ASPIRING TO BE AN ARCHITECT

I see a lot of romance with the profession of Architecture amongst young boys and girls these days. Even movies and dramas are showing lead characters as architects. Having spent good three decades in the practice of architecture I felt I need to give a broader picture to those who are aspiring to be an architect and what it’s like.

Architecture, and for that matter all design, is not confined to buildings alone.

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To put it succinctly it’s a way of thinking and creating. So at the very basic level, they teach you how to think, how to organize your thoughts, and then how to execute. Once you learn these skills you can apply them being an architect to any work at hand. Some choose to design spaces, others may choose virtual environments, furniture fashion, etc.

Architecture opens up a broad spectrum of trades that you may want to adopt for living.

I personally like buildings, but was never content with designing on paper alone. So I took up construction too.

To me, construction felt like a continuation of the design process, that I was passionate about, into the third dimension. So for example, I not only proposed materials for my design projects but also got involved in the procurement and along the way found new materials to play with, for the next projects. I would not only make the drawings but also supervise those structures being laid out on site.

Similarly, being responsible for all that was happening on site, I saw my designs taking shape much more closely and in detail, which made it all very challenging, experimental, and fun.

Whatever you may want to make of the architect inside you, one thing is for sure:

• • it’s never a 9 to 5 job.
  • It requires passion, commitment, and relentless efforts to bring to life your ideas.  
  • Like the diva of architecture once said, “if you want an easy life don’t be an architect”.  
  • But who wants an easy life?

You can see my projects and creations on www.montagedesignbuild.com.pk and if you are interested in the profession and have questions, please write your comments. I will be more than happy to help you develop a better and deeper understanding of the subject.