Welcome to the first post in my series titled "Why Architects Merit Their Fees." In this series, I aim to unravel the mysteries of our profession, offering insights on why we matter, how our fees are structured, and detailing the essential work architects perform. Let's lift the hood and delve into the world of Architecture.
Today, like every journey, we start at the beginning: the schooling of an architect. While I can only speak to my personal process, numerous pathways lead to an accredited degree in architecture.
Firstly, an aspiring architect must complete a 4-year bachelor's degree. Here, I want to debunk a common myth associated with architects: "You must be really good at math!" While mathematics has its role, being proficient in it is not a prerequisite to becoming an architect. This misunderstanding often deters many high school students from considering architecture, and I was one of them. Despite topping my drafting classes and nurturing a deep passion for architecture, it wasn't until my second year of undergrad that I discovered it was indeed possible to pursue architecture post-graduation.
In Canada, 50% of universities accept any undergraduate degree for a Master's in Architecture, while others require a Bachelor's in Architecture or a Science/Engineering degree. My journey took me through a 5-year Fine Arts degree, following which I successfully applied for a Master's at UofC.
The Master's degree, a 3-year program for those without prior architectural backgrounds, was the most challenging experience of my life. We endured gruelling hours with a mountainous workload, often sleeping in our studios. We poured everything into our designs, only to have them meticulously scrutinized by our professors. I recall a friend who transitioned from architecture to medical school expressing gratitude because, by comparison, the workload in Med School was easier. Imagine spending 3 years so busy that you cannot see friends or family, take a part-time job, or even sleep in your own bed because every moment is crucial. Imagine having to choose between finishing your model or eating dinner. Only then will you grasp what architecture school is like.
The rigorous academic journey is designed to extract the best from each student, causing some to drop out, while others are asked to leave. Making it to the podium signifies surviving a whirlwind of hardships, preparing us for the demanding world of architecture. Yet, this is just the beginning as a further 3-5 years of internship awaits... if we can market our skills effectively to secure a job.
Stay tuned as we continue to uncover Why Architects Merit Their Fees?
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