Most universities have a "university architect." In most cases this serves as more of a planning, programming, feasibility study type of position. Outside architectural firms are typically hired to do the actual design and production work. However, in some cases the university architect's office may function as an in-house design/production operation. Typically, only the smaller projects are handled in-house. If the position you are interviewing for would exist under such a scenario (ask questions to make the office does, in fact, provide full services for all phases of a project), it might be a good opportunity to get some legitimate architectural work experience (albeit on small projects) and the added benefit of learning the owner's perspective on design/construction work. It could be a real eye-opener that would benefit the rest of your career. Typically, in a situation such as this, you would have easy access to both the office and field phases of a project, which is something not always easily gained in a traditional architectural firm. Good luck.

depends on the university. small universities will hire a single person or small staff to handle the client advocacy portion of a major project. Larger ones will maintain a permanent staff to manage routine maintenance and small shifts in operation. Any university that can employ a regular staff has enough social capital to get name brand architects to compete over an opportunity to design a new building or major renovation, so I think our odd frenchman is right -- this isn't going to be a design job.

On the other hand, universities have wonderful job security for staff who are competent, and many of them have a tuition swap program with peer institutions for children, spouses, and sometimes even employees.

Thanks for your insight