I’m in healthcare and I want to test out the waters of architecture! I don’t have a degree in it (I should’ve changed my degree I know) but what should I do?

Do they just carve holes inside them and tunnel them through?

Hello! I hope this is the right subreddit for this inquiry - but please feel free to redirect me if otherwise!

Some background: I am a recent graduate from a prestigious university, with a bachelor's degree in history. Although I do not regret my degree, I am confident that I want to make a transition into a more vocational field.

My father is a building inspector, and for that reason I have always had relative interest and knowledge about the vast world of construction. I have gone down the rabbit hole myself researching various aspects of architecture and construction, but before I go ahead and start applying to any type of M.Arch program, I want to learn more about the job and the type of projects done within the field.

With that said, I have a few questions for those of you working or studying in architecture:

1. Does anyone have suggestions for books or online programs I could use to teach myself some basics over the next year? I'm drawn to architecture for its creative process and the design/drawing aspects, but I want to be realistic about what I'm getting into. Would it be beneficial to reteach myself a certain level of mathematics, for instance?

2. What kind of entry-level positions should someone like me look into during a gap year? I'm wondering if working at an architecture firm (even in an administrative role) or in construction management might give me better insight into whether this is the right path.

3. For those who came from non-architecture backgrounds - how did you start building a portfolio for grad school applications? I know I need one, but I'm not sure where to begin.

I don't want to disillusion myself, so any honest advice about the field would be really appreciated!

Thank you so much, and if I am asking the wrong questions… feel free to tell me that too! 😅

Hello all, I’m a student designing a building with a faceted facade of windows. Maybe I’m not asking the right questions online but could anybody explain how the light would look from an interior perspective with multiple angles of glass? Will it look the same as vertical windows or different?

Hi guys, I'm looking for a structure that uses a similar construction to this giant tent in Astana. I already found some pretty famous ones like The Millenium Dome or Otto Frei's Munchen Stadium, so I'm looking for some similar but less famous ones. Thank you in advance!

https://preview.redd.it/efuol84cu4zd1.jpg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=641002a345f07aca63db62f78a85617fecd820d0

I’m a fifth-year architecture student, nearing graduation and exploring career paths. My background offers unique opportunities—my brother works as a modular kitchen dealer, providing connections to architectural contacts and clients, which could be beneficial if I choose to start my own firm. Additionally, my boyfriend, also in the field, and I have discussed a potential future collaboration where he would handle administrative aspects, and I would focus on design.

As I approach graduation, I'm considering two paths: joining a large-scale MNC for strong financial compensation and experience or a medium-scale firm for more hands-on experience, though likely with lower pay and fewer facilities. I'm weighing these options carefully to find the best fit for my career aspirations. what should I do?

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I am currently doing a case study on 'Glaspavilion' by Jorg Hieber but I can't seem to find any information available online other than a few resources. I was wondering if anyone knows where I can access material specifications and orthographic drawings of the structure?

Hello! I am currently a first-semester freshman majoring in Biomedical Science. I went into college with the impression that I was going to be a dentist but then quickly realized that that was definitely NOT what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I've always been quite into design, aesthetics, drawing, and the arts, and I am particularly interested in architecture. Once I decided that that was what I wanted to do, I contacted another university (because my current one doesn't have an architecture program) and had a meeting with the advisor there. Essentially what she said was that since I have to do 10 semesters of course work that from the first semester starting there it will take me 5 years to complete my degree, but I am already into my first year of college at a separate university (doing gen-ed's that, mind you, will transfer to this new university). This means that I will be graduating in 2030 (6 years) instead of 2029 (5 years) and that by the end of it, I will have been in school for a total of 6 years (Freshman year at current university and 5 years in the architecture program at another university). Had I just known what I wanted to do right out of highschool, then I could've gone down this path in a much smoother fashion.

I am really stuck and don't know what to do. I don't want to have to do six total years of school and come out of it making only $45-$50k as an intern if I'm lucky. I considered settling for civil engineering or maybe interior design because I heard that those fields are pretty adjacent to architecture, but I really just wanted to do architecture.

I'm looking for a career in which I can maintain the creative, design, and aesthetics aspects all the while introducing technicality. Should I just get my bachelor's in civil engineering and a master's in architecture, major in interior design, or just go for it and get my BArch regardless of the amount of years that I'm putting in? I'd really appreciate tips and advice from experienced folks in the field. Thanks! xx

Hi! Not an architect, but I work as admin at an architecture firm.

Wondering if anyone knows of any good articles / resources to share with Architects on the ties between Native American History and Architecture? Something with some nice takeaways for how architects can be cognizant of the ties between Native American History and the design industry.

It's obvious to me that the two are connected and how political architecture can be. Just want something to share with my team. Not finding anything particularly great on google.

Hi, I’m studying my second year in architecture. I don’t know how to think, find an idea etc etc. Also it’s hard to sit still and think. Do you have any idea about that?

Hi! I’m a PLTW Engineering Design and Development student. My partner and I are trying to create a natural ventilation solution to help with energy efficiency in buildings. We’re trying to collect data and suggestions to inform our product design. We would greatly appreciate it if you could help us out by filling out our survey here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfemKFxuSweRuZTtFSVOJuTBcoiOgVtBeRjD6Mszbg9bXNeNA/viewform?usp=sharing

Thank you!

Greetings, fellow architects!

I’m considering English-taught MS programs in Germany for Urban Design, Urban Development, or Urban Planning, especially universities like Bauhaus, TU Berlin and HCU. I’ve done some research and prefer Germany because of its low tuition and the clear structure of it's programs. I’ve also started learning German, though I’m not fluent yet.

Most of what I've learned about further studies comes from peers in tech and MBA fields. I know there is a lot of negativity surrounding architecture and master’s programs related to design, but I want to make it work. So, if you could lend a hand to a slightly panicking friend, I’d love to tap into the wisdom of anyone who's navigated this path.

1. Are these English-taught programs as interesting (and challenging) as they sound, and how well do they connect you with the industry? Will I be ready to tackle real-world projects, or just really good at making models?

2. What are the career opportunities like for those who aren't fluent in German? And how much does being fluent help in the job market? (I'm aware that people who are fluent are chosen over those who aren't. I’m curious about the comparison, especially in bigger cities that might have roles for English-speaking candidates).

3. How is the work-life balance post graduating? I'm not very focused on high salaries. I’m aiming for that perfect mix where I can enjoy life and explore without sacrificing my (already compromised) sanity.

4. Is juggling a part-time job while studying possible for the two years? Are there jobs available that align with the field, or are they typically unrelated?

5. How do courses like Computational Design (or anything related to design, really) stack up against this? Would it offer different types of opportunities?

6. Any tips on adapting to life in Germany as an international student? I’d love to hear about any cultural, financial, or social quirks that might help me avoid stepping on any toes.

Forgive me if such questions are already out there. I’m hoping to make an informed decision and avoid potential regrets down the line, especially since moving to another country is a big step.

Hi! I'd like to ask for tips on where I can start making my own reviewer? There's so many topics and it feels overwhelming. Can anyone share tips?

I have a background in chemistry, so I don’t know much about what architecture students learn/cover during their major or masters/phd classes. Do you guys learn about material science and chemistry, like how concrete gets mixed/hardened, weathering patterns of metals, properties of materials, paint types, etc? Do you guys have labs as well? What do they look like?

He has been one of my favorite architects for a while now. I can't find much more than his sketches of Newton's grave and some other magnificent structures. He creates such a sense of grandeur and intricacy. Although many of his ideas were unrealistic, I feel the legacy of those same ideas should be remembered for what they are: masterpieces. What do you think?

I need an architecture plan of resedential building in autocad for my structural engineering graduation project if anyone could help me

Hi. Thinking about applying to m.arch programs (don't have a background in architecture; this would be in the U.S.). I think I am drawn to as practical, as opposed to theoretical, of a program as possible. I want grad school to feel something like a trade school (am I asking for too much here? maybe. probably). I don't want whimsical, theoretical. I want technical training.

Cost and location are obviously major considerations here too. But, all that aside, any programs to avoid? Any you'd recommend. Notre Dame but I can't do small town, etc. Thanks!

I am not an architect but have used cad a few time previously but I’m not really an expert. I would like to understand how much do architects use cad for on the I daily job, what kind of tasks do you mainly have to deal with during the day.

I was always curious how the initial stage of design starts, do you start designing in cad straight away or sketches and then cad?

What are the most annoying stuff you have experienced with sftware?

I’m going into college next year and I know for a fact that I want to major in architecture, however I was wondering if and when a PhD in Architecture would be necessary? Maybe in the future if I wanted to start an Architecture firm of my own is that something I would need a PhD for? Or do I get any extra opportunities with having a PhD? I was just wondering how it may impact my future opportunities.

My project seeks to bridge three distinct urban areas divided by the Margareten-gurtel and Eichenstraße in Vienna, using key anchor points to connect people traveling through this transit-heavy region (undeground tramstations and entrances to large apartment complexes). By spanning the 12m wide tram trench with a lightweight, elevated design, I aim to create a semi-open pedestrian and cyclist space that connects surrounding urban zones while respecting the site’s spatial limitations. Inspired by the Nantes Saint-Nazaire School of Art, my structure uses a single canopy to unify separate building blocks, creating an open, accessible public space focused on anchor points for seamless urban integration.

I've been looking at my project and I feel I'm getting a little cross-eyed. Normally I'd have time to take a break and come back to it, but I no longer have time so wondering how others feel about it before I release it to my professors (who have hated everything so far)

https://preview.redd.it/4747k99chyyd1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aff0088c98cc54a89865caae333d32a1fb778620

https://preview.redd.it/a9dsil5ehyyd1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8da50906a254fba9f6c12a6d1025c361695117db

https://preview.redd.it/mm5yim5ehyyd1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=303c80c253c7091d3a2abd0e05f59a87cd59b7c6

https://preview.redd.it/j1vzkm5ehyyd1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=30b7aaf9f066fc0c7e2853d8b6200a38a1fe02fe

https://preview.redd.it/60turzwfhyyd1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ded2b337b8fba921e36cc28460ea6a9e7f8d89d4

https://preview.redd.it/72n5pswfhyyd1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2412ae929f7eaef9409c0dbd257b554e91cecb2c