Architecture and Education...
I was recently accepted to Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan! I will start classes in the Fall of 2001. I've already been in college for three years, but I figured I should do something I'd enjoy instead of settling. So, here I am starting almost completely over. With a lot of effort and hard work I hope to graduate with a bachelor of science in two and a half to three years. From there I'll have to do an internship and take a test to become certified. I may or may not get a masters degree. I haven't decided yet.
The past few years I have been on a soul-searching mission to figure out what I wanted in and from life. That's when I figured out that I wanted to be an architect. When I was younger, my dad got me interested in the concept of designing and building my own house. It was kind of a dream, because I thought about all of the possibilities, but I never ever considered doing it as a career. I don't know why it never dawned on me before, but it has now and I'm loving it.
Although the school I'm currently attending (Central Michigan University) doesn't have a degree in architecture, they do offer two architecture classes (and several other drafting classes). I enrolled in the residential architecture class last year and absolutely loved it. I am now in the second class, light commercial architecture. My teacher (Herman Otto) is actually an established architect with his own firm. He works there during the normal work week and then teaches on Wednesday nights.
When you look back at high school, if you're lucky, you can think of at least one teacher that made an important impact on your life. I think that I will feel that way about Mr. Otto when I look back at the beginning of my architectural interests. When I started the first class, I was the only one in there without any drafting experience. He warned me that it might be difficult because it wasn't a basic drafting class, but he was extremely patient and helpful. I caught on pretty quick (at least I think so) and I feel like I can be successful at this. This is only my second semester, but Mr. Otto always has good things to say about my improvement over the last year. I also get a lot of pointers and compliments on my drafting from him. I guess it always helps to have a teacher who encourages you when you take a class so closely related to the field you are entering.
I haven't actually designed a building of my own yet, but when I do I'll post it. That is, of course, if I can figure out how to scan something that large! Most of the plans are 18 x 24 and my scanner's not that big! Just another thing to figure out! Check this page occasionally for updates, I might have a lot more to say once I'm at Lawrence Tech and learning even more!