The Guide: How to Make It Through Architecture School • HOME

This architecture school guide will not be your typical “stay-caffeinated-and-persevere” kind of guide. This will be your survival kit. Things I have learned along the way or realized I should have been doing all along. Continue reading to find out some architecture student hacks to stay sane.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

When I was a first year student, my design professor was my everything. Whatever he said was like a commandment, something to be followed blindly. So I would do as he said. Thankfully he was an exceptionally good mentor and I can without a doubt say I would not be the same person I am today if it wasn’t for him. However, professors are there to challenge you, to make you think differently. Don’t be afraid to shine a light on your own ideas. Your mentor will appreciate a unique perspective.

SHARE THE PAIN

It is true when they say architecture school is brutal. There will be all-nighters and hard times. Who can best relate to what you are going through than the people in the trenches beside you? It is always easier when you share the pain with someone else. It’s funny… Times like those will bring you closer together.

MAKE ALL THE FRIENDS YOU CAN

Try to get to know as much people as possible. It is better to start a business network early on. You never know later in life what people will end up doing and who you could end up working with.

TRAVEL

Although student life is filled with studios and exams and what not, one can easily find time to see the world. Trust me when I say that it is easier to take off while in school than when you actually get a real job. Also how cool is it to learn about buildings you’ve seen in real life! Things get much clearer so much faster.

FORGET ABOUT ARCHITECTURE

I know it’s weird to say to forget about architecture when you are studying it. But you have to give yourself a break. You will be bombarded with all this archi information and if you don’t want to get sick of it, you need to get away time to time. Get yourself a hobby, go see a movie, go for a run, visit an art gallery, whatever will make you happy and keep you motivated.

SAY YES TO THE EXTRA WORK

Whenever you find the opportunity to do more, say yes. If you don’t you will regret it later. So do the competition you think you won’t find time for. There is always time, it just takes some organizing.

SAVE!

Just save anything you are working on every 15-30min. Thank me later.

YOUR LAPTOP IS YOUR BEST FRIEND

Learn as much software as you can whether that’s Revit, ArchiCAD, Rhino, Sketchup, Lumion, Photoshop, Illustrator… Every program has its purpose and the more you know the more your projects will look thought through and well presented.

GO OUT AND HAVE FUN

Just do it. It’s not going to be the end of the world if you skip one evening of drawing.

KEEP YOURSELF INTERESTED

It’s really easy to lose interest. Try taking breaks from your own projects and learn about others. Search Archdaily for inspo or talk to your classmates. It helps to look at other peoples troubles and listen to what’s bothering them. You return to your project with fresh eyes.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide. If you think I’ve missed something or have more useful tips. please be sure to comment below.