9 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Architecture School

PAYETTE Designer and recent Syracuse University graduate, Whitney Malone shares her advice for students preparing for architecture school. Whitney completed her B.Arch from Syracusre University in 2018 with a minor in Economics. She first arrived at PAYETTE in 2017 as an intern and is now a full time designer at our firm.  

You will learn very quickly that there is a distinction – and sometimes disconnect – between architectural theory and architectural practice. Try to familiarize yourself with a few basic architectural theorists before entering school (i.e. Palladio, Vitruvius, Francis Ching, Rem Koolhaas, Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown are just a few).

Haven’t learned Rhino or Photoshop yet? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. You will learn how to use these programs in your studio classes and they will get easier over time. If you’re working in studio late at night and can’t figure out how to do something, the internet is a great resource for tutorial videos and community forums!

In order to learn as much as possible, you should always do your studio work in the studio!  Working in your studio space will allow you to talk through your design ideas with others, learn shortcuts in computer programs and bond with your classmates (remember, you’re likely stuck with them for the next 4 or 5 years!).

There were countless times when my classmates would stay up all night and morning finishing a physical model, only to show up to the review without sleeping, showering or preparing what they were going to say to the review critics. Being incapable of verbally presenting your project in a clear way is much more harmful to your review than some missing walls or stairs in your model.

In both the academic and professional worlds, critiques are how we discuss ideas and learn from our designs. To benefit from your studio reviews, you must be open to the comments and suggestions you receive from the critics and your professors.

One of the most interesting aspects of architecture school is the diversity in ways of thinking. Being around students and professors from various backgrounds not only taught me alternative approaches to design, but also expanded my understanding of architecture around the world.

There is no better way to study architecture than experiencing it for yourself. One of the most rewarding experiences during my time at architecture school was visiting the buildings I had studied in history class, such as the Villa Rotonda and the Pantheon. Exploring new cities will broaden your architectural knowledge, and you may even discover a new personal interest. If you have the opportunity to study abroad, you should absolutely take advantage of it – and don’t forget to bring your sketchbook!

I am always my most productive self when I am effectively balancing work, exercise and time to myself. Join a club soccer team or take a ceramics class – it will give you a break from architecture school and be an opportunity to meet new people!

Whether it is a small residential firm in a suburban town or a huge office in the city, you will learn A LOT. It’s important to be exposed to different studio cultures and areas of practice so that you can gain a better understanding of what you are interested in pursuing after architecture school.