Test Yourself: Do You Have What it takes to be an Architect?
What does it take to be an architect? This is a question that we are often asked by parents whose children express an interest in architecture. Test yourself or your teen using our quick quiz below to see if you have what it takes!
Q: Do you gravitate toward art and design? Do you prefer items that are well designed? Does bad design drive you crazy?
A: Architects appreciate and are inspired by good design in all its forms, from furniture to fine art to buildings. Not all architects work as designers, but they clearly have an interest in and an eye for good design. Architects are creative and observant individuals.
Q: Do you have the ability to see things in 3 dimensions? Do you like playing with blocks like Legos or computer games like Minecraft?
A: Visualizing the unbuilt is a valuable skill for people who design buildings. Architects have a good sense of vision. They are able to visualize the end results in 3 dimensions.
Q: Do you communicate well? Can you get your ideas across both verbally and visually?
A: Architects are good communicators. They need to be active listeners to understand the needs of clients, builders, building officials and others and to clearly communicate with others. Most architects are good speakers and writers and many excel at expressing their ideas in sketches, drawings and models.
Q: Are you organized? Do you know how to prioritize and break a big project down into individual steps?
A: Architects need to be organized in order to take a client’s project from concept to building occupancy. They manage the process of project scope development, building design, document preparation, bidding, and construction observation.
Q: Are you a team player? Do you like working with others or do you prefer to work solo?
A: Architects like working in teams and collaborating with others. They get along well with others and earn their trust. They work with clients, local building authorities, product representatives, contractors, and consultants to make their client’s project a reality.
Q: Do you enjoy solving complex puzzles?
A: Architects are resourceful problem solvers. They understand client’s goals and problems and make every effort to help clients achieve their goals. Architects focus on and address problems as soon as they arise in order to minimize project delays and increased costs.
Q: Are you empathetic? Do you look for ways to help others?
A: Architects are called on to help others to solve their problems. An architect is the client’s advocate and cares about achieving the best result for the client. Architects care about creating structures and spaces that inspire, positively reinforce, and empower others.
Q: Do others look to you to lead projects?
A: Architects usually take the lead on a building project. They must have personal integrity so as to lead, inspire and motivate others. They cannot be shy about honestly speaking out on the project team, managing deadlines and the design process. They lead others to get the project done within the client’s budget and schedule.
Q: Do you enjoy technical problems?
A: Architects need to have strong technical expertise to understand the various aspects of a building and to integrate all aspects into a successful project. Architects understand building codes, zoning ordinances, financing, construction, civil engineering, structures, building materials, building products, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, plumbing, furnishings, landscaping, and more.
Q: Are you passionate about architecture?
A: If you are crazy about architecture and are thinking about pursuing it as a career, you may be on the right track! Architects have the passion and work-ethic to bring complex projects to fruition. They want to continue to learn about their field.
Last month in our blog, we explored the journey a young person takes to becoming an architect. We talked about their formal education and internship prior to taking the exam for licensure. We also mentioned the importance of capabilities in math, science and art. Here are some additional online articles about the qualities of a great architect:
http://archimess.tumblr.com/post/7031332782/qualities-architect
http://architectureschools.com/resources/top-10-qualities-of-a-great-architect
http://www.goarchitectureschools.com/qualities-an-architect-needs.html
