Tips for Studying Architecture

In this post we will see a series of tips for those who consider studying architecture or for future architects who are still in the classrooms.

This survival KIT is designed for all those who are studying architecture, but also for those who will soon start the career.

It is composed of 10 tips that will help you to become an architect, but also to enjoy and take advantage of every minute that you spend in the university, because despite being a hard career, it is also the most enjoyable.

We hope you find it useful. Here they go:

1. Humility and Comradeship.

If something is lacking in the schools of architecture is this.

I remember a teacher who first told us a whole class, full to the brim, that we were already architects, that from the moment we had set foot in the school we could already consider ourselves architects: WRONG!

You are not architects until you are given a title that accredits and not even that, you will take a few years to understand what it is to be an architect and others more to consider yourself one. Remember it and be humble. Feet on the ground.

2. Take the critics.

During your architecture career you’ll get a lot of criticism. The reviews are good. They have accustomed us, even consented, to reject criticism and to take it as something bad and to condemn the teachers who lead us.

Reviews should be your fuel, they will make you better and learn faster. Consider them a gift and a preparation to the real world.

3. Be Smart

“Be original, show off your style, and tell your story.”

The career of architecture consumes a lot of time, that you will know if you are already inside. Don’t get dizzy and get to the point. Your client is your teacher, learning what he wants and giving it to him is part of one of the most important skills you will need as an architect in real life.

4. It Prioritizes

It is incredible the amount of so disparate subjects that the degree of architecture has. Each of them has a utility (or not) for something related to the profession. Give as much as you like, save the boats that get in your way and do not let projects (or workshop) absorb all your time. I know it’s hard, but if you manage to "keep that beast tamed" everything will be easier.

Set goals. Get organized!

5. Learn the programs

If there is something we regret not having done during the degree is to spend more time mastering other programs besides AutoCAD and the basics of Photoshop and Sketchup to go pulling. Once you finish your first job you will get it because you know how to manage a program that nobody in that study knows and nobody wants to start learning .

Look for a comparative advantage.

6. Learn and study Languages

Really. They’ve told you a million times. You know it’s true. The same way you know you’re not studying them.

Study English first. Then the ones you want. But finish with the B2 or First Certificate at least. And subtitles always in English! Depending on the country in which you will work as an architect you will need a language or another. The most common are English and German, with those two languages you already cover a large number of countries.

7. Make Friends

It sounds stupid, but it’s true. Many students do their work group the first year and with them they go on to the end. This has its advantages and will simplify many things during the degree, but you will also miss meeting other interesting people along the way. Don’t be afraid to mix and fall into groups where you don’t know anyone. We are sure you’ll be surprised.

8. Go further

we will explain to you why: When you leave school you will realize that you lack a lot of knowledge that is not given during the career and right now it is very important not to settle for simply obtaining a degree, but to look for new opportunities among which to stand out.

Find what you like and make it your competitive advantage.

9. Read books of Architecture

Reading a book of some of the best architects in history is as if you were given a particular class exclusively for you.

10. Enjoy

Don’t forget to live. Don’t let your career consume all your time. College years are and will be the best of your life. Take advantage of them.

Travel, meet people, play sports, get out... live.