So, you want to be an architect?

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Thinking about a career in architecture? Wondering about the math required, or how much you’ll earn? Are your drawing skills questionable? Joining me to answer these questions (+ more) is my friend Bob Borson, architect + creator of The Life of an Architect blog + podcast.

Some timestamps to guide you:
00:00 What do I do with the rest of my life?
00:30 An architect’s salary discussion
01:03 Other ways to think about compensation
02:05 Compensation Calculator (by region, job, etc.)
03:37 Happiness vs. Compensation Chart
03:57 I’m terrible at math, is this the right career for me?
04:27 Math we use in daily practice
07:27 I can’t sketch or draw, is this a problem?
08:03 Why sketching is important (even if you’re not great at it)
10:10 Not everyone in this profession is a designer
10:50 Can I be an architect with no formal training?
12:00 Trade school vs. University
13:10 Linear vs. Lateral thinking
13:36 Designing houses + interiors without a license
14:29 Know this…
15:26 Solving problems vs. Telling Stories
16:40 What clients buy from architects
17:16 I’m (insert age) is it too late to become an architect?
18:25 The challenge of going to school later in life
19:38 What skills will prepare me for architecture school?
20:13 “This is gold”
21:59 Metaskills
24:29 What books do you recommend?
28:38 Peter Zumthor + beards

The Life of an Architect blog was created in 2010, and for ten years Bob’s posts have been making the practice of architecture accessible + interesting to a worldwide, diverse audience. He exposes the reality of the design and construction process with style, a dry wit and without sparing the true grit and struggles that making architecture so often involves. He’s not afraid to reveal the mistakes and missteps made along the way, the messiness and imperfections tell the real story of our life as architects. If you’re looking for glossy photos, you’ll find very few here, this is the place to go if you like sketches, a little snark and cogent thinking.

If you’re not familiar with his work, you’ll find ten years of posts, images, and inspiration thoughts on his blog.

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After 8-15 years, I’ll come back here and say “I’m now an architect”! Mark my words. And you are one of my inspiration.

Update I’m now 1st yr architecture student (2023)

beelee

i’m only 15 years old and i’ve been thinking about being an architect for some time now. i’m not really into sketching other stuff but something about houses and how something as simple as a home can be built with such perfection and intricacy really makes me happy.

shannnnn

Good to see you expanding your content. Side note, your lighting setup and backdrop is phenomenal!

MatthewEncina

Good stuff guys. From two architects I enjoy listening to. 1) I graduated in 1979 - Starting salary - $10, 000. 2) I do architecture because I enjoy it, I never took into consideration salary. I have always told my children "If you are good at what you do, you will make money". 3) Math. I took freshman math and that was the ONLY math I took in 5 years of studying architecture. 4) I don't sketch (wish I did). I can visually see things in my mind, and I then go straight to CAD - 2D plans and elevations. The great thing about sketching is transferring information to the clients. I think I can sketch, but I don't have the patience and when the perspective lines are exactly right, it bothers me. I am hoping to get proficient in SketchUp as that has CAD and Sketching meeting in the middle, as I see it. I do use bubble diagrams, but scale is an issue if I try to draw plans. I do use tracing paper overlays. 5) I know people who became architects when you didn't need a degree. I can tell the difference between those who went to school and those who didn't. Just the process of thinking is different. 6) I tell people architects are spatial problem solvers. 7) I solve problems taking in the big picture first and then work my way down to the details. I do not approach it on a linear path. 8) I tell people architecture is fun and it is like giving a little kid a blank piece of paper and a crayon. 9) It is never too late to pursue a passion. I hope to never stop pursuing something (I'm 64) I tell my kids "I'm going out swinging for the fences), so I understand that if I start a new pursuit at my age, I may never reach the destination, but sometimes the journey is more fun than the destination. 10) I took architectural drafting as a senior in high school and that is when I decided to take architecture. I thought "This could be fun". 11) I also like photography and music (two other creative things) 12) I have had my beard since 1978 - 4th year in college. My kids (34, 32, & 30) have never seen there Dad without one. Like Bob's wife, my wife tells me not to shave my beard off. It could be the "double chin" thing?

Without question the best YouTube video I have seen in years. One day it would be nice to meet both of you guys in person. We have a common passion, but we take different paths. Thank you guys for sharing! This is the longest comment I have ever left on a YouTube video.

Hokie

We NEED the 30x40 Design Podcast so much. Thank you Eric. I would love to connect with you. Your work is amazing and humbling.

dmtgallardo

With all the discouragement people are giving me right now, this was all i

srishti

Even thought I'm only 12 years old I already know I wanna be an architect. This video has helped me so much, especially with the math question so thank you so much!

royyzouu

"ITS NEVER TOO LATE TO CHASE YOUR DREAM"

i'm 28 and started 2nd year of architecture bachelor degree. i realised the journey is still far ahead, and yes, its tough in terms of labourous assignments but i have never been happier chasing my passion.

comodohomes

Loved this format Eric! Hope to see more of

ShowItBetter

he wears black. he's an architect.

TheBonusChallenge

I absolutely loved this video. I am currently a senior in my architecture program and I have had so many moments where I doubted my ability to become an architect. No one in my family has ever been to a four year university. And, I don't know, something about this video, refueled my drive to graduate and really become what I want to be. Thank you for making this video. Thank you so so so much!

AshleyMartinez-xttr

I wish I had seen this video back when I was in High School. I had a lot of doubts regarding maths and drawing in architecture school. But I ended up applying anyway.. and now I'm almost done with my bachelors degree. It was the best decision I made in my life (at least so far)!

FlauschWoelckchen

Watching this video at 4:31AM definitely brought happiness and joy as a student studying Architecture. ❤️ your videos !!!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼

ashleyreyes

I'm 36 years old, last week I just enrolled to my first love course, Architecture. There's a reason why I am routed to your Youtube Channel, thanks for sharing. It means a lot to me. I am really thriving in life just to pursue this dream.

MicheleSotto

I'm a licensed agricultural engineer, specializing in environment and farm structures. However, I really do relate with the video. My current work forces me to be an architect and designer, and I try my best to bridge the two. But upper management is grilling me to do all kinds of things and become a Swiss army knife of sorts. And I'm constantly being burnt out, with a stagnant salary. Once things look better and the timing is right, I'm planning on starting my own independent firm.

Thank you for the great video, Eric. It was needed inspiration.

RainMaker

First Two minutes of the video... I already like this man.
This is going to be good

odinstemple

Bob Borson's been answering these questions for so long on his blog. He's indeed a legend for us unaware folks out there. A video is just a great extension to that knowledge!

nikhilsharma

Im 21 y.o, a 4th year engineering student. I always dreamed to be an architect all my life. But bcos of my family and our economic, i cant pursue that dream. These years i've been struggling with stress bcos i feel like my major isnt where I belong. i still want to be an architect so every year i intent to apply uni again, but always drop the idea bcos of my family. I always wonder is it still possible for me to be an architect in the future and today i found this video. I'm not watching this video yet, but i just feel like want to comment first after seeing the timeline.

I think this video is what i've been looking for these years. Now, im gonna watch it ❤️❤️

oyenayen

This guys changed my entire architectural vision.I have been designing so many residential buildings since i have been practicing from years now, he blew my mind just by his thoughts !!!
Sir, thank you for making me feel so good about what i do.

salimbaig

this was perfect i can literally cry. i didnt passed the nursing school although even before i have always thought of taking architecture. i just dont know why i took nursing. then i found this. everyskill mentioned and detail was like a literal example of what i have and best at. i have a good eye and lateral thinking as to what people would describe me. i am now planning to take drafting this year and shift to architecture next year. im so glad i found this😭😭 after months of crying because idk what is for me. now i am fully decided to take architecture i hope i pass next year🤞🤞

shainaa

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