The road to becoming an architect can be a long and costly one involving, at times, a great deal of stress. The positive outcome, is that the skills acquired can be used in a small company or a large one, in the private or public sectors or even to start a business from home.

After graduating from high school, Casey explored a few different fields of study before settling on architecture. "I enjoyed art and had an aptitude for math and related subjects that included calculation" She says. "Buildings and spaces always intrigued me, so I applied to the architecture program at the University of Manitoba."

There are a few paths to a architectural career, Casey notes. She opted for the university route and completed the bachelor program which emphasized the design end of the field. "Out of six hundred applicants, I was one of sixty who were accepted." Interest in the field is high and entrance is limited.

Not everyone is interested in the design process, and for those who prefer the drafting end of things, another route would be through the architectural technology program in a community college such as S.A.I.T. These are often two or three year programs with a diploma on completion. This path puts more emphasis on the technical side of the industry. Some people begin this way and then decide later to continue in a university program towards a full degree.

To become a full-fledged architect, one would have to continue toward a degree in the Master's program and then work under an architect for several years before actually being given the title of architect (up to 9 years invested time with job opportunities after the first two or three). "All universities that offer these programs have a slightly different setup," Casey cautions, "They are ranked in the industry for their good and bad qualities, some having a better reputation than others for the knowledge the students graduate with and their ability to make it in the real world." It is important to do your research when selecting a school.

Beyond University, an architect must be part of a provincial architect's association and must follow the guidelines that the association has set out and agreed upon.

Also, familiarity with City building codes, current construction techniques, and building product specifications is important, as it directly affects final design decisions. From a production perspective, most studios use computers at some point in the design process, so a good knowledge of at least one or two CADD (computer aided drafting & design) programs is a must.

When asked about important values or skills, Casey suggests that creativity and a good work ethic are the most important qualities in this industry. Speed is valued in this deadline oriented career, but accuracy is critical, so a good eye for detail is very important and will reduce the potential for costly errors. People skills are also necessary. An architect must interpret a client's wishes and often must help them visualize the space. It may be necessary to steer them away from certain choices while explaining the technical requirements or restrictions of a particular project. A good architect can often suggest an alternative that will satisfy both the customer's wishes and the building requirements.

On any given day, Casey might design a single family residence and then switch to construction drawings for a large hotel. There are client meetings to attend as well as City hall permit requirements that need to be taken care of before a project can be completed. When a project reaches the building stage, contractors or tradespeople may be in contact for clarification on the design drawings or seeking advice on last minute changes.

A regular 40 hour week with some overtime is typical. During construction booms, and when there are big projects on the drawing board, the hours can get quite long.

As far as job security goes, there is work when the economy is good, but if there is a downshift, architecture positions are some of the first ones to disappear.

Wages likewise vary as a reflection of the economy and availability of employees. Degrees/diplomas also play a role in the level of remuneration. A Masters degree will earn more than a bachelors degree or technical diploma. An architect owning his or her own company can earn a substantial income with a good reputation, skills, reliable employees and marketing.

"Architecture is one of those rewarding careers that mix creative and technical objectives to offer endless variety and challenge."