So you’ve been thinking about being an Architect, huh? Being good at sketching and drawing isn’t the only things it takes to be an Architect. Take a look at this list explaining some of the characteristics you need to be successful!

1.  You Like (or are Good at) Drawing

Ok.  So probably the most obvious, but yes, having the skill (or at least the want) to draw or sketch can really help you if you want to be an Architect.  It’s pretty much our staple activity!

However, don’t think that just because you might not be able to draw well, that you can’t become very successful!  Many times the sketches we create are meant just for us; like notes we want to jot down to remember later during design.  I tell a lot of clients that usually I have to go through a lot of ugly designs and sketches before I get to the winning one that showcases their project!

2.  You Are a Visual Person

Have you ever walked though a room or space and just instantly see potential?  Me too.  To this day my husband knows, that no matter how much I love a house we may look at, I’m going to want to change something about it!  And I can SEE it so perfectly!

Architect’s are VERY visual people.  We have to be.  It’s our job to walk our client through the possibilities of what kind of renovations they can do, if a floorplan has a good flow for the occupants, or even what color white is just right.

In short if you can look at a floor plan and visually see yourself walking around the space, you might be an Architect.

3.  You Are a Problem Solver

Here’s a problem:  Your mom wants you to bring an Apple Pie for dinner.  You need to make sure it’s sugar free, still tastes homemade, is made with only $20 worth of ingredients,  and since you won’t be home to bake it, you need to make sure to leave enough instructions for you HUSBAND to bake it.  Oh, and you only have a couple days until the dinner.  Aaaand GO!

What do you think?  Can you do it?

In short, this is pretty much what Architect’s face everyday in some way or another.  We are met with a problem and it is our job to solve it (extra points if you can do it with style!)  Client’s wants/needs, budget, time schedule, Code Enforcement and ADA, are just a few of the constraints that we have to keep in balance with every project.  And at the end of it all, still have a quality project we can be proud of.

4.  You Are Good at Multitasking

Ask any Architect what their day-to-day looks like and you will get an array of different answers.  Sketching, CAD drawings, answering contractor questions, looking at project submittals, site visits, reviewing engineers drawings, and meeting with clients are just some of the tasks we constantly juggle.

And let’s not mention the fact that you may be designing on a few projects at a time and need to keep THOSE straight!  If you are good at juggling, and still keeping your cool, you might want to look into architecture as your field of choice.

Curious as to what the day-to-day looks like for a typical architect?  Check out my post here!

5.  You Can Adapt to Changes

You know CAD?  Sorry, you need to learn Revit.  Remember that floor tile you called out?  It’s discontinued, pick another (quickly).  You know that detail you thought would work?  Well, it doesn’t.

Architect’s have to constantly adjust to the ever changing industry around them.  Our favorite products sometimes stop being made, or sometimes the contractor has run into a snag in the design that needs a little re-design.  You name it, we have to be ready (and flexible) for anything that comes our way.

So what do you think?  Do you possess develop these qualities?  Have any other questions?  Shoot me and message and let me know!  I’d love to hear from you!