10 tips to be a successful architect

Learn design with Doug Patt at his live virtual webcam studio. http://howtoarchitect.com/designstudio

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  Education

[bulshoibooze]

Hi Doug, im currently studying civil engineering, i find that it can be quite restrictive in terms of the design of structures ( i.e. a house or a bridge) that basically every single element is in turn dependant on another, and that engineering focuses on more or less making sure the structure "works" rather than making the structure ( house etc.) more appealling, does architecture offer any more freedom in design than engineering?

[howtoarchitect]

much more. to be overly simplistic, architects design it and engineers make sure it stands up.

[litoboy5]

WHAT'S A SUCCESSFUL ARCHITECT?

[howtoarchitect]

a happy architect.

[Gravija1980]

Hi Maureen, I am a third year architecture student at Arizona State. If you're unsure that architecture is your course, you probably should avoid it. The first year is absolutely brutal (we started out as 350 freshman, and only 40 were accepted into 2nd year). The work load is at least twice that of any other program. Though there is not that much math involved, english (communication skills) are paramount. What you could do is go into a 3+ architecture program after you graduate - Good luck!

[Maureen Moya]

Hi Mr. Doug. :) This year I'm going to College, and I decided to pursue an Architecture degree. Honestly, I'm still not sure if this was the course that I wanted to pursue, mainly because I do better in Physics and in English than Math. Yet I have the passion for house designs. Do you think I could become like you when I graduate? Can you give me some tips, I don't want to spend my time and money with something I am not sure of. I'd really appreciate it if you respond. :) Thanks!

[james65508]

I want to design the city of Minas Tirith from the Lord of the Rings :D

[Jin Khazama]

1:56 Dough, whats this??



[kittensteaparty]

hahahahaha!! Not getting through airport security, I can totally see that happening XD A bombastic portfolio is great though, if anything, people will remember you as the kid with the super-wacky portfolio.

[kittensteaparty]

Don't know in Australia but in most places engineering will give a higher salary

[luis villaescuza]

HI DOUG!! should a work in a well known firm or make my own??

[Keith Dvorak]

thank you for this.

i find it has much greater applicability than only to architects!

[McSuperKnight]

Hello Doug,

Are you a self employed architect, or work at an international or local firm? I'm debating which route I should take....