Choosing Architecture Schools
For those looking to begin the architecture journey, finding the right architectural school is usually the first step. One of the most common questions is how to select the right architecture degree. For those unfamiliar with the profession, questions of BArch vs BSc in Architecture vs all the MArch 1 and 2 might cause much confusion. I spent a lot of time back then when choosing schools researching over these different acronyms, and so would like to provide some perspective towards the different programs and how you might want to approach researching your school application list.
Architecture or Not?
Before you even look at schools, I do think it is important to question whether you are 100% committed to a career as an architect. Architecture is a tough career, usually requiring very long hours. Architectural school is very much an introduction to this sleepless culture. Becoming an architect is also a significant commitment—it took me a total of 10 years to get licensed. If you are unsure architecture is the right fit for you, it is best to take the time to explore further, speak with practicing architects or designers to get a taste of the field. You might also want to consider programs that offer opportunities for an easy move into other professions or areas of study.
5-year or 4+2
Whether or not you are looking into architecture for a lifelong career, you should be aware that to practice as an architect in the US, you will need a license. This will require at least a bachelor’s degree in architecture from an accredited school.
An accredited professional degree, or the Bachelor’s of Architecture (BArch) is a 5-year program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. See here for a list of schools across the country that provide this program. This does not mean that you cannot get a Master’s of Architecture after your 5 year program. It just means that you do not need a Master’s to allow you to take the licensure exams. I, myself, went through the 5 year, and continued on to a post-professional degree in urban design at the Harvard GSD.
For those not ready yet to commit to architecture, you might opt to follow what is known as the 4+2 track. This means a common 4-year undergraduate architecture major, followed by a 2-3 year master’s program in order to get licensed. In other words, the difference between the two programs is a choice to explore more options or a 1-2 year fast track towards licensure.
Harvard Graduate School of Design
University or College
For me, I decided to go for a fast licensure track. Most of the schools on my list were BArch programs. But I wasn’t 100% ready to get engaged with the profession. And so the schools I chose had to fulfill a criteria: I could alter majors without forfeiting time spent in my first 1-2 years. That’s why most of my choices were architecture schools that are affiliated with a much larger university with a bunch of other strong majors that I can explore; and RISD (which I ultimately attended). RISD, like some other design schools, is very focused on design thinking. It also allows the opportunity to explore other related design fields. Although you might be applying to architecture, you can switch to Industrial Design or Animation after your first year. I knew I was committed to design, and so the option to explore other fields and decide a year later was very attractive to me.
Aside from your major though, it is also important to consider college life outside of the program; sport teams, clubs and bars, and all the other social activities that make your college life memorable. After all this might be the first time you are away from home, free as a bird. Universities, in my opinion, offer a much wider breadth of possibilities, and as a result, possibly a better sense of belonging.
Architecture school ranking
There are so many architecture schools out there. A good place to start your research is to look at the school ranking system. For US schools, I would recommend looking at Design Intelligence and Niche. They give pretty well-rounded reviews on the different schools, looking at multiple aspects from the programs, student life, to how employers perceive performances from recent graduates. However, do bear in mind that these reports are general and are not necessarily tailored towards what is important to you. This should just be a starting point to look at schools to consider.
Cornell University in Ithaca (left) vs Rhode Island School of Design in Providence (right)
Location Location Location
This is one of the most important factors to consider, especially for those determined to do architecture. Of course, there is the element of student life, social aspect and lifestyle that is associated with the location and crucial to your college experience. For architecture students though, your inspiration and understanding of the built world come as much from the classroom as it does from your surroundings and environment around you. You will have a very different reading of density and circulation being in New York City vs the suburbs. You might develop an interest in high rises instead of single family houses; a research in small apartment units rather than large retail malls. My advisors back in the day advised me to pick RISD over Cornell based on location; one being in an urban area, surrounded by buildings vs trees and waterfalls.
There is also the consideration of where you would like to work after graduation. Your professors are likely your primary sources of connections to the job world. Their connections will likely be in the geographic region of the school you attend. Being close to where you would like to work in the future will give you an easier in.
The school program and course
Although architecture schools teach similar topics, the focus and experience can be very different. Some will be more design originated, or concept based, some will have a strong structural emphasis, or be focused on theoretical research as appose to a finished physical building. You should do your research and be familiar with the specialties of each school before applying.
Lastly,
I can help guide your research to different architectural schools. Feel free to schedule a call with me or check out some of my other posts related to this.
