Customer Reviews

Architect?: A Candid Guide to the Profession, Revised Edition

5 star:		(7)
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3 star:		(2)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

In this book Roger Lewis outlines the most important considerations in pursuing a career as an architect. I have always loved architecture, and have read extensively on the subject at the level of an interested amateur. When I was preparing for college in the 1980s, I wanted to pursue a five year professional architecture degree, but was dissuaded when I received a full scholarship in biology. That was an unfortunate decision in the long run, although I have been doing well professionally until recently, when my career field went into steep decline. I never forgot my interest in the subject, and while considering a mid-career occupation change, I have carefully considered returning to school and attempting to be admitted to a 3-4 year M.Arch. program.

I am very glad that I read this book (and several others) prior to embarking on a career in architecture. The book is very honest about the rigors of school and the relative lack of money to be obtained in the field, unless you are uncharacteristically brilliant in design (and in selling your services). People like Michael Graves are definitely the exception to the rule. I appreciated Lewis' candor, and honestly the book has made me reappraise my desire to pursue this particular career transition. He repeatedly emphasizes that you should become an architect because of a love of architecture. I also have to be practical in considering that between three or four very expensive years of school and at least three years as an underpaid intern, it is at least seven years to becoming a licensed architect for me, and at this stage of my career that is difficult. Not impossible, but very difficult.

I have not decided what professional avenues to pursue yet, but I will always appreciate the practical nature of this book in educating me about an architectural career. This is the most important book a prospective architect can read prior to committing to the arduous path leading to licensure.

I have now been in the work force for 6 years having mostly worked in, now defunct, internet shops. Now I have a sterile job as a financial analyst working for a HUGE company. After being afraid to pursue my dreams again (after an earlier attempt in my mid-20's withered away...), I am seriously looking to get my masters in architecture although I have a liberal arts degree. I first read Cesar Pelli's "Observations" which inspired me. So I was afraid to get into this book knowing that many reviews here and in newsgroups claim it's harsh or may change your mind about architecture. Actually, it has strengthened my desire to pursue architecture. I won't be making as much money as I do now in my somewhat laid-back job, but there are other considerations far more important to me than working just for money. People who do not wish to be challenged to their fullest or work harder than they ever have worked before should not pursue such careers medicine, law, computer science, etc - architecture is no exception. I already knew architects are rarely rich, work very hard, go through a very tough education, and work in a very competitive environment. None of that came as a shock from reading this. Basically, I can conclude from this book that the field should only be pursued if one LOVES architecture despite all the difficulties. One can dislike medicine or law and not be as discouraged since the money can provide some comfort, but teh same is not true of architecture. Even if this book does talk many out of pursuing architecture, it's better that it tells it like it is. I'd rather know the good and the bad before making a decision. By the way, this book is not nearly as negative as some here have pointed out.

This book really lives up to its name of being "A Candid Guide" It paints a bleak picture of the architecture, giving many reasons why to not be an architect as well as reasons to become one. It offers extensive information on how to become an architect as well, although the information about choosing and getting into a college is a little lacking. Anyone who is interested in architecture should read this, although it may change your mind.

'Architect?' is a useful, practical guide to the field of architecture and the process of becoming an architect. It thoroughtly notes all the obstacles and difficulties involved in becoming an architect. It's a brisk dose of reality, and at times seems mired in these difficulties. The author fails to note that many of obstacles are common to many other professions and graduate education programs (including things like difficult professors, low pay, and the need to juggle many tasks outside of your original love - design).

It's a useful read for anyone with romanticized notions of architecture. But just keep one thing in mind - all life choices are hard, and there are very few creative professions that don't require the ability to stand out and overcome obstacles.

I am an architect and a former student of Roger K. Lewis. This book was a suggested reading before my first year in studio. After reading this book and then taking the classes, I can truly say that it tells the truth about the field. If this book persuades you out of going into architecture, you would definitely not have been happy with it as a profession. If you are seriously thinking about architecture as a career choice, then buy this book.

I read this book when I was a senior in high school applying to colleges. It was helpful. I applied to architecture school and got into one of the best programs in the country. I graduated and got my dream job. When I was visiting my parents over Christmas I found this book on my shelf and read it again. This time I had an entirely different view after having gone to school and having worked for three different firms. This time it really hit the gut. I gave my notice at the firm and I'm going to pursue a different career for the next year. I'm not sure if I'm burned out on architecture and need to leave so that I can miss it and come back, or if I really don't want to be an architect. I have to say, the pay is bad. Really bad. That's what got to me. Expect to be paid HALF of what you're worth. That applies to the lowest intern all the way to the top partner. You just don't get paid what you're worth. Then again, it is a really incredible profession. It's a tough choice. So my advice is to buy this book and read it every couple years to make sure you really want to do this. Life is too damn short to do something you don't love with all your heart.

This book is right on the mark! I first read it as a junior in architecture school and in my youthful idealism pretty much dismissed most of the books observations. Now that I have been working as an architect for the last four years I have found this to be one of the most accurate looks at the profession of architecture available. Is it grim, yes at times, but it is much better to get a realistic perspective of what you are getting yourself into before devoting a lifetime working towards a goal that may not be right for you.

I highly, highly recommend this book!

I like how it gives good information and advice for someone like myself who was considering the profession. It gave me an excellent idea of what to expect of the profession. I just wish I had listened even more carefully to his advice when reading the book, especially the advice about taking some time off between highschool and going to school to be an architect. One thing future architects need to realize is that if you are an architecture major, you will have no free time whatsoever outside of your classroom studio. So if you have any wild and crazy side to you that just wants to party, I suggest getting that out of your system first and then go study architecture. If there is any traveling you really want to do, do it first. Cause architects work hard and on average dont even make that much money. Anyhow this book contains other useful information for those who are certain they want to be architects as well. It gives you an excellent idea of what to expect, the types of jobs you will be doing, the skills you will need, ect..

While this book has a few good pointers and general guides to the profession, it is very outdated and focuses on the way architecture and professionals "used to be." The author explicitly reminds readers that those who aspire to be architects should let nothing get in their way and that being an architect enables one to become "immortal" through "his" work. This model is no longer relevant in a work environment where more than ever, architects must be better listeners, civil servants and good designers. It exacerbates the worst parts of studio culture, glorifying them, and telling readers to "enjoy the psychological pains" of architecture school.

Why on earth anyone would publish this former paperback into a hardcover is beyond me. Summary: architecture school is extremely time-consuming, you can't go part time or expect to work simultaneously, OR have a life, relationships, etc; go to the schools with the best reputations; most architects don't make much money as the result of competitive underselling of their work and recent years (and the cookie cutter build phenomenon), you must have good business sense and assertion to be an architect. End of story. Had I not purchased this book (paperback) some years ago at a critical point decision point, perhaps I would be happily employed right now ... with an architectural degree ... as an architect. Guaranteed to talk most anyone out of pursuing the field (even if you love to draw houses). If this is REALLY your dream, I say do NOT buy this book and just work hard and stay positive. :P