architecture blog

How hard, on a scale of 1-10, is it to get a job right after graduating with a Bachelors in Architecture?

Jeremy, 
 
Good question. A lot of new architecture graduates and young professionals are facing this same issue right now. I wish I had better news, but I don't. Things are tough right now for job seekers. If you want a scale, I would say an 8 in terms of difficulty. Many firms are letting people go or on hiring freeze. 
 
However, I'm an optimist, so lets look at some positives given your situation. 
 
You cost less 
Because you are less experienced, you cost less to a potential employer. This means that hiring you is less of a financial commitment versus hiring a licensed architect or someone with 5+ years of experience. 
 
You are young (I'm assuming) 
Now is a bad time to enter the job market, but things could be worse. You could have just been laid off as an experienced architect with kids, a mortgage, etc. Hopefully you are light on expenses and responsibilities. This gives you flexibility. You could work in another city or overseas where the economy may be better. You may also consider going for a masters, maybe not even in architecture (I recommend an MBA). 
 
Part time 
Although many firms are hesitating to hire because of uncertainty, many still have work that needs to be done. You could offer yourself up for some part time work. Tell them no commitment, just by the hour. This is a great way to get in. Before you know it, they could get busier, and they'll turn to you first for a full time job. 
 
Freelance 
Even less of a commitment for a firm would be to offer yourself as a freelancer. You just need your own computer, software, and a place to work (probably home). Many firms love to outsource because they avoid the commitment and costs of an employee, but still have a place to get work done when they get busy. This may not be ideal for you, but given these hard times, it is a viable option that many people don't consider. 
 
New Skills 
Recent graduates often have better computer skills than professionals just a few years older. Use this to your advantage. Maybe you even have computer skills outside of architecture, like web design. Many firms utilize down time to redesign websites or reorganize themselves. Show that you can do more than just CAD. 
 
Hopefully this gives you a glimmer of hope. Also keep checking back on our web site as we'll be releasing a guide to creative resumes in the coming months. Good luck out there. 
 
-Derek...

Does is matter what university you come from? Is the Illinois Institute of Technology at Chicago a good one? would you rather hire someone from university of illinois at champaign?

Hey there, 
 
I'm an aspiring architect and I have 2 questions.  
 
1. How can I get on the road to professional design? All software that I've been able to scrounge up on the Internet has been either too complicated and intended for professional architects or way too expensive. I've gotten into a video game called Second Life and I've been designing buildings for fun that look great but lack blueprints, budgets, and licenses that have to be had in the real world. So where can I start? I would also love to find a program or a walkthrough on perspective or mechanical drawing, or a class that teaches it. I want to learn the basics. So if you can help me get started, I'd be forever in debt to you. (: 
 
2. From the information I've been able to find, it'll be next to impossible to make the kind of money I want to make being an architect. I'm curious how much time I'll be able to devote to something like investing in real estate and the stock market. As an architect working as hard as I can and making as much money I can out of it, would I ever have enough spare time to do anything except my job? 
 
Thanks in advance!

Some answers for you:  
 
1. Architecture Software 
Google SketchUp is an easy to use 3D computer modeling program that has a great price - free.  
 
Getting Your Designs Built 
This is more complicated. Architects are required to get permits on most project types, but this depends on location. Either way, a building is more than just a pretty picture. It requires an understanding of how buildings are put together and the ability to visually communicate that up so you can get permits and a contractor to build it.  
 
Learning To Draw  
Author and illustrator Francis D. Ching has numerous books on all things architecture: architectural graphics, how buildings are put together, history, etc. These easy to understand books are great learning tools.  
 
2. $$$ 
Architects don't make as much as people think. Most are in the business for the passion, not the money. It is a time consuming job, so side work is tough. If you want to make more than a standard architect's salary, you could consider becoming a real estate developer and designing your own projects. This way you get the architecture side with the potential earnings of real estate investing.  
 
Best of luck,  
 
Derek...

Hi, 
 
What is the difference between an architect and an architectural engineer? I chose the architecture field because I love art. Architecture combines art and science together-I love that. But i just found out that a simple architect could also be called a "carpenter", which deosn''t make it too appealing. 
 
What's the difference? What do you advise me to do if I went into the field looking for art?

Response: 
 
An architectural engineer is really just an engineer that works on buildings. Not an architect. 
 
So, if you are looking for the artistic side, then architecture is the preferred choice. 
 

Derek, 
Can you provide some insight as to why you recommend an MBA? 
Also, if as you state most architects are in it for the passion and not the money, does this mean I should "get out" if it isn't a passion for my and I want/need the money? 

I have wanted to be an architect for awhile now and now that I am halfway through high school I have to take my dream more seriously. I have decided I would love to design houses, specifically low income/low impact houses for families in need. Are there universities with programs directed specifically towards designing houses? Do programs for low income projects exist? Also, would it be beneficial for me to take calculus in high school (to increase my chances of getting into university)? Thank you!

I was just curious: How long would a building have to be before the curvature of the earth has to be considered. I have heard that there are buildings where this is the case.

Finally Some Answers to three recent questions: 
 
Eric, 
 
I recommend an MBA because I'm always pushing young architectural professionals to understand the business side of the profession. Having an MBA not only does this, but opens your eyes to other business opportunities for architects besides traditional services such as being an architect/developer. 
 
Architecture is a tough profession to make serious money in. Some do, but most don't. This is where the whole MBA thing comes in. 
 
-Derek... 
 
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Kyra, 
 
Most architecture school programs are broad based, meaning you'll be designing all types of buildings. This is a good thing as there is something to be learned from designing projects of diverse types and sizes. Most schools, however, will allow you to choose your studios the last few years, meaning you can focus more on housing. 
 
 
There are, however, some schools that are known for their low income efforts through some impressive design/build studios. Names that come to mind are the rural studio at Auburn University and Tulane University which was highlighted in the Reality TV series "Architecture School."  
 
Sure, go ahead and take calculus. I can't remember a thing from calculus, but you'll likely need it for architecture school. 
 
-Derek... 
 
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Brad, 
 
I have no idea. However, there are many other considerations that will dictate "breaks" in the building before earth curvature comes into play. A few examples are thermal (heat) and seismic (earthquakes). These aren't the kind of separations you can normally see. They are just gaps in the structure to allow for movement. 
 
-Derek...

I am an architect with five yrs experience working at a top corporate firm who is considering an mba degree (I currently have two offers). It is a bit sad that a passion for architecture often comes with a humbling paycheck. 
 
I hope to make enough one day to be able to indulge in my own custom designed home. Do you have any advice? Stories of peers who have gone through mba's with arch backgrounds? Other prosperous routes for architects? 
 
Thanks in advance.

Justin, 
 
Come to think of it, I don't think I do know of anyone with an architecture undergrad degree going for an MBA (except my Dad, but that was years ago.) However, that's probably more reason to do it. I have a few non-architecture friends with MBAs, and they have nothing but good things to say. Having an MBA will open your eyes to new possibilities that may or may not involve architecture.  
 
One potential route that you could go post MBA is that of architect/developer. We are beginning to see more and more firms taking on this model and the results have been great both in terms of good design and in financial gain (much more than an architect's salary.) 
 
Given that you have a few offers, I would encourage you to seriously consider them, especially in this tough market. Your years in school may end with a much better economy on the back end. 
 
-Derek...

what type of math do architects use?

Francisco, 
 
Instead of just answering this myself, I asked other architects on twitter what type of math they use. Here are the responses I received: 
 
@liraluis 
(I use Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Applied Math) 
 
@RocksMyFaceOff  
addition and subtraction. A little multiplication and division. Its definitely not rocket science. 
 
@stars_and_sand  
But is it more than basic analysis, differential equations , basic statistics and linear algebra? 
 
@architectmark 
Most 4 me is certfying bldrs paymnts at constn stge,work complete, retention & tax %'s 
 
Then you have my take. For me, as a practicing architect, I use only very basic math on a daily basis. I think the architects and math thing is very overplayed. Engineers use way more math than architects. However, you will need to do some complex math in architecture school. 
 
Hope this gives you a well rounded answer Francisco. 
 
-Derek...

Hello, 
 
 
 
I'm in the military and I'm about to seperate and head to school full time. The military has recently offered me a course to become a Apprentice Welder. Would this help me in any way with Architecture? 
 
 
 
thanks

Danny, 
 
I've always felt that welding is a great skill to have as an architect. I often secretly wish that I knew how to weld. 
 
Really any building experience you get will help you as an architect. Learning how things go together and actually being able to do it yourself would be a great asset to a future career in architecture. 
 
Best of luck to you. 
 
-Derek...

I have been considering architecture as one of my possible careers. In fact, it is on the top of my list. I have always been interested in drawing buildings and structures and that's why i want to consider being an architect but I do have some questions about this field. 
 
1. A lot of people think of architecture simply as drawing structures and building them but how is the "drawing process" done and what other processes are involved? 
 
2. Just to have an idea, how much on average, does an architect make weekly,monthly and/or yearly? 
 
3. What is an architect's average working hours and how much free time do you usually have? 
 
4. What steps do you have to take (school wise) to become an architect? 
 
5. After you graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, how easy can one get a job? 
 
Thank you!