Architectural field is full of surprises! Many before enrolling for studies have preconceived notions that it’s all fun and games with pretty designs, amazing images and cool buildings. Ask any architect you know, and they will tell you this is all far from the truth. Infact, many aspiring architects have had to swap for another profession, most don’t even get to finish college and some are just trying pretty hard to push true. Yes, you get to play around with pictures and designs, but there are more that goes into becoming an architect that meets the eye. No wonder it Is ranked as one of the most difficult degree courses. This isn’t to discourage anyone planning to pursue a career in architecture. The aim is to get you prepared for what lies ahead. If there is one thing. That is why we have brought to you, Errol Kwong, a renowned architect in Australia to shed light on his experiences as an architect and things every aspiring architect needs to know before taking the leap.
It Is One Of The Hardest College Major: Be Prepared
Architecture tops the list of the hardest working college degrees. Many universities agreed that studying for architecture is harder, time consuming and intensive than studying for other courses. No just assume that it is like studying engineering although they share similarities. Is it harder than engineering? Yes, it does! Students spend hours on end studying and this continues even after school hours. Another thing is architects need to study across a broad range of disciplines. From history, social science, arts, laws to aesthetics. They are required to know enough from science to art. It is a comprehensive discipline that requires you to acquire multiple skills, undergo rigorous training and understand all the courses. Coupled with the fact that being an architectural student is like a bye to social life, an open letter to night classes, and loss of fun-filled weekends. It takes tenacity to keep going when the road gets tough
For Money Or For Passion: Choose Wisely
If you are considering a career in architecture because of the reward, think again! Designs are about passion not money. Passion is what will keep you going during those long hours of studies, which is likely to be brought down by juries and critics. Passion is what will fuel your creativity for excellent architectural designs. The journey is a long bumpy ride, and those that survive are the ones that are passionate about what they do. Not only that, resilience and determination are essential to push through. They will be many times where you will be working on tedious, challenging work, you still need to stock your hands into it and bring out the gold out of dirt.
It Is Time Consuming And Challenging: Keep Learning
I have said this over and over again, architecture is time consuming and there is no end to learning, Errol Kwong Melbourne says. It can take an average of 13 years from when students first year until they become a licensed architect. Undergrad degrees take 5-7 years. And then there is on-the-field experience before final exams. And then there is post- graduate studies. Understand that this might take longer if you take a break amidst studies or you opt for part time. Needless to say graduating college isn’t just enough, the drive to become licensed in order to be boldly called an architect is also there. There is so much time going into this when others in other fields have already finished schooling and are earning a good salary, Errol explains.
The Real Deal Is On The Field: Goes Beyond The Four Walls Of University
The real design farm is on the field. Whether it’s design studios, learning core subjects, nothing prepares you like real life experiences. Universities are doing a great job but there is more to being an architect than designs. There is documentation, construction, project management, cost analysis, contractor’s work reviews, meeting deadlines and a whole lot of things to worry about. Work on-the-field is the real deal.
Hardest Course Yet Undervalued And Underpaid
After all is said and done, the question is, is it worth it? The answer is it depends! Considering the time and hard work invested into learning, the remuneration is poor as compared to other fields. When compared to other professionals like engineers, lawyers, doctors, the salary earned as a new -entry architect is poor. The all-nighters in college, the crazy deadlines, the rigorous training, only to end up with peanuts as salary. The field no doubt is undervalued and underpaid and this is an issue that needs to be addressed. “When you combine designs with cool buildings, the majority typically thinks it’s all sexy lifestyle, fast cars and mega houses. This isn’t always true. Given the relatively long years of learning and the expenses- on par with doctors, the pay equilibrium is unbalanced,” Errol Kwong Australia says.
Bottomline
If there is anything, I wish someone would have given me a head start before jumping into it. Anyway, I have no regrets now. It might be full of challenges, there is no doubt it is also rewarding. It’s war out there and every hurdle conquered is worth celebrating, Errol Kwong Melbourne concludes.
Tags: ArchitectErrol KwongErrol Kwong AustraliaErrol Kwong Melbourne