January 27, 2004
A: FROM MENTOR JOAN LUSK IN RI
Perhaps your counselor hasn't been very helpful because at your stage
you need the basics rather than courses specifically directed at
architecture? Why don't you try to talk to some architects, to get
their opinions on what the most useful background has been for them.
Even if you don't know any, you could find some in the yellow pages
(I'm not joking). If you know families who have recently built
houses or remodeled, ask if they used an architect and who that was.
If there's a new development in your town, ask the builder about the
architects who designed the houses or office buildings. If you write
or call the architects you discover and ask for 20 minutes of their
time to ask about their careers and how you should get started toward
a career in architecture, many people will be happy to talk about
themselves and give advice. This procedure has become so common it
has a name: informational interviewing. You can learn how real
architects really spend their time, and that would help you know if
you really want to be one as well as how to become one.

There are two independent dimensions to architecture, it seems to me.
The artistic side is one; the technical side, making sure the
building is sturdy and safe and works as you intend, is almost
independent. When a big building is designed there are structural
engineers to make sure it's strong enough. Frank Lloyd Wright's
buildings are elegant and original - but many have structural flaws
that require a lot of repair work. You would have a choice, to be
more concerned with the visual effects or to be more concerned with
the mechanics. Your interests would determine whether you study more
art and art history now, or more math, physics and engineering.
Buildings greatly affect how people interact within them, so if you
are interested in social behavior you'd be able to have an influence
as a architect.