Architect? A Candid Guide to the Profession [Paperback]

Roger Lewis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 6, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0262621215 | ISBN-13: 978-0262621212 | Edition: revised edition

The first edition of Architect?, published in 1985, quickly became known as the best basic guide to the architectural profession. More than a decade later, it is a standard text for introductory courses on architecture and recommended reading on the application forms of many schools of architecture. This revised edition includes new information pertinent to current education and practice and addresses issues and concerns of great interest to students choosing among different types of programs, schools, firms, and architectural career paths.Roger K. Lewis, a practicing architect and educator, takes a hard look at the education of the architect as he covers such topics as curriculum content, pedagogical theories and methods, program and faculty types, the admission process, internship, compensation, computer-aided design, and the culture of small and large firms. He tells how an architect works and gets work, and explains all aspects of architectural services, from initial client contact to construction oversight.The author describes the benefits of becoming an architect, including the opportunity to express oneself creatively, to improve the environment, and to achieve notoriety. But he doesn't hesitate to show the other side--the lack of steady work and appropriate compensation, the intensity of competition, the restrictions imposed by clients, and the high degree of anxiety and disillusionment among young architects. Written in a clear, accessible style, the book is accompanied by the authors often-humorous illustrations and a valuable appendix.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a terrific book for anyone thinking about a career inarchitecture. It's very useful and valuable." Richard Meier , Richard Meier & Partners"Required reading for would-be architects, it's also of value forthose who teach them." Architectural Record

About the Author

In addition to running his Washington, DC-based practice, Roger K. Lewis is Professor at the University of Maryland School of Architecture. He also writes and illustrates a column about architecture and urban design, "Shaping the City," for the Washington Post.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: The MIT Press; revised edition edition (March 6, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262621215
• ISBN-13: 978-0262621212
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #221,119 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pragmatic, Useful, And Well Written, August 1, 2004

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Robert I. Hedges - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Architect? A Candid Guide to the Profession (Paperback)

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.

43 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars candid indeed, December 31, 2002

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H. Shaw "teh_z" (SF Bay Area, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Architect? A Candid Guide to the Profession (Paperback)

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.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative guide to profession, April 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Architect?: A Candid Guide to the Profession, Revised Edition (Hardcover)

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.