Everything You Need to Know Before Starting a Career in Architecture

🏢Real-life architectural projects are larger in scale and take years to complete, requiring coordination and collaboration within a team.

📚Architectural projects in school are condensed into one semester, allowing for more creativity and hands-on design experience.

💼Real-life projects are more pragmatic and constrained by budgets and return on investment, requiring design within parameters.

🔬Architects constantly learn about new systems and technologies to keep up with building complexity and energy upgrades.

🏢Architects can specialize in different building types or roles within a firm, shaping their career paths and project experiences.

What is the difference between studying architecture and working in the field?

—Studying architecture focuses on creativity and hands-on design experience, while working in the field involves collaboration, coordination, and pragmatic design within constraints.

Are real-life architectural projects more complex?

—Yes, real-life projects are larger in scale and require coordination with engineers, constant learning of new systems, and design within budgetary and pragmatic constraints.

Can architects work on different types of projects?

—Yes, architects can specialize in different building types such as residential, institutional, or towers, or specialize in different roles within a firm, based on their preferences and career path.

Is it better to work for a firm or start your own practice as an architect?

—Both options have their benefits. Working for a firm allows exposure to different project types and collaboration within a team, while starting your own practice offers control over all aspects but also requires additional non-architectural responsibilities.

Do architects need to get licensed?

—Getting licensed is a requirement in Canada and the United States. It involves completing a certain number of hours, passing exams, and obtaining a certificate of practice and insurance.

00:00The video provides insights into the architecture profession and industry, offering advice for those considering a career in architecture.

02:52Real-life architectural projects are larger in scale and take years to complete, requiring coordination and collaboration within a team.

06:03Architectural projects in school are condensed into one semester, allowing for more creativity and hands-on design experience.

10:30Real-life projects are more pragmatic and constrained by budgets and return on investment, requiring design within parameters.

12:51Architects constantly learn about new systems and technologies to keep up with building complexity and energy upgrades.

13:41Architects can specialize in different building types or roles within a firm, shaping their career paths and project experiences.