Why be an Architect? Why not be an Architect

What is with this profession? 

Why be an Architect?

Architecture is a noble profession with great impact in the society. It is common knowledge that anybody who has the capability to invest in a certain project whether it be residential or commercial, deserve someone who could make him/her a decent plan with proper planning, and good design which an architect could certainly do.

 It’s not just about getting high profits, it’s about designing and planning to the best of your knowledge to improve the community because being an architect has a responsibility in sustaining the environment and not destroying it. There are architects who gave inspirations to those who are aspiring architects. One of these is Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright practiced what is known as organic architecture,  an architecture that evolves naturally out of the context, most importantly for him the relationship between the site and the building and the needs of the client. For example, houses in wooded regions made heavy use of wood, desert houses had rambling floor plans and heavy use of stone, and houses in rocky areas such as Los Angeles were built mainly of cinder block. Frank Lloyd Wright introduced the word ‘organic’ into his philosophy of architecture as early as 1908. It was an extension of the teachings of his mentor Louis Sullivan whose slogan “form follows function” became the mantra of modern architecture. Wright changed this phrase to “form and function are one,” using nature as the best example of this integration.

Architects can make good plans with proper spacing,functions and design which could prevent wasted space as well as wasted time and effort and most importantly wasted money that could be put into the construction of the project. 

In any given project parameters, we as architects are given the freedom to  pursue the artistic embodiment of those parameters. And different architects are always expected to have different solutions on the same project.

Despite architecture having to contain building sciences and technology, the  final esoteric product does not have a definitely right or wrong answer.  

You can practice the profession for as long as you want—you’ll always be an architect even when it is not your job anymore!

Being an Architect is not just a dream but also a decision that could change a person’s life.

 J

According to Reya Po;

When we are choosing what course to take, hindi nawawala ang mga factors to think like “passion”,  “malaking kita”, “madali lang” at “kagusto ng magulang”. Hindi rin nawawala ang tanong sa isip natin na , bakit ito ang napili kong kurso, bakit hindi iyon ang pinili kong kurso?

When I step in college, what I only know about the course that I take in someone that design houses and buildings. Ang alam ko lang when it comes to the word “design” ng building structure is its physical appearance at ang mga bahay ay hanggang dos at quartro aguas lang. I never thought of the deeper thoughts and meaning in every dot, line, plane and volumes beyond this course.

Sa loob ng halos apat na taon kong pag-aaral ng kurso kong ito ng ARCHITECTURE, naranasan kong hindi maligo dahil baka mapasma. I also experience series of days, may be series of weeks having only 1 - 3 hours o baka wala pang isang oras na walang tulog. Not only that, I also experience cramming na halos hindi na ako makapaghilamos, makapag mumog, makapag suklay. Pupunta kami ng school na nakapambahay lang para makapagpasa lang ng plate. Paulit-ulit itong when you’re in architecture.

What I have written above is not to discourage those who are aspiring to be architects someday. But then, there are questions that still pop out in my mind. Why be an Architect? Why not be an Architect?

I’m not yet an architect, in fact I’m still a student aspiring to be an architect, but I fully understand the responsibility of an Architect to his clients. It is discussed in our subject on Code of Ethics. A good relationship between an architect and his client is dependent upon good faith. For their continued trusted relationship, the Architect should carry his moral obligations to his client and to himself.

  An architect having a good intention to his clients might as well serve them honestly and professionally. His service will surely impact his client’s life and it is where the future of his career lies. Be sure to give them the best service you can offer to be sure of the positive impact among them.

- Sarah Runio 

We've managed to interview two of our  newly licensed Architect about why and why not be an  Architect. it was a simple question to randomly answer it but then it took them awhile to give these words  

"be an architect if you really want to be....

if it is your dream....

not your father or mother's dream for you...kasi... architects.. malaki epekto sa mga tao...

kahit sa pinaka simpleng detalye.. pwedeng magkaroon ng malaking epekto sa iba....

halimbawa.... ung toe kick sa mga kitchen counter....mahirapan ka mag wash ng dishes... mag luto... etc..

pero if you look deeper.. pwede rin maka epekto sa health mo...

but yours..."

- Architect Mark Anthony Landicho

Architects are the front line for all the changes... owners want to make,.. you're in charge of making the specifications..., and you're supposed to prepare a cost-estimate.... everyone else on the team is more specialized than you.... and you're the generalist at the top trying to decide things... rationally, control costs,.... and keep all the engineers on budget and on time,.... as well as coordinate all the disciplines' work.... ^^

-Architect Jaylord Agillon

while..

From a non Architect point of view these are what they quoted:

Architecture is more on how a building would look like. It is the specialization on physical appearance.
do not be an architect if you are not imaginative, If you are not the one who chose it to be, or it is somebody who pushed you to be, you may not be a good architect. It is the passion that may dictate you.
Just like any other profession,being an architect is a matter of your personal choice. If you are fascinated with building designs, and this is the way of expressing your self identity, so be it. I think there is still a difference between how an engineer and architect views design..

- Engr.ACastillo


DENTISTRY STUDENT

Why be an architect?
An architect design houses and has a large income/salary. You can already earn from a single drawing.
Why not be?
I am not good in designing and in making drawings. I do not have interest in buildings and structures.
Your idea about an architect?
I do not have much knowledge about architects. The only thing I know is that they are one of the reasons
 why the dream house of each person is built/ can come true.

-ENGINEERING STUDENT

Why be?
Architects are one of the professions needed in our society. They design and it is the first step to build structures that we see....Lots of opportunities for them, if they use their profession wisely they will grow.
Why not be?
no answer for y not be an architect.....i want to be an architect too...someday..
 Idea?
Architects are the one who design houses and through their designs they express their imaginative ideas.

-MARKETING STUDENT

Architects. They build and design infrastructures in which dreams are being made, where the future starts and where happiness are stored. They make a comfortable life possible. They are the ones behind the smiles of every family whom have a good home. I want to be an architect simply because they help make God's dream for every family possible. Architects are God's instrument of building and nurturing life through building great houses and making the world more beautiful.

BONUS!We can wear ridiculous eyewear and get away with it. J

Why NOT be an Architect?

we have gathered our own insights on why we think these should not be a choice for you.

To earn a living, we have to work hard. And in this country, being practical is a necessity to survive especially if you are in this profession. Because of the high competition in having a project, you have to strategic and creative in winning a client. You have to give what they want and need to get their approval. (of course still considering the code of ethics) In this case, architects spent their time on building the project sacrificing their time and ability in designing to comply with what is practically needed.

We as an architect, we build our clients’ dream home but we personally desires to do the same for ourselves but it is such a big dream that is far to be fulfilled. (maliban na lang kung nagmula tayo sa isang mayamang pamilya at pinamanahan tayo ng malaking kayamanan o kaya naman nakapang-asawa tayo ng mayaman. :p) But I believe we can build that dream house, we just need patience, and money. :p

Our decisions could affect other peoples lives. At hindi maiiwasan na magkamali tayo sa ating mga nagiging desisyon. Pero sabi nga eh, try and try until you succeed. We should not stop experimenting and take risks. With our mistakes, serve it as a lesson for your next project. Let it be a basis so you won’t have to make the same mistakes again. It’s a part of our life, nobody’s perfect. And besides, buildings seem to disposable now and it will be a matter of time before your mistake is corrected by someone else. Projects, no matter how good will soon be disposed in the future to make way for new buildings and structure.

IT IS NOT EASY TO BE AN ARCHITECT.

It requires a lot of time and effort and dedication. Mauubos lahat ng oras mo sa pagaaral at kauulit ng thesis hanggang makapasa. Kailangan mo pang magkaroon ng 2000 hours bago makakuha ng Board exam. Mapalad ka na kung ikaw ay pumasa sa first take at hindi na umabot sa pagiging Archi-taketwo at Archi-takethree and so on. And after being a registered architect, hindi pa doon natatapos.

Ang dami mo pang kailangang matutunan sa field na iyong pinasok. Kailangan mo pang dumaan sa maraming pagsubok para maging magaling na arkitekto. To take note: Ngayon pa lang sinasabi na naming sa inyo, kung gusto niyong maging milyonaryo sa medaling panahon, hindi ito ang propesyong hinahanap niyo. Hindi maiipangako ng pagiging arkitekto ang malaking kita na bumubulag sa mga estudyanteng mag-aapply pa lang sa college. Ibig sabihin, kailangan gusto mo talaga ang maging Architect bago mo i-fill up ang application form na yan. Promise hindi ito madali. Ngunit kung mahal mo ang ginagawa, wala kang hindi kayang gawin. J

It is because of stress. Architecture brings so much stress in physical and mental health. One that is taking architecture must prepare his/herself in pressure and challenges. Good health should be considered.

When you study architecture, of course you want your work to be the best and from your heart. But in reality, even though we know that what we design is the correct and appropriate one, once the client did not like it, we have to follow it. Our ideals don’t matter to our client. It’s heartbreaking but it’s true.