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Good colleges/universities for Architecture/Industrial Design
- Thread starter TSE
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motulist
macrumors 601
Well, all of nay-sayers aren't architects ourselves, maybe you should try finding some working architects out there to talk to before you take our second-hand word on it and change your entire life plan. I'm pretty sure that our info is accurate, but maybe it's just that unhappy architects are a vocal minority. I'm just saying that whatever careers you're interested in, you should try talking to someone who's actually working in that career before making any decisions.
Here's a good source that might help you decide on a career.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/
And in particular:
Architect - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos038.htm
Industrial Designer - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos290.htm
Tomorrow
macrumors 604
Fire escapes?!? You gotta work your way up to high-caliber tasks like that, brother. Start out with CADing up redlines, running prints, researching codes, etc. - maybe in time you can work your way up to drafting wall sections and stuff.
Try not to hate on the cubicle, though - there are a LOT of professionals in all kinds of industries that spend decades lost in cube farms.
iJohnHenry
macrumors P6
Ah yes, the lowly cubical.
We have all been there.
http://www.google.com/images?client...e=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=889&bih=416&sout=1
motulist
macrumors 601
And I thank them for it, because I know that I've unknowingly been aided innumerable times by people in cubicles through their work in designing the software I use, and their work counting the beans at a company that made my car, and the administrative workers who push papers at the companies who make the food that I eat every day. I thank them for their work, but I personally can't imagine myself every working in a standard cubicle farm. If I really needed money and had no other job prospects, I'd rather work a job selling hot dogs from a cart on the street or something like that. I temp'ed doing data-entry in a cubicle farm for 1 week once, and that was more than enough cubicle work for the rest of my life. I'm very glad that other people are reasonably okay with working in a cubicle, but for me they just completely give me the heebie jeebies.
Gregg2
macrumors 604
I concur with the advice to pay in-state tuition. Since you're in MN, you can do that at UW Milwaukee as well as the U in your home town. Also, Iowa State may offer an academic scholarship based on your high school records that basically reduces the tuition to in-state level. I know of at least two people getting that kind of deal at ISU and Missouri (not in architecture for either).
I have not found the second part of that statement to be true at all. I know many people working long careers in Architecture with 4 year degrees. As for the first part, same thing. In fact, it's possible to get a license without a college degree. It's more difficult, but possible. In my state:
First statement is true. The significance of the "professional degree" is overplayed here in several posts. The second statement is false, as demonstrated above, from a .gov web page.
True. It's a tough field. If you're a super talented designer, you'll do quite well. If you're good at the other aspects, you may or may not stick with one firm for 10 years or more. It's a very cyclical business. Firms hire for big projects, then let people go when it's done and there's not another one ready to go. They rarely hire the same people back, because they find other jobs.
Macky-Mac
macrumors 601
well yes, false in the sense that not every state requires a professional degree; as your link shows, those with a 4 year degree can get licensed in Wisconsin by substituting additional work experience. Not all states allow that though, indeed, the majority don't, so getting only a 4 year degree would restrict one's job prospects to states with similar requirements. (edit; as an example; Minnesota, the OP'S home state doesn't allow the option of using additional work experience as an alternative for those with a 4 year degree)
from the link provided by motulist;
So from what I've been reading from all over the internet, Architecture is an extremely time consuming career and job security just isn't there and the pay just isn't that amazing. Am I correct?
Ultimately I like designing stuff. I enjoy it. That's what I want to do. But at the same time I can still do that with industrial design which is easier to major in and the average salary is about the same (70,000 a year for architect and 64,000 a year for industrial designer). Are there any glaring advantages to architecture? Am I missing something?
I can't thank you guys enough.
Ultimately I like designing stuff. I enjoy it. That's what I want to do. But at the same time I can still do that with industrial design which is easier to major in and the average salary is about the same (70,000 a year for architect and 64,000 a year for industrial designer). Are there any glaring advantages to architecture? Am I missing something?
I can't thank you guys enough.
I'm not saying that I want to go into an industry half-assed and expect miracles.
What I'm saying is that architectures MORESO then other careers is more just doing detrimental work nonstop and the schooling for architecture is a lot more difficult. The negatives outweigh the positives. Is this correct?
But that's just what I heard.
I think I am just going to go into University on an architecture major, and see what it's REALLY like for myself, and if I don't like it, I will switch to industrial design since they both have a lot of the similar credits together.
What I'm saying is that architectures MORESO then other careers is more just doing detrimental work nonstop and the schooling for architecture is a lot more difficult. The negatives outweigh the positives. Is this correct?
But that's just what I heard.
I think I am just going to go into University on an architecture major, and see what it's REALLY like for myself, and if I don't like it, I will switch to industrial design since they both have a lot of the similar credits together.
Tomorrow
macrumors 604
Many (if not most) of the architects I've known got into the field because they had these great visions of themselves designing beautiful, ornate masterpieces. Then they get into the field and realize (1) a lot of what can be visualized, can't easily (or affordably) be built; (2) clients don't really want something that looks like that, and (3) typically those types of design decisions aren't made by committee; they're made by one, or perhaps two, principal-level folks within the firm working directly with the client.
That's not to say that architects suffer from this more so than other types of professionals, but that kinda sums it up.
I got into engineering thinking I would work in power generation and engine design; I ended up designing HVAC for buildings. I spent the first 10 years or so drawing up what my supervisor told me to draw; now I spend my time drawing what the client tells me to draw.
I'm not trying to turn you off from the field, it can be very rewarding - but I think you should go into it with realistic expectations. In spite of what you've heard, there are many architects who love what they do.
And get the 5-year B.Arch. degree or you might never advance beyond wall sections. 😉
Plymouthbreezer
macrumors 601
Massachusetts College of Art and Design (actually a "university"), the only freestanding public institution in the nation that teaches solely art and design. We have both ID and architecture. I came here three years ago thinking that ID was what I'd go into. Architecture seemed more practical and I've always been fascinated by boring things like plaster and nails.
We also offer a M.Arch program that can be completed in just over 5 years.
Architecture is difficult work, but if you love it, you'll do well. You need to have some innate talent towards design to succeed.
Also, as others have pointed out, your first five years after graduating with a professional degree, you'll do things like draw wall sections and roof details. Your creative power is limited to knowing materials, connections, technicalities, and constructions. It can be depressing.
We also offer a M.Arch program that can be completed in just over 5 years.
Architecture is difficult work, but if you love it, you'll do well. You need to have some innate talent towards design to succeed.
Also, as others have pointed out, your first five years after graduating with a professional degree, you'll do things like draw wall sections and roof details. Your creative power is limited to knowing materials, connections, technicalities, and constructions. It can be depressing.
Rodimus Prime
macrumors G4
Also TSE be prepared to want or have to change majors. Colleges of architecture has an INSANE attrition. College of Engineering has a high one but it pales compared to architecture.
Less than 40% of the people who start in Engineering finish the degree. Architecture has a lot fewer than that.
I want to say TTU graduation rate for architectural was less than 20% of those who started in the program. That should give you a number to work with.
It is just one of those degrees that people figure out that is not for them after they get into it and it is not worth getting a degree that you do not like what you do.
So choose a school that you will enjoy being at and has other options to do things because chances are really good that you will be changing majors any how because you will figure out that it is just not for you and you really do not want to do that type of work.
Less than 40% of the people who start in Engineering finish the degree. Architecture has a lot fewer than that.
I want to say TTU graduation rate for architectural was less than 20% of those who started in the program. That should give you a number to work with.
It is just one of those degrees that people figure out that is not for them after they get into it and it is not worth getting a degree that you do not like what you do.
So choose a school that you will enjoy being at and has other options to do things because chances are really good that you will be changing majors any how because you will figure out that it is just not for you and you really do not want to do that type of work.
Gregg2
macrumors 604
I'm not sure how many states require a Bachelor's (not Bachelor of Science) or Master's degree. But, if you get licensed in one state, you can most likely apply in other states that would not have granted the license with just the 4-year degree. But I haven't researched that. It's just a hunch.
I found more info from NCARB:
Rodimus Prime
macrumors G4
I might like to add even those states that do allow for it companies have everything set up promotion wise based on having the Master degree and getting your licensing in that amount of time.
So in the case of Architecture it takes 2 years to get your licenses after you finish you master degree. That means the companies promotions are going to be based on 3 years max before you hit a glass ceiling due no licences. That means 4 years of no real pay raises, no promotions ect.
These times I am basing on what others have posted to get your licencing. I do know how Civil engineering firms work in terms of their engineers and safe to say Architectural firms will be the same way hell I have knowledge on the firms that have both in house and their architectural promotion hit that glass ceiling pretty fast. Much faster than the engineers but to get your PE in engineering it takes 4 years best case and they hit the ceiling with in 5.
Rodimus Prime
macrumors G4
Pretty easy. It is a matter if filling out a little paper work and talking with an advisor. Biggest pain is getting over rides into some classes because the computer do bot recognize your prerecs. I got used to doing that my last 4 semesters of school but the over rides would take all but 5 mins of my time talking with often my advisor of office securtary.
Hardest major change is when you have to change colleges but even then it is just a little extra paper work and maybe running around campus but same proceedure I ha several friends who did that.
panoz7
macrumors 6502a
I think it's going to really depend on the school, when you decide to transfer, and which majors you are transferring to and from. At least at my college, transferring before the second year (from one design major to another) is relatively easy and wouldn't result in having to take any extra classes. After that it's probably possible to transfer, but would most likely require taking an extra year or two of courses.
It's going to be much more difficult if you're switching between a non-design and a design major. At my college there is no preference given to applicants who are already part of the university. They have to apply through the exact same process as non-university students and face the same odds of getting in (roughly 10% at NCSU). If you don't get into the design program at the college you want DO NOT go to another program at the same university with the intention of transferring into design later. You'll be much better off building your portfolio at a less selective design school and transferring in to your original choice from there.
I haven't read all of the responses so I'm sorry if this repeats anything:
I'm a senior at the NCSU College of Design in Raleigh, NC. I'm double majoring in Graphic Design and Art & Design though I only plan on completing the GD degree. I transferred to the design program at NCSU from UNC-CH where I was majoring in Bio Medical Engineering. The design program here is comprised of 4 years of studios, so even though I had some general requirements filled it will end up haven taken me 6 years to get my degree.
For me NCSU was the only real option. It's not the best school in the country, but it's in the top 10 for my major, and has one of the best programs for a public university. Because it's a public university and I'm in state it will end up costing a fraction of what out of state or private school tuition would have cost. 4 years at ncsu will end up costing me less than one year at risd.
I think what you get out of college, especially in design, is going to be mostly affected by what you put in and not what specific college you go to. In my field an NCSU degree still looks pretty good on a resume, and when applying for design jobs the university you got your degree from is less important than the quality of your portfolio. Would a RISD degree look better on my resume? Probably. Is it worth an extra $100k? That's a question you'll have to answer yourself.
One other thing to keep in mind when you're researching schools is whether or not they are only design schools (like RISD) or are part of a larger university. At NCSU I have a lot of general college requirements (science, math, english, pe, etc.) that I have to take. Smaller design only school may not require that and certainly won't offer as large a variety of non-design classes. Personally, having a well rounded education was very important to me. It may or may not be for you, but it's definitely something to consider.
Finally, and keep in mind this is entirely anecdotal, I've found ID majors and Architecture majors to have very different personalities. Of all my architecture friends and ID friends it's hard to imagine any of them particularly enjoying the other major. I have a feeling you'd know fairly quickly whether ID or architecture is the right major for you.
I'm taking an ID studio right now and I'm really enjoying it. If I had to do everything over again I probably would have chosen ID over Graphic.
P.S. If you happen to visit the NCSU College of Design website please don't judge the college based on its appearance. They took down our old, but at least aesthetically pleasing website and replaced it with the current one.
I am not an architect but I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Cornell University here (I'll admit I'm a bit biased since this is my alma mater). Cornell has a 5-year B.Arch. program and came up at the top of a quick search as the #1 undergrad Architecture school in this ranking.
I knew many architecture students while I was there though I hardly saw them since they worked so hard and spent many hours working on projects and homework. It was a difficult program from what I'd heard and seen, to say the least.
I knew many architecture students while I was there though I hardly saw them since they worked so hard and spent many hours working on projects and homework. It was a difficult program from what I'd heard and seen, to say the least.
63dot
macrumors 603
If you like California, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, a rather small school, has a good architecture program. For undergrad it ranks higher than USC, but in real life it's schools like the USCs and Stanfords that open doors around the state because they are "private", "expensive", and "hard to get into".
Cal Poly near the top of the list has to fare well as a cost savings, especially once you get California residence. USC will never be cheap.
After that you can go to a state funded school like Cal or Texas, who have good M.Arch programs. Yes, Harvard and Yale are there, if you dare shell out that type of money and expect the name tag value to pay off, which it will in the long run if you decide to stay in the field and drudge through a few low paying years.
Unlike engineering, architecture can be a struggle financially for a young person. You may feel underappreciated. My Cal Poly buddy got his B.Arch and then switched to structural engineering for far more and steady money, but less personal accomplishment. I know some architects who want so much to build their own house on their own terms that they will lose money. Unfortunately, this has been the case for many small one person firms (not just architecture) in this recession.
Cal Poly near the top of the list has to fare well as a cost savings, especially once you get California residence. USC will never be cheap.
After that you can go to a state funded school like Cal or Texas, who have good M.Arch programs. Yes, Harvard and Yale are there, if you dare shell out that type of money and expect the name tag value to pay off, which it will in the long run if you decide to stay in the field and drudge through a few low paying years.
Unlike engineering, architecture can be a struggle financially for a young person. You may feel underappreciated. My Cal Poly buddy got his B.Arch and then switched to structural engineering for far more and steady money, but less personal accomplishment. I know some architects who want so much to build their own house on their own terms that they will lose money. Unfortunately, this has been the case for many small one person firms (not just architecture) in this recession.
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Just an update and a quick question
Okay, so... I have applied to most of the colleges, here are my choices:
-University of Houston
-University of Iowa, Ames
-University of Minnesota
-University of Cincinnati
-Virginia Tech University
-Northumbria University
-University of Illinois, Chicago
I have one more transcript for one last place to apply...
Since I already got accepted to a couple I decided I want to apply somewhere in the UK or somewhere else outside the US (Canada maybe?) besides Northumbria University to see if I will make it.
Any good schools outside the US with Architecture and Industrial Design/along those lines?
Thanks MacRumors.
Okay, so... I have applied to most of the colleges, here are my choices:
-University of Houston
-University of Iowa, Ames
-University of Minnesota
-University of Cincinnati
-Virginia Tech University
-Northumbria University
-University of Illinois, Chicago
I have one more transcript for one last place to apply...
Since I already got accepted to a couple I decided I want to apply somewhere in the UK or somewhere else outside the US (Canada maybe?) besides Northumbria University to see if I will make it.
Any good schools outside the US with Architecture and Industrial Design/along those lines?
Thanks MacRumors.