Hello,

I've been searching through the archives and haven't yet found what I'm after. Specific feedback would be very much appreciated!

I'm looking to apply for a PhD in architecture. I enjoy working in practice, but there are questions and issues I feel important which I believe would be best addressed outside the profession in an academic context. I intend to explore spatial perception and to develop design techniques for the manipulation of visual perception (to do with colour primarily, but also confusion of forms, scale and so on), building a foundation to allow me in the long term to have an academic career (either exclusively, or, difficult I know, bridging practice and research). I'm particularly interested in a PhD by design, which combines written and designed research in the form of prototypes, analyses, studies, etc.

Differences between UK and US schools.
I am a UK citizen. Lived in CA for three years a couple of years ago.
In the UK, I've been looking at The Bartlett and the RCA (the AA doesn't seem to have much infrastructure or support, so I'm not so interested in it). In the UK you submit a detailed proposal and work closely with a supervisor for around 3 years full time, 5-6 years part time. It's very tailored and seems 'streamlined' compared to American programes which begin with a taught element and incorporate other requirements such as evidence of research abilities, foreign language proficiencies, etc. (right?) Advantage of US system (as with undergraduate education, it seems) is that you get more ground to search around, a broader experience, time to consider what the thesis will explore, more experience that might aid transition to an academic career from the architectural profession. I've been looking at Columbia, Berkeley, UPenn, Yale, but it looks like their programmes don't allow for the kind of speculative and investigative design work that the Bartlett and RCA do.

Funding
It's very difficult to get funding in the UK through the AHRC. Many people studying architecture seem to do so part time and cover costs at their own expense. I always got the impression that there was more funding at US schools, but it seems like its tied to US nationals. Are there any Europeans, and esp. English people, who have successfully gained funding for PhDs in the US, and how are you finding it? Advantage for studying in the UK for me is autonomy -- I would never be restricted to any form of employment, etc. Really, I want to try and get funding so I can just concentrate on my work (doesn't everyone...?).

Applications
How defined do your interests have to be when applying to US schools? How are foreign nationals dealt with? It's so difficult rummaging through the web of fees, restrictions and possible funding avenues -- I'm trying to figure out if it is at all possible or worthwhile applying now...

Unfortunately with my undergraduate degree I just missed a first and with my masters I similarly missed a distinction. Very fucked off about that. So, on paper I could be better, but I went to two pretty high profile and small schools so know everyone I will get a reference from and I know the references will be good. I think I'll be able to write a good proposal or statement and I guess it depends how these things are all weighed. Any thoughts for strengthening applications (i.e., any things good to get on with now)?

I wanted this to be more directed and have a few more tangible questions for people to respond to, but alas I am struggling. I guess I would just like some thoughts from people who have gone through similar things or are considering them now.

Thanks for any help you can offer.