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Comment by mechanical_fish | Hacker News Reader

From what I've seen, architects go to school, really arduous school, for years, after which they continue to work constantly, much more than 40 hours per week. I believe they get paid less than developers, have less job security -- and, yes, sit at a computer all day.

But what do I know? All I can suggest is: Don't apply to design or architecture school until you've talked with at least three working architects or designers. Make sure you talk to at least one cynic.

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I was an architect student now turned developer. The thought processes are very similar between the two disciplines however I personally find developing more rewarding.

In architecture you are considered a 'young' architect if you are in your fifties. That means you spend your best years designing underground drainage systems (that nobody will see) or garage extensions for pittance and long hours and minimal job security.

this is the exact issue I saw as an intern at an architecture firm right before I dropped out of it as a major

That's probably not a bad rule when thinking about any career - actually speak to people doing it before deciding.

From what I've seen, architects go to school, really arduous school, for years, after which they continue to work constantly, much more than 40 hours per week. I believe they get paid less than developers, have less job security -- and, yes, sit at a computer all day.

As I spend a lot of time working with architects, I can confirm that.

Architects spend all day in front of the computer, they click much more repetitively (a 12-hour CAD session will do wonders for your RSI), and they get paid less and find it harder to find a new job.

Then again, they do get to design cool buildings. Well, some of them do, anyway (a relatively small proportion, however).

You will do many unpaid or very lowly paid internships in studios with a "name" before you do get a job "designing cool buildings".

Architecture has always stood out to me as a potentially good career for the technical/creative type. I have a few friends who are architects and while they usually enjoy the work, they do NOT get paid well considering the amount of schooling they had to go through. Developers do way better.

See this CNN article for reference:

http://money.cnn.com/2005/08/15/pf/training_pay/

My mom actually did the backwards flip, when we were in Russia she was an architect, was part of the team that designed the building we lived in.

When we came to the states, she got a job as a VB Programmer. Got pretty good at it too.

So it's probably possible to get into architecture if you have the analytical mind for programming

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