Career change: Architect

[Bryant]

I've decided to make a career change from management consulting to architecture. I would appreciate any advice, direction, and sharing of experience from those who are in this field. I plan on enrolling at UTA. Do you have opinions or experience with UTA's architecture program? Thank you for any information you can provide.

[Columbus Civil]

Be prepared for lots and lots of all-nighters.

Good luck to you! I am mulling a career change, so I know how scary it can be.

[Texan#1]

Be patient and yes you will be up a lot of nights working on assignments. I was doing the whole architecture thing at tech but that didn't work out for me... hope everything goes smoothly for you!

[Bryant]

Thanks for the warning guys. I realize it will be tons of work; but, this is something I've always wanted to pursue.

Why didn't it work out for you at Tech Texan? Did you find something you'd rather be doing?

[columbiasooner]

I had a buddy that finished architecture school at UH (four years I believe) and went to work for a firm. He finally decided the long hours, the pay, and the prospects for advancing sucked so he went back to get his MBA at UT. I found his resume online if you are interested in talking to him.

http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/students/GRES/Resumes06/JeffHendricks06.doc

Hope that helps.

[Texan#1]

Thanks for the warning guys. I realize it will be tons of work; but, this is something I've always wanted to pursue.

Why didn't it work out for you at Tech Texan? Did you find something you'd rather be doing?

hmm I just sucked at it lol. I had never taken any art classes in my life so my drawings were not up to par with everyone elses. I hated learning about the history of architecture... had to know all these different kinds of columns and stuff so it bored me. The pressure got to me and I quit, that and I was failing so bad that I got into scholastic probation. My parents are pissed and I don't know what I'm doing, but I'll be back at Tech this fall just taking basics. :D Oh and of over 500 students that started the year in architecture at tech, only 140 went on with the second year of it. Didnt' work out for me, but if you are dedicated and you like it a lot then you should do just fine. Good luck!

[Columbus Civil]

I guess all of that pot smoking caught up with you.

[CityLove]

:D Oh and of over 500 students that started the year in architecture at tech, only 140 went on with the second year of it. Didnt' work out for me, but if you are dedicated and you like it a lot then you should do just fine. Good luck!

Sounds about like the freshman year dropout rate in Music. A lot of people think because they liked band in high school, they can major in music...and then quickly find out it takes much more than that.

TG2

[texman]

I'm thinking about Urban planning...I know it can be somewhat like architecture, but with a lot more numbers and logistics. Am I in for a suprise?

[jsoto3]

I'm thinking about Urban planning...I know it can be somewhat like architecture, but with a lot more numbers and logistics. Am I in for a suprise?
Be prepared for Building & Zoning Codes, Urban & Architectural History & Theory, Social Studies, GIS, among many other things . . . .
Go to the City's website and read the building and zoning codes. If you can imagine yourself spending a lot of time with that stuff on a regular basis, you'll be okay.

Or, you may be thinking about Urban Design. There is a difference between Urban Design & Urban Planning:
http://www.cyburbia.org/forums/archive/index.php/t-10424.html
http://www.angelfire.com/ar/corei/ud.html

[Columbus Civil]

I'm thinking about Urban planning...I know it can be somewhat like architecture, but with a lot more numbers and logistics. Am I in for a suprise?

I think Jack Flack is some sort of urban planner for NCTCOG. Maybe he can answer your questions.

[Bryant]

Thanks for the reference columbia.

Texan, I've learned from experience that you should do what you love. It's good that you're self-aware enough to know the difference.

I've always been fascinated with architecture; but, I guess I smoked too much pot to pursue it like I should have (jk). Seriously, architecture is a passion, a true calling.

[Texan#1]

I guess all of that pot smoking caught up with you.
Shhh.. Columbus whatever are you talking about? Me, smoke pot? NEVER!


Thanks for the reference columbia.

Texan, I've learned from experience that you should do what you love. It's good that you're self-aware enough to know the difference.

I've always been fascinated with architecture; but, I guess I smoked too much pot to pursue it like I should have (jk). Seriously, architecture is a passion, a true calling.
Sad thing is that I don't know what I want to do. I'm lost and the little counselors with bad attitude problems at tech suck it up the ass.

[Bryant]

This is the first time in my life that I truly know what I want to do (enough to do something about it). I spent years in college and in the workforce; and, I just now made up my mind. That's life I guess.

[CityLove]

Well, certainly don't feel bad about it. Some people never really figure out what they want to do, and even when they do, don't have the guts to go for it. I admire you pursuing your passion.

TG2

[Columbus Civil]

ditto, tg2

[Bryant]

^Thanks guys.