10 Reasons to Pursue a Career in Architecture: Insights from an Experienced Architect and Interior Designer

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10 reasons to become an architect

Welcome to the world of architecture—a profession that combines artistry, technical expertise, and a passion for shaping the built environment. Whether you’re already drawn to the idea of becoming an architect or you are curious about what this field has to offer, join me as I share 10 reasons why pursuing a career in architecture could be your ultimate calling.

10 Reasons To Become An Architect

As an architect (and interior designer) with 15+ years of experience, I’ve found immense fulfilment in this creative and dynamic field. Here’s why you too might find yourself captivated by the world of architecture:

10/ TEN: a great skillset

7 years of training gives you a load of different skills. Plus you get to immerse yourself in an intellectually stimulating environment and bond with your studio group.

9/ NINE: the Education

You train not only within Architecture but also in interiors, urban planning, art history, construction, psychology, storytelling, illustration, sculpture, presenting, and debater - you become a thinker, creator, and excuse maker.

8/ EIGHT: career options

These skills will prepare you for your career - whatever direction you take. You are not tied to Architecture.

7/ SEVEN: designing and creating

You get to draw out solutions and build models which are developed into real-scale things.

6/ SIX: life long learning

You never stop learning and gaining skills. Architects learn something new every day. You will continue to learn way after university, i.e you will understand and appreciate how things go together, come apart, function, etc.

 

My top 10 Reasons To Become An Architect

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5/ FIVE: making a difference

Architecture affects people’s lives, whether they realize it or not. Your work can, and should, improve their environment and make it safer. 

4/ FOUR: you designed that building

Passing a building and knowing that you are part of the reason it’s there or at least the reason it looks like that.

3/ THREE: stay up to date

Architecture is evolving and you have to evolve with it. Technology changes, new materials are created, your ideas develop, new arguments are presented, perspectives change…and you are part of this evolution.

2/ TWO: working with others & communication

You become a people person. You will work on your own but also in a team, collaboration is a big part of it. You become part of the ‘Design Team’. You need to be able to communicate through spoken presentations as well as your drawings and models. You need to stay motivated and motivate others.

You have the power to inspire.

1/ ONE:

Buildings stand the test of time, and so they will hopefully be here for longer than you are. How cool is that? - To think something up, draw it out, manage its build, and then walk through its front door.

It’s flipping cool.

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Creating Traditional Prints From 3D Printed Blocks

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Creating Traditional Prints From 3D Printed Blocks

We ran a workshop recently which got the participants using a mixture of 2D and 3D, traditional skills, and new technologies. We asked them to create a 2D pattern in 3D computer software; we used Rhino with Grasshopper and played with the planes to create a variety of depth and structure to our patterns. Once exported, we set these up as files to 3D print using our Ultimakers and printed out our blocks. These blocks, created using new technology, we’re now tested in the print room where we used 17th Century printing presses to create 2D prints - as seen below. 

An interesting look at different processes, skills, and technologies - and one which will hopefully inspire the students to use the print-room and 3D printers to create something a little more unique. 

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The Story Behind My Portobello Baths Drawing

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This is a drawing I have just finished of Portobello Baths in Edinburgh which will be auctioned at the annual Portobello Amateur Swimming Club and Water Polo Team's summer ball. It shows the beautiful Victorian baths, located facing Portobello beach.  

This building holds a lot of memories for me; many evenings spent here watching my Dad play Water Polo and proudly coaching the team.  It is where I learned to swim, alongside my big brother and little sister. Where I competed for badges and medals, ferried back and forth by our patient Mum, and where I caught many colds leaving with wet hair (Mums are always right!).  When my brother made the Water Polo Team, my little sister and I would play hide and seek up in the disused roof space. Now owned by the council, it has been redeveloped into a modern public swimming pool but its traditional Victorian beauty still stands proud, filled with many childhood memories.

Above is a photo of the drawing I did of Portobello Baths, Edinburgh.  It was auctioned off at the Portobello ASC's Centenary Summer Ball last weekend and raised an amazing £300 for the club.  

For more information on the club click Portobello Baths

INDIA: Humayun's Tomb, Delhi

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Humayun's Tomb in Delhi was built in 1570 and is said to have been the inspiration for The Taj Mahal. This is a magnificent site set in a peaceful garden, said to be the first of its kind in the Indian subcontinent. You enter through a large stone arched gate and walk down a pathway leading towards this monument; a truly tranquil place. I think it is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon and, personally, I was more impressed than the Taj Mahal.