The term “architecture” has gotten pretty big. You can probably agree that there is no formal education program in architecture that teaches you how to be an architect, but what about practicing as one?

That seems like it would make sense to have at least some sort of certification or licensure for architects, right? Unfortunately, not everywhere! There are only really two ways to become licensed to practice architecture in this country — by going through either the national board exams (that most people refer to as being certified) or receiving professional design accreditation.

But before we get into which ones exist and why they matter, let us talk about something important: what is architectural practice anyway?

What is architectural practice?

Architectural practice means different things to different people depending on who you ask and what area of architecture you look into. For example, some people may use the word “practice” to mean working with an internal firm or private company on their project, while others may use the word to include freelancing or running your own business. Some even go so far as to define it more broadly to include teaching or lecturing about architecture.

No matter how you choose to describe it, though, architectural practice always includes three main components: designing projects, marketing yourself as an architect, and getting paid as an architect.

Observe and think about architecture

A lot of people consider architects to be artists, but that’s not quite accurate. An architect designs buildings, so their main job is to make things look good.

However, being an artist means more than just putting together shapes and colors; it also includes expressing yourself through your work.

Architecture is a form of expression — something most non-architects don’t realize. People who design cars or computers use them every day, so they have some sense of what goes into creating products like this.

But designing a house or a room is totally different! This is why it’s important to pay close attention to how other architects do things. You can watch YouTube videos or read architectural books to learn from their mistakes and triumphs.

Make notes of great buildings

A lot of people get inspiration from looking at beautiful buildings, studying their shapes, how they are built and what materials they use.

Many architects also take note of which styles they like and learn some basics of that style so they can replicate it or improve on it.

But there is one thing most famous architects have in common — you never see them! This is because very few people are lucky enough to be able to go into an architect’s office and ask to look around.

Most people don’t even know where to start when it comes to asking about designing houses or figuring out what projects an architect is working on.

It’s not for lack of trying though, I think many people just don’t understand the process of becoming an architect.

So here we will talk about something many people don’t realize they can do as a practicing architect – make drawings!

Making drawings is a pretty universal way to practice architecture. Even if you aren’t planning to become an architect yourself, you should still try making some sketches every once in a while.

They help us communicate ideas more clearly, give us new insights into things, and enhance our drawing skills. Plus, seeing how other artists draw helps hone your own technique.

There are several ways to begin drawing, and whatever method feels comfortable to you is fine! No matter what tool you choose, just keep practicing and having fun with it.

Talk to an architect

It is very important to know what kind of architecture you want to pursue. As we have seen, being able to recognize good architectural styles is a great way to start practicing it. But knowing how to describe your style is another crucial part of defining yourself as an architect!

Interior or exterior?

This question has two parts- interior and exterior. As we learned in our article about types of buildings, an interior designer works with spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. An external (or landscape) architect designs outdoor areas such as parks, roads, and homes.

So which side do you prefer to work on? You can choose either one, but if you are not sure which direction you would like to go, try out both for experience! Both require different sets of skills so don’t feel that only one type of person can be an architect.

Another tip is to think about whether you want to specialize in one area or wanted to become more generalized. Some people love designing houses and creating indoor environments, while others enjoy designing landscapes and structures outside.

Finding Your Style

Your personal style is something that comes naturally to you, and you may find that you keep changing styles depending on what settings you are working in at the time. There are many ways to figure out what styles make you happy, from looking through magazines and books to talking to other architects.

Practice drawing or creating a visual representation of architecture

While most people can recognize buildings, few are able to describe what makes them aesthetically pleasing. This is because there are no formal educational programs that teach people how to design skyscrapers, hospitals, or shopping malls.

However, you do not have to be an architect to develop your architectural aesthetics. You can practice designing by making repeated observations and experimenting with colors, shapes, and styles.

Practice drawing or creating a visual representation of architecture. Make notes about inspiring designs as well as things that don’t work and why. Use these insights to hone your eye for detail and color schemes.

The way in which you use colors influences the overall feel of a space. For example, bright, bold colors like red, orange, and yellow create a stimulating environment that encourages activity. On the other hand, shades of blue and green promote relaxation and calming effects, respectively.

Play with your imagination

The first thing you need to do is play with your imagination! If you’re always practicing computer graphics, then that’s great! You can apply what you have learned to architecture by thinking about it in terms of visuals only.

But I ask you again – how many architects use computers these days? Or even own one? To be honest, not too many.

So why don't we try something different? Why don't we think about architectural ideas in terms not just of pictures but also sounds, tactile sensations, and even sense of time?

We could focus on shapes and forms for minutes or hours at a time, and combine them in new ways. We could spend time studying simple sketches, drawing from nature, or creating our own designs using whatever tools appeal to us.

It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced architect or not - everyone has a mind full of potential ideas they've never tapped into before. It's like having a secret weapon.

Invest in educational materials

A lot of people begin practicing architecture after receiving an undergraduate degree or diploma in art, design, or building studies. These courses include concepts such as interior decoration, color theory, typography, sustainability, and so on.

However, beyond these academic fundamentals, there are several ways to hone your architecting skills. The most direct way is to take architectural classes at a university, but this isn’t always accessible for everyone.

There are many other opportunities to learn more about designing buildings, including by taking online lessons or watching YouTube videos. You can also find free resources online and in-person workshops run by professional architects and designers.

By investing in your education outside of school, you will be improving your talent as a designer while also widening your network.

Learn to read architectural drawings

It is important to understand how an architect draws his or her shapes and lines. You will need to be able to recognize basic elements of architecture like triangles, squares, circles, and rectangles. Beyond that, you will want to know what materials make up specific parts of buildings as well as their proportions.

Architecture students must also learn how to interpret diagrams and sketches. This includes understanding underlying concepts such as proportion, unity, and emphasis. Students who are interested in pursuing career opportunities in the field should take some time to explore different styles and techniques.

There are many ways to learn about architectural design. Some schools offer courses that focus more on theoretical aspects while others emphasize practical applications. Either way, it is helpful to look into various types of lessons and tutorials.

You can find free online resources as well as YouTube videos and reading material.

Learn to read plans

The first step towards practicing architecture is learning how to read architectural drawings. These are some of the most important documents architects create, so it’s crucial that you understand what they mean.

Interpretation of lines, colors, shapes, and position of elements in a drawing use specific terminology which can be learned through research and practice.

When interpreting an architect’s drawing, remember that the designer will likely have built up a vocabulary of their own. You don’t need to use the same terms, but knowing what those terms mean will help give your reading more precision.

There are many ways to learn about reading architectural drawings. Some people may even teach themselves by looking at examples and teaching themselves from there! Others find educational resources via YouTube or other websites.

Practice makes perfect!

Architecture is a beautiful creative field that requires constant re-evaluation of fundamental concepts.