What all is involved to become an architect?

I wanted to be an Architect in College, but switch over to Mechanical Engineering because I thought I would be able to visualize the task better with engineering tools rather than the Architect tools. Successful Architects usually adapt quicky to the problem at hand with a wealth of knowledge and artistic value. ME, is more finely tuned and requires exact knowledge of a particular task. Artistic flavor of the design is not required by Manufacturing / Mechanical Engineers. Most of the successful Car designers are actually design artist, but have no concept on how to build this design they created. ME skills can be used everywhere there is industry and manufacturing, which is mainly in the north and west (US). Most Architects do not do well in the salary range due to a rather high number of them in the south, however ME's fair well in begining salary and if you pursue Manufacturing, then there would be more room for salary improvement. If you have the ability to couple your architectual knowledge and artistic experience, then most likely you (architect) will succeed far past any one else. Year Architects ME 1-5 $30 - 50k / year $32 - 54 / year 5-10 $40 - 60k / year $45 - 70 / year 10-15 $50 - 75k / year $60 - 90 / year 15-20 $55 - 85k / year $75 - 125 / year I have been a Mechanical Engineer / Information Technologist for over 23 years and make over $90 / year, due to my ME background in both the Dallas and Houston areas. Defense Electronics and Oil / Pertoleum industries are hot now and I would try to push to be a ME within one of those industries.

You need at least a Master's Degree, and most have a Doctoral degree. You need to make top grades, and especially excel at science and math. Also your English and communications skills must be very good, so work on your spelling, grammar, and presentation. Good luck!

ALOT of schooling, and you have to be IMPECABLE at math

South? South of what? South Wales? South Africa? South America? Southern Ontario? This is an international web site, you know. If Southern Ontario, check out www.oaa.on.ca. Then register at the local community college in an approved program. Write the professional exam, and put in the intern hours. Voila.

Architecture is the worst paid profession when you consider the amount of training required and the responsibility involved. Engineering is better. It takes 8 years minimum to become a licensed Arch.