Feel free to watch the full 90 minute documentary"Behind Closed Doors - The Life of an Architect": th-cam.com/video/WPAXl02M9cg/w-d-xo.html Thanks for watching!
Telling it like it is, not sugar coating it, because there's far too much of that BS going around. You youngsters need to know the truth before leaping headlong into years and years of insane amounts of study (think trying to knit fog) and huge amounts of debt before qualifying: The worst things: 1. being massively underpaid for a role that requires an (inexplicable) amount of academic training to qualify for. 2. having to deal with and sort out the issues of the bone idle/incompetent/careless idiots in your office. 3. your health suffering from sitting in the same physical position for days/weeks/months at a time to get work out (see point 2). 4. the stress of the (inexplicable) Friday deadline - when no one looks at your drawings until the following week and your weekend is then ruined by the recovery from the stress of the last week. 5. your relationships suffering from the amount of (unpaid) extra time required to finish projects and thus being stuck in the office (think seeing your wife/husband/kids after they've eaten in an evening, or often after they have gone to bed). And often working weekends (see point 2). 6. the amount of unpaid extra time you're required to donate to the practice solely to complete the work to a high standard (see point 2). Worse still, this happening because that extra time wasn't factored into the original fee quote, on EVERY project, so you won't get any financial benefit from that extra work. Remember, you're gifting this time to your boss and his profits, no one else, the client still pays the same agreed amount. 7. having to tolerate other Architects (and their egos) who think simply because they're an architect they know more than everyone else, no matter what that persons level of experience and/or specialism. 8. having to listen to archispeak from other architects who talk like this in an attempt to raise themselves above everyone around them solely because they think they're better then everyone else (see point 7), and which they're usually not, and sometimes by some margin. 9. having to deal with interior designers who think they're architects, and who (on domestic projects) have the ear of the client (think nice evening house visits armed with mood boards) and who'll try and drive a coach and horses through your design vision. 10. watching your long-developed final design vision have it's guts ripped out through value-engineering (think contactors who care not one bit about your design and want to solely maximise profits, at your designs' expense). 11. realising the ONLY way to make any real money or have a major impact on the built environment you're designing for is to work for yourself, because working for someone else means you have almost zero final say on design (which is sole destroying), and they'll reap all the rewards. 12. having to tolerate others with less skill and ability than you stealing your ideas and taking credit for them (see above). Oh, and having to often take instruction from the same individuals because they're more skilled at office politics and better at brown-nosing for promotion, or it's possibly they have no shame, or less self respect. ........there are many more but that's probably enough for now. If you're lucky enough to find an architectural utopia then you're lucky (and do put your lottery numbers on) as you may only experience some of these issues. But for most, these sorts of issues are very regular occurrences. My advice, if you're creative, go and study product or industrial design. You will be more fulfilled and more likely to get the freedom to truly express yourself and design what's in your heart.
@@kylesinko You'll be as cynical as me when you've been in the game as long as I have, just give it time. This is simply all the stuff no one tells you before you get to practice but is the reality on the ground. And I've worked at a few large and small practices over that time, so can speak from genuine personal experience and feedback from others.
Have you tried overseas markets to practice architecture mate? Like Denmark or Netherlands where they value architects? What country are you talking about in your experience? Cheers
@grandmasterplank8979 My tip from experience: Do architecture, but learn proper project management. Learn what a contract is, learn what "no" means and understand how to make other people work for you (especially those who don't know what a contract is and how to say "no"). Based on your comment you might have rolled in the field with the wrong expectations or cooperate with the wrong architecture studio. + Coding and automation workflows
If you are really creative go work in advertising industry. The hours are also kind of long, but not as bad as architecture. If you join a good advertising agency you can see your work on the billboard, or in the magazine, or the packaging design in the product sold on the shelf in the store. There are many roles in there. All the problems in architecture are also kind of found in advertising industry but to a lesser degree. If you have creative talent, go there instead. You will be more fulfilled working for clients like Unilever and LVMH, big corporate types with deep pockets. You don't really have to deal with engineers and contractors, except in retail branding and hotel work, where you sometimes have to work with architects (interior designers) and contractors to execute the lighting, construction of sales booth, etc. But it depends if your agency and clients have agreed that your agency is going to do that work, or if they are going to sub-contract that work out to 3rd parties. If you don't have creative talent, stay in architecture. You will be happier there. I know a lot of architects who are not as good in design, and they are kind of happy in architecture. Because if the design is NOT PERFECT, it doesn't bother them very much. They can let it go. I was very miserable because design is only about 5%-7% of the entire architecture process, and it is very hard to control the design to perfection. It is actually unrealistic to expect it. Certainly, it is also not very profitable from a business point of view for your bosses or if you are the owner. On top of that, the majority of the work is dealing with emails and datelines, archiving emails and documentation to cover the firm legally, and coordinating stuff with engineers, clients, code officials, suppliers, and meeting construction milestones. None of these expectations of professional life were communicated to me in architecture school. The designer types have a lot of mismatched expectations and they really suffer psychologically (and financially, because they didn't make the shift into realizing that architecture is a BUSINESS and a COMMERCIAL undertaking. The client has a lot of financial interest in their developments succeeding COMMERCIALLY. It is NOT really art.) The pay IMO is also better in advertising. But like in architecture and anywhere else, beware and tread carefully with regards to politics. Especially agencies with big accounts.
the REAL (bigger picture) worst things about being an architect (in Australia). After 25+ years in the industry-; 1. Lack of appreciation of design & architecture whereas the majority of people don’t understand or appreciate the value of architecture. How do we fix that? Greater education in schools of art history, guidance from government, more investment in art & architectural understanding to produce a culture of people that appreciate art history & architecture. 2. De-regulated profession where draftspeople and inferior building designers can apparently do the same thing we can at half the cost and no education or registration How do we fix that? Government to enforce that ALL buildings of ALL scales must be certified by an architect, similar to NSW SEPP65 scheme for apartment buildings, thereby relegating building designer back to their real limited role as draftspeople. If we can fix these 2 big issues-we can truly move forward .
Architecture was my dream job but years of putting it off, I’ve changed my mind going into studying Residential drafting. Hopefully I’ll get it done and have a career as a draftsman.
And yes , the field is undervalued by cleints , who at times run like the wind when it comes to end of project payment. They're like shopaholics when told about the discount then pay up for something worth it .
a lot of people here are already architects , or in school for it , but i’m 15 and i’m dead set on it for some reason . maybe it’s a phase , but my mum is an architect and i love what she does , i hope i can find my way through all of this !
As I'm not a registered architect myself, I thought it would be an interesting insight for those who are licensed to comment on. I have my own video here where I explain 15 reasons not to study architecture: th-cam.com/video/JpWp5gwwXAU/w-d-xo.html Thanks Vitalis
Hi, just wondering if you have done an episode about mature-age architecture students, the challenges we face, the accomplishments we have already achieved, and the sacrifices to pursue a very time-consuming degree later in life? I have studied my undergrad gradually over 7 years online, whilst, starting a family, (I've got 2 kids), and building my own business as an Interior designer. Studying architecture whilst juggling a young family, a business, marriage and a mortgage is insane, but it happened! Now, I have started my Postgrad fulltime and on campus. I am winding my business down slowly which is very hard, as I've been building it for 17 years. It's also hard knowing that once I finish my masters I will be back at step 1, I haven't had a boss in many years and that will be a change to my mindset. I think there is more financial pressure as a mature-age student, but there are many benefits.. I understand the preciousness of time, and I have worked close enough to the industry that networking is not a problem, amongst others and I know where to funnel my interests and passions into my post-grad. I have been listening to your podcast and it's wonderful during drives to Uni to help keep me motivated. Thanks again!
Thank you very much for the support and kind words Michelle! I'm friends with a lot of mature-age students in my cohort. I am envious of them! They bring so much to the table - some were builders, engineers, accountants, lawyers... But they all have much more life experience than us kids that just came out of school. Absolutely they are at an advantage. Yes, it must be much more difficult with outside of study commitments, (especially raising a family and running a business), but that often makes their work doing what they do much more valuable and considered. You are doing very well to juggle all the things you are. Keep going! Best wishes
Words of wisdom coming from a mad man like myself ................... When you see an upsidedown situation................you go downside up to see the problems , and find a solution.
Well, Im a Civil Engineering student while self studying in architecture, after seeing this video. This gave me some more deeper ideas about what architecture is. Cause right now im finding a architectural drafting jobs haha
i think the thing thats giving me second thoughts about continuing architecture is that i always feel intimidated on how much time i'd have to invest for this career. like i'd just need the reassurance that architects still have a lot of time for family and personal matters. i dont mind the stress or workload but i just need to know if theres a balance between work time and personal time. help?
@@aubrenkatrielmarquez3318 exactly. so i kinda just want some few opinions because im afraid that being an architect means i have to devote 95% of my time to work... taking into consideration that my college life in architecture school seems like i spend most of my time doing projects rather than enjoying the "college life"
It really depends where you work. There are a lot of practices that respect the 9-5 and acknowledge that we have lives outside of architecture. It's just a matter of scoping out the right practice before getting stuck down. That's where work experience and network events really help to get to know people.
I’m currently studying communication sciences … I would love to study architecture but I’m not allowed because my parents already invested so much in my current field of study… will I be able to combine both fields one day?
The only way to improve is by practicing. I used to be horrible at public speaking; would freak out at the thought of it kind of horrible. I found my biggest growth in public speaking came from consciously practicing and trying to get better. Yes, it sucks at first. But, over time, you'll make gradual steps to improve that feels great. Don't give up!
I still want to be an architect and deal with them :D Jokes aside, 3 months ago, as a comment on your video, I asked if there was a course you could recommend for learning SketchUp, and you suggested TheSketchupEssentials. Since then, I have been working on SketchUp by myself and in the next few weeks I will apply to an institution that provides training for young people in their fields of interest and selects its students by interview, by showing my SketchUp works. I'm so excited for this, thank you for guiding me :)
@@kylesinko Hello again! I was accepted to the institution I mentioned. Thank you for all your videos, suggestions and teachings. I hope your channel reaches more people and you become even more successful, you definitely deserve this. Thank you for everything Kyle :)
Also , mate, we are in a field , like other fields , with experience strengthen our shells to take on any challenge. Yes we are undervalued, but wellt be spoken about often soon in future programme shows , where people come into a building and say " now why can't people appreciate this design , if architects and civil engineers never existed , we'd still be in caves "
A bit a constructive criticism, subscribed to learn about revit as this seemed to be your area of expertise. Maybe you could stick to tutorials instead of useless rantings about grandma’s chickens. Sorry but just not interested in personal drama. I believe TH-cam tries to push this sort of content so please try to keep the drama out of your channel as most of your subscribers are looking for quality content.
Hey Ty, thanks a lot for the feedback. Plenty of tutorials to come. I enjoy making this content as its a little more creative on my side. You're more than welcome to skip over these videos and just watch my Revit ones. Cheers
Feel free to watch the full 90 minute documentary"Behind Closed Doors - The Life of an Architect": th-cam.com/video/WPAXl02M9cg/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for watching!
Telling it like it is, not sugar coating it, because there's far too much of that BS going around. You youngsters need to know the truth before leaping headlong into years and years of insane amounts of study (think trying to knit fog) and huge amounts of debt before qualifying:
The worst things:
1. being massively underpaid for a role that requires an (inexplicable) amount of academic training to qualify for.
2. having to deal with and sort out the issues of the bone idle/incompetent/careless idiots in your office.
3. your health suffering from sitting in the same physical position for days/weeks/months at a time to get work out (see point 2).
4. the stress of the (inexplicable) Friday deadline - when no one looks at your drawings until the following week and your weekend is then ruined by the recovery from the stress of the last week.
5. your relationships suffering from the amount of (unpaid) extra time required to finish projects and thus being stuck in the office (think seeing your wife/husband/kids after they've eaten in an evening, or often after they have gone to bed). And often working weekends (see point 2).
6. the amount of unpaid extra time you're required to donate to the practice solely to complete the work to a high standard (see point 2). Worse still, this happening because that extra time wasn't factored into the original fee quote, on EVERY project, so you won't get any financial benefit from that extra work. Remember, you're gifting this time to your boss and his profits, no one else, the client still pays the same agreed amount.
7. having to tolerate other Architects (and their egos) who think simply because they're an architect they know more than everyone else, no matter what that persons level of experience and/or specialism.
8. having to listen to archispeak from other architects who talk like this in an attempt to raise themselves above everyone around them solely because they think they're better then everyone else (see point 7), and which they're usually not, and sometimes by some margin.
9. having to deal with interior designers who think they're architects, and who (on domestic projects) have the ear of the client (think nice evening house visits armed with mood boards) and who'll try and drive a coach and horses through your design vision.
10. watching your long-developed final design vision have it's guts ripped out through value-engineering (think contactors who care not one bit about your design and want to solely maximise profits, at your designs' expense).
11. realising the ONLY way to make any real money or have a major impact on the built environment you're designing for is to work for yourself, because working for someone else means you have almost zero final say on design (which is sole destroying), and they'll reap all the rewards.
12. having to tolerate others with less skill and ability than you stealing your ideas and taking credit for them (see above). Oh, and having to often take instruction from the same individuals because they're more skilled at office politics and better at brown-nosing for promotion, or it's possibly they have no shame, or less self respect.
........there are many more but that's probably enough for now.
If you're lucky enough to find an architectural utopia then you're lucky (and do put your lottery numbers on) as you may only experience some of these issues. But for most, these sorts of issues are very regular occurrences.
My advice, if you're creative, go and study product or industrial design. You will be more fulfilled and more likely to get the freedom to truly express yourself and design what's in your heart.
Thank you for sharing your honest experiences ol' Grand Master and telling it how it is. Cheers
@@kylesinko You'll be as cynical as me when you've been in the game as long as I have, just give it time. This is simply all the stuff no one tells you before you get to practice but is the reality on the ground. And I've worked at a few large and small practices over that time, so can speak from genuine personal experience and feedback from others.
Have you tried overseas markets to practice architecture mate? Like Denmark or Netherlands where they value architects? What country are you talking about in your experience? Cheers
@grandmasterplank8979 My tip from experience: Do architecture, but learn proper project management. Learn what a contract is, learn what "no" means and understand how to make other people work for you (especially those who don't know what a contract is and how to say "no"). Based on your comment you might have rolled in the field with the wrong expectations or cooperate with the wrong architecture studio.
+ Coding and automation workflows
If you are really creative go work in advertising industry. The hours are also kind of long, but not as bad as architecture.
If you join a good advertising agency you can see your work on the billboard, or in the magazine, or the packaging design in the product sold on the shelf in the store.
There are many roles in there. All the problems in architecture are also kind of found in advertising industry but to a lesser degree. If you have creative talent, go there instead. You will be more fulfilled working for clients like Unilever and LVMH, big corporate types with deep pockets. You don't really have to deal with engineers and contractors, except in retail branding and hotel work, where you sometimes have to work with architects (interior designers) and contractors to execute the lighting, construction of sales booth, etc. But it depends if your agency and clients have agreed that your agency is going to do that work, or if they are going to sub-contract that work out to 3rd parties.
If you don't have creative talent, stay in architecture. You will be happier there. I know a lot of architects who are not as good in design, and they are kind of happy in architecture. Because if the design is NOT PERFECT, it doesn't bother them very much. They can let it go.
I was very miserable because design is only about 5%-7% of the entire architecture process, and it is very hard to control the design to perfection. It is actually unrealistic to expect it. Certainly, it is also not very profitable from a business point of view for your bosses or if you are the owner. On top of that, the majority of the work is dealing with emails and datelines, archiving emails and documentation to cover the firm legally, and coordinating stuff with engineers, clients, code officials, suppliers, and meeting construction milestones.
None of these expectations of professional life were communicated to me in architecture school. The designer types have a lot of mismatched expectations and they really suffer psychologically (and financially, because they didn't make the shift into realizing that architecture is a BUSINESS and a COMMERCIAL undertaking. The client has a lot of financial interest in their developments succeeding COMMERCIALLY. It is NOT really art.)
The pay IMO is also better in advertising. But like in architecture and anywhere else, beware and tread carefully with regards to politics. Especially agencies with big accounts.
Can you make a video about the future of architects and job opportunities and the demand of architects?
Of course!
I understand that architects have always been in demand throughout history, so architecture isn't going anywhere.
the REAL (bigger picture) worst things about being an architect (in Australia). After 25+ years in the industry-;
1. Lack of appreciation of design & architecture whereas the majority of people don’t understand or appreciate the value of architecture.
How do we fix that? Greater education in schools of art history, guidance from government, more investment in art & architectural understanding to produce a culture of people that appreciate art history & architecture.
2. De-regulated profession where draftspeople and inferior building designers can apparently do the same thing we can at half the cost and no education or registration
How do we fix that? Government to enforce that ALL buildings of ALL scales must be certified by an architect, similar to NSW SEPP65 scheme for apartment buildings, thereby relegating building designer back to their real limited role as draftspeople.
If we can fix these 2 big issues-we can truly move forward .
Love that you’ve including possible solutions for these problems rather than just complaining about them. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Architecture was my dream job but years of putting it off, I’ve changed my mind going into studying Residential drafting. Hopefully I’ll get it done and have a career as a draftsman.
Good luck!
And yes , the field is undervalued by cleints , who at times run like the wind when it comes to end of project payment. They're like shopaholics when told about the discount then pay up for something worth it .
a lot of people here are already architects , or in school for it , but i’m 15 and i’m dead set on it for some reason . maybe it’s a phase , but my mum is an architect and i love what she does , i hope i can find my way through all of this !
Follow your heart! You've got this :)
Was hopping to see you rant, not other people
As I'm not a registered architect myself, I thought it would be an interesting insight for those who are licensed to comment on. I have my own video here where I explain 15 reasons not to study architecture: th-cam.com/video/JpWp5gwwXAU/w-d-xo.html Thanks Vitalis
Hi, just wondering if you have done an episode about mature-age architecture students, the challenges we face, the accomplishments we have already achieved, and the sacrifices to pursue a very time-consuming degree later in life? I have studied my undergrad gradually over 7 years online, whilst, starting a family, (I've got 2 kids), and building my own business as an Interior designer. Studying architecture whilst juggling a young family, a business, marriage and a mortgage is insane, but it happened! Now, I have started my Postgrad fulltime and on campus. I am winding my business down slowly which is very hard, as I've been building it for 17 years. It's also hard knowing that once I finish my masters I will be back at step 1, I haven't had a boss in many years and that will be a change to my mindset. I think there is more financial pressure as a mature-age student, but there are many benefits.. I understand the preciousness of time, and I have worked close enough to the industry that networking is not a problem, amongst others and I know where to funnel my interests and passions into my post-grad. I have been listening to your podcast and it's wonderful during drives to Uni to help keep me motivated. Thanks again!
Thank you very much for the support and kind words Michelle! I'm friends with a lot of mature-age students in my cohort. I am envious of them! They bring so much to the table - some were builders, engineers, accountants, lawyers... But they all have much more life experience than us kids that just came out of school. Absolutely they are at an advantage. Yes, it must be much more difficult with outside of study commitments, (especially raising a family and running a business), but that often makes their work doing what they do much more valuable and considered. You are doing very well to juggle all the things you are. Keep going! Best wishes
Words of wisdom coming from a mad man like myself ................... When you see an upsidedown situation................you go downside up to see the problems , and find a solution.
Love this. Cheers
Well, Im a Civil Engineering student while self studying in architecture, after seeing this video. This gave me some more deeper ideas about what architecture is. Cause right now im finding a architectural drafting jobs haha
Glad to hear Miggy, thanks a lot
i think the thing thats giving me second thoughts about continuing architecture is that i always feel intimidated on how much time i'd have to invest for this career. like i'd just need the reassurance that architects still have a lot of time for family and personal matters. i dont mind the stress or workload but i just need to know if theres a balance between work time and personal time. help?
Samee like I still want to have social life in the future 😭
@@aubrenkatrielmarquez3318 exactly. so i kinda just want some few opinions because im afraid that being an architect means i have to devote 95% of my time to work... taking into consideration that my college life in architecture school seems like i spend most of my time doing projects rather than enjoying the "college life"
I'm in the same mind space as you. I'm really not sure if I want to carry on.
It really depends where you work. There are a lot of practices that respect the 9-5 and acknowledge that we have lives outside of architecture. It's just a matter of scoping out the right practice before getting stuck down. That's where work experience and network events really help to get to know people.
Another frustrating thing is trying to hear them talk with the loud background music
Ahh thats always hard to get right. I'm learning
All the full interviews are on my channel and podcast if you want to listen to them
@@kylesinkoglad to see the openness to criticism.. good questions and editing though.. I've watched most of them already..my wishes to you ..
@@abinayaelil574 Thanks a lot Abinaya. Appreciate the feedback
Good to see that '' The best things about being an architect '' is longer than this video xD
I’m currently studying communication sciences … I would love to study architecture but I’m not allowed because my parents already invested so much in my current field of study… will I be able to combine both fields one day?
How can I improve public speaking?
I am bad...really really bad at it...I think I have to give up my dream becoming an Architect if I stay this way
The only way to improve is by practicing. I used to be horrible at public speaking; would freak out at the thought of it kind of horrible. I found my biggest growth in public speaking came from consciously practicing and trying to get better. Yes, it sucks at first. But, over time, you'll make gradual steps to improve that feels great. Don't give up!
Most toxic management in one of the French architecture company.
All I can do is laugh a little and stress a little more.
I still want to be an architect and deal with them :D
Jokes aside, 3 months ago, as a comment on your video, I asked if there was a course you could recommend for learning SketchUp, and you suggested TheSketchupEssentials. Since then, I have been working on SketchUp by myself and in the next few weeks I will apply to an institution that provides training for young people in their fields of interest and selects its students by interview, by showing my SketchUp works. I'm so excited for this, thank you for guiding me :)
That's awesome news Sevval! Well done mate. You'll go far.
@@kylesinko Hello again! I was accepted to the institution I mentioned. Thank you for all your videos, suggestions and teachings. I hope your channel reaches more people and you become even more successful, you definitely deserve this. Thank you for everything Kyle :)
@@SevvalVural_ Wow, awesome Sevval! I'm so glad to hear you got accepted and I really appreciate the kind words. You're the best :)
Also , mate, we are in a field , like other fields , with experience strengthen our shells to take on any challenge. Yes we are undervalued, but wellt be spoken about often soon in future programme shows , where people come into a building and say " now why can't people appreciate this design , if architects and civil engineers never existed , we'd still be in caves "
A bit a constructive criticism, subscribed to learn about revit as this seemed to be your area of expertise. Maybe you could stick to tutorials instead of useless rantings about grandma’s chickens. Sorry but just not interested in personal drama. I believe TH-cam tries to push this sort of content so please try to keep the drama out of your channel as most of your subscribers are looking for quality content.
Hey Ty, thanks a lot for the feedback. Plenty of tutorials to come. I enjoy making this content as its a little more creative on my side. You're more than welcome to skip over these videos and just watch my Revit ones. Cheers
Disagree ! I enjoy the personal videos. Robots can reach you revit…