so you want to broaden your educational horizon before settling in architecture via graduate school? go for it, if that's what you feel you should do. so many architects came from different backgrounds (and vise-versa) just recently enjoyed a lecture by Gregg Pasquarelli from SHoP architects New York, he mentioned all partners in the firm had a background different from architecture before going to Columbia.

sure, go for it, but, i know alot of people who have gone that route, and many are successful and in my opinion great designers,

but, is there something you specifically want to pursue in undergrad? and, are you sure you will be able to attend 3 years of grad school after atleast 4 yrs of undergrad? think about the different factors involved,

my other question is, is there a specific reason you dont want to attend a b.arch? be it 4 years + 2/3 or a 5 year degree?

Depends on:

1. How much time you have into the barch now. If more than a year, I'd finish it and consider a different masters (MBA!)

2. What you want to switch to. Make sure it'll help your career, not just something you are interested in (there is time for hobbies later). If it is business, then I'd say go for it.

3. Quality of schools. The better schools, in general, are better for a reason.

4. If you are so sure about wanting to be an architect, then why don't you want to do it now? You couldn't have torn me away in undergrad, for anything (and perhaps that was not exactly a balanced approach, but it was my passion).

5. Consider #3. My undergrad education (not a professional degree) in arch was 1000 times better than my grad education (at a top school).

I think you should definitely explore other interests in undergrad! If you have knowledge in another field/discipline it will only enhance your architectural studies/practice.

Just make sure you use your electives or summer times to take a few studios and/or drawing classes (to help you prepare for creating a portfolio).

Oh- and make sure you've got the ca$h money...

I would go to a good community college that has a 2+2 agreement with a state school. We have that in Illinois. Champaign's tuition is about $11k. Community college tuition is $2k a year. Graduating with a BS in Architecture with 20k in debt is not bad.

Some community colleges offer incredible value and excellent educations. Take advantage of it!

Banking on the idea that you will go back to school for an M.arch after your undergraduate studies in another field might get you in trouble.

If you are passionate about architecture now, you may not be after four years of studying a related field.

What you think you want now, and what you will want when you are done with your undergrad program will not be the same things, I can almost promise you. And if it is the same, then your undergrad program was not worth the $, your eyes were not opened to new possibilities that you didn’t think of or understand before.

That is the point of education, not simply to get a degree, but to make you think in new ways.

Try to get into a major that best fits you interests at the time. Look for what makes you passionate, and do the shit out of it.

Good luck.

Thanks for the advice everyone!