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Caz
Joined: 11 Nov 2008
Posts: 2
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 Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 3:47 pm Post subject: Job satisfaction in Architecture |
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Im about to finish slogging out 6 years of study in Architecture, having had the wonderful opportunity to study and gain work experience in both Australia and Dennmark.
But.. for the moment I am not satisfied. My heart is still unsure if this is really what I want to do. Im considering doing a pre-professional postgrad course in a totally unrelated field (medicine) but I want to really give architecure a chance
For those that have been out in the workforce for a while now:
Are you happy where you are? Does the hard work, low pay and long hours pay off, in whatever you are doing? I need to feel the reward.. please be honest.
Has anyone moved away from classic architectural office job after completing their degree, to something like, say, fashion design?
Thanks
Caz |
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davidaneff
Joined: 03 Dec 2008
Posts: 8
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| Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 10:02 pm Post subject: |
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I have absolutely no regrets but the payoff can be many many years after leaving school or it may never come. And by payoff I mean being in a position where you're the head designer, not the one who drafts up someone else's designs and at best inserting the occasional small personal touch. If you're leaving school expecting to be running your own firm in 5 years, that's extremely rare. I think there are a lot of unsatisfied young and not-so-young architects out there who aren't where they had hoped to be. So basically I'm saying you have to love it enough to pay your dues for a long time. That's probably true in most fields but in architecture I'd guess it takes longer than just about any other profession.
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Connecticut Architects | Long Island Architects | Shingle Style Architects
Last edited by davidaneff on Sun Dec 07, 2008 10:29 am; edited 1 time in total |
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sutcac
Joined: 06 Dec 2008
Posts: 4
Location: Arroyo Grande, CA, USA
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| Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2008 1:31 am Post subject: |
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If the main word you would use to describe 6 years of study in architecture is "slogging", and you have already had some work experience abroad during this time and still aren't convinced, then I suspect you may have chosen the wrong course. The first 2-3 years of study for me was a mixed bag and I almost quit but I think that was mostly due to early studies requiring a lot of dismal general education courses taught by dismal teachers.
By the time I actually got into the meat of the major, I found a loved it. Satisfaction and success can come in small doses over a long period of time, something I think you have to learn to deal with in this profession.
This recent study suggested architects to be among the happiest as regards their profession, but making a ton of money isn't typically among the top concerns I think.
Best of luck with your search for meaning.
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Bryce Engstrom:Architect, A.I.A., General Building Contractor
www.engstromarchitecture.com
www.central-coast-project-design-planning-guides.com |
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jamess
Joined: 20 Oct 2008
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 5:51 am Post subject: Dont give up - the future of property relies on new blood |
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I must admit that it can take a while to become truly great, however we need more aspiring architects willing to bend the laws and design stunning aesethically pleasing property for the new generation. Take my favourite designer for one - Melvin Villaroel. He is very much the king of the residential developments in Spain and other areas.
He has built a development called the Mansion Club Marbella - Stunning.
www.melvinvillarroel.com
Keep at it, keep on going and dont give up |
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WalkerARCHITECTS
Joined: 25 Sep 2007
Posts: 51
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| Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 5:54 pm Post subject: |
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There is no doubt that architecture should be an excellent professional opportunity or that because of the business thinking established in the US it just simply is not a good profession in the United States anymore. As an employee you will never be allowed to make any money. The rule is to never pay more for an employee than you have to pay and there are a great many architecture graduates. If you want to succeed you will need much more than world class talent, you will need MONEY, and you will need OPPORTUNITY.
Unfortunately the world class talent is pointless in the US without the other two elements. US architectural firms do not pay very well, you would not be able to save enough money to start a practice of your own. So for most people graduating with degrees in architecture, the best I can tell you is take a look around the company when you interview and ask yourself where the 50 year old staff people are, ask yourself what happened to them all, why are they not in the company.... or any other company.
Age discrimination is epidemic in US architectural firms, it has been going on for quite awhile. Architectural firms are built around the milk farm model... hire yourself some interns, milk them as cheap labor until they have passed their exams, milk them a bit longer then trade the old cows for new ones. Believe it! That is exactly what they do. As a general rule architecture firms are small and do not provide good family supporting jobs. |
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ml
Joined: 10 Feb 2008
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 3:24 pm Post subject: Determine What's Missing...and How to Get It |
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It strikes me that you say (after 6 years of study and some work experience) that something is missing? What is your gut trying to tell you? Listen to it and explore what you are feeling.
Satisfaction and fullfillment are important things to have in your career, especially when you spend so many hours working at it. In my opinion, you need to take a step back and understand what your lifestyle goals are both for short and long term. Analyze both architecture and your other profession of choice and determine which fits your lifestyle best.
Architecture does require long hours and often lesser pay, but if you love to design it may all be worth it. Question: if you could have it all (your own architecture practice, etc) in an ideal world, would you then be satisfied?
Break it down. Listen to your gut. Figure out what's missing. Do you feel alive when you design or create? Although architecture often requires much sacrifice, if you love it and are talented then it may be worthwhile.
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SensingArchitecture.com -- A blog discussing architectural design for the whole human. Visit to learn more! |
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