1. Are you passionate about buildings and the built environment around you?

This is by far the most important question. If the answer is yes, then architecture could be the career for you - so keep reading! Most successful architects are highly passionate about the built environment. If your interest in buildings is merely a vague one, you may find that seven years of intense training will be enough to kill your enthusiasm. Entry to most schools of architecture is competitive, courses are tough and drop-out rates are high. In other words, only consider studying architecture if you feel you are absolutely committed to it.

2. Do you enjoy being creative?

As part of their selection process, some schools of architecture will ask you for a portfolio of work that will demonstrate your creative skills. Some may not - but bear in mind that on any architecture course you are likely to struggle without an ability to communicate through drawing or model-making. These days, a lot of drawing work can be done on the computer, but you are unlikely to be able to rely on this alone. Don’t worry if you have never worked in three dimensions before - there will be lots of opportunities to experiment and get your hands dirty. In general, creativity is a huge advantage in the world of architecture.

It’s also worth knowing that you’ll require your mathematical and scientific knowledge on a regular basis, and will also be writing a series of complex essays on subjects such as architectural history.

3. Are you in it for the money?

If making big money is your top priority, then you may want to reconsider your choice of career! That’s not to say that it’s impossible to strike it rich as an architect - but the reality is that many get by on a relatively modest salary, considering the length of time spent training. View average salaries within the architectural profession.

4. Are you looking for a 9-5 job?

This is a question you could be asked at an entrance interview for some schools of architecture. If you answer "yes", you could be kissing that acceptance letter goodbye. Workloads at university (and in the workplace) will vary immensely, as you’ll be working towards a series of deadlines. There are times when you’ll feel you can take it a little bit easy, and others when you may find yourself doing an all-nighter ….of course, an ability to manage your time efficiently could help avoid too many of those! In the workplace, you are also likely to be required to work extra hours to meet similar deadlines from time to time. Overtime may not always be paid.

Studying architecture may lead you down many different career paths. You could find employment within a private architectural practice, in the public sector, in project management, in interior design, within a construction company or even further afield. With a degree in architecture, you needn’t feel you MUST become an architect!

5. Can you handle (and learn from) public criticism?

If you cannot cope with criticism, it is likely you will spend the majority of your university career in a state of self-doubting misery. This is not designed to scare you, merely to prepare you for the phenomenon commonly known as "The Crit".

This involves presenting your ideas in front of a group of tutors and classmates. (Don’t worry if you hate speaking in public - it is such a common occurrence that you will soon get used to it). No matter how talented you are, the chances are you will get at least one really bad crit during your time as a student architect. Even although the comments can sometimes seem scathing and unduly harsh, the trick is not to take them personally and to learn from your mistakes. After all - one of the great things about architectural design is that there are no right or wrong answers. If you remember this, you will benefit greatly from the crit system. If you are highly sensitive to criticism, you may find yourself suffering from a confidence crisis by the end of First Year.6. Are you self-motivated and well organised?

Organisational skills are an essential part of becoming a successful student architect. If you enjoy working under your own steam, without being told exactly what you must do, and when to do it, you are likely to enjoy the practical aspect of studying architecture. Most schools provide studios for students, and here you will find a real sense of camaraderie, ideas and support from fellow students. Architecture is thus very different from most other courses.

6. Are you absolutely fascinated by buildings and how they work?

A typical project usually involves being given a brief for a design, and a series of deadlines to meet. How you meet these deadlines, and how you illustrate your ideas, will be largely up to you, although advice is always available. Working this way can be difficult if you find it hard to get motivated without being constantly pushed - you could find that last minute all-nighters could become a common scenario! If you possess determination and the drive to do well, you will get the most from the studio design element of your course. These qualities will also serve you well throughout your architectural career.

7. And finally, do you relish a challenge?

Becoming an architect is not for the faint-hearted. The training is long and arduous, you’ll be under frequent pressure to meet deadlines, and you’ll need to learn to cope when your work doesn’t receive rave reviews. However, if you can motivate yourself and organise your time well, there are many rewards to be had. You’ll get to spend the majority of your study time doing practical activities in the design studio, such as drawing, model making and Computer Assisted Design (CAD). This is ideal if you’re not too keen on constant lectures (although there will be a few). You’ll go on site visits, and may get the opportunity to travel to cities of architectural interest on study trips. And above all, the satisfaction you may feel when you finally complete a project that you’re proud of is second-to-none.

In a nutshell, you’ll never have the time to get bored. Good Luck!

Image: Jordanhill New Teaching Block, Elder & Cannon Architects - RIAS Andrew Doolan Award 2008 shortlisted project. © Keith Hunter