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Architecture?

I was thinkomg about being an architect but I'm not that creative so here are my questions, 1. Can I work on it If i'm NOT AT ALL creative 2. What is the pay 3. How realalistic is it to own your on architectural firm? I say firm becasue I would be able to work with some more creative people. Thanks

Public Comments

1. You may just think you are not creative. Creativity is killed by sitting at the computer for hours, because of which brain synapses are in use. The pay is high, but you have to go to school for several years after you finish college. You are limitied in your "creativity" by what the paying client wants....also by what works engineering wise. Owning your own firm usually comes after you have worked several years at someone else's firm and been a superhero there, or unless you have gadzooks of bucks when you get your architect's certificate adn can hire other already experienced people to work with you. The key is to get a good education, hone your personal social skills (meaning learn how to dress, how to behave, good grooming and business attire, how to make a verbal and media presentation with o ut saying "like, um, and uh, you know, every other word out of your mouth) and learning early on which kind of buildings you want to design - commercial , homes, roads and bridges, etc etc. Your drawing skills have to be top notch too. It also requires excellent math skills.
2. most universities require an artistic portfolio if you are applying for their architecture program, or a portfolio is considered, so if you are not creative don't go into architecture. Also, the pay is only good if you are good and firms want you, and you will not be able to have your own succesful firm if you are not creative and people don't want your work. -btw some colleges you can become an architect right away without having to get your masters in architecture, Illinois Institute of Technology does this and so do other more selective schools, like i think Rice. However, these are 5 year programs in which you get a bachelor of architecture degree (as opposed to getting a bach. of arts in arch and then getting your masters)
3. Hard work can overcome being just natuarally creative some times. Computers help in today's word. The pay can be really good, especially if you have your own firm, some architects make hundreds of thousands a year, some millions, depends on how good you are. You may have to make name for yourself and get to network and get some sure clients before starting your own firm, but with hard work you can do it.