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  • 1.  Another negative reinforcemnet article on the worhtlessness of an Architecture Degree

    Posted 12-14-2012 12:16 PM
    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Committee on Design and Custom Residential Architects Network .
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    Once again, the media has more teeth to bite into the profession of architecture on a negative basis.

    Please follow the link below to see that Architecture has been deemed the number one most "unwanted" degree to pursue by potential employers.

    http://education.yahoo.net/articles/degrees_to_avoid2.htm?kid=1NQM0

    I agree that times are challenging for the profession due to the economic mess a handful of greedy individuals gestated which ballooned into our our current situation.

    However, I feel this is an egregious and erroneous look at the profession and should be challenged with vigor!

    All comments are welcome...looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

    All best to my fellow architects!

    James

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    James Walbridge AIA
    President
    Tekton Architecture
    San Francisco CA
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  • 2.  RE:Another negative reinforcemnet article on the worhtlessness of an Architecture Degree

    Posted 12-17-2012 09:19 AM

    James:
    While the study may be statistically correct, I think accusing the education & degree of being narrowly focused is clearly wrong.
    An Architectural education is about problem solving. We are trained to think through an issue and development scenario solutions, ultimately arriving at the most rersponsive to the issues posed by our client.
    it prepares us to think & not merely react based upon previous models.
    Burt

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    Burton L. Roslyn, FAIA
    President
    Roslyn Consultants, LLC
    Roslyn Heights, New York
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  • 3.  RE:Another negative reinforcemnet article on the worhtlessness of an Architecture Degree

    Posted 12-18-2012 09:07 AM


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    Cathy Benson AIA
    Cathy F. Benson Architect
    Ridgewood NJ
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    As my son reminded me...back in 2000-2006 architecture was probably one of the top degrees to earn.





    Original Message


  • 4.  RE:Another negative reinforcemnet article on the worhtlessness of an Architecture Degree

    Posted 12-18-2012 12:08 PM
    I agree Burt.  It also allows us to develop tools to communicate graphically, whether it be hand sketched diagrams, 3-D models, or something else.  In addition, it also allows us to develop skills for presentations and responses to criticism.  

    In addition to my degree in architecture I earned an advanced business degree.  If you can imagine the advantages that we have in all types of commerce over others that lack the tools and skills that I stated above, an architectural education is valuable beyond comparison. 

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    Ken Brogno AIA
    Architect AIA LEED AP
    San Francisco CA
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE:Another negative reinforcemnet article on the worhtlessness of an Architecture Degree

    Posted 12-17-2012 02:26 PM
    James,

    I would agree. An architectural degree could be one of the best liberal arts degrees out there. What better way to be educated than in how to make a better physical environment. There is not one person in society that does not benefit for a a well planned world. The world  would be better off if more people would pursue an Architectural degree and then go into other fields.
    The education process is about problem solving and seeing the world from a differ perspective. Public speaking training, communication skills, defending ones opinion, developing an opinion. Team work, finance, public service, community building, preservation of this worlds natural resources ans so much more. I dare say no other education curriculum produces the well roundedness of an educated architect.

    The AIA and University Presidents/Deans  should their best spin doctors on the reasons why it matters.
    The profession has been hurt by the state of the economy but that should have no bearing on an accredited architectural education in it merits. They go way beyond the industries ability to supply jobs.




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    Donald Duffy AIA
    Don Duffy Architecture
    Charlotte NC
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  • 6.  RE:Another negative reinforcemnet article on the worhtlessness of an Architecture Degree

    Posted 12-18-2012 10:10 AM
    My co-worker found this article several months ago. Apparently the trend is to get a design degree to supplement your undergrad degree. In the past, everyone was supposed to get your MBA to get ahead, but now employers are really seeing a value in the problem solving skills design degrees offer. http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/design-architecture/why-dschool-is-the-new-b-school/7015

    I have a big issue with the article indicating that architecture is a narrow field. When I was in school, I remember a lecture regarding the options we had for careers with our degree: architect, arch photographer, arch journalist, teacher etc. We don't just have to work in a traditional design office. Also, I'm a firm believer that anyone with a design degree has an option to work in other design fields such as graphic design, industrial/product design and fashion design.

    I know this article was written purely based on employment rates, I've been unemployed about 1/3 of my time since graduation, so I get it - but it's unfair to base a career choice just on what the employment rate is. Don't we teach our kids to do something they love and then find a way to get paid for it?
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    Brenda Nelson Assoc. AIA
    Woodruff Design, LLC
    Ankeny IA
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  • 7.  RE:Another negative reinforcemnet article on the worhtlessness of an Architecture Degree

    Posted 12-19-2012 01:59 PM


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    Manuel Bejarano AIA
    ARCHITECT
    MBD ARCHITECTS INC
    Douglas AZ
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    I graduated 25 years ago from the Schoolof Architecture at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, my father used to be a business man..he owned a small candy store.

    I wanted to succed in life so I went to College, I earned my degree in 1987, I have been working since, first of all on small projects , then little by little bigger projects,.. the common thing that we had to do to survive was that we had to be   a Design -Build Architect...this means that we became contractors at the same time, deal with other type of problems..but  i survived up to now.

    Then i went to school again in 2000 , and I became an Appraiser..this second job gave me a kind of insurance on my job...i do work sometimes that it is not related with design , but I make a living, since 1993 I started to get licensed in the State of Arizona, finnally on 2007 I became licensed, I thought that my economical and professional issues would end,....no they didnot...but proffessionaly i am very satisfied wit what I do.

    I am not rich , I am a struggling middle class, but very happy with life .

    My office in Mexico  I hire  people and then I have to let them go , after a project is finished, maybe because We live on a small Town. 

    I have spent more than 1/3 unemployed and I would not reccomend to have an architectural degree on these days, unless you have a firm already.

    thanks





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