[quote=sdrealtor]I completely get why people would hate it but it is really cool. Better yet, the coolest part is what is inside.
Another thing we loved about Seattle was the architecture. Its got to be an architects dream (or nightmare to have to be that creative) to work up there. That is one of my son’s interests careerwise and he is already trying to design Seattle style buildings on minecraft. He loved the Hammering Man kinetic scuplture as it reminded him of minecraft.
My daughter wouldnt climb on the pig for a picture until we found out the pigs name. Then I couldnt her off her twin sister.[/quote]
Have him talk to some actual architects about the career path and salary potential. It will probably be eye opening.
Specifically have him ask about salary post graduation but before you pass the series of registration exams (typically 5 -10 years after you graduate). It’s pretty much intern level salaries till you can get registered/licensed.
Even then – for a non-owner/partner… the salary caps out much lower than you’d expect. And become an owner/partner requires significant cash investment. My income ceiling as a software engineer is a LOT higher than that of an architect with similar years of experience.
It’s not all designing cool looking buildings. A lot of it is coordinating various groups to retrofit an elevator…. Or working with developers of business parks who want to cut all costs – including your fees.
Even working on the cool big name projects can be pretty much in the weeds. Hubby worked on an airport – but had to spend a lot of time working out the air handling for the food court and how to squeeze in more stalls in the restrooms on the concourse. He worked on stuff for the Franklin Institute when he worked for Venturi, but was paid crap while doing it. And the really cool stuff they expect you to take your pay in glory rather than $$. He turned down a gig to work on Euro Disney because they offered HALF his then salary. They assumed everyone would want to work for Disney, so they didn’t have to pay… and were surprised he turned it down.
Seriously – I am not allowing my sons to consider architecture now that I know about the career path. And my husband is on the same page.
