GraphCorp wrote:
Dear Sirs / Madames,
Hello. This is my first foray into the ArchiCAD forums and I am looking for some advice.
I am currently a Senior Graphic Designer / Art Director in CANADA with R.G.D. (Registered Graphic Designer accreditation) (16 years in the business) that has been interested in technical drawing and rendering for years. I have made some short excursions into CAD with Carrara 3 (though I've hardly touched it) and by using an Adobe Illustrator plug-in called CADTools (which I think is great!) to create P.O.S., packaging, tradeshow booths, etc.
I've examined numerous posts on the forum with regard to learning curves, Mac vs. PC, PPC vs. Intel vs. Linux, etc., and I'm considering a career change into Architecture. Would anybody care to advise me on how best to reach my goal? BTW, I'm 42 years young, with a TON of high-end Mac equipment at home already...
I can tell you with all honesty to pick another field.
To become an Architect up here you need a degree in Architecture, then at least 1 year articulation just to work for another Architect doing all the things they don't like to do. If you want your own practice I would suggest that working for an Architectural firm for 5 years probably won't be enough just to compete for the smallest of projects.
If you go the other stream to become a Registered Designer, you will need to pass the Ontario BCIN examinations even to give advice on any building. That requires a strong knowledge of building science, as well as an intimate knowledge of the Ontario Building Code, it relevant parts and its Supplementary Guidelines.
If you succeed and just want to do small buildings or houses also understand that there are probably 50 registered designers already in the Hamilton area - many with far more education (many with architectural degrees) and far more experience just doing houses and additions. The competition is high, start-up costs are high and the income is low so be prepared for a number of years of not breaking even.
Someone without an thorough education in building sciences, a thorough understanding of construction materials and methods and no understanding of the Ontario Building Code (you must also take and pass the Building Code Act legals course) and little business experience has no hope of making it it. I know a number of fully educated individuals who passed the required exams and still could make it past a year.
So I will reiterate that you would be wise to chose another field. However, if you have the next 10 years to commit to returning to school, spending working and apprenticing with someone with the knowledge and experience and saving enough money to take the OBOA courses and exams, then you might have a chance. Architecture and design is no longer a do it yourself or for a friend business. Unless you have a license you can't even give advice about what colour of toilet to use. It would be an offense under the Building Code Act.
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