Most drawing are done in CAD, I have seen some hand drawn sketches, but they are small scale and very straight forward (ie: maybe just showing cross section of a wall components)
The courses that you take would be similar to Civil Engineering plenty of statics, calculus etc.., If you are more interested in the Engineering Aspect, maybe you should explore Building Engineering, It is quite similar to Architecture, but perhaps more scientific.
If you don't feel confident in the hard sciences, maybe consider Architectural Technology (maybe associates degree or similar), I have heard that the technologists do quite a bit of important work, while the architechts just come up with the concept. Plus, with this option, you would probably have a co-op, and you could continue to get your bachelors if you choseI am considering a career change and am very interested in Architecture. Do you need to know how to draw?
Drawing on a computer is more what you do now. If you can't use a computer you will have a very hard time.
Architecture is a 4 or 5-year bachelor's degree program, similar to an engineering degree. It has components of civil, mechanical, and even some electrical engineering involved, so a lot of the basic courses (calculus, physics) are the same as for engineering.
As for being an artist; anymore these days all the drawings and sketches are done on the computer with CAD systems, so the computer does all the nice artwork for you. If you become a good architect, you can always hire more artistic types if you want hand-drawn sketches.
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They don't draw anymore,, its all done with CAD programs, what you need is math and alot of it...if you love art work you may consider advertizing..some drawing there but on the computor also..
It helps. You should also be able to grasp, and visualize geometry.
EDIT
Some of the comments above say, basicaly, that no, it is done on computers.
Be carefull. It still requires some of the same skills. Just doing it on a computer helps automate the process to make it more efficient. You will still need to understand projection, scale, etc.
AutoCAD is a very powerful software that is the current standard in architecture. The down side is that it is as easy to scribble in CAD as it is to create an acurate, efficient, graphical database that allows you to automate many tasks.
I work in the field, and sadly, there is a lot of scribling going on out there.
Green or Sustainable building design is the big push right now for new and existing buildings. However, making the switch to architecture will be a challenge.
Contrary, to some of the response, architects do still draw by hand. Most of the initial sketches for a design are done by hand. In a large architectural firm there are typically the design architects, project architects, etc. A design architect is typically charged with coming up with a building design concept. What the building will look like, how it interacts with the surrounding buildings/environment. A project architect will be responsible for making the concept design buildable.
The final building plans, and details are done via computer programs. You do not ahve to be an artist to work the programs and detail a building. However, the computer is a tool to transfer the dsign sketches and concepts into construction drawings which will be used to build the building.
I've been in meetings were the architects have to react to a change in the building requirements. The architects best way to discuss what will happen to the building as a result of the Owner changes is by sketching them out.
Professionals working on Green/Sustainable buildings are typically accredited by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and know the process and requirements of the LEED (leadership in energy efficienct design) rating system for buildings. Look at the USGBC website for more info regarding LEED (www.usgbc.org).
I would not worry about being the best artist out there, Architecture is not about being able to produce the best drawing instead being able to convey your idea's on paper to help your clients visualize there idea's. Many college programs offer two type of degree's in Architecture, one a 5 years Bachelors in Architecture or B-Arch or a 3 year Master of Architecture or M-Arch, during my years in the B-Arch i worked beside many people in the M-Arch program at ISU many of those had undergrad degree in history, english, econ....etc. So i would say you would bring a different side to architecture than your typical Student with an artistic background. Most of the time College's are looking for that to diversify there M-Arch program. Depending on where you live and if you plan of moving there are many Architecture programs that focus on Sustainable design which is your green Eco-Friendly design. If you do plan on going back for Architecture plan on working part-time it will be 3 of the hardest years of your life. and just getting into the M-Arch program could be tough, definitly look around and see what the addmission requirments are for each University, Most if not all will require a Portfolio of some kind, it might be worth it to take a art class at a community college to develope some work for your portfolio, try sculpture,glass,welding classes. if you have any other questions just let me know.
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