I quit architecture. Here's why.

P.S. All my personal opinions, constructive criticism welcome only :)
Changing careers is super duper normal but no one seems to tell you that in school - here's my personal breakdown as to why I left the architecture industry and switched to Graphic Design
0:00 Introduction
0:40 - Why I chose to study architecture (and why I recommend it)
4:14 - Why I left the industry
8:25 - Why I switched to Graphic Design and career advice
Channels mentioned:
thefutur.com/
***
SOME COOL STUFF:
💌 Every other Monday, I deep dive into one creative essay (along with recommendations) - designdrawdo.substack.com/
🎙 My podcast interviewing digital artists (HIATUS) - anchor.fm/pixelpaperpodcast
From graduates to established professionals, I interview digital artists from all over the globe, to learn more about the creative process. You can find it by searching “Pixel Paper Podcast” on any podcast app (eg: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts etc). Check out the blog version here: / the-pixel-paper , or subscribe to the email list here: pixelpaperpodcast.substack.com/
LET'S CONNECT:
📸 Instagram - designdrawd...
🐦 Twitter - designdrawdo?lang=en
WHO AM I:
I'm Noor, a designer, artist and lifelong learner. I make videos about all things creative, including urban sketching, digital art and painting. I also have a weekly podcast interviewing digital artists (anchor.fm/pixelpaperpodcast).
GET IN TOUCH:
I’d love to hear from you. Insta DM's @designdrawdo will be the quickest way to get a response, but if your question is very long, feel free to email me at [e-mail]. I will definitely try my utmost to respond!
🎵 WHERE I GET MY MUSIC: freemusicarchive.org/

[@amberkhan7550]

I really like how put in the words " architecture is prestigious but its just a facade" 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@DesignDrawDo]

Haha, thanks Amber :)

[@Potent_Techmology]

@@DesignDrawDo in the US, every bachelor's degree program is 4 years. There are dual programs of architecture and civil engineering that take 5 years

[@Kaygee79]

This profession takes time to really discover. There is so many different paths you can go down with an Architecture degree. It does open a lot of doors and networking can help a lot. In my days the type of work where you talking about working late etc. for firms is becoming a bit of a CAD monkey. I remember a lot of friends of mine saying I am just a CAD monkey and they don't pay well for those roles, but it has to get done. But then a person could do some night school courses and get the same job. I think one thing is there are many offshoots from Architecture. For me over the years I really got a love for the construction site/field which reminds me of how you say you found graphic design. I ended up being a building inspector where I get to go to many job sites each and every day and you do need great technical knowledge and you can build it up over the years. I also just made a video about my journey with an Architecture degree so if you want to see a different perspective come watch! :) Great video, I can totally relate! :)

[@DesignDrawDo]

That's so cool! It's amazing how an architecture degree can open up your path to so many other paths. Thanks for sharing :)

[@43df-eg4cv]

I also have love for construction and I'm planning to switch. Ah the smell of concrete turns me on.

[@chapinachango8002]

I despise being stuck in an office and think a building inspector would be more satisfying. Do you have any tips in what to study and how to prepare for the transition?

[@Kaygee79]

@@chapinachango8002 Hey there, the first tip I would have is to actually make contact with a building inspector wherever you currently live. Depending on the country and city you live in the criteria may vary on what is needed to become a building inspector. If you already work in the field of Architecture, next time there is a job going on, visit the field at the time of inspection and pick the brain of your local inspector. Education wise, there usually is a requirement to have qualifications in regards to the Building Codes of where you live. For example I am in Ontario Canada and in our province you need a qualification called a BCIN (Building Code Identification Number) and with this number you can take exams in regards to the Ontario Building Code and build up your qualifications. When you have that and then apply for a job as a municipal building inspector it will make it much easier to get into that line of work.

[@umapuma]

YES GIRL; YES: You put exactly everything I think about architecture in words. I am an architect who switched to project management. It is more money, but, horrible working hours, and horrible stress. I want to switch to UX now. I followed you!

[@DesignDrawDo]

Thanks so much for the follow and glad you feel the same! It's time we talked about this :)

[@umapuma]

@@DesignDrawDo I feel like that, it is the time someone voiced it!! I feel like you were my voice and the only one that actually is confirming what I was thinking. I finally felt understood and that I am not crazy, this gives me confidence. So thank you

[@festusmwathi5064]

So it's time you look to rest

[@chapinachango8002]

I’m in project management and i am absolutely stressed. It’s killing me, slowly. I don’t have work life balance. I’m so glad you confirmed this as well. I don’t feel alone.

[@ark.curate]

I actually felt validated by watching this video. Thanks for sharing your journey! We are on the same boat. ✨

[@DesignDrawDo]

This comment did the same for me!

[@aryavalsraj]

Im a newbie architect tooo, i totally agree with you as even in school i just constantly felt that i wasnt in the right place. Right now I am looking for opportunities in UX design

[@DesignDrawDo]

Wishing you all the best!

[@whyyoulidl]

Many thanks for a well-balanced presentation; really appreciated the points raised.

[@DesignDrawDo]

I'm glad it's really helped you!

[@carlgroch4579]

I have been a licensed Architect for over 49 years. When I began my studies I chose Architecture because after a lifetime of work I wanted something to show for my life of work. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and can drive or ride past many projects designed by teams I lead. Was it worth all the extra time and low pay? YES!

[@DesignDrawDo]

Thanks for sharing! I appreciate the other side of the story - for some people I can totally understand it's worth it, I think it also depends on the place you live in, and especially that you've been practicing for that long! But for many I believe this opinion also resonates as times have changed and newer avenues popped up :)

[@sarcasmisnotoptional]

Isn't it the case that in every job, you have 'something to show for your life of work'? I admit that it is cool to be able to point to buildings in a city to do so, but in a different industry, you could verbally summarize your professional accomplishments to someone without literally pointing at them, and work less and be paid better in the meanwhile.

[@Moon-do1vt]

Low pay? I think I'll just pass on architecture haha. Even if I like doing something I would want to get a proper pay for it to get motivated..

[@MineshRatnadurai]

Great video! Enjoyed the insight - keep up the great work 👍

[@DesignDrawDo]

Much appreciated Minesh!

[@cowfeegoesmoo]

i'm in my 4th year of a 5 year undergrad degree, and i swear to god, everyday i wake up and want to drop out, but id rather now get the degree and then eventually move onto something better, but i am so mentally exhausted. studying it makes me feel suffocated i wonder how the work scenario would be ;-; i am super confused if i can put it to simple words. i agree with the all the pointers you've said out tho. although our uni does not provide us with softwares or classes for them, so we are kind of on our own now :D

[@DesignDrawDo]

I would say Stick it out, you're nearly there. You'll have more options with a degree under your belt. It's not easy but you'll come out of it !! All the best

[@robinsiva]

just finished my part 1 and want to switch to something else, but side note love your video editing and style!

[@saugatsahu6400]

Curious to know what major did you choose to switch. I am also on the same boat to change my major

[@chapinachango8002]

Switch now before it’s too late. I regret not switching out my 1st semester when i had a mental breakdown because of the workload. It doesn’t change in the real world, the pressure is worse because you must make a living. in fact i experienced so much abuse by bosses, with unlivable wage, i went through major depression. Got my degree, to be enslaved to student loan debt for the rest of my life. Get out now.

[@Achiburton]

Im an architect in Dominican Republic and im sooo agreee with you… I cant share all my ideas because of the language barrier but, you did WELL!!

[@DesignDrawDo]

Appreciate it!

[@RafidRahim]

I recently quit my 9-5 architecture job to purse independent career in art. Your video is so much relatable for me! I could relate with everyword you just said. With Ai art taking over artist's jobs I'm not sure If I am taking the right decision to become an artist at this day and age but one thing I am sure that I don't want to return to architecture anymore. Lets see how things goes, I have no idea what I'm gonna get myself into or where I will be in next 5 years

[@DesignDrawDo]

Awesome! Yes its exciting to see where the future goes, as long as we keep unskilling I suppose!

[@personnnnn.nn.n]

Love your channel ❤🎉

[@DesignDrawDo]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@einarquay]

Dead on the money! Exactly right and why I quit the profession. I also couldn’t stand the snobs.

[@chapinachango8002]

Snobs is right! Why are they so arrogant and evil?

[@mankind5709]

You don’t appreciate architecture until you’ve built something. Drawings are mean less until you’ve walked into one of your buildings. Could take 5 years , 10 , years etc. stick it out. Eventually you will discover the clients are a real pain, and they complain for no reason.

[@chapinachango8002]

haha! yessss, they complain for no reason. Do you know how many times i’ve been yelled at for the slow lead times of review by government agencies?! It’s emotionally exhausting.

[@pcdm43145]

So, this was an interesting video, but it leaves a few too many questions open. You've piqued my curiosity, though. What kind of firm did work at, in Dubai? Was it a big or small one? Did they have a specialty? What did they have you doing, most of the time? I've heard people in that field complain about the insane working hours. Why is that such a common problem? Is it because the client or the firm (or both) demand unreasonable timelines on projects? Why don't the guilds or professional associations push back on those conditions? I'd be interested in hearing your insight on these questions. Meantime, all the best, my friend.

[@christophermoody1448]

Question. Who said you couldn't be both an architect and a graphic designer? Regarding the other professions that you mentioned, I know folks who are in the medical field, nurses and doctors who voiced the same concerns regarding pay and long hours. However, I 100% agree with you that changing careers is normal. But during the transition, ask yourself, honestly, "Why am I making this change"? "Is it because I want a job, leading to a career that's low stress but with incredibly high pay"? If that's the case, it's not happening, no matter what other social media platforms shows. Architecture, just like any other profession has a "love and hate" relationship. Just be aware that although graphic design is under the same umbrella of architecture, there will be times where you love it and hate it. I know architects who are also engineers, graphic designers, sculptors, and fashion designers. Just something to think about. Thanks for sharing.

[@chapinachango8002]

Because it’s emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausting to do. Doing architecture requires you to be incredibly knowledgeable in so many facets, including being tech saavy to be able to draft or render. It sucks all the energy out of you. Kudos to those who can do both.

[@DesignDrawDo]

You are right, Virgil Abloh was a great case in point of this. So whilst I don't disagree with you, I also agree with the reply to this that it can be mentally exhausting and, from what I've seen, pay for junior architects is not worth it to continue :)

[@Sarapontmercy]

This is exactly my journey, left architecture after graduating and doing a year in the industry and now I shifted into UI/UX design

[@joegotz1971]

You have to find your nitch and make yourself valuable. And willing to take on any project no matter how good or how shitty it is. Finally we take more good projects. And work where the money is. My former employer was asked by a client to come look at his fireplace. He agreed but the client said it has to be on Sunday. So he agreed and did 3 houses, and several large projects in NJ and FL.

[@DesignDrawDo]

To each their own!

[@SaiKrishna-ne4lc]

Will you suggest BIM career over UX for an architect with 2 years of experience ? TBH I love graphic & user interface design as well.

[@brianm3160]

I 100% Relate TO THIS! I'm now a Digital Product Designer

[@marwabourouba7447]

I wanna stop architecture school, i'm just 18 and i would like to do more digital design and coding, so i'ms hesitating with computer science field and digital design, i found a course that teach informatic and industrial design at the same time but i'm not sure do be accepted now, i don't really know what to do instead

[@DesignDrawDo]

I think you have to have a sit down with yourself and weigh the pros and cons, along with what you really want to do. It's a decision ultimately you have to make for yourself!

[@thesecondantagoniser4008]

The music is probably a little too loud, but besides that this is a nice presentation.

[@alexeyandreou9639]

4 weeks before the final diploma presentation and get this video in the recommendations, is this a sign? :D Extremely sad information, considering how much effort it took me to get into the university and even more so to finish it ...

[@DesignDrawDo]

Hey Alexey - don't be disheartened. I don't regret doing my architecture degree. I learned a lot from it and you have so many skills that people want to learn! Continue and finish your degree and be proud of it! And know that if you don't enjoy the field you can always switch to another field as you have those skills (though it will take time to build the pfolio bearing in mind)

[@alexeyandreou9639]

@@DesignDrawDo Thanks for the words of support! In fact, I'm not worried about the relevance of this diploma, but what is following next. I have already passed the stage of "rejection and acceptance" of this profession and found my niche in parametric design, but the further perspective is not very inspiring... Of course, it's too early to draw conclusions, but taking into account that too many peoples agree that overtime and incomparably absurd salaries - is expected reality, this is clearly not what I expect from something that cost so many "sacrifices". Like most, I came into this field because of an "idea" and based on my interests (just like in your case) but working for an "idea" is completely different ... and certainly not to continue such a destructive lifestyle like in the last 5 years 🥲

[@DesignDrawDo]

@@alexeyandreou9639 agree. It is something that needs to change BUT there are lots of architects making it work. We each have to carve our own path and you're still early in your journey (as am I tbh!). Take time and explore what interests you. Especially now I would recommend saying yes to different opportunities because you never know where it will lead!

[@MrRicardo361]

The only way to make a sustainable income in architecture is to 1: Be part of a a dual-income household or 2: Run your own private practice. Being a full-time employee in architecture makes little sense financially.

[@riccia888]

Many people dont know that architecture isn’t cool anymore like in the 90s. There are many more cooler jobs and pay more like concept art or Visual development. You can even earn more being a youtuber than being an architect.

[@DesignDrawDo]

True to some extent!

[@s.a.1083]

Studying in Canada and just about to finish my second year of five, I think of switching everyday. Especially as another muslimah, architecture, at least as taught in the west, feels like the type of thing to dedicate to the dunya. If it at least paid well it would make committing easier because you can do a lot of good with money at least. Honestly in the end idk if its going to be worth it which is what im afraid of atm.

[@DesignDrawDo]

With anything its about intention. You can make anything akhirah focused if you wish, as long as it's not going against God's commands. The only person who can give you the answer is yourself. Look at alternative routes, weigh up pros and cons. Having said that, Its easier to switch early on. Alternatively, you can do the full thing and still switch careers, if you think an architectural career is still feasible. Pray istikhara and trust in God. The path isn't easy but sit with yourself and you'll figure it out

[@zk4761]

In Canada, how much do architects make? I am trying to get an understanding of what low pay means because that is different depending on the person. Also quality of life is important, how is that for architecture?

[@noorahoney3875]

I love the video but the music is somehow louder than your voice, which is a bit distracting

[@Ixorpehc]

I agree. In architecture, you work too hard, with unpaid over time, on garbage projects and yet get paid less than an exceptional welder who works a regular 9 to 5 shift. I don't even receive healthcare coverage. The ROI on my education is a complete tragedy. I plan to transition to the IT profession with just a few months of trade school.

[@DesignDrawDo]

I hope it goes well for you!

[@zakaria.ammour]

the music is too loud

[@architecture_lens44]

your video is good but the music is distracting so i hope you can talk with out it

[@father208]

I agree, should of went rout

[@bibzy6277]

Honestly, you really realise the struggles, pain, headaches and everything bad in first year of uni. And the actual industry, it's all glamourized. Architecture uni's in the UK do not teach you about handling the actual industry. I have a feeling I'll most likely go into a completely different route from architecture once I actually start working for a firm. It's too tedious and painful, and I'm starting 3rd year soon. RIP.

[@DesignDrawDo]

The skills you use in architecture school are really helpful for other industries so I'd say just stick with it as it's only 3 years. I feel for those in 5 year degrees. Try the events industries, or interior design as alternate routes, they're always looking for 3D designers.

[@keleniengaluafe2600]

Do not view ARCHITECTURE in terms of money,,,don't limit yourself in Architecture!!Architecture is UNIVERSAL,,,,thanks for sharing your experience!

[@nadyad6988]

But if i think rationally, we work to get money. Its different with volunteering or charity.. the most problem is for now Architecture have: effort > money.

[@keleniengaluafe2600]

The most important thing in life is free,,AIR is free,,why money!!Architecture is about Life,,,,GOD IS THE ARCHITECT!!you are a great architect!!keep up the great work 👍

[@Moon-do1vt]

Oh please the reason why you're on the internet now and watching this useful video is because of money. Stop being delusional like money doesn't give you freedom to do whatever you want. Money is important in this world and any sane person would want to get properlt paid for their jobs.

[@brianbozo2447]

FFS what's with the loud background music?? Its hard to hear on concentrate on what is being said.

[@DesignDrawDo]

I dont think it's so bad but will keep it in mind for next time

[@AThwinShinThantThu-rf3fq]

Me: can't choose between interior design and graphic design 🫠

[@madnalab3901]

four minutes and still waiting why you quit architecture............

[@DesignDrawDo]

There are chapter markers in the description you can click through to watch what section you want to :)

[@madnalab3901]

why you quict.....answer the question@@DesignDrawDo