You don’t have to want to be an architect
If you are my current boss or in fact, any future boss where I am applying to be an Architect, it’s probably best for all of us if you just don’t read this :) if however you’re an architecture student wondering what to do, come on down.
I only ever really questioned whether or not I wanted to be an Architect, maybe twice over my 10+ years. (Though, there was of course the odd, ‘what the fu*k am I doing’ question usually towards a deadline).
The first when I was let go from a firm which also meant I had to interrupt my Part 3 course - watch this video for more detail. I was in a pretty bad way and questioned if it was all worth it.
The second, and last time was during my last Part 3 year. I can’t pinpoint exactly when it was but I can assume the work had gotten to me. I was listening to and reading about all the crap happening in the industry and funnily enough, spending hours a week studying and working just didn't seem worth it. What got me through was knowing I was so close to achieving my goal.
Not everyone is either this close to the end or, in fact, willing to continue doing something they are no longer sure about. You do not have to wait to get to the late stage I did before you really question whether or not you want to be an Architect. In FACT, I beg you to think about it right now no matter what level you’re at.
I personally still have hope for the profession, and I am very happy I qualified and got to work as an Architect, especially whilst tutoring and working on projects like archistudentnotes. If however you are reading this, or you read my last Architect in Colour, and you are looking for a way out, please keep reading.
Why People Leave Architecture
People leave architecture for a variety of different reasons, reasons that immediately come to mind which are all over LinkedIn and written about in various publications and discussed on Instagram by Pay100 and FAFront are money, work/life balance, professional value (or lack of) liability and responsibility, to name a few.
These conversations highlight a huge issue in the profession and whilst some, including me, still see the value in it and want to press on and attempt to make it better in any way I can, for others it pushes them away to alternative career paths.
Completely valid and I have put together a few examples of directions you can go instead of qualifying as an Architect which you can explore at your leisure.
Firstly, sticking within the architecture industry.
Project Management
A very common example, a move I have personally seen be made at pretty every stage - Architecture student to qualified Architect. The promise of making more money now and in the long run for potentially less work is obviously appealing but this is not your only option.
Construction Manager
Perfect if you have an interest or experience in on site Construction they oversee construction projects from planning to completion, managing budgets, schedules, contractors, and ensuring compliance with safety and building regulations.
Property Consultant
I have only seen one person make this shift, but I am sure it happens quite a lot considering the focus on clients, buildings and management. This role involves Advising clients on real estate investments, sales, and purchases, providing market insights, financial guidance, and property management.
Property Developer
A role you can take on independently, if you have the money or by joining a business. A developer identifies, purchases, and develops land or buildings for residential, commercial, or industrial use, handling design (though an Architect might be hired), financing, and construction processes.
Interior Designer
Uses a lot of the same skills as an Architect but as the name would suggest, focusing more on the internal spaces. I have worked with a few Interior Design & Interior Architecture students and their job is to create functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces by selecting materials, furniture, colors, and layouts according to client needs and design principles.
If you’re looking slightly more afield from architecture..
Full Time Tutor/Lecturer in Architecture
What I currently do in addition to practicing as an Architect, that I would highly recommend. I work at the university I used to go to and I help students along their own architectural journey. It’s nice to be creative and step away from a lot of real-world problems that come with working in practice
Planning Consultant
A common interaction with Architects and anyone applying for planning. A consultant can provide information on land use, zoning regulations, and urban planning to help developers and authorities optimize projects while adhering to legal and environmental policies.
Specialist Consultant
More general that a planning consultant to include experts in a specific field that you already enjoy or have experience in such as sustainability, acoustics, structural engineering or my personal favourite, Conservation Architecture.
Stage Design
A career that has always been in the back of my mind. A lot of creativity is involved and the role can include creating visual concepts for theater, film, or events, designing sets, props, and spatial layouts to enhance storytelling and performance experiences. This can involve a lot of research and interest in history as well depending on the set/stage.
Game Development
Similar to stage design, but using a combination of 3D design and coding to design the ‘set’ or world for video games. If you already have an interest in video games or 3D design, this is an absolute no brainer.
Design Coordinator
I have heard this talked about in the same sentences as Project Manager but this role involves managing and organising various design projects to ensure consistency in visual and functional aspects whilst communicating with and coordinating other designers and consultants on project.
Other Designer oriented Roles
It might be that you joined Architecture because you thought it was all design, all the time. (Me too at some point) Unfortunately or fortunately depending on what type of person you are and where you work, in addition to some design, there is also a f*ckton of admin involved. Here are some more design focused roles. I have not gone into the same amount of detail as I know less about them but please do some further research.
Graphic Design - Creating visual content for branding, marketing, and communication, including logos, advertisements and websites
Furniture Design - Designing functional and aesthetic furniture pieces, selecting materials, ergonomics, and styles
Kitchen Planner - Focus on designing kitchen layouts, functionality, and aesthetics whilst also considering appliances and cabinets.
Product Designer - Developing new and functional products, from consumer goods to industrial tools, focusing on usability, materials, and manufacturing feasibility.
Fashion Design - Creating clothing, accessories, and footwear by sketching designs, selecting fabrics, and overseeing production to align with trends and market demands.
If you’re an architecture student you might think of it this way.
Architectural Technologist if you love the Architectural Technology module (I know, I made quite a logistical leap there).
Maybe the Architectural History and Theory modules interest you, I would (and personally am) then consider looking into pursuing a PhD, or Architecture Journalism and anything to do with Conservation Architecture.
If you love Studio, but mostly the Communication aspect - CAD drawings, 3D renders etc. maybe look into 3D designer/Visualiser jobs.
And I’m done.
The point of this Architect in Colour piece is not to detract you from Architecture and qualifying as an Architect, if that is your current goal. The point is to remind you that there are other options that you can pursue in and around the architecture and/or design profession. Just because you chose to study Architecture, a course that seemed like a really easy step by step journey, at 18, does not mean you have to follow each step.
Look out next week for things I have learnt and my experiences as a Female in Architecture. Student, Assistant & Architect.
Signing off,
Aliya
Thank you for reading! I hope you found this weeks issue helpful to you or for a friend or colleague. Feel free to reply or message me on any of the social handles below with your thoughts or any questions you have.
