Natwerk Designs

Career Advise HELP (architect/construction)?

Hello iam at a point in my life were iam sort of confused about were i want to take my future. iam a 21 yr old female & i enjoy construction and architecture but iam more fasinated with the desining of the product . i have visions of what a kitchen layout should be, how a stair case should positioned, were a fireplace should be and ect. everyone says interior design because iam a woman and women dont do construction but isnt interior design more of decorating a home,office ect.. with material things because if so i dont wanna be a decorater i want to deisgn the layout of a home, office, building ect.. pls help if you are confused with what i am trying to convey i will gladly try and clearify thanks.

Public Comments

1. Architecture or Landscape Architecture sound like they are right up your ally. Do some research into both of these fields. Don't let someone corner you into interior design because it is a "female" thing to do...those people are losers. Go after your dreams and your heart...There are some very great architecture schools...start searching around to see what it would take and what some other similar fields are...and the GO FOR IT!!!. You have nothing to lose...
2. Interior decorators do they floor plan sometimes too. They do primarily do the paint colors and things though. It sounds like your more interested in architecture. Don't let the male dominated field scare you, just be cause there are not many female architects does NOT mean you can't be one. Go with your heart. people are happiest when doing something they love.
3. You sound like you would be terrific as an architect or even a layout designer for an architect. There is a great demand for persons who can visualise how a room should be created. To have a degree in architectual engineering or design would be a great way to start. Construction is the "dirty" part of the job. Outside when it is too cold, hot, wet, etc. I'd much rather sit at a computer or drafting table any day.....
4. I've worked for two architectural firms in the past in their interior design department as a drafter. Neither firm did any residential work. Interior designers (in the commercial sector) do layouts as well as decorating on more than just houses and office buildings. Don't forget about hotels, hospitals, schools, doctor or dentist offices, shopping malls, etc. On commercial projects the interior designer handles everything related to the interior...layouts (space, lighting, cabinetry, etc), selection of furniture, fixtures, wallcoverings, and flooring materials. Pay attention to an office building or hotel the next time you enter one...everything you see on the inside was selected and layed out by an interior designer. This also includes the interior of bathrooms and elevator cabs. For homes though...I think the layout is strictly the realm of an architect because you're dealing with load bearing walls as well as having to follow certain engineering standards while meeting or exceeding the universal and local building codes. btw...architects can also be interior designers. What I suggest you do is do intern work at an architectural firm, starting with the interior design dept. while you're in school. You will get a feel for the work involved and practical experience. An added bonus...your employer is very likely to hire you permanently after you graduate. You can also start your own firm but you must be licensed. And you can't get licensed unless you have work experience (don't remember the requirements) and have passed all the tests which are on the difficult side from what I understand. One more thing...there is a major difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator. Interior designers do layouts as well as decoration. An interior decorator only does decoration, no layouts. Interior designers also have to follow building code with their design while interior decorators do not because they do not handle any issues that require following building code. You can go to http://www.iida.org for more information on interior design.