The Ultimate Guide to Mastering the Architecture Student Life
Dive into the world of architecture student life! Explore studio life, tech tools, and discover the ups and downs of being an architecture student.
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Getting through University can be tough. This is especially true when you’re in a demanding program that requires you to work long hours. This is the reality of design school both for architecture students in university and architectural technology students in college.
Architecture student life is hard you guys. It’s mentally taxing, physically exhausting, and don’t forget… expensive! I’m probably not really selling you on this right now, but it gets better and I’m here to hopefully make it a little bit easier for you.
That being said, you should know that it’s far more than just stepping into a classroom; it’s a crazy and immersive experience. As an aspiring architect, you face the challenge of blending creativity and technical skill. It’s actually a constant adventure towards innovation while balancing aesthetics and functionality within a variety of studio environments.
This post is all about what it takes to survive the architecture student life.
Architecture Student Life
The Beginning: Choosing The Architecture Major
Factors in deciding to pursue design school
Deciding to go into architecture isn’t simply a choice; it’s a mix of passion, love for design, and the undying need to create spaces that are meaningful. Some people are captivated by the potential to leave long-lasting impressions on the built environment, while others are drawn to the spatial complexities of the world and the potential to solve spatial problems.
Undeniably, pursuing architecture is often influenced by experiences such as visiting iconic buildings, witnessing the power of thoughtful space, or even a fascination with the creativity and precision that comes with the profession.
Expectations and perceptions
This is perhaps the most important part of this post: temper your expectations. Many of us went into design school with an idealistic idea of what it was going to be like. Many of you likely envision architecture school to be a place where iconic structures are born, and creativity is an unlimited ressource.
Initial perceptions often revolve around the hyper glamorous side of architecture: the sketches, the blueprints (which, by the way, are no longer really a thing), and the unlimited possibilities to create somethings out of nothing. You’re fueled by the design and allure to create spaces that are not only practical but tell a story.
Cue the reality check.
Students quickly realize “damn… this is more challenging than I thought”, and they’d be right to think that. Design school is a different kind of challenging. I wouldn’t say it was difficult but, as I mentioned earlier, it was A LOT of work. As a project-based degree, it’s not as simple as sitting down and writing an essay. You have semester-long projects, almost every semester and no matter what you do, they will always feel unfinished.
The realities of tight deadlines, and sometimes harsh critiques hits you like a bag of bricks, and you will quickly see that the initial expectations and your day-to-day are actually both surprising and humbling.
The Architecture Student Life
Theory
Your education will likely kick off with a VERY deep dive into theory. Whether it be history of structures, or art history, the goal is to make sure you understand the world around you from a historical and cultural perspective. Theoretical classes aim to instill an understand of the principles that have shaped architectural landscapes across the globe and throughout history.
Balance
Balancing theory and practice can be difficult for some students. It was for me. Some of my peers were design geniuses and I couldn’t get over the fact that my design simply would not work without a proper structural grid. It’s OK to be a more practical or technical student and it’s OK to be a more creative and design-oriented student. There is room for both of you in the profession, believe me.
Studio Culture
Probably the most well-known things in architecture school are the studios. It doesn’t matter what school you went to, or when you graduated, everyone has experienced studio life. It’s the heart of design school, where most of your time and energy is spent. Your studio classes are where theory becomes practice, working on projects that demand your creativity and your evolving technical skills.
Studio has always been a dynamic space where collaboration with your fellow peers is critical in order to foster an environment where ideas are shared, challenged, and refined. The key word here is challenged. Do not get married to ANYTHING you do throughout design school. Design is iterative, and this bleeds into the profession later on.
Architecture Software and Technology
You will learn A LOT of software skills and new technology in design school. You will absolutely master the use of the entire Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, Revit, and more. As a result, you will feel overwhelmed at times, but it’s a necessity.
Another key point is to be relatively familiar with Revit by the time you graduate. Some schools push Rhino and AutoCAD heavily, and it’s ok to know how to use these softwares, but once you get to 3rd or 4th year, try getting into Revit or you will otherwise have a hard time finding work. Any knowledge is better than none.
Beyond Studio: Trips, Co-ops, and Networking
Field Trips
Most architecture schools provide what’s called a DSA (Directed Studies Abroad). Usually, these trips are in different countries or cities for a set number of weeks in a given semester. If you have the means to go on these trips, do it. They immerse you in different built environments and offer you a first-hand experience with diverse cultures and structures.
If money is tight and you simply cannot afford to go on a DSA, guess what? I couldn’t either and I turned out just fine. Professor’s often try their best to make the studio that stays just as interesting as the ones that go abroad. Regardless of what your studio is about, you’ll learn something new.
Otherwise, there are sometimes local trips that the school provides that are far less expensive than travelling half-way across the world. Any field trip serves as a source of inspiration that will hopefully influence your creative perspectives and provide a more nuanced understanding of designing spaces.
Co-ops
If you can get your hands on a co-op or internship during your undergrad, take it and RUN. Maybe your school is better equipped to offer this, but we had very few opportunities to do a placement while in undergrad. Get to know your upper years and get to know your professors. It’s all about who you know, which is sometimes unfortunate, but it’s the reality. Companies are much more willing to hire referrals than they are random people.
A placement will allow you to gain real-world experience that you can then apply to your studio projects. It will help foster your skills in communication, teamwork, and time management. Not only does it help with your skills, but it will show you what the profession is actually like. You will see the different roles within an office and see what you may or may not be interested in.
Netowrk, network, network
I HATED the idea of networking while I was in school. As if the program wasn’t time-consuming enough, they try telling you to network as much as you can. I barely had time to eat between two jobs and school, let alone network. But, alas, it IS important… Oops.
Networking doesn’t need to be taken in the traditional sense. Collaborating with upper years is also considered networking. Think of the root of the word: network. All you’re doing is building up a network of people who can offer mentorship and collaborative opportunities. Engaging with professors, professionals, and students will make you feel more supported throughout your four (maybe six if you do a Master’s) years in design school.
The Challenges of Architecture Student Life
The stressors of architecture student life
Intense Deadlines: Pressure to meet tight deadlines for studio projects are sometimes killer. Architecture students often find themselves doing all-nighters or skipping meals, just to get their projet (sometimes multiples) done on time. We’ve all been there.
Studio Culture and Competition: Despite being the heart of the program, studio can lead to students feeling the need to compare their work to others. You might fall into the trap of seeing someone else’s work and asking yourself why yours doesn’t look as good or polished. Do your best to not compare your work to others’. This is something I struggled with that during university because I wasn’t a “design-oriented” student.
Complex Designs and Problem Solving: Design school often requires you to solve some kind of problem that required innovative solutions. This can sometimes be mentally exhausting, especially when you have multiple projects on the go. Constantly addressing intricate spatial, structural, and aesthetic challenges can leave you feeling burnt out or unmotivated. Be kind to yourself and remember that you’re only one person.
Balancing Multiple Projects: This one is tricky because once you’re deep into the profession, it doesn’t go away, it just evolves into something else. Juggling multiple projects simultaneous is hard, especially when each one has unique requirements and deadlines. Managing your workload is critical for you to feel less overwhelmed. The saving grace once you’re in the profession, is your supervisor will likely only give you one or two at a time when you first start.
Technology: If you’re reading this and are a new architecture student, you were likely born in the year 2000 or later (cries in millennial). Technology likely isn’t an issue for you, but no matter how good you are at it, learning 5 new softwares at the same time only adds to the academic stress. There’s nothing more frustrating than being worried about a deadline and Illustrator crashing for the 100th time for no apparent reason. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you will and I’m here for you.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance
When you decide to pursue design school, go into it with the goal of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This might be a strange concept off the bat, but believe me, you’ll thank yourself later. Try to adopt strategies that will prevent you from burning out. Prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and embrace the importance of taking a break.
Efficient time management, and CLEAR boundaries between your studies and personal time will help contribute to a more balanced lifestyle. Architecture student life is hard enough as it is, don’t make it harder.
seeking support and fostering a sense of community
Recognize the importance of seeking support and a sense of community. Whether it be from peers, professors, he community itself, or mental health ressources, reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness.
Design students often share similar experiences, and creating these close communities allows for the exchange of advice, insights, and collaborative learning. The sense of belonging is invaluable and offers emotional sustenance during late studio sessions and provides a network that extends beyond your academic life.
Life After Graduation: Architecture Career Paths and Opportunities
Career Options for Graduates
Believe it or not, you don’t actually need to become an architect if you went to design school. In fact, there is a world of opportunity out there and so many of the skills you learn during your time as an architecture student are transferable. Below you will find a list of options both within the field, and outside the field that you can explore after you graduate:
Careers Paths Within the Field:
- Architectural Designer
- Urban Planner
- Sustainable Design Consultant
- Construction Project Manager
- Interior Designer
- Architectural Technologist
- BIM Specialist
- Architectural Conservationist
- Real Estate Developer
Career Paths Outside the Profession:
- Real Estate Agent
- Project Management Consultant
- Technology and Software Development
- Urban Data Analyst
- Museum Exhibition Designer
- Corporate Workplace Strategist
- Furniture or Product Designer
- Educator or Academic Researcher
- Marketing and Branding Specialist
The job market and your portfolio
Navigating the market as a design graduate involved strategic steps, with a compelling portfolio. You must curate a portfolio that showcases your best work, demonstrating not only your technical skills, but your design philosophy. It is not uncommon to have two or three versions of your portfolio and resume on hand so that you can apply to different jobs and firms.
Additionally, network plays a vital role, whether through industry events, online platforms, or professional organizations. Understanding the needs of the job market and staying updated on industry trends will enhance your chances of securing a good position.
Continuing education and getting involved in the field
Whether you like it or not, your journey doesn’t end once you get your degree. Continuing education ensures relevance in our rapidly evolving field and is actually mandatory for newly licensed architects. Pursuing advanced degrees, attending workshops, and engaging in professional development opportunities keep architects at the forefront of the industry.
Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning will not only enhance your professional expertise, but also nurture your passion for architecture beyond the confinement of your formal education.
This post was all about how to survive the architecture student life!
Wrapping up this post about architecture student life, I hope you feel more prepared than you did before. From picking architecture as a profession to the chaos of studio, we’ve got you covered. We acknowledged the stressors like tight deadlines and tough critiques, and offered tips on how to keep your sanity in check.,
Your graduation isn’t a finish line, it’s the launchpad into a hectic, but very satisfying career. There are so many paths for design students that push beyond traditional architecture so whether you stick to the classic route, or take a detour, the adventure never ends.
If you have questions about the profession, drop a comment below or send us a DM on Instagram!
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