, but generally, if you have the native skills to put together an interesting portfolio/application, you stand a good chance. A dean told me once that at his school they actually gave non-architecture candidates a really hard look during admissions because they felt that having some non-architects in the graduate program helped broaden the thinking and the academic discourse. He also said they would take an "A" student from almost any academic background over a "B" undergrad architecture student. The whole point was to load the program with as many high academic performers as possible and then teach them to think like architects, which, presumably, would be much easier if you were already dealing with proven high achievers. I don't know that every school thinks like that and I would probably guess that they do not. This particular school was/is mostly known for turning out academics more than practitioners (not that they haven't produced some fine practitioners).

As to whether it is an interesting profession, you should spend some time reading numerous posts on this forum. Keep in mind that the forum is mostly dominated by people either still in school or not long out. You will see plenty of gripes (mostly valid). However, if you read further and dig a little deeper, you will also find plenty of people confessing they couldn't imagine doing anything else. Good luck.

THAT pisses me off. Do these admissions assholes have any fucking clue how hard it is to graduate with a B. Arch and maintain an "A" average G.P.A. for 5+ years without going stark, raving mad? Whereas somebody with a 4 yr in lib arts or something passes right through with their highly inflated "A" average G.P.A.?

y go to school just start working for some and gain your experience

Read the countless posts on here.

"...architecture seems like an incredible profession that people love"

I doubt you'll state that again.


But, considering you got a degree in philosophy, I am guessing money isn't your primary motivation, so you might like it. That'd be one of the larger gripes.

^because then you'll never get into that fancy candy-ass grad school

that was in response to anti

it depends what type of architecture you do and what role you play in it.

I wouldn't even try to apply for a grad school unless it was to get reciprocity in the EU mate. Gaining a license threw experience is always an option (at 6 years in AZ and 10 with NCARB) and it is cheaper and full of more hands on and practical knowledge than these grad schools who put out kids who don't know much besides 'craft'

to me their is no justification for the cost and that is maybe just my opinion. much like being in jail supports the warden and his guards salaries, being in grad school supports the dean and his professors salaries

Anti, can you get licensed in the EU without a degree? I know in the U.S. most states (i think ALL states) require a degree for licensure.

the NCARB has final say it's their test. And they have a broad experience route. only AZ is outside of this and i think it is because of architects like Wright, Bruder and Beadle who also took a non traditional route.

Sure all states allow you to start taking the tests(the first few) after you graduate from an accredited program but that is not the only way, AIA offers grants each year for people who pursue alternative paths to licensure.

just make sure you do IDP when working.

Well, to be honest, I'm very much interested in money. I suppose it's the kind of thing where only the cream of the crop architects make the big bucks...

As for liking the profession,

""...architecture seems like an incredible profession that people love"

I doubt you'll state that again. "

Wow, that sucks.

Spitz, if you come from money, it can be brilliant to be an architect because you can pursue the "fun", design oriented side of the profession without care. You can do alot of competitions, use family connections to get commissions and attend the most cutting-edge schools without worry of massive student loan debt. This is actually how most starchitects are born.

If you don't come from money and you want to make heaps of it working in the building industry, become a developer (and you would be amazed just how much input they have on the design of a project).

Please please please. For your own sake and the profession's, go work for an architecture firm before you make the decision to drop tens of thousands of dollars on architecture school.

Architecture is not at all about designing fanciful buildings that look like titanium car-wrecks. It's much more of a business--and much more boring, frankly--than most people understand before they go into it.

Everyone has dreams of fame and glory when they go into architecture. But it's actually a really hard profession to get either fame or glory in.

If you want fame/glory, go into the media. If you like to work incredibly hard and obsess over tiny, insignificant details, like which screw-head is the best looking (I like trim-head square-drive) then maybe architecture's for you.

Mmm... details...

Do that many people really care about fame and glory? Most architects I know just want to do good work, have fun, and feel satisfied at the end of the job.

Every day I'm amazed at how many ways there are to have a rewarding career in this field. Family money? C'mon! Just work hard, keep an open mind, and do good.

if you didn't work you would be bored
work on stuff that excites you

I have a BA and MA in Philosophy (main interest: Wittgenstein/Aesthetics) and went on to get an MArch. I enjoyed grad school quite a lot, and worked for 3 years at a mid/large corporate firm before leaving to spend more time with my then toddler. I basically fell into a stable half-time gig at a local University Art Dept teaching Art History and Design. Basically half the hours for 3/4 the pay. In my mind, a pretty good gig. I sometimes miss practicing, but really enjoy teaching and flexibility it allows.

This is not to say mine is the path you're on, but it is one possibility. I do think I could have continued with practice and been successful, and the breadth of my education was definitely a plus.

A lot may also depend on where you plan to apply, etc. As usual, more details from you would help in offering advice...

db,

Thanks for the info! Cool to hear from another philosopher.

honestly, I've literally just begun thinking about Architecture.

I go to a top tier school, and get good-great grades, so I'm not too worried about getting into a top program...

BTW, I don't want to sound like a cocky uninformed ass. I'm just an uninformed ass.

Just make sure you know what architecture is REALLY about before you go into it, and what the profession really entails. My point is that it's not all sexy and exciting. It's not necessarily what you think it is from the perspective of a non-architect.

I totally agree. And that's why hearing from y'all is so great.

Hey spitz, read "Think Like an Architect" by Hal Box. It's a great primer into the profession and highly recommend it.

will do. Thanks much.

the Mix of Philosophy and Architecture is very important. It gives you meaning and reason.

spitz - I do love architecture, don't get me wrong. It was what I truly love. However, love don't pay no bills.

765 - yeah, some of us did care about fame. Not huge fame, but awards and respect. I am working on those, but I originally thought you could have it all. Alas, the real world is not so cut and dry.

So, as an fyi to spitz that may not be familiar with my typical suggestions/rants, I left the traditional path of architecture to follow start a business (and something more profitable that I can build without 20 years of experience).

I love designing more than anything and would never regret my choices. But you need to be fully aware of as many realistic parts of the profession as you can. I love architecture, but I do not like the profession.

Well put. Thanks trace and everyone else for your advice!

I'm with trace: I love Architecture with a capital A. I love great buildings and great details, and I love designing more than anything too.

But....I hate the difficulties of the profession. It's a struggle just to get even mediocre buildings built. The architect is actually somewhat powerless in the equation -- clients, developers, and contractors all in some sense have more power, and the ability to undercut good design.

Being an architect is more of a servant role than I ever would have imagined.

serving the public safety and following the money.

Contractors have less power than the architect by nature of their position. However, if a contractor plays good politik with the client then they can become more influential than the architect during the construction phase.

My favorite ever statement from a newbie: BTW, I don't want to sound like a cocky uninformed ass. I'm just an uninformed ass. Nice one, spitz!

Welcome, spitz, and yes; do spend some time finding out what architects really do on a daily basis before applying to schools. The most important thing is to lvoe what you wake up to do every day, because architecture is not typically a profession that will make one wealthy.

Though philosophy doesn't seem much like a road to riches either. Though perhaps you can write an accessible, pop-trendy bestseller on architecture and philosophy and get wealthy that way?

Speaking of Wittgenstein, db, his house is one of my favorite buildings on this planet. As you may agree?

yes, lb -- on this planet or any other. Love all the minutia, like tile patterns and door handles and radiators...

There is a new book due out any time now from Nana Last on the house and W+Arch in general. Should be good.