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krudolph
Joined: 02 Oct 2008
Posts: 4
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 Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 11:12 am Post subject: How to start? |
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| Hello. I am a first year university student and I am very interested in becoming an architect. I've been looking into it since high school but I'm finding it very hard to get information about what my first step should be. I've been told that the required undergraduate degree is pretty open, as long as there is some math and physics involved, so I'm currently working towards a Bachelor of Science with a joint major in Math and Physics. However, I am beginning to seriously doubt this choice. The university I'm attending offers no courses related to architecture at all, but I've been looking at other universities and I've discovered two options: Bachelor of Arts majoring in Architecture and Bachelor of Environmental Design. Both of the programs are very competitive and I'm doubting myself. I've always been a straight A student and I excel at Math and Physics but I'm worried that's not enough. I'm not a very good drawer and I'm worried I'm not creative enough, but structural design fascinates me from both the practical side and the creative. Can someone help me? I need to know what my options are and how to get this thing started. |
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teamjdc
Joined: 25 Oct 2007
Posts: 316
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| Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 1:54 pm Post subject: |
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Most states require an NAAB-accredited degree for licensure. That means a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch - 5 years) or a Master of Architecture (MArch - length varies). To find accredited degrees, go here:
http://naab.org/schools/search.aspx?searchType=A
Note that there's no such thing a an NAAB-accredited BS or BA.
Licensing requirements vary by state. For an overview, go here:
http://ncarb.org/stateboards/index.html
For the most complete and reliable information, follow the link to the state boards of your choice.
Regardless of what a particular state requires, it's probably best to follow the requirements that will get you NCARB certification. This will give you maximum mobility. http://ncarb.org
The basic process is:
1) Accredited degree
2) Internship (IDP - Intern Development Program)
3) Pass the exam (ARE - Architect Registration Exam)
All of the above is relevant for the US and its territories. Canada is very similar.
Sadly, you are not alone. Very few counselors know anything about this. Even universities with architecture programs often give students bad information. for example, it's not uncommon for a school that doesn't have a BArch but does have an MArch and a related undergrad to tell you that the MArch is the only path. It should be a criminal offense to mislead students.
You're basically on your own and must take ownership of your career. You've started that and thankfully, you caught it early. |
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nanrehvasconez
Joined: 25 Feb 2008
Posts: 254
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| Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 10:07 pm Post subject: |
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Talk to the councelor in a college that offers architecture majors.
If you do not have your vocational interest in the matter, stay away from it. |
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krudolph
Joined: 02 Oct 2008
Posts: 4
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| Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:37 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks so much for the replies. I am in Canada so, I don't know how much the requirements differ.
My second quesiton is:
If the undergraduate program I'm looking at requires a portfolio for acceptance, how do I go about starting one? Is there any classes I can take in the mean time to help me with that? What's usually involved in a portfolio?
I wish there was a Portfolio 101 class. |
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teamjdc
Joined: 25 Oct 2007
Posts: 316
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| Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 3:18 pm Post subject: |
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Each school should give you guidance on portfolio requirements. Check their websites or call.
It's usually worth scrambling to create a portfolio. You can't cram like it's a test. The effort is usually transparent and can do more harm than good. You'd be much better off putting application off for a year and taking some art and design classes, doing some travel, writing, etc. |
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O-Archy
Joined: 18 Sep 2008
Posts: 17
Location: Victor, Idaho
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| Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 4:24 pm Post subject: |
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Try this: Road map to architecture.
http://www.montana.edu/wwwcat/programs/envd.html
As for the portfolio, I would suggest placing several different drawings you've made into clear plastic sleeves along with a simple statement / essay about 'what architecture means' to you.
Some suggested subjects for the drawings: a building that you like, or perhaps architectural photographs which would convey how you 'see' architecture - composition of the building, people using it, etc.
As team jdc said, it can do more harm than good... so be careful about what you put in the portfolio. Definitely focus on drawing and art classes if you are still in high school- sculpture is a good one.
You might also wish to look up a couple of books on architecture: Francis D.K. Ching's Architecture form space and order, and Christopher Alexander's A Pattern Language towns-buildings-construction.
Remember you are trying to convey to the school that you have potential...
Best of luck!
_________________
"If the city is one of humankinds greatest achievements, it's uncontrolled evolution also can lead to desecration of both nature and the human spirit" -M.G. Marcus-1979 |
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tomquah
Joined: 20 Oct 2008
Posts: 2
Location: Malaysia
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| Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 11:16 pm Post subject: |
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I fully agreed with O-Archy’s reply to organize your portfolio so that you can present your works/drawings and express to the school that you have the qualities to make it as an Architect.
It is true, architecture involves creative drawings but there are also other aspects of architecture. In the studio classes when I was a student in NDSU, North Dakota, I was using CADD system beside free hand sketches and parallel rule with set-square for drawings.
The entry requirement for admission to Architecture in US is more flexible and less competitive than those in Canada. When I first started, I applied for both in US and Canada and I got in to NDSU but later I transferred down to Auburn University in Alabama.
Architecture should be fun and if you have the appreciation and passion for it in its natural environment then you are half way there. |
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teamjdc
Joined: 25 Oct 2007
Posts: 316
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| Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2008 9:09 am Post subject: |
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| tomquah wrote: | | The entry requirement for admission to Architecture in US is more flexible and less competitive than those in Canada. |
That's news to me and I seriously doubt it.
Where do you get your information? |
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krudolph
Joined: 02 Oct 2008
Posts: 4
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| Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2008 3:47 pm Post subject: |
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Well, if nothing else you've all definitely calmed my worries about it.
I like the idea of presenting photographs.
tomquah's comment about CADD reminded me of another question I had. Would it be alright if I included computer generated plans? For example, using those programs where you're able to "design your own house", or are they looking more for just creative expression? |
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teamjdc
Joined: 25 Oct 2007
Posts: 316
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| Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2008 11:34 pm Post subject: |
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You should get advice from the schools you're interested in.
I don't believe that presenting plans is worth anything at all. In fact, it would likely doom your application.
You're applying to a school to be taught architecture. They don't expect applicants to have that kind of work.
Are you even sure that a portfolio is required? |
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tomquah
Joined: 20 Oct 2008
Posts: 2
Location: Malaysia
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| Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2008 1:41 am Post subject: |
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teamjdc
I would say that I have personally experienced it, when I was applying to be admitted into a School of Architecture. This is mainly due to the huge number of students applying to the limited number of Architecture Schools in Canada. Unlike Canada, US have a wide range of Architecture Schools to choose from. This is caused by the Law of Supply and Demand.
Even the admission requirement for Universities in Alabama (warmer climatic condition) is more stringent than those in the Mid West like North Dakota (cold winter condition). When I was applying to Arch. School in Canada, I was placed on a waiting list but when I apply to NDSU, my application was approved quite promptly. When I transferred to Alabama, Mathematic is one of the requirements unlike in NDSU. |
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teamjdc
Joined: 25 Oct 2007
Posts: 316
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| Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2008 9:25 am Post subject: |
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| tom, try applying to Cal Poly, Rice, Harvard, Cornell, Yale, Oregon, or any of the other top U.S. schools .... and then tell me that Canada is more selective. |
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starkca3
Joined: 10 Jul 2008
Posts: 118
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| Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2008 2:07 pm Post subject: |
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Mm so the schools you are trying to get into require a portfolio just for first and second year undergrad? Idk, here at UW you just need to meet to get into the school in general, then worry about applying to the arch department after your second year (meeting prereqs of course). Thats when we generate our portfolio. Also, from what i've heard...photography and plans= no in the portfolio department...doesnt "express your creativity" enough? Anyways, you could check out UW advisers if you wanted, we have a decent school of architecture, and plenty of Pre- arch courses that give you the feel of what you're going to be doing. Though, not going to lie, our arch department advisors kinda suck. ...sometimes...sometimes they're awesome. I can give you the email to one of our head guys if you want?
Let me know k? |
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krudolph
Joined: 02 Oct 2008
Posts: 4
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| Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 5:44 pm Post subject: |
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| Well, from what I understand from the website, your first and second year can be taken anywhere, as long as you acquire the prerequisites and 60 credit hours. Then you apply to UBC and the program in one fell swoop. So, I'm not sure where they expect us to get any portfolio experience. I'm currently at a school that realy has nothing in the artistic department, let alone the architecture department. I tried to email the program coordinator at UBC to ask some questions, and got no reply. I feel like architecture is a closed and locked career field with no key! |
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starkca3
Joined: 10 Jul 2008
Posts: 118
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| Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 6:45 pm Post subject: |
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No Reply huh? That's always a frustration  . Yea idk i'm having the same issue as far as getting some portfolio experience. I'm beginning to think you just have to get good on your own. Practice alot and try and insert yourself into the art community. Sounds shifty, i know. But what else can you do if your at a school with zero art department? Thats why it might be good to consider to apply to a school prior to applying to its arch department so that over the course of the 2 years leading up to application you can take some of that school's art classes and arch history classes. Have to say, this quarter has been amazing as far as the arch history classes, next quarter starting studio. Its pretty hardcore but I'm exited as hell. But yea, have you considered applying to a school a few years early so that you CAN gain some portfolio experience? Because from what I'm hearing if you don't have a good portfolio = no go  . Unless you know somebody or something  |
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