Architectural Designs

How would I get this?

Hello,I'm sixteen and I want to be an architect (I know you hear this everyday lol), I want to design buildings and have them come to life for all the public to see. I'm interested in home design, but I would really love to design/build buildings more in public. I should also note that my interest isn't necessarily designing/building like office building and such, even though I would, my interest more leans toward unconventional public places (like where people would go to view art or any type of thing like that. For instance, I had this idea of a completely glass art observatory for art where you could post you art on the walls for free and have the public see them, it would be about 6 floors high and have an underground exhibit (it's hard to explain lol), I think it would help a lot of people get their art career off the ground). I'm not trying to be picky but that's just what I like. Anyway, I was wondering how to make the first step. I'm currently in the process of obtaining my GED (because I was always homeschooled). I live close to a community college but I'm not sure if it could take me anywhere? Basically, I know what I want, I just don't know how to get it yet. Can you help me out? Thanks Ps: I want to make it clear that I want to be an architect, not participate in the physical building of the structure. thanks!

Public Comments

1. Requirements for working as an Architect are below, according to the US Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook. If you are truly interested in this career, I suggest you read the whole article: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos038.htm for additional information. Architects must be able to communicate their ideas visually to their clients. Artistic and drawing ability is helpful, but not essential, to such communication. More important are a visual orientation and the ability to understand spatial relationships. Other important qualities for anyone interested in becoming an architect are creativity and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Computer skills are also required for writing specifications, for 2-dimensional and 3- dimensional drafting using CADD programs, and for financial management There are three main steps in becoming an architect: completing a professional degree in architecture; gaining work experience through an internship; and attaining licensure by passing the Architect Registration Exam. Education and training. In most States, architects must hold a professional degree in architecture from one of the 117 schools of architecture that have degree programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Most architects earn their professional degree through a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture degree program, which is intended for students with no previous architectural training. Others earn a master’s degree after completing a bachelor’s degree in another field or after completing a preprofessional architecture program. A master’s degree in architecture can take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on the extent of previous training in architecture. The choice of degree depends on preference and educational background. Prospective architecture students should consider the options before committing to a program. For example, although the 5-year bachelor of architecture offers the most direct route to the professional degree, courses are specialized, and if the student does not complete the program, transferring to a program in another discipline may be difficult. A typical program includes courses in architectural history and theory, building design with an emphasis on CADD, structures, technology, construction methods, professional practice, math, physical sciences, and liberal arts. Central to most architectural programs is the design studio, where students apply the skills and concepts learned in the classroom and create drawings and three-dimensional models of their designs. All State architectural registration boards require architecture graduates to complete a training period—usually at least 3 years—before they may sit for the licensing exam. Most new graduates complete their training period by working as interns at architectural firms. Some States allow a portion of the training to occur in the offices of related professionals, such as engineers or general contractors. Architecture students who complete internships while still in school can count some of that time toward the 3-year training period. Licensure. All States and the District of Columbia require individuals to be licensed (registered) before they may call themselves architects and contract to provide architectural services. During the time between graduation and becoming licensed, architecture school graduates generally work in the field under the supervision of a licensed architect who takes legal responsibility for all work. Licensing requirements include a professional degree in architecture, a period of practical training or internship, and a passing score on all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination.