[Returner]

I took some courses last year in this, very basic. No cad just some brief general introduction courses. But I am considering it nonetheless, but I don't really know If I ever will get the interest/drive for it which is required in architecture.

I'm just unsure. Do any of you have any experience in landscaping or architecture? What kind of approach and mentality is required to get anything out of it?
I am visually oriented but not really interested trees so to say. Is it varied and challenging enough? (if u don't get the absolute top promille projects/clients)

It's not economy or something more theoreticly grounded. It is architecture after all . Of course we are all different individuals but some insightful general observations that could spare me some time, would be most appreciated!

[Affected]

I don't do that personally, nor do I even know any landscapers. I do know some interior designers and architects, and it seems their worst problem is always the customer... Example: one told me a client told her to do what she pleases with the apartment, but they're getting the furniture from IKEA, end of discussion. I expect the situation would be similar in landscaping, although I guess it depends on who your clients would be. Private persons I'd expect to be more finicky than companies and the public sector, although big players probably bring their own issues. Bottom line though, you're there to please the client, and chances are you'll come across quite a few people who want something you find atrocious. So if you have very strict aesthetic ideas you can't be flexible with, you may find yourself having a hard time in a job that requires you to work closely with a wide variety of clients. If you can find a way to enjoy even jobs you don't really like in an aesthetic sense, it might be the thing for you.

Again, all this based on second-hand stories from other fields which seem related, but who knows.

[Returner]

Yes I won't do the misstake of thinking archtecture is pure art.
There is also a HUGE gap between studying architecture and to practice it as you are keen to point out. No need to romantize it is I might do a bit yeah .

Unsure still though, haven't applyed to any other courses this fall and the choice is between checking this out or to work somewhere for now.

Anybody else willing to share some thoughts?

[Tzan]

Well you said it in that last post.
Working in architecture is not art and most of the time is not even creative.
Its mostly a set of guidlines that you apply to a problem. Anyone can learn them. An artist can do a better job of applying and presenting them since these things are all 3D.

Only very lucky people get to design nice buildings. Even then its after 10-20 years of having your brains being beaten into mush on average jobs. By then you've probably forgotten how to think creatively.

I've done additions on 200 houses and the customers like the work. But I can say that I am not proud of anything that I have done. Being capable of matching an existing style when designing an addition is certainly a skill. But its eventually boring since you cant deviate from the existing style.

99% of all the housing in my area is all the same general style. Customers only want what they can see, they dont want to spend money on a design they may not like. So they force the designer to cut and paste from existing house styles that they pick. Even when designing a new house its just copying.

25+ years in architecture

Today I'm drawing some framing plans, a building section and doing calculations on a few more beams for a house addition.

[Returner]

Thanks Tzan for your thoughts.

[Tzan]

On the plus side.
Eventually you might become self employed, that doesnt happen in most businesses. So you work at home, no commute. Set your own hours. Your boss is awesome (you). You get to wear the fuzzy bunny slippers while working.

[Affected]

Also, you're still studying, so now is probably the best time you'll ever have to look around and try out your options.

[Returner]

With the hand on my heart it feel's like I'll better pick something else to study after some thinking. Not to take anything away from architecture.

[Tzan]

I wish I had taken computer programming.
I enjoy it as a hobby, but who knows, maybe as work it would get boring too.

[sweetums]

1. Landscape Architecture is NOT General Architecture. Just like a house painter is not the same as a portrait painter...

There is a growing demand for Landscape Architects, with the average salary of an LA being higher than that of Architects.Check out this,this, and this (for an opposing viewpoint).

2. As for computer programming, it's not what it used to be. Anymore, you learn specialized programs, and become a glorified report generator, patching and writing workarounds, rather than hands-on coding that makes a difference. It's beyond boring.
_________________
Life is short. Expect nothing, enjoy everything.
That which does not kill you should make you wiser...

[Returner]

I didn't go for landscaping instead I've started working and I can tell you a secret/big revelation and that is that of working experience IRl
Every young person who hasn't worked and isn't particularly motivated to study at the moment should get out there in reality!

Forget landscaping, I'm talking about the working landscape! It serves as a cleanser for your bs/brings perspective/brings motivation/purpose in everyday life. And I've only worked 2.5 weeks....

[Affected]

OTOH, it can also tell you what you thought you wanted to do is really not what you want to do. Which is a good thing as well, although potentially a bit more troublesome...