Q&A for How to Become an Architect

Focus on art, math, and physics as architecture is a field that is a mixture of art and science.

Architects-to-be usually take a four or five year program, graduate, and then take several years jump starting their career. Expect around ten years to become a successful, professional architect.

With a ruler.

Most architecture programs at colleges and universities require students to be 18 years of age or at least have a high school diploma.

You can if you go back to school for it and pass the appropriate tests.

Ensure you know how to use a ruler for measurements. Try transferring that information to a different scale, by enlarging an object onto graph paper.

In architecture, physics is used to determine whether or not a building's structure and design is safe and meet quality-related expectations. If you want to become an architect, you need to study physics.

You don't need to know how to draw since there are effective computer programs you may use.

Yes, as long as the college at which you wish to pursue your degree accepts your application and you apply yourself toward your architectural studies.

Yes. It will help you learn the terminology. Learning to visualize viewpoints is also helpful.

No. These are separate professions. You only need to complete the educational and experience requirements for one, not both. Follow the guidelines in the article.

Yes, as long as the college at which you wish to pursue your degree accepts your application and you apply yourself toward your architectural studies.

It depends on the geographic location, and the type of architect that you are.

Probably, yes. Many people stay in academia their whole lives. That protagonist probably went from undergrad to graduate school, then right into an associate professorship, and then into being a full-blown professor. You don't need experience in industry to be a professor, and without experience in industry, nothing you designed would have ever been built.

In the United States, architects earn a median salary of $76,100 per year. Salaries typically start from $46,080 and go up to $125,520.

You will likely have to go back to school in order to become an architect. This will take more time and money, but if it is your passion, you can do it.

There is nothing specific you need to take in high school. It's your college education that really matters. But if you have access to such a class and you want to take it, sure, it could be helpful.

Do some online research and visit campuses.

Not a certified architect, unless you are able to complete college and graduate school at such an early age. Most firms will not even take interns who are not in college.

Yes, architecture uses a lot of science, mainly physics. In architecture, physics is used to determine whether or not a building's structure and design is safe and meet quality-related expectations. If you want to become an architect, you'd need to study physics (science).

Yes, you can. In architecture, physics is used to determine whether or not a building's structure and design is safe and meet quality-related expectations. If you want to become an architect, you need to study physics.

It depends on how many jobs you get and how known you get in a matter of time. Normally it takes around 10 years to build a reputation.

The median annual salary for architects with less than five years of experience is a little over $50,000 in America.

Try practicing mathematical problems instead of trying to memorize the concepts behind them. That way, you won't have problems applying your math skills in applications, since you won't have much difficulty translating your understanding of the concept to solving the problem.

If your high school offers architecture as a course that you can take, then it is best you do. But if not, taking physics, math (geometry, trigonometry) and some art classes will help greatly. But college is a different situation. As long as you are able to, go to a college that offers architecture as a major. They will help recommend the course you should take.

NCARB is a good place to start. There is no "USA architecture license". Each state follows national guidelines/exams and many states have additional requirements and/or exams.

Architecture is a comprehensive field of study. One must learn a bit about everything.

There are two ways. One is that attain a Bachelor of Science degree and then attain a master's degree called M.Arch. The second option is to attain a Bachelor of Architecture, which is a 5 year course and is known for short as B.Arch.