Why Going Back In Time Will Make You A Better Architect

Image Source: Far Horizons 

We live in a world where it’s an understatement to say that things move fast. We desire and have even 

come to expect instant efficiency, if not constant entertainment. With the sheer amount of technology 

waiting at our fingertips at any given moment, it’s not hard to understand why when it comes to creativity, 

the age of having absolutely everything can make inspiration a bit muddled.

For those who love and aspire to contribute to the world of architecture, this is also a common theme. Between the pressure to create beyond anyone’s wildest imagination and still come up with something that’s functional in society, it’s hard to find a place to stand, let alone build.

When you come to the place where your passion for architecture starts fading in place of technology and the pressure of global competition— it becomes important to step back for a minute and look to the past. Yes, looking back in time can make you a better architect and can help you rediscover your passion for design. Reminding yourself of what has been gives you a foundation for the future. It’s a necessary pause for every architect to remind themselves of what inspiration in the field truly looks like.

This article will take you back in time, so to speak. So, take a break from all your designs for just a moment and reflect upon the real reason that you became an architect—your passion for great design.

Image Source: E-Architect

Looking to the Greats

The beauty of architecture, and those who create it, is that their work becomes an enduring part of the world everybody lives in. The essence of their creativity lives on in stone and design whether passerby’s realize it or not. It becomes a part of everybody’s scenery and looking back to the greats can be a vital step in remembering where genius really comes from and how it flourishes.

Antoni Gaudi is perhaps the best example of extended creativity. As an architect, he wasn’t afraid to mix style in an attempt to revere traditional values. A devout catholic whom one might assume would stick to rigid structure, he instead willingly delved into structures that captured the best of Spanish Late Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau to celebrate the faith he loved.

He also didn’t only design for the here and now. In fact, his cathedral titled Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and is so complex, it’s not expected to be finished until approximately 2026.  Take a moment to look back to the great architects of the past for inspiration—there is a reason people travel the world to catch a glimpse of their historic work.

Works by Antoni Gaudi are truly forms of art. Image Source: Arch Daily

Architects with a Meaning and a Message

For some it may be enough to be a good architect, but those who have a true passion for this art will find themselves wondering what it takes to be phenomenal. Great architects leave a mark on the world through their design, and often those designs carry some sort of message.

It is possible to put meaning into design in a technology-driven world, it just takes a patience and perseverance that requires dedication. In the world of architecture, this means designing with a message in mind. Before you sit down and begin to draw it out, ask yourself what you want it to convey. When you look back at those great architects of yesterday, can you clearly identify their messages?

It may come down to actually writing out your message or design meaning before you even begin to measure lines. Having a concrete idea of what it is your are setting out to say will help your structure growing into a creation that speaks to those who lay eyes upon it. What is it that you are trying to tell the world through your designs?

What do you suppose is the message that Gaudi is trying to convey in this amazing architecture that he created? 

Image Source: Wikipedia

Designs with a Purpose

Architecture lends itself to aesthetic appeal. Half of the job is creating something beautiful enough to capture the attention of practically everyone. However, the fear and downfall in this is that while it’s possible to create something stunning, it can equally be created in a void of purpose. Is beauty the only purpose of your design, or is there a deeper message that you want top convey?
For this reason, it’s important that architects train themselves to be above all, superior communicators. If you cannot look at what you are designing and fluidly state what’s its purpose in the world is, than you cannot expect anyone else to either.
The ability to communicate purpose in architecture becomes more important as cities grow, competition in the field increases and pressure to design quickly and efficiently becomes the common demand. In moments where purpose is threatened, it’s imperative that an architect step back, examine what exactly he or she is doing, and be able to clearly articulate that purpose. Once this is established, something truly remarkable can be created.

The purpose of architecture is as important as its aesthetic appeal. Image Source: Global Site Plans

Are you Telling your Story?

If your heart is set on architecture, but you’re struggling to figure out your niche or creative path, never hesitate to ask yourself the important questions. Are you willing to tell your story to the world? Great architects are able to infuse their work with their own passion.

What they feel and what they want to say is visible in their design and the purpose is clear. Going into architecture is a test of artistic communication and a willingness to dedicate the time it takes to create something that will eventually be considered timeless.

Make sure you’ve asked yourself the right questions before you enter lightly into a world that can quickly decline into design chaos— one that is controlled by technology and instantaneous gratification.

The Montezuma Castle in Arizona certainly tells a story of ancient civilizations and how they lived. 

Image Source: Arizona Ruins

Once you’ve taken the necessary steps to look back to the greats who have come before, examined their messages and determined your own architectural purpose, you’ll be ready to set off on an adventure that could lead you around the globe.

Architecture is a unique and stunning field that can be full of inspiration, if only you know where to find it.
What is your inspiration for design? Who are the greats that you admire?

Source: http://freshome.com/2015/02/23/why-going-back-in-time-will-make-you-a-better-architect/#ixzz3Sgzz1ZTF

For local architectural services or help with your own landmark project please visit: www.architectwhyte.com

 

How to Know if a Career in Architecture is Right for You

Architecture is no exception to the career rules and isn’t a field that can be entered into lightly without understanding the work and cost that goes into such a profession. Image Source: Moore Architects

Your current career path may be a mistake, here’s why:  It takes time to know what you love, and even more time to know what you’re willing to love for the next 30 to 40 years. A career is a commitment—and we usually commit to the wrong thing, realizing when it seems too late to take a u-turn. But maybe it’s not too late…

No matter what you set out to do in the world, choosing a career path should be an exercise in contemplating what’s happening in your life today, and where you hope to be in the near and distant future. While this can be a little intimidating, it’s an essential factor when it comes to choosing a career that is going to not only last, but flourish over time.

Architecture is no exception to the career rules and isn’t a field that can be entered into lightly without understanding the work and cost that goes into such a profession.  A field built on equal parts brainpower, creativity and dedication, architecture requires those who are in it for the long haul. While it can be fun to imagine building spectacular towers and dazzling bridges, architects don’t begin designing the worlds’ tallest and greatest structures from day one.

But if you have the heart, mind and passion to take on a highly competitive and creative field—you might just want to consider an architecture career.  Read here to discover if a career in architecture is right for you:

If you have the heart, mind and passion to take on a highly competitive and creative field—you might just want to consider an architecture career. Image Source: Houlihan Lawrence

What Sort of Architect Shall You Be?

When it comes to architecture, there is not just one field of study.  Rather, a career in architecture offers a suite of multidisciplinary options to choose from. For instance, do you prefer to work outdoors? Do you love nature and designing natural areas? Then perhaps the field of landscape architecture is fitting for you.

Some of the other architectural career disciplines include, but are not limited to, building, software and naval design— It truly depends on where your passion and skills lie.  Here is the tricky part—architects must have a massive skill-set; one that requires equal parts creative and mathematical skills. This is a tough combination that not many of us have.

We suggest that you research into all the possible avenues that an architectural career can take before deciding upon the perfect fit for you. Look into the skills that are required for each type of architect and compare them to your strengths/weaknesses.

However, we do warn you that if you don’t have the strong combination of creativity and mathematics that is required, then you may have a tough time breaking into this field of study. But those who succeed try, try again, right?

Research into all the possible avenues that an architectural career can take before deciding upon the perfect fit for you. Image Source: Baran Studio

 Willingness to Invest in the Education

Much like any other highly professional field, architecture is a field of experts requiring significant education and experience. Before pen is ever laid to paper in the hopes of designing the next big building, the education behind the profession must be understood and completed.

Colleges and universities offering a bachelor’s degree in architecture are going to be your best bet when it comes to achieving the right education in this field. However, the job really starts at getting accepted into these programs. An architecture program most often requires a student to prove that throughout high school, they have excelled in mathematical studies and maybe even had some hands on experience doing a relevant internship or job shadow.

Once you’ve obtained a bachelor’s degree in architecture, the majority of architects take their education a step further and go for a master’s in the field as a way to create a competitive edge in the market. As the face of cities and architecture in general changes, an architect that wants to lead the way and succeed must be willing to continue their education throughout the span of their career.

Finally, it’s important to understand that architects must be licensed in their profession in order to practice. This means completing a set number of internship or apprenticeship hours and completing exams to prove you know your stuff.

Much like any other highly professional field, architecture is a field of experts requiring significant education and experience. Image Source: Site Specific Designs

Having a Design Vision—Thinking Ahead of the Pack

Once upon a time, architecture was a field people entered into as a way to create huge, grandiose buildings and structures that left a legacy. Today, the face of architecture is changing significantly as urban spaces continue to sprawl and concrete jungles close in around transportation systems and open spaces.

For aspiring architects, this new reality means greater competition post-education. Coming into the field of architecture isn’t a guaranteed success as space diminishes, and competition around open and potential projects intensifies. This isn’t to say that architects have little chance of succeeding, it only means that those wanting to go into the field today need to have a vision and passion for their work that can surpass heavy competition or wavering economies.

Those who become the best architects are those that can push through adversity with strength, and face competition with sheer determination.

It’s best if you know what you want from the start. For example, if you’ve set out to design functional urban spaces, keep that goal ahead of you and make educational plans that promote that goal specifically. If you are someone who wants to work toward sustainable building, make that your competitive edge right from the beginning.

Coming into the field of architecture isn’t a guaranteed success as space diminishes, and competition increases. Image Source: Jauregui Architect

Willingness to Learn and Network

With an increasingly competitive work market for architects comes the need and willingness to network. Becoming an architect is an exercise in continuous education and advancement through personal contacts.

The education of architecture doesn’t stop with a diploma. In fact, many architecture firms and companies will insist on employees taking part in continuing education courses to keep up with new techniques and design strategies. Getting special accreditations such as LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) puts you ahead of the pack. To sum it up—those who love to learn make fantastic architects because their desire for knowledge fine-tunes their craft in the field.

Similarly, those with a knack for everything social will find themselves succeeding in the world of architecture. Networking is an integral part of the business as working relationships inevitably open doors to potential projects down the line. Networking is also a great way to get in touch with prospective clients, especially if you’re setting out to do more independent work.

In addition, many architects are paired up with a mentor, whom they not only learn from initially, but collaborate with professionally throughout their career. Having a go-to person is essential in a business that thrives on cooperation. The idea of a mentor/mentee relationship in the field of architecture is extremely common, and works well for those who are geared towards teamwork.

Becoming an architect is an exercise in continuous education and advancement through personal contacts. Image Source: Dalgleish

Being OK With the Small Projects Too

While it’s important to keep those visions of grandiose structures alive and well in your architectural spirit, the best architects are those who have the flexibility and willingness to learn from the small projects too. This is important because in the beginning of your career, there’s a good chance this will be your only reality.

Starting small and working one’s way up is the best way to guarantee you’ll be ready for the extraordinary project when it finally comes your way. These smaller projects are also a great way to get to know your peers in the field, and give you time to ask questions along the way.

On a similar smaller scale, it’s important to note that not every day as an architect will be a hard-hat wearing occasion. In fact, the majority of an architect’s time is spent designing in front of a computer. There is a need for an architect to be able to balance the physical labor of the job to the mental labor, because both are equally important in this field.

Starting small and working one’s way up is the best way to guarantee you’ll be ready for the extraordinary project when it finally comes your way. Image Source: Field Crest Builders

Patience is a virtue in life as it is with architecture. Before you decide to enter the field, be sure to sit back and ask yourself what your true patience level is. If you’re willing to take the time it requires to really perfect your craft and learn from the greats that are out there, then a career in architecture may be right for you.

Before you decide indefinitely on architecture, sit down and actually talk with an architect. Ask the questions you need to in order to understand if this professional field is the best fit for you.

Do you dream of becoming an architect?

Reference:

http://freshome.com/2015/01/26/how-to-know-if-a-career-in-architecture-is-right-for-you/