Blogs / Live to work
Architect
| 9/18/09
Architecture is a career that, while on the surface may appear exciting and easy, requires a great deal of dedication, as well as the ability to work long hours and constantly meet deadlines.
First of all, the University of Manitoba's Environmental Design program is tough. Most students spend more time at school than they do at home. That doesn't change much once you graduate. Whether you go on to get a Masters of Architecture or begin working right away, you can look forward to at least 3 more years of hard work and long hours before you receive your certification. Not to mention the exams you must write.
The life of an architect will vary depending on what area they've chosen to specialize in. However, the first few years are very similar. One 'drafting monkey' I spoke with told me that graduates do everything from calling contractors to monitoring project sites. Over time, employees are given more responsibility and more independence, but the first few years can be difficult.
Another issue that students thinking of a career in Architecture should consider is that the job involves far less drawing and designing than you might think. According to survey by the Princeton Review, many architects spend more of their time explaining and selling their designs than actually creating them.
However it's not all bad. Architectural firms are usually quite small, and the work environment is informal. Depending on deadlines, the atmosphere can be relaxed or extremely fast-paced. Architects don’t spend all of their time in the office either – they often need to leave the office to monitor project sites and meet contractors.
Here is some advice from a recent graduate of the Environmental Design program at the U of M who is currently working in the field:
“What you have to like is the team atmosphere and just working and reworking things together to reach a successful design, and you have to find what you're good at and enjoy about designing. Don't just stay in the faculty because people ooh and aah when you say you're "in architecture". Stay in it because you have a thirst for thoughtful and creative work, because that's how our world will become filled with good design.”