As part of its new StudyArchitecture.com initiative, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) has outlined eight career paths for architects who have obtained their degrees—a far cry from the former binary choices of “architecture” and “other.” Here, we examine what each of these eight paths has to offer an emerging professional about to take his or her next step.
ARCHITECTURE: The traditional option, although becoming a licensed architect allows for various areas of expertise, such as project management or building codes.
DESIGN: Take the more visual elements of your architectural training and employ them at an advertising agency or urban planning firm.
COMMUNICATIONS: Architects have to collaborate and communicate in order to succeed; those skills are always a major plus in both public relations and human resources.
COMMUNITY BUILDING: It’s difficult to be a working architect today if you aren’t plugged into your community. Management and design positions in community initiatives abound.
TEACHING: Bring the lessons imparted upon you to the next generation; an architect’s communication and project management skills translate well to the educational world.
MAKING: Use your design abilities in a hands-on fashion; construction and carpentry are a bit more physical but rooted in the same methodologies.
MARKETING: A variety of clients, detail-oriented work, and visionary thinking that leads to beautiful design? Marketing is basically architecture with more writing.
POST-PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: Why start a job when there’s more to learn? Head back to school, either for architecture or a related field of study, and narrow down your future path even further.
To learn more about the ACSA’s new initiative, visit studyarchitecture.com.