Architecture is a field with a wide spectrum of career options. For an architecture student, it provides a lot of opportunities to explore. Rather than getting stuck in one profession, architecture provides flexibility to students who wish to shift careers. During architecture, students obtain a lot of soft and personal skills which could be utilized for a better cause in a way that they are satisfied with. While traditional architecture and the position of an architect have their glory, it should be registered in the mind that you are never out of options if you are an architecture student.
Jake Rudin and Erin Pellegrino are architects based in the United States. They have paved the way for architects with their firm “Out of Architecture”. They specialize in coaching and encouraging fellow architects to use their unique skill sets to develop their career paths in and out of the architecture profession.
Architecture and Career Spectrum
As students, architecture may be overpowering for at least some of them. However, the skills gained during the course can be developed to match another designation. Eventually, it will help in steering the career path. Graphic designing, game designing, town planning, urban designing, interior designing, product designing, industrial designing, project management, landscape designing, architecture photography, journalism, 3D visualization, business development, researching, and teaching are some career options for an architect. It might take a lot of time and hard work to thrive in each of these jobs. It is only worth it to find the right career that one finds suitable to work.
Working should be a process where people should enjoy themselves. They should be self-driven to go to work every morning. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the skills and how to use them to build a career path. It is not difficult to find a well-paying job, but it becomes quite tiresome if not enjoyable..
Architecture Education and Profession
During architecture, students are trained to think wildly and creatively and do some problem-solving, which might or might not be a very comfortable journey for all. In reality, architects are required to have a lot more responsibilities than just drawing plans. It requires communication and team playing. Moreover, it is a service to the community. There is a strong disconnect between education and profession which can only be understood once working in the professional world. This theory applies to all fields, not only architecture. Hence, internships are provided to students, molding them for professional practice.
A lot is happening with the introduction of technology in architecture. It is not easy to keep up with that growing technology either. It is now a competition to master software rather than to express the concept and design with the skills gained during education. Computers and technologies sure are handy, but it is necessary to keep up the true spirit of architecture and realize the meaning behind the design.
Detachment in Education and Profession
Architecture students are not just designers. They are specially trained individuals who are taught to learn skills that can help them be architects. Students constantly push themselves to put forward their best and work with passion. From an educational background, architecture is mostly about individual creativity and final criticisms, but in professional practice, architecture moves more toward business and clients. This detachment can be quite frustrating, leading to the thought of a career break or a career change.
There are thousands of students graduating as architects around the world. It is also necessary to know that we do not require that many architects in today’s market. Each of these novice architects has something where their strength lies. So if you find yourself stuck mid-career or mid-course of education, it should be considered natural to switch or change careers where you can fully engage and be involved.
Conclusion
Throughout the podcast, they mention how architecture can open doors to other career fields, why career shifts should be normalized and what changes they can bring to the world around us. They also share the success stories of people who have attained goals that provide strength and encouragement. A design career can be practical and versatile. Only that, it has to be born out of sheer creativity.
Jake Rudin and Erin Pellegrino had both drifted away from traditional architecture to find something they liked, but only after they had first-hand experience in architecture as a profession. They are also trying to find and tie bridges for architects to navigate them into other fields. It is never too late to steer away from architecture. It is only a matter of time and effort to find where your talent lies. Each individual has potential in a unique field of their own. Architecture may or may not be your cup of tea, but you can still enjoy it while you find another picture-perfect position where you and your skills are considered invaluable.
References and Citations:
Podcast: www.youtube.com. (n.d.). 164: Exploring Skill Value Outside of Architecture with Jake Rudin and Erin Pellegrino. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H49gFN_A5q4&t=545s [Accessed 13 Nov. 2022].
Zilliacus, A. (2016). 21 Careers You Can Pursue With A Degree in Architecture. [online] ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/798632/21-careers-you-can-pursue-with-a-degree-in-architecture.
Dezeen. (2021). Architectural professions top list of elite occupations in the UK. [online] Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2021/10/06/architecture-privileged-creative-industry-report/.
Out of Architecture. (n.d.). Out of Architecture. [online] Available at: https://www.outofarchitecture.com/ [Accessed 13 Nov. 2022].
