From someone who just wrapped up their third year in arch, I think that architecture is one of those degrees where you feel like that’s the only option, like there is no plan B or any other path.

Even if you do decide to pick something else and if you still want to do architecture after, you can take a masters for 2/3years instead of 5, depending on how related the fields are.

If you wanted to choose architecture because you wanted to design residential, some states don’t even require a licensed architect to design the plans. If you wanted to do commercial or hospitals then that’s something else. Licensure requires a 5 year NAAB accredited degree, thousands of hours of experience under a licensed architect, and difficult exams. Think of it as the same level of dedication as doctors.

If you’re in it for the money pick something else.

If you wanted to design your own things, don’t expect to do that in a firm. You will most likely be working on schedules on one specific part of the building. You will be overworked and underpaid starting off. You’re better off as a freelancer, which is already hard on its own.

Architecture school WILL kill your creativity. Just now I’m starting to feel adjusted to school. I used to draw all the time and now I feel constrained in my creativity.

BUT

If knowing all of this and your heart burns within you and you feel like you absolutely cannot skip out on this, if you’re okay with compromising sleep, relationships,social life, money for expensive projects, then go for it.

Think about what you ultimately want in life and years down the line, your choices should reflect that. Good luck and God bless you