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It takes time to be absolutely sure that you have chosen the right career: what you like is often not what you think you like, and to discover that it can take half a lifetime.
At the same time, choosing a particular career means total commitment, and if you find it wasn’t the right decision, it may be too late to change it. Or not?
A career is not about what you will do all your life, it is about what will happen to you today and from now on.
It’s not as intimidating as it seems because the factors that guide your initial decision will fade over time and your priorities will change.
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Architecture is an accurate example of the career rule as this occupation requires the person to conduct a detailed analysis of costs and benefits before starting their job.
It is one of the most difficult professions – one that combines intellectual strength, precocity and creativity. If you want to become an architect, get ready to fully dedicate yourself.
The archive evolves from the simplest rooms to the most dazzling and spectacular structures; and only the sky is the limit of your possibilities.
A successful architect should have the skills of an engineer and the creativity of an artist. The end products of his work must be both attractive and extremely functional, following the tradition of unique architectural solutions that represented entire civilizations in the past.
If you think about it, architecture and design are the only characteristics that monuments attribute to particular regions and nations.
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As you can see, architecture is not all about beauty. It takes years of learning, practicing, and total commitment. Is it then worth a career in architecture?
Are you really a person who can come up with beautiful ideas that are perfectly safe and healthy at the same time?
Is architecture right for you? Take a look at our ‘Architect Profile’ and find out:
You are the “smart one” in the crew
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An architect is expected to bring expert knowledge of many construction disciplines to the table. He deals with multiple assignments and understands the structural, mechanical, and electrical aspects of the entire construction process.
Let’s face it: this requires intelligence. Being smart doesn’t guarantee success in architecture by default, but it is a good starting point.
Not even the most brilliant plan would work without proper calculations and a deep understanding of materials and safety issues. A building is an architect’s business from start to finish.
You have your credits
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An accredited school / university is a must for a successful architecture career. The best way to get a license is to choose either an accredited undergraduate or graduate program, ideally with the quality offered by Columbia or Harvard.
Of course, there are architects who have taken the apprenticeship path, but this is far more difficult and rare, and there is almost no way to do this without exceptional talent and connections.
The first thing you need to do for a good architecture program is to demonstrate math excellence. The experienced employees recognize and appreciate your skills and guide you to relevant internships and well-paid jobs.
It is a good idea to “smear” your knowledge with an even better postgraduate program that will secure you a solid position in the highly competitive market.
Even if you learn off the peg, a great architect should follow every trend and develop innovative solutions that leave no one indifferent.
You are creative
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As an architect, you might confuse creativity with a designer’s skills, but the truth is that you are a designer yourself. Creativity is one of your main assets, and you should use it to create impressive plans that meet security requirements. That is the formula for your success.
This is where you realize that you have chosen a complex profession: it is one of those rare areas where you are supposed to use both the left and right sides of your brain, which means you have to be a rational and logical worker produces unique masterpieces.
You are a team player
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Teamwork is indispensable in the world of architecture. Architectural magic does not take place in the solitude of your office, but at a round table where the entire construction team takes a seat and discusses.
Imagine what would happen to a construction plan whose architect and civil engineer did not coordinate their work? How would any member of the team know what to do and when to do it?
You have a solution for every problem
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Learning from proven architects is definitely their ability to deal with all kinds of problems. The ability is simply essential because of the variety of problems that arise during a construction process.
You are not expected to have the most knowledge on every subject, but at least enough to ask the right person to address the problem.
If you’ve learned enough from your team, there is a great chance you can solve any design or structure problem yourself.
Also, this is not a skill that will strengthen your competency in handling a particular project, but one that will propel your reputation and career to the top.
You are a communicator
Image source: TruexCullins Architecture + Interior Design
Once again, architecture is not an office job! It involves a lot of communication, both with colleagues and with customers. So remember that working with people is challenging and you need to listen to their needs in order to suggest good solutions.
People can be both indecisive and demanding, and then your communication skills come into play: you need to come up with a plan that they like while being functional and affordable.
Whether you’re trying to convince them to use your services or changing their minds about an unworkable idea, you need to be persuasive and astute to make them think, “This guy knows what he’s doing”.
You have a vision even before you even start
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Believe it or not, architecture is much more sophisticated these days than it used to be. Our ancestors worked with limited tools and materials, but they were absolutely free to design a grandiose building that didn’t have to fit into today’s urban jungle.
Currently, an architect is challenged at every step, mainly because of limited space, complex transportation systems, and people’s exaggerated expectations.
First of all, you need to know more than your competitors, because not even the highest degree will make you a successful architect without extracurricular commitment.
Image source: J Design Group – Interior Designers Miami – Modern
Talent is a limited category however, and we believe it is the recipe to outperform the competition, have amazing visions, and love your work.
You are organized and committed to professionalism. Sometimes you are even a perfectionist.
At best, architects are responsible for a single major project and spend all of their efforts and time doing a professional job. In reality, however, this happens once in a blue moon.
Image source: Rhodes architecture + light
Unfortunately, being an architect comes with a lot of pressure, mainly because you should take responsibility for many small projects and not let the smallest detail slip between your fingers.
While perfectionism is not good in private matters, it is a valuable asset in your professional portfolio.
Remember that your work is the cornerstone of a building’s safety and functionality and there is no way to compensate for even the smallest omission. An architectural mistake can cost a lot, which is why you should always check your work.
Now that you know if architecture is right for you, learn the craft, get your credentials, and create a portfolio website in itselfand start making drafts to showcase there so you can get an internship faster.