What is goo dabout being an architect and what is bad about it?

Answer 1

I was an architectural student in college so I do know a few things.

Architects need to have an artistic side as well as an engineering side. I had to take design classes where we drew simple plans and then built a scale model of our design. This is a common job for practicing architects. I also had to take art classes, classes on drawing perspective, and basic drawing, before I took classes on how to draw architectural drawings. Then I had to study art history and architectural history (which were handled in the same two class). Then I had to take physics classes, advanced math (up to calculus), then statics and dynamics and fluid dynamics.

An architect has to conceive the idea, and use sketches to show the client. Often you aren't designing a simple building, but one that makes a statement. You will also have to design corner pieces and other details that are more art than architecture. Then you need to design the building. You have to make sure the columns and beams are strong enough to support the weight and you have to know how to handle the materials, you also have to know the construction methods in the industry so you can know if your design can even be built. There are many novel designs that required an entirely new way to build the building, before the designers knew if the building would even work. Once you finish the design you typically build scale 3D models to show off the space. Few people can take a 2D drawing and create a 3D image in their head. You will also need to find a way to make the decorative and important details come to life for the client. Finally, you need to put together a bid for the contract, which means you need to know how to estimate the costs; the costs of material, labor, and the construction methods that go into the building. Then there are details of the contract that require business law classes. The contact describes the entire job and the drawings are only a partial element of the entire contract.

Architects can be:
Estimators that determine how the building is to be built, and how much it will cost. Then a bid can be prepared. The bid is the most important phase because most construction goes to the lowest bidder.

Contractors and Supervisors manage the actual construction, not just the details but how the structure is to be made. All concrete buildings require formwork, and most buildings use concrete for at least the foundation. Building the formwork to hold the concrete can be just as complicated as building a skyscraper. So it will take a good man and some work from people who know engineering to oversea the job.

Working with the client is difficult. Most people only have a vague idea of what they want, but a clear idea of what they don't want. They can't communicate this to you very well, so it takes the architect to communicate the client's ideas to the client. It sounds strange, but that's how you have to do it. Then you need to bring that design to life, all with approval of the client at various phases. Building models is one of the best ways to communicate a final design image to the clients.

95% of construction is done on a bid bases. The architect has to write up the most of the bid. From the building plans, to what materials are to be used, to how these materials can be used and how the building can be built. For example what type of lighting is used in the building? Does it meet local building codes, does the client like the fixtures, and how much do they cost? The type of wall paneling, carpet, paint, wallpaper, and plumbing fixtures must all be determined by the architect, with approval from the client. (Don't forget most clients don't know what they want and need to be lead, carefully, to find what they want, what they can afford, and what they need all while making them happy and feel like they are really involved in the design process.)

There is a lot of legal work that has to go into this to make sure that everything is clear, described, specified and so on. The lowest bidder gets the contract and the contractors need to know as much as an architect to read and understand the terms of the contract.

I wanted to be an architect because I love making construction drawings, but that is only 1/4 or less of the process. An architect needs so to know and do so much more.

Architectural covers a wide range of specialties, that’s why it is very hard to cram all the required classes into a normal 4-year degree plan. Some schools will offer a 4-year program, but most people will need an additional year or two to complete the course. If you want to be a licensed architect then you need at least a master’s degree. Otherwise no matter what you do you will be working FOR an architect.

I ended up a construction specialist and a CAD/CAM operator not an architect, but I know a lot about the process so you can contact me via my avatar if you have further questions.

Answer 2

I changed my major from architecture because as an artist, architecture was much to constricting for me. You must be very good with math and you have to generally be good with following precise directions (at least until and if you ever make it big and you can do what you want). Most people who hire architects have specifications and that limits your imagination. Additionaly, architects (and students) often huge projects with deadlines which means many many MANY sleepless nights.

Then again, completing a project after such hard work and being amazed at your creation despite the restrictions can be very rewarding!

Answer 3

I have a classmate who wanted to be an architect. Last year he changed his mind when he realized that math ( specifically algebra) is frequently used in that field.

Answer 4

If you like a profession and you are happy within it is the good part of it. If you do not like the profession and you are unhappy within it, that's the bad part of it.

Now, Contact the AIA, (American Institute of Architects) or go to their web site and look into it for more positive/negative feedback directly from them.

Good luck

Answer 5

i wish i knew i want to be an architect too but i am as confused as you are or probably more lol

Answer 6

The first foundation was buried because the government was coming and they had to hide their plans to build a temple. Haven't you ever seen a Mormon temple? the Architecture is amazing.