Are you thinking about studying architecture?

A highly intelligent A-Level student recently approached Unity Architects, requesting to gain an insight into the field of architecture. She mentioned how she loved mathematics and design, and thought architecture may be a good topic for future university study.

I explained that architecture is a long and challenging career path and whilst it is always possible to change direction at degree level, it is best to be fully informed of the educational timescales, associated costs and complexity of the profession, prior to embarking upon the journey of becoming an architect.

I offered the student a 1-hour video call as a Q&A session, providing her with the opportunity to discuss the educational journey and life of an architect. The student found this discussion beneficial and I consequently agreed to set her a project brief, so that she could experience attending to a real site and attempt to create her own design response. (Believe me…this is far more engaging than sitting over the shoulder of an architect in the office. Talk about a snore fest!)

As well as providing the project scenario, I stipulated the timescales for a return of her information. Good as gold, she delivered her design material via email on time. What a student!

I had spontaneously booked a trip to Tanzania, to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, which meant I couldn’t critique the students work. I made my apologies and explained that it was unlikely I would be able to continue this impromptu mentoring exercise.

Refreshingly, this time last week, I received the following email from the student:

Hi Jason

I just wanted to give you an update and also thank you for the assignment you gave me some time ago. I have recently accepted an offer to do a degree apprenticeship for Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, beginning in January.

Having a look into Architecture definitely helped me to decide that Electrical Engineering wasn't for me, which ended up leading me into accepting the degree apprenticeship offer instead of my EE one.

And also, I hope you've had a good time climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, if you've done that already.

Kind regards

J_ _ _a

Even though I had sacrificed my time to help this student and present her with a useful insight into the profession of architecture, I was absolutely thrilled with the content of her email. She had turned both architecture and electrical engineering down, deciding to study Civil and Infrastructure Engineering as of January 2024. Good for her!

Some of the topics we discussed during the Q&A session:

·         No day is ever the same for the architect. Each project is unique and there is always a multitude of design solutions to explore. If you study architecture, you can expect a lifetime of discovery and design exploration. POSITIVE.

·         My belief is that everyone has the potential to be an architect. This is because the topic attends to our existential footing upon the planet and within the universe. At the very core, it is about being human and about survival. Her preference of mathematics and design align well with the discipline. POSITIVE.

·         If you’re a critical thinker, have an analytical mind and are inquisitive about the world around you and how you could influence it for the better, there are a wealth of opportunities residing within the discipline. POSITIVE.

·         If you are content to embark upon a lifelong journey of development, growth and progression (architects peak late) then architecture could be for you. POSITIVE.

·         The educational timeframe of becoming an architect is lengthy. Not without good reason I may add. But even so, it exceeds the vast majority of other university courses. Combined with fees, this likely amounts to a NEGATIVE.

·         Following the previous point, as an international student in this case, the tuition fees are mega. NEGATIVE.

·         Following the previous point, the earning capacity of an architect may or may not be that great. Income certainly doesn’t start off that well. If earning £28,000 after completing a strenuous degree and post-grad diploma doesn’t get you excited on the financial front, it may not be for you. NEGATIVE. https://recruiters.architecture.com/static-page/10291/salary-guide

·         Whilst I don’t agree with it, the industry is riddled with the expectation of working free overtime. This means you could be working late into the evenings and even your weekends without compensation. This impacts your quality of life, your health and erodes whatever salary you are getting paid. NEGATIVE.

·         Are there other career options, that have shorter educational timeframes, more rapid career progression, have equal levels of enjoyment and greater levels of pay. Absolutely. With reference to architecture, this is a NEGATIVE.

Some thoughts for students considering studying architecture:

·         If a lengthy and costly educational journey, followed by relatively low pay isn’t what you are seeking, then you may want to explore alternative disciplines.

·         Regardless of income and timeframes, if you have a passion for design, buildings, construction and exploration of the built environment, then architecture may be for you.

·         Do the right thing and gain working experience as early as you possibly can. This will validate your feelings towards the subject sooner rather than later and enable you to confidently step forward along a certain career path, in the same way this student has.

If you are currently a Part I, Part II or Part III student, ensure you adjoin yourself to a good mentor within your office. You should be able to have regular mentor reviews, to maximise the value of your career experiences and complete those all-important PEDR record sheets.

Unity Architects is a strong believer of knowledge sharing and supporting the future generations. Feel free to get in touch if you are seeking information about studying architecture, guidance of how to navigate Parts I, II or III and how to maximise your chances of landing a job (I receive these kinds of calls all the time).