10 tips to be a successful architect

Gravija1980 Says:

May 17, 2013 - Hi Maureen, I am a third year architecture student at Arizona State. If you're unsure that architecture is your course, you probably should avoid it. The first year is absolutely brutal (we started out as 350 freshman, and only 40 were accepted into 2nd year). The work load is at least twice that of any other program. Though there is not that much math involved, english (communication skills) are paramount. What you could do is go into a 3+ architecture program after you graduate - Good luck!

Maureen Moya Says:

Apr 13, 2013 - Hi Mr. Doug. :) This year I'm going to College, and I decided to pursue an Architecture degree. Honestly, I'm still not sure if this was the course that I wanted to pursue, mainly because I do better in Physics and in English than Math. Yet I have the passion for house designs. Do you think I could become like you when I graduate? Can you give me some tips, I don't want to spend my time and money with something I am not sure of. I'd really appreciate it if you respond. :) Thanks!

james65508 Says:

Apr 3, 2013 - I want to design the city of Minas Tirith from the Lord of the Rings :D

Jin Khazama Says:

Mar 5, 2013 - 1:56 Dough, whats this?? 

kittensteaparty Says:

Feb 8, 2013 - hahahahaha!! Not getting through airport security, I can totally see that happening XD A bombastic portfolio is great though, if anything, people will remember you as the kid with the super-wacky portfolio.

kittensteaparty Says:

Feb 8, 2013 - Don't know in Australia but in most places engineering will give a higher salary

luis villaescuza Says:

Jan 19, 2013 - HI DOUG!! should a work in a well known firm or make my own??

Keith Dvorak Says:

Dec 15, 2012 - thank you for this. i find it has much greater applicability than only to architects!

McSuperKnight Says:

Nov 26, 2012 - Hello Doug, Are you a self employed architect, or work at an international or local firm? I'm debating which route I should take....

armytrpt1979 Says:

Nov 14, 2012 - #8 and 9 and the most true of any of these... that's why I cut out of engineering and arch and went into music. It's still a political game and every minute of everyday pisses me off, but once i a while, I might get to actually do my job

mavesism Says:

Oct 30, 2012 - I've thought of doing this too, but I think a better approach is to find a civil engineer that understands design outcomes. An architect already has so many roles that you risk becoming an average architect and and average engineer, when you could focus that energy on becoming a great architect. Architecture is already such a collaborative process that there is no need to try and learn everything. I'm not saying this is for everyone, just worth considering.

animelover20201 Says:

Oct 19, 2012 - STRESSFUL !!!

WonderFinder Says:

Oct 12, 2012 - Once I finish architecture I intend to study civil engineering as well. So I can make my own ideas come true without having someone to interrupt it. But most times in this job it's better to have a team.

Νίκολας Σταυ. Says:

Sep 28, 2012 - I dont like number eight

cagoodwin9 Says:

Sep 20, 2012 - Tip to being an architect during the recession: Be driven enough to work at a bar and teach yourself Revit from a book until an interview pays off. That was 10x more useful than my expensive degree.

Rodrigo Takehara Says:

Sep 2, 2012 - This was very motivational! thanks, just thanks

Jorge Muro Says:

Aug 30, 2012 - Thank u I am only 12 years old a I love doing this

DesignInNature Says:

Aug 15, 2012 - The loss of a social life is the least of your worries my friend. Once you graduate with tens of thousands of dollars in student loans, you think you finally will reap the benefits and then crude reality sets in. Architecture majors are the number two highest rate of graduates unemployed in the USA!! If you DO land a job, be ready to be looked down on, and bossed around by Civil and Structural Engineers. Not to mention that you will be paid less than half the salary of any of those engineers.

glenn desquitado Says:

Jun 2, 2012 - Architects are generalists, they consider almost all aspects that that the building surrounds, from design; accounting of project; co relation of electrical, sanitary, plumbing, electronics, mechanical, structural engineering; Building codes to meet the standards for the project; effect of the project in its surroundings e.g. traffic, crime generator, fire prevention; Estimate; Selection of efficient contractor; and most of all the client's demand meets and pleases him.

BoyoyongGrowee Says:

May 10, 2012 - indeed.

heresteven Says:

May 8, 2012 - The semester is ending. And the graduating class has a portfolio review. Contractors, architects, and engineers are invited. So the students are trying to print as many drawings as they can. All in hopes in landing a few interviews. But having taken Dougs class, I can see something wrong. It isn't the number of drawings that is important but the quality. And the designs should be inspiring. If someone looks at it, it should awaken their emotions. I think that is a better way to go.

Lester Matos Says:

Apr 24, 2012 - I NEED AN INTERNSHIP PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE :(

zzzdotdotdot Says:

Apr 20, 2012 - are there many benefits for an architect to also study engineering? I'm from Australia and i can choose to study undergraduate engineering+arch double degree, then go on to do masters arch. Basically, will engineering help me in architecture in terms of design, employment opportunities, salary?

Paul Gibson Says:

Apr 17, 2012 - "Trial by fire", I remember that saying from last Sunday's Bible Study. Jesus said that we (the Christians) would be tried by fire and become the purest gold. Great Vid Doug! You always know what you're talking about.