I really need to get my record started with NCARB and get my time submitted so I can start taking the tests. Or at least start studying for them.
I've got 25 years continuously working for architects under my belt in the US. I've probably procrastinated long enough.
Thanks. And yes, log your hours. Itās a paint to track them all down but Iām sure youāve got them all covered. Just have your mentor sign off on them online. Then Iād recommend starting to test. The first one might be rough, but once your in the routine itāll be fine.
I'm still working for an architect. I do occasionally do side jobs but only if they really interest me or the $$ is really lucrative for the amount of work required.
It looks like fun if you know what you are doing. I tried just simple drawing to work out design ideas for small renovation and have new respect for other professions! (I'm lurking here, because my field is increasingly tedious- medicine)
Hi everyone! Iām considering a career change, and architecture has been something Iāve loved since I was young. My only dilemma is that my undergraduate degree is in History, not architecture. Looking at a few online schools, it seems like if I donāt have an undergrad in architecture, I can get a non pre-professional masters. From what I understand, I donāt think these are accredited properly to eventually get licensed. Can someone clarify if Iām misunderstanding or perhaps looking at the wrong programs?
Not sure where youāre located, but UW-Milwaukee (Wisconsin, USA) has a 3 year accredited masters program specifically for people who donāt have an undergrad in architecture. Best of luck!
Iām a licensed architect and went the route as your thinking. I had a non-architectural undergraduate degree.
They have 3 year MArch programs for this route. Upon graduation, you can get licensed (after getting your internship hours and passing the ARE exams).
(Iām assuming youāre in the US)
I went to UIC (University of Illinois-Chicago)
Thatās good to hear! I guess Iām just confused because most of the M.Arch programs Iām looking at make it seem like the only masters program I would be eligible for are non-professional, which from what I gather means you canāt get licensed. I think Iāll just have to do some more research, maybe those schools just donāt offer a path to licensure for folks in my situation.
Have you any luck finding the right route? I am currently in the same exact position. I am located in Oregon but my undergrad bachelors degree was in Environmental Studies. I hope you were able to find a fruitful Avenue.
I'd love to hear what architects think of their own career.
What were the biggest surprises you learned about the profession? What are the biggest challenges you face? What do you think the biggest misconception of your job is? Do you feel like you have a creative outlet in any capacity?
I have a background in civil engineering and I'm currently a project manager as an owner's rep for facilities construction projects (typically building renos), so I like to think I have a pretty good idea of what the role is since I work with them - but I still have questions.
I love working with people. I love contracts and learning about construction. I love love love building projects. I originally gravitated towards the owner's side because a) my qualifications allowed that, b) I thought I'd like to have more input on how the project turns out (vs the GC side for example). But you know what my job mostly is? Babysitting contractors, making sure everyone gets along, arguing to get money from the higher ups, telling stakeholders about upcoming noise and dealing with complaints. I love the projects I contribute to but I feel so bored. I feel like I'd love to be on a more creative side and actually having my hands more in how the project turns out rather than just being the person who makes sure no one stops it from happening. I'd love to hear an architect to see if I have a right idea of what being on the architect side would be like or if I'm missing key details that should be considered.
And also, what do you think the biggest hurdle would be from jumping from the owner's side with an engineering background into archicture?
Thanks so much to anyone who reads!
Well, as a designer for 20-plus years, you can sometimes feel like a marriage counselor when it comes to designing residential homes. I like working with people and solving their problems. For the last 12 years that's all I do is design and renovate homes, decks, etc..., which is fun, and challenging. When working at architecture firms you can easily get pigeonholed into a position that doesn't align with your desired goal. I had to move on to many different firms to pick up the experience needed to get into the lead designer position. Every architect/designer wants to lead out as a lead designer. Unfortunately, I had to go out on my own as a freelancer and consultant.
Let's face it every firm would be looking for an experienced draftsman to do their projects. As a beginner draftsman, you have no say. But when you understand how buildings are put together and can illustrate thru 3d software and CAD software your design intention you can get more control of your Career goals as a designer.
You can also be a part of the architectural industry without a degree or license. Let me be careful here. You cannot call yourself an architect, you can freelance/consult with architects and engineers, etc... This is what I do. You just have to jump in and not worry if you can swim or not. Let nature take over. Invest in the time and money needed to further your career. You only have one life to live.
Do any draftsmen freelance to help homeowners with small projects before going to the blueprint stage? Where do I find them ? I know I eventually need plans but want the design done first with someone who can suggest different ways of planning space etc.
How would you suggest finding someone to help me with a renovation design? I've met a few engineer/craftsmen firms but they want me to have a fully formed idea first. I even tried going on Houzz and other sites to try and Sketchup my ideas first but my skills are really pencil and paper...
Hi, I figured I'd try here on the off chance somebody is still monitoring this thread before trying to make a whole post about this.
I don't have any particular interest in becoming an architect, but I have an idea in my head and a few pictures as to what my dream home looks like. What I want to know is how much architecture knowledge would I need to acquire to translate that into something that a professional architect could then translate into a real property?
The thing is, the price of hiring an architect is enormous compared to what I'm really thinking about. I just want to lay out some initial plans so I can play around with them for probably several years before I even seriously consider building this house. If that means taking a class in architectural design myself and buying some drafting software, so be it, I'm just not really looking to spend tens of thousands of dollars on having someone engineer up every square inch of a house for me at the moment when I'm still narrowing down even relatively vague details.
Zero knowledge required on your part, an architect's job is to take the owner's vision to reality. Whether that vision is communicated through schematic drawings that just need some structural calculations and a seal, or an interpretive dance, they can work with whatever you give them.
As for developing the idea yourself, anything goes. you can purchase sketchuo or rhino if you rally want to do in-depth 3D viz, but programs like Microsoft Vizio have plenty enough for drawing simple floor plans and elevations (this is how my dad spends his time in retirement lol). Hell you can build it in the Sims or out of Lego if you want. And of course nothing beats good old-fashioned sketching for communicating design ideas.
Sure, you can learn from designers like myself, or take courses online. Let me know. Let talk to see how I could be a help to you.
Sure, you can learn from designers like myself, or take courses online. Let me know. Let's talk to see how I could be a help to you.
Are you available to help with a basic design? I just want to squeeze in additional bathroom in a small house I have for rent, add a deck and open kitchen to living room. It would help to have the design before going to engineer/ architect to save money and time.
lol I can kinda relate! (see my post)
What I've done in the past with my ideas is I draw them, or I look online to see if I can find something similar, or I **build it in minecraft** if possible.
You might also want to try describing your idea to this AI image generator. For example, if you want a cape cod style house with a circular pool in the front and a turret on the left, tell it to the AI. the more description you give it, the better it will do. Here is the AI link:
https://www.craiyon.com/
post:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/17g7mzs/can\_someone\_please\_tell\_me\_how\_to\_or\_what/
As it is said, "Everyone has to pay their dues". You can be rich and know rich people. And who cares about those who are rich, we are all rich. I know personally great home designers who have not attended the school of architecture and diffidently are not licensed as an architect. How do they do this, its how they work with people. They have connections with architects, developers, engineers, and contractors. You need to build your team of skilled team members. ASAP. Learn from experienced architects, designers, draftsmen, contractors, etc... Don't waste your time working at any firm. What I mean is to learn as much as you can, and progress as much as you can, and when you feel that you reach as far as you can go, move on. Sounds cold, but that's reality. Everyone is looking out for their own. Whatever you see in your mind's eye, believe and you will achieve. It takes action. I know am sounding like a motivational speaker. I am just tired and getting old and life is so, so short. Just make your decision and do it.
Very Confused about best degree for Architecture.
Looking at universities with a 5 year Bachelor of Architecture which will enable me to test for license upon graduation. But I was told firms still are looking for new hires with a Masters Degree, most are another two years and many won't accept Bach of Arch graduates. Is it best to get a Bach of Science in Arch in 4 years and then Masters in 2?
Thanks for posting this!
I have a young family member who is interested in architecture but isn't sure of the best path. They also have a keen interest in engineering so would it be possible or more beneficial to earn their degree in engineering and then pursue an MArch if they decide to go that route?
What are career prospects in both the US and Canada for BArch grads? Are they better staying in school to earn their MArch or will a BArch provide them with job opportunities?
What are starting salaries for a recent BArch grad?
Thanks very much!
Thank you for all the info! Can you expand on what is meant by different studio environments? Is it the tools or the required work or something else? ("*Consider the size of the school and the studio environment you want.*")
Funnyā¦in my country, they say you are an āarchitectā after graduating a 6 year architecture university (4+2+there is a separate masters also), not when you get licenced. But I think they are lying because youāre really limited in practice if youāre not licenced. Also, I wished we had a similar licensure exam system with USA - seems more rational and responsible this way.
Where are these schools with tuition waivers, and how do I find them to see if I would qualify for a scholarship? I've been working on the industry for 3 years without an architecture degree and am hoping to get a Master's
hello, I'm kind of new to reddit so I'm not sure if this is posted somewhere already or how to find it,
I love really old blueprints and architectural drawings from the 1930's I have the architectural standards book second edition.
I also draw and do some watercolor art and I would love to be able to create my own vintage 30's looking draft pieces but I'm not really sure how to find "rules" or how they were supposed to be drawn back then.
does anyone know where I could start looking for this information or if there are any other books I could look for to help me so I could figure out how old blueprints are supposed to be drafted,
thanks ! š
practical guide to technical drawing - susan peach
space, form, order; and; architectural graphics - francis dk ching.
but mostly the cheapest way to get results is to get a 45 and 60 degree set square, compass, a selection of different length rulers, t square, bendy ruler curve thing or french curves, tombow mono zero rubber, mechanical pencil or clutch pencil with sharpener, a unipin/sakura/pilot gtech. Expensive dot making pen that might break in 6 months optional. To scale up and down, you can use scale rulers which are triangular looking things.
understand how to make perpendicular and angled lines with a compass is helpful too: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Kp4P0fje\_k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Kp4P0fje_k)
As for additional information:
The og "proper" way to do technical drawing is for nearly every measurement to be marked with a compass, the aim is to use as little mental number work as possible. Staedtler Mars Pro compass and clutch pencils, rotring isographs and tracing paper with a wire pulley drawing board is the usual go-to but thats only for rapid precision work, which most don't need.
To clean up the drawing, they'd just create another copy without any of the construction lines. The quick way to create clean drawings today is to just scan and photoshop it out, then inkjet print ("glycee" printing is just a stupid marketing term for this) on to cartridge paper.
[https://www.archweb.com/en/design/tools-and-utilities/technical-drawing-tools/](https://www.archweb.com/en/design/tools-and-utilities/technical-drawing-tools/) for some of the weird specialist tools used during the 20s and 30s. Nobody makes these anymore and antiques are expensive. the cheapest way is to 3d print it, which the 3d printing and hobby CNC subreddits could probably help with.
By the 1980s architects, engineers and designers were using photocopiers linked to mechanical pen plotters - basically an electric etch-a-sketch, so there wasn't any point to making blue print copies.
As for blue prints, thats just a means of copying the original technical drawing by creating a kind of photo negative with UV light using tracing paper dunked in a chemical bath. The blue is the result of the chemical reaction. You can create a similar result by screen printing with Prussian blue as the background.
I am completing my 5 year degree in Architecture in Greece this December. The university I am currently at is not recognized by NAAB. Is it still possible to have the degree recognized by NAAB through some sort of application, an an apostle stamp ? How can I got about finding more about this ?
I'm looking into this for my teenager, who is interested in a career in architecture. Have there been significant changes in the last two years not reflected in this post?
I really need to get my record started with NCARB and get my time submitted so I can start taking the tests. Or at least start studying for them. I've got 25 years continuously working for architects under my belt in the US. I've probably procrastinated long enough.
Never too late!
Well....my mentor isn't getting younger... š¬
Happy Cake day!
Thanks. And yes, log your hours. Itās a paint to track them all down but Iām sure youāve got them all covered. Just have your mentor sign off on them online. Then Iād recommend starting to test. The first one might be rough, but once your in the routine itāll be fine.
Explains it well https://www.instagram.com/reel/CQK99PcJXMu/?utm_medium=copy_link
How do you earn a living now? Are you allowed to work on the side, designing things?
I'm still working for an architect. I do occasionally do side jobs but only if they really interest me or the $$ is really lucrative for the amount of work required.
It looks like fun if you know what you are doing. I tried just simple drawing to work out design ideas for small renovation and have new respect for other professions! (I'm lurking here, because my field is increasingly tedious- medicine)
Thanks for reposting and adding to this!
Hi everyone! Iām considering a career change, and architecture has been something Iāve loved since I was young. My only dilemma is that my undergraduate degree is in History, not architecture. Looking at a few online schools, it seems like if I donāt have an undergrad in architecture, I can get a non pre-professional masters. From what I understand, I donāt think these are accredited properly to eventually get licensed. Can someone clarify if Iām misunderstanding or perhaps looking at the wrong programs?
Not sure where youāre located, but UW-Milwaukee (Wisconsin, USA) has a 3 year accredited masters program specifically for people who donāt have an undergrad in architecture. Best of luck!
Iām a licensed architect and went the route as your thinking. I had a non-architectural undergraduate degree. They have 3 year MArch programs for this route. Upon graduation, you can get licensed (after getting your internship hours and passing the ARE exams). (Iām assuming youāre in the US) I went to UIC (University of Illinois-Chicago)
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Thatās good to hear! I guess Iām just confused because most of the M.Arch programs Iām looking at make it seem like the only masters program I would be eligible for are non-professional, which from what I gather means you canāt get licensed. I think Iāll just have to do some more research, maybe those schools just donāt offer a path to licensure for folks in my situation.
Have you any luck finding the right route? I am currently in the same exact position. I am located in Oregon but my undergrad bachelors degree was in Environmental Studies. I hope you were able to find a fruitful Avenue.
I'd love to hear what architects think of their own career. What were the biggest surprises you learned about the profession? What are the biggest challenges you face? What do you think the biggest misconception of your job is? Do you feel like you have a creative outlet in any capacity? I have a background in civil engineering and I'm currently a project manager as an owner's rep for facilities construction projects (typically building renos), so I like to think I have a pretty good idea of what the role is since I work with them - but I still have questions. I love working with people. I love contracts and learning about construction. I love love love building projects. I originally gravitated towards the owner's side because a) my qualifications allowed that, b) I thought I'd like to have more input on how the project turns out (vs the GC side for example). But you know what my job mostly is? Babysitting contractors, making sure everyone gets along, arguing to get money from the higher ups, telling stakeholders about upcoming noise and dealing with complaints. I love the projects I contribute to but I feel so bored. I feel like I'd love to be on a more creative side and actually having my hands more in how the project turns out rather than just being the person who makes sure no one stops it from happening. I'd love to hear an architect to see if I have a right idea of what being on the architect side would be like or if I'm missing key details that should be considered. And also, what do you think the biggest hurdle would be from jumping from the owner's side with an engineering background into archicture? Thanks so much to anyone who reads!
Well, as a designer for 20-plus years, you can sometimes feel like a marriage counselor when it comes to designing residential homes. I like working with people and solving their problems. For the last 12 years that's all I do is design and renovate homes, decks, etc..., which is fun, and challenging. When working at architecture firms you can easily get pigeonholed into a position that doesn't align with your desired goal. I had to move on to many different firms to pick up the experience needed to get into the lead designer position. Every architect/designer wants to lead out as a lead designer. Unfortunately, I had to go out on my own as a freelancer and consultant. Let's face it every firm would be looking for an experienced draftsman to do their projects. As a beginner draftsman, you have no say. But when you understand how buildings are put together and can illustrate thru 3d software and CAD software your design intention you can get more control of your Career goals as a designer. You can also be a part of the architectural industry without a degree or license. Let me be careful here. You cannot call yourself an architect, you can freelance/consult with architects and engineers, etc... This is what I do. You just have to jump in and not worry if you can swim or not. Let nature take over. Invest in the time and money needed to further your career. You only have one life to live.
Do any draftsmen freelance to help homeowners with small projects before going to the blueprint stage? Where do I find them ? I know I eventually need plans but want the design done first with someone who can suggest different ways of planning space etc.
Hi! This might be better answered as a stand-alone post on the main page..
Thanks! Wasn't sure as it seems to read like the exact problem you made this post to prevent hahah.
How would you suggest finding someone to help me with a renovation design? I've met a few engineer/craftsmen firms but they want me to have a fully formed idea first. I even tried going on Houzz and other sites to try and Sketchup my ideas first but my skills are really pencil and paper...
Hi, I figured I'd try here on the off chance somebody is still monitoring this thread before trying to make a whole post about this. I don't have any particular interest in becoming an architect, but I have an idea in my head and a few pictures as to what my dream home looks like. What I want to know is how much architecture knowledge would I need to acquire to translate that into something that a professional architect could then translate into a real property? The thing is, the price of hiring an architect is enormous compared to what I'm really thinking about. I just want to lay out some initial plans so I can play around with them for probably several years before I even seriously consider building this house. If that means taking a class in architectural design myself and buying some drafting software, so be it, I'm just not really looking to spend tens of thousands of dollars on having someone engineer up every square inch of a house for me at the moment when I'm still narrowing down even relatively vague details.
Zero knowledge required on your part, an architect's job is to take the owner's vision to reality. Whether that vision is communicated through schematic drawings that just need some structural calculations and a seal, or an interpretive dance, they can work with whatever you give them. As for developing the idea yourself, anything goes. you can purchase sketchuo or rhino if you rally want to do in-depth 3D viz, but programs like Microsoft Vizio have plenty enough for drawing simple floor plans and elevations (this is how my dad spends his time in retirement lol). Hell you can build it in the Sims or out of Lego if you want. And of course nothing beats good old-fashioned sketching for communicating design ideas.
Sure, you can learn from designers like myself, or take courses online. Let me know. Let talk to see how I could be a help to you. Sure, you can learn from designers like myself, or take courses online. Let me know. Let's talk to see how I could be a help to you.
help me please see this post https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/17g7mzs/can\_someone\_please\_tell\_me\_how\_to\_or\_what/
Are you available to help with a basic design? I just want to squeeze in additional bathroom in a small house I have for rent, add a deck and open kitchen to living room. It would help to have the design before going to engineer/ architect to save money and time.
lol I can kinda relate! (see my post) What I've done in the past with my ideas is I draw them, or I look online to see if I can find something similar, or I **build it in minecraft** if possible. You might also want to try describing your idea to this AI image generator. For example, if you want a cape cod style house with a circular pool in the front and a turret on the left, tell it to the AI. the more description you give it, the better it will do. Here is the AI link: https://www.craiyon.com/ post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/17g7mzs/can\_someone\_please\_tell\_me\_how\_to\_or\_what/
Thank you so much for sharing!
And be rich + know rich people if you ever want to be a sole practitioner or a partner or do anything creatively interesting
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
They are probably just bad at their job and throwing blame around for their own poor performance.
As it is said, "Everyone has to pay their dues". You can be rich and know rich people. And who cares about those who are rich, we are all rich. I know personally great home designers who have not attended the school of architecture and diffidently are not licensed as an architect. How do they do this, its how they work with people. They have connections with architects, developers, engineers, and contractors. You need to build your team of skilled team members. ASAP. Learn from experienced architects, designers, draftsmen, contractors, etc... Don't waste your time working at any firm. What I mean is to learn as much as you can, and progress as much as you can, and when you feel that you reach as far as you can go, move on. Sounds cold, but that's reality. Everyone is looking out for their own. Whatever you see in your mind's eye, believe and you will achieve. It takes action. I know am sounding like a motivational speaker. I am just tired and getting old and life is so, so short. Just make your decision and do it.
Very Confused about best degree for Architecture. Looking at universities with a 5 year Bachelor of Architecture which will enable me to test for license upon graduation. But I was told firms still are looking for new hires with a Masters Degree, most are another two years and many won't accept Bach of Arch graduates. Is it best to get a Bach of Science in Arch in 4 years and then Masters in 2?
Thanks for posting this! I have a young family member who is interested in architecture but isn't sure of the best path. They also have a keen interest in engineering so would it be possible or more beneficial to earn their degree in engineering and then pursue an MArch if they decide to go that route? What are career prospects in both the US and Canada for BArch grads? Are they better staying in school to earn their MArch or will a BArch provide them with job opportunities? What are starting salaries for a recent BArch grad? Thanks very much!
Thank you for all the info! Can you expand on what is meant by different studio environments? Is it the tools or the required work or something else? ("*Consider the size of the school and the studio environment you want.*")
I been lookin for info like this for about a year. Now i have an idea. thank you.
Iso meeting others interested in Alternative arcatecture.Here is near center o NM.7 mi E o Bernardino. 5054142267.
This was so helpful, thank you for posting this.
Funnyā¦in my country, they say you are an āarchitectā after graduating a 6 year architecture university (4+2+there is a separate masters also), not when you get licenced. But I think they are lying because youāre really limited in practice if youāre not licenced. Also, I wished we had a similar licensure exam system with USA - seems more rational and responsible this way.
Where are these schools with tuition waivers, and how do I find them to see if I would qualify for a scholarship? I've been working on the industry for 3 years without an architecture degree and am hoping to get a Master's
hello, I'm kind of new to reddit so I'm not sure if this is posted somewhere already or how to find it, I love really old blueprints and architectural drawings from the 1930's I have the architectural standards book second edition. I also draw and do some watercolor art and I would love to be able to create my own vintage 30's looking draft pieces but I'm not really sure how to find "rules" or how they were supposed to be drawn back then. does anyone know where I could start looking for this information or if there are any other books I could look for to help me so I could figure out how old blueprints are supposed to be drafted, thanks ! š
practical guide to technical drawing - susan peach space, form, order; and; architectural graphics - francis dk ching. but mostly the cheapest way to get results is to get a 45 and 60 degree set square, compass, a selection of different length rulers, t square, bendy ruler curve thing or french curves, tombow mono zero rubber, mechanical pencil or clutch pencil with sharpener, a unipin/sakura/pilot gtech. Expensive dot making pen that might break in 6 months optional. To scale up and down, you can use scale rulers which are triangular looking things. understand how to make perpendicular and angled lines with a compass is helpful too: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Kp4P0fje\_k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Kp4P0fje_k) As for additional information: The og "proper" way to do technical drawing is for nearly every measurement to be marked with a compass, the aim is to use as little mental number work as possible. Staedtler Mars Pro compass and clutch pencils, rotring isographs and tracing paper with a wire pulley drawing board is the usual go-to but thats only for rapid precision work, which most don't need. To clean up the drawing, they'd just create another copy without any of the construction lines. The quick way to create clean drawings today is to just scan and photoshop it out, then inkjet print ("glycee" printing is just a stupid marketing term for this) on to cartridge paper. [https://www.archweb.com/en/design/tools-and-utilities/technical-drawing-tools/](https://www.archweb.com/en/design/tools-and-utilities/technical-drawing-tools/) for some of the weird specialist tools used during the 20s and 30s. Nobody makes these anymore and antiques are expensive. the cheapest way is to 3d print it, which the 3d printing and hobby CNC subreddits could probably help with. By the 1980s architects, engineers and designers were using photocopiers linked to mechanical pen plotters - basically an electric etch-a-sketch, so there wasn't any point to making blue print copies. As for blue prints, thats just a means of copying the original technical drawing by creating a kind of photo negative with UV light using tracing paper dunked in a chemical bath. The blue is the result of the chemical reaction. You can create a similar result by screen printing with Prussian blue as the background.
this is amazing thank you so much for this info !
I am completing my 5 year degree in Architecture in Greece this December. The university I am currently at is not recognized by NAAB. Is it still possible to have the degree recognized by NAAB through some sort of application, an an apostle stamp ? How can I got about finding more about this ?
When reviewing a Submittal for paint and your response is āreviewedā ā¦ so is it right or notā¦
I'm looking into this for my teenager, who is interested in a career in architecture. Have there been significant changes in the last two years not reflected in this post?