Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design

One of my daughters is very interested in becoming an architect and this is an ideal book for her. I think any young person of even an undergraduate college student considering this career path will find this book very helpful. I appreciate that the book asks and answers the most likely questions a young person will ask or should ask about the career. Even more I appreciate that the author has brought in a broad range of practicing architects to answer than and share their views. This range of opinions and suggestions is quite helpful. It also has the benefit of being interesting. There are five chapters, the first provides some definition of what an architect is by talking about the wide range of things architects do, and helps the prospective architect think through if such a career is for them. The important skills of architects are also discussed. Chapter two talks about the education of an architect and even gets back into childhood toys, books and activities. For the high school student considering this career they suggest which courses are most beneficial for the student. They also discuss the licensing, paths to various degrees and what they are needed for. Appendix B also gives a list of accredited architecture programs. There is also information about the application programs and academic enrichment. Chapter three talks about how to gain experience as a student, how to get noticed, what hiring companies look for, and moving towards licensure. Chapter four helps the student design her career and what the options are. Chapter five lets the participants in this book speak about their wide range of views of the future of architecture. Appendix A provides a resource list for architects - professional organizations, institutions, community service, recommended reading, and websites. All great stuff, very readable, and with lots of interesting illustrations and photographs. Very good!

A coffee table book; This is not a "cover-to-cover" read that teaches one how to become an architect. It does, however, provide a range of possibilities for the futures of aspiring architects. It is compiled of interviews with different professionals, preceded and concluded with resourceful information about schooling, exams, licenture, etc. It does present "answers" in a way, through examples of different paths and interests that lead to the varied careers in architecture. I would recommend this to students, in particular, who are considering an education/career in architecture: at moments while reading the book I felt insecure about my contrary approach to architecture; at other points while reading, I felt confident in the ability to relate my approach. It is reassuring to read the first-hand experiences of persons who are already at the point where I may be some day.

Have you ever been frustrated with the lack of knowledge about architectural careers out there? Does everyone you speak to seem to have no idea where to start or what to do to end up where you picture yourself being? Unfortunately, this is one of the many pitfalls of architecture and until recently prospective architecture students have been left to fend for themselves and blaze a trail over and over again. However, things may be about to change for the better! For over twenty years Professor Lee Waldrep has been conceptualizing this all encompassing guide to Becoming an Architect. Now, finally here, this book serves as the ultimate counselor in pursuing the ever elusive career in architecture! From his days as a freshman in high school Prof. Waldrep had fantasized about becoming an architect. After years of hard study through high school and college, he graduated with two degrees in architecture and moved on to work in a firm for three months before he realized that the career he had spent over 10 essential years of his life working towards was not right for him. At this point he decided to dedicate his life to helping prospective architecture students achieve their goals by one day becoming eligible to sit for a licensing exam. Thus, this guide came about. This book is a MUST for anyone even half considering pursuing a career in architecture. Waldrep acts as a personal mentor guiding you though the many paths that could lead to becoming a licensed architect. He does this by starting early, setting you on the right path and keeping you there from your pre-high school days into college and continues to guide you towards your licensing exam after graduation. Emphasis is placed on the high school and college years as the decisions made and courses taken will have the most impact on one's future. Helpful tips and insights such as "...take art, drawing, and design classes rather than architectural drafting or CAD. Your interest in architecture may surface due to a drafting course, but drafting is not as helpful in your skill development as art classes." (p.73) and "...seek out architects and ask them for their opinion about the schools you are considering for admission." (p.103) line the pages and practically force feed you a one way ticket to the profession of your dreams. In addition, many resources are explained and made available for those looking into the career. Summer and after school opportunities are highlighted, and a constant feed of advice from young men and women well on their way to becoming architects provides the prospective student with real world, first hand experience. However, Waldrep's guidance does not terminate after graduation. This book is almost relentless in ensuring you a position in the field! Prof. Waldrep goes on to present ideas for post-graduate students and make sure they are absolutely certain at picking the right job, internship, or work opportunity for them. It is made clear that there are numerous ways to reach

My son knew at an early age that he wanted to pursue a career in architecture. Lacking first-hand experience I tried to help him research what the career was all about. I wish I had this book early in the process. We ended up interviewing architects on our own, reading articles, college rankings, etc. Going in I assumed the CAD/CAM / math / physics aspect would dominate; while important, I soon found out that the artistic / sketching / creative aspect is equally important. As this book so beautiully points out however, the value of intangibles such as "creative problem-solving" and "ability to communicate abstract ideas" outweigh pure technical or artistic skills. Dr. Waldrep skillfully weaves the thoughts and experiences of 49 professionals from diverse backgrounds in architecture to help fill in the knowledge gaps about the career - and may I say - what a broad career! After reading the book you will be impressed with the fact that a career in architecture is a never-ending learning experience with a myriad of "career spokes" springing from the hub of the core disciplines. We owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Waldrep for artfully constructing this launching pad of thought-provoking gems from the bright lights of the architecture industry.