10 Reasons to Study Architecture and Build a Creative Career
/Welcome to the world of architecture, a profession that combines artistry, technical expertise, and a passion for shaping the built environment. Whether you’re already drawn to the idea of becoming an architect or you are curious about what this field has to offer, join me as I share 10 reasons why pursuing a career in architecture could be your ultimate calling.
If you’re looking for a broader overview of what architecture school really demands, start with my guide on how to study architecture effectively.
As an architect (and interior designer) with 15+ years of experience, I’ve found immense fulfilment in this creative and dynamic field. Here’s why you too might find yourself captivated by the world of architecture:
10/ Ten: a great skillset
7 years of training gives you a load of different skills. Plus you get to immerse yourself in an intellectually stimulating environment and bond with your studio group.
9/ Nine: the Education
You train not only within Architecture but also in interiors, urban planning, art history, construction, psychology, storytelling, illustration, sculpture, presenting, and debater - you become a thinker, creator, and excuse maker.
8/ Eight: career options
These skills will prepare you for your career - whatever direction you take. You are not tied to Architecture.
7/ Seven: designing and creating
You get to draw out solutions and build models which are developed into real-scale things.
6/ Six: life long learning
You never stop learning and gaining skills. Architects learn something new every day. You will continue to learn way after university, i.e. you will understand and appreciate how things go together, come apart, function, etc.
5/ Five: making a difference
Architecture affects people’s lives, whether they realize it or not. Your work can, and should, improve their environment and make it safer.
4/ Four: you designed that building
Passing a building and knowing that you are part of the reason it’s there or at least the reason it looks like that.
3/ Three: stay up to date
Architecture is evolving and you have to evolve with it. Technology changes, new materials are created, your ideas develop, new arguments are presented, perspectives change…and you are part of this evolution.
2/ Two: working with others & communication
You become a people person. You will work on your own but also in a team, collaboration is a big part of it. You become part of the ‘Design Team’. You need to be able to communicate through spoken presentations as well as your drawings and models. You need to stay motivated and motivate others.
You have the power to inspire.
1/ One:
Buildings stand the test of time, and so they will hopefully be here for longer than you are. How cool is that? - To think something up, draw it out, manage its build, and then walk through its front door.
It’s flipping cool.
Next Steps & Free Resources
If you’re preparing your portfolio or gearing up for your interview, start with these free resources:
Write Like an Architect Workbook – learn architectural lettering
Perspective Practice Sheets – master 1- and 2-point perspective
Mood Board Canva Template – design beautiful, professional presentations
So you want to be an architect? Read my full blog post here
Stay inspired - join my newsletter for creative prompts, sketching tips, and architecture school advice straight to your inbox.
Professional Architecture Portfolio Feedback Before You Submit
Not sure if your architecture portfolio is ready?
Whether you're applying to architecture school, preparing a postgraduate application or looking for your first architecture job, knowing what to include, what to improve and what to leave out can feel overwhelming.
I'm Sonia Nicolson, a Chartered Architect and former University Lecturer with over 15 years of experience teaching, mentoring and reviewing architecture students' work.
My Portfolio Confidence Review™ gives you honest, constructive and personalised feedback so you can see what's working, identify what needs improving and know exactly what to focus on next.
This isn't about changing your work into someone else's style. It's about helping you communicate your strongest work with confidence.
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Perfect if you'd like expert feedback on your portfolio before submitting it.
You'll receive:
A personalised recorded video review of your portfolio
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Practical next steps you can work through at your own pace
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A private 30-minute Zoom follow-up
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I recommend watching your recorded review and beginning to work through the feedback before our call, so we can use our time together effectively.
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