So, I think I know what I want to do with my life

Ok kids, I think I'm going to be an Architect.

I was thinking about Industrial Design for a while now, and really, when it comes down to it, Industrial Design is really a facet of architecture so really, why not just go the next step up, and do them both. Now, I've long been interested in illustration and many of the technical aspects of architecture, as well as the illustrative techniques that are a byproduct of studying it, also I've also got a good concept of spatial reasoning, not to mention I've got relatively good manual dexterity. Furthermore, I've never been a really wishy-washy, artsy type. I've pretty well known that if I wanted to pursue art as a career, it had to be in a capacity that will allow me to actually make money, so a few things came to mind, namely architecture.

So, here'e the issue.

I'm in my second semester of my first year at my local Community College. And given that it's part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, it's pretty easy to transfer credits inbetween other state schools. So, there's only one state school that offers architecture, and that's the State University at Buffalo (UB). They offer an undergraduate degree in architecture as well as a masters degree. The undergrad is a 4 year program, but the snag is this:

1. You have to take only their credits, meaning transfer credits are almost meaningless, except for physics and calculus and maybe a few art electives
2. You can't shave off any credits because they aren't taught anywhere else in the state university system.
3. A master's degree is required to recieve your AIA certification, which actually allows you to be an architect, meaning I'd be in undergrad for 5 years (the year I have so far, plus their 4), then be in their grad program for a minimum of 3.5 years (7 semesters).

Now, here's the other issue at hand:

I can do something else for my undergrad, have all of my existing credits transfer, and then apply to their Masters in Architecture program in three years, rather than get into their undergrad architecture school, and spend 5 years in undergrad (asusming I can get in next semester).

So, you see where I stand with all this.

Now, that's option one. Option 2 is this.

I can attend The Boston Architecture Center (BAC) which is a 7 year program, which will allow me to recieve accreditation as an architect immediately upon completion. It takes so long because in addition to learning design, aesthetics, and so on, you also have co-op periods included in your 7 year program. So, it'd be a little easier to cut a little time off here and there. Also, Boston is an infinitely cooler city than Buffalo, but UB is somewhat cheaper in terms of tuition, but also there's no dorms at The BAC, so housing expenses are a definite issue. Also, the BAC isn't really a very college-ey type of school. Which may or may not be good. UB is about a 45 minute drive from home, but at the same time, UB is about a 45 minute drive from home, so you can see where that could be an issue also. Both of my brothers attend UB, but they're grad students, and they don't have any of the same classes that I will. But nonetheless, I'll be close to home, should ever I need to go home. But the whole reason I'm looking at someplace out of town is to get out of town.

So, I guess that's it. I just felt like telling y'all that. So...yeah.

my degree is in architecture. e-mail me

chris

I was thinking of doing architecture when i was in highschool, but then i took an advertising art class my junior and senior year, and decided graphic design is what i want to do, so now im one year away from getting my BS in graphic design.

deans sister is an architect. Seems like a pretty cool job. Go for it.