The Architecture Profession: A Brief Introduction
What is an Architect?
Architecture is one of the oldest profession in the world. An architect is a designer of buildings. They don't actually construct them, because they have builders working for them. Architects are the leader in the construction industry, usually second only to the client or developer. They don't just design buildings, architects also take into consideration the clients needs and requirements and protects their rights.
How do I know if architecture is for me?
There are lots of different people eventually end up doing architecture, and none of them come from the same background. Meaning it is quite hard to find specific characteristics of a person whom will end up doing architecture. But we do agree on some general aspects of a person who could like architecture:
i. Has a keen interest in architecture, buildings, socio-cultures and the environment
ii. Has a strong interest in art and design
iii. Confident, strong opinioned, preferably comfortable at public discussions
Although these shouldn't be treated as an accurate depiction of what a potential architecture student should have. You could still do architecture even without possessing any of these aspects.
Must I study full 5 years to be an architect?
Is there any way around it to shorten my study duration?Yes, 5 years are the minimum years you must spend to study architecture. There is no official way for you to shorten it. This is the international standard and followed by major architectural schools in the world.
What preparations should I do before starting the architecture course?
Nothing much. You could brush up on your drawing, computing and public speaking skills. But other than that, all you need is firm mental preparation.
I heard architecture is one of the hardest courses around. What are the chances of failing, and what are the reasons of students failing the course?
Architecture is not as hard as people think. It can be quite safe to say that STPM is even harder to study than the entire architecture course. What makes it perceived as one of the hardest is it relies a lot on your creativity to produce something that is not there, as compared to churning out knowledge that you've memorized before an exam. The pressure of coming up with an original design sometimes is too much to take, especially when limited time and constant pressures of being a student are added into the equation. Some students fought the pressure, some buckled, and some gave up. It's quite normal for students to fail and repeat a subject or two, which all schools try to provide the best environment to support the students. By average, failure rates per semester can be as high as 10%, but it is usually due to pressure, and almost never because of they're too slow to pick up in class.
Why does architecture course take so long?
This boils down to how architecture itself is so very different from any other fields or professions. Studying architecture is not as much academic as compared to other fields like medicine or engineering. Architecture education is a life-long process: architects never stop learning. Period.What a 5 year course does is to imbue the students of architecture with the necessary skills to allow them to accumulate more knowledge when they embark in the professional world. Meaning, the actual learning only takes place when you start your first job as an architect. It is quite hard to comprehend what this means if you've never been in the architectural field. It's not a philosophical statement, but a literal depiction of life in architecture.So why does it take so long just to prepare to learn architecture? Because that's the shortest duration possible to train and prepare an architect with everything they need (or at least everything essential) for their life-long journey in learning architecture.
How important are technical drawing skills?
Technical drawing skills are important as it is part of the core communicative ability that an architect possesses. Without this ability, the architect will experience a disadvantage when trying to relay his thoughts as well as receiving information from others. It is as important as reading skills to a writer or music skills to a musician.
Can I study architecture without having any knowledge or skills in arts?
Yes, you can. During your early years, you will be taught enough drawing skills to get you through the entire study. All you need is enough interest and motivation to develop it, and eventually enjoy it.
Can I do architecture if I hate/bad at drawing?
As explained earlier, you can still do architecture even if you're not good in drawing. This assumes that you'll still be able to pick the skill up within the 5 years. However, if you hate drawing, I'm afraid architecture might not be for you.
How important is English in Malaysian architectural courses?
Very important. I believe it is safe to say that virtually all architectural schools in Malaysia conduct architecture education in English. Architecture is one of the courses that prefer to be conducted in English because of the vast amount of resources readily available in English. Adding to that, architecture is a field that centers in communication, and given the vast vocabulary to use, architects can harness the language to communicate the best about their designs.
Since all IPTAs are campus based, can I use my own vehicle?
Most IPTAs have a ruling where first year students aren't allowed to use private vehicles except in special cases (physically challenged etc). This is to reduce the number of private vehicles used in campus during term time. After first year, students can use their own vehicle freely.
I heard architecture students sleeps less and stays up all night. How true is this and why?
This is quite true actually, and it is not always because of poor time management. Night time is the only time of the day that offers the longest stretch of uninterrupted concentration. No classes, no meetings, no appointments and usually less cravings for food. And being in the tropics, working at night is much more comfortable than during the day. Because of these, architecture students tend to extend their period of concentration into the wee hours, sometimes neglecting their need for sleep and good rest.
Kak Syare said that Kak Eija greet me : Selamat tak tido malam keyh.. (-.-)
Do I need to get my own drafting set (table included)?
In most schools, drafting table is provided, but students would still have to buy their own drafting stationeries. It boils down to how you study and work. If you prefer to work in the studio, then you don't have to buy your own table. If you're the kind of person who works alone in your room, then it might be a good idea to have your own personal drafting table and set. Then again, most of designers today have moved to digital drafting, so it might be a good idea to get a PC or laptop instead.
Will I need to own a digital camera in my studies?
Not necessarily, but having one does make some part of your life easier. You might even discover a hidden talent of capturing beautiful sceneries, which most often architects tend to develop.
Can I work as an architect as soon as I graduate Part 2? What's the average starting salary like?
Yes, you can immediately work as an architect as soon as you graduate. You may have heard that there are still some graduates who haven't had a job six months after graduation, but most of the architecture graduates actually love to take some time off after studying and travel around. It is certainly not because they couldn't land a job, not in Malaysia at least.The average starting salary differs between private and public sector, as well as geographical locations. Public sector starts at about RM1800 to RM1900 (as in 2006), while in private sector can range between RM1600 to RM2000 in sub urban areas, and RM1800 to RM2400 in urban areas.
Akak Aca said ; dik, jadi arkitek tak kaye tau...
What does the title AR stands for? How do I obtain one?
The title AR is actually an abbreviation for the title "Architect", and pronounced exactly as "architect" and not "ahrr" or "ay arr". It becomes a prefix to an architect's name just as doctors use DR or engineers use IR. For example, Ar. Johan would be pronounced as Architect Johan. Also worth to mention is that the title AR is awarded solely to Malaysian architects, and only used in Malaysia.Obtaining the title is fairly simple. It is a title that is awarded to all Part 3 architects in Malaysia only. To obtain it, simply sit and pass the Part 3 exam.
Does obtaining a Masters carry any weight in architecture?
It does give you the edge of being specialized in a focus area rather than a general architect. Masters is also a way of establishing yourself as an expert or master in a particular area. For example, a masters in building conservation makes you an expert in conserving heritage buildings, adapting heritage architecture as well as planning for expansion or upgrade for the heritage buildings. A masters in environmental designs gives you the edge on designing tropical designs, especially in response to local climates.A masters should not be seen as a ticket to a better pay, but it does give you the advantage of being specialized, something that is sought after in practice. Academically, it also establishes you as being competent at doing research, which may prove useful in future endeavors.
Naval architecture is a slight offset from architecture itself, focusing on marine architecture at the sea or waterfronts.
Landscape architecture is the soft side of architecture, concerning environmental design, layout, floral designs and so on. Although some may refer to them as glorified gardeners, they're actually more of a botanic designer.
Interior architecture concerns on the interior design of the building. This is not something an architect couldn't do, but the load of designing a building can be so complex that interior designers have become a profession on its own.
Architecture is a male dominated profession. Is this true?
This issue is quite subjective depending on how you look at it. Architecture have been a male dominated profession until around the 1920s, and this is the result of some of the prominent schools in the UK started taking female architecture students for the first time.However, it is not to say that architecture still belongs to male architects. As a matter of fact, there have been a lot of prominent female architects in the profession today. Women have shown resilience and strength working in extreme conditions in the office, such as approaching deadlines, peer pressure, site labour and so on.
Do architects really need to travel a lot?
Yes, they do. Exposure is one of the ways architects learn. Experiencing different cultures and environment allows the architect to gain different perspectives. This will translate into new ideas of creativity and innovation.
How do architects get projects when they are not allowed to advertise by the codes of practice?
Architects are bound to the code of practice, and one of it is that they cannot advertise themselves. So they establish themselves by reputation and connection. This is best way to this is to get to know people and socialize even during school years, hence why architects are known as social beasts. It's part and parcel of the profession.Having scored several competitions would greatly boost your reputation as an architect, especially the high profile ones. Being well connected is also good, but being able to be involved in programmes, seminar, talks, design discussions and so on could further extend your reputation. And finally the most important way - is to design award winning architecture. Having established yourself, you don't need to find clients. They'll come to you.
