I am planning on adding rock wool as insulation but I do not know what design would look good for finishing details. Everything I did with AI does not look great.

Anyone have good idea?

Right now, I feel like I’m at a crossroads.

I’m currently working remotely for a Swiss company and learning the language.
It’s been two years, and I’m heading into my third.

I have the opportunity to work leading some small projects in Panama / leader role (a concrete job offer) for the coming year, but there’s also the possibility of applying for jobs to move to Switzerland next year (I have a European passport).

I honestly don’t know what would be best for my career and my finances; at 28, I’m a little worried about whatever decision I make right now.

There’s also an small possibility of applying to Denmark (it’s the other destination that I might consider)

What should I do?

Needing some help here!

I'm in the process of taking my ARE's and I'm going to attempt the C&E exam before the year is over. I previously took C&E in early September and missed the mark not by much but also wasnt 1 question from passing. For that exam, I took the PPI course, and I felt prepared for it and was confident when I took the exam, but obviously I wasn't prepared enough.

After I got my results and had to wait 80 days before retaking it, I thought I should pursue studying for the Project Management Exam. I took the PPI course for that, taking more diligent and thorough notes, and was getting higher scores on my practice exams, quizzes, assignments, etc.

I took the exam for PjM last week and didn't make it (still awaiting my exam summary for feedback). 

Even with that setback, I'm still motivated to attempt and pass C&E before the year is over.

Right now I'm trying to decide if I should renew my class from PPI, or if I should take a different course.

I've used Amberbook before, which did help me pass Practice Management earlier this year! But I felt like Amberbook was lacking in the Technical Info area for PrM, and thats why I wanted to try a different course for PjM and C&E. Also the cost for Amberbook is insane.

As far as physical materials, I have a few good ones.

1. Earlier this fall I purchased the large bundle from PPI (for like $435) that includes the large book that covers all divisions, the practice exams, question bank, flash cards, all of which are physical. These physical materials I found to be helpful for studying the C&E and PjM exam (even though I didnt pass them they did help grow my understanding).

2. I got a physical copy of the Architect's Handbook for Professional Practice, 14th Edition. I know its not the most current edition, but from what I've read and been told, the 14th edition is still entirely relevant, and the newer edition only includes content that builds off of 14th, not invalidating any of it. Plus, I got this copy for $30, compared to the 15th Edition for $200.

Also worth sharing is my overall plan for the AREs:

I want to be done with all exams by the end of 2027.

I'm taking the months January 2027 to March 2027 to enjoy the winter (hence my reddit tag), and also to set aside money for taking the exams. I already have PjM completed, so I'm eager to complete the others.

So all that being said, what course should I consider pursuing?

Are there lecture series I should also look into to help?

Hey
As an Indian with just b.arch degree, do you think I can work in a Singapore firm?

hi, i am a third year architecture student in Mongolia. I had a very specific niche I wanted to pursue in architecture when I first chose it. However my university is based on soviet methodology and while the program is great I am studying like 8-10 classes but will still graduate in 3 years. I think it kills my desire to work. Also the options for architecture firms here are limited, most are building high rise apartment like in hongkong, while I want to do more humanitarian architecture. Keep in mind our entire countries population is only 3m Also not accreddited internationally, but I saw ppl get into good graduate unis in their 30’s

I thought I could apply to a university which I really like in Hong Kong; one of their research fields called RUF has done many projects in my country and was the inspiration behind my major choice. I worked for a year in a close partner NGO. That was the place I wanted to be psrt of. So my options are to apply now to their bachelor degree or to their graduate program in like 5-7 years. I still want to gtfo from my family asap and not spend more years in my current uni. Tongji is also a good choice beside HKU.

However I thought that maybe I could change my job even? like idk I feel like I put a lot of my chances of working in architecture in these options only. I really want to pursue humanitarian architecture. I don’t want to end up doing these cluttered super tall apartments just to make a living. I am trying to create my english academy bcs I recently recived 8.5 in Ielts and earn side income. (im just writing without structure for now so pls believe me) So I thought maybe I could earn money, change to a more profitable job and fund my hobvies like painting, planting etc.

So yeah, in my mind, it is either I get into that specific field or quit. Maybe I am just idealizing it. Am I being naive? I am 20 now (2006)

Help im a first year and new to this

Hi all - Boston area architect here. I'm putting feelers out for what the need would be for peer-to-peer QA/QC drawing checks. I'm a licensed architect with a couple of decades of experience in all phases of projects - mostly independent schools and higher ed, hospitals, multifamily and senior living. I've started working on forming my own PLLC to offer this specific service for now, and potentially a wider range of architectural services in the future - either full-time or as a side hustle (I would get permission from my employer first).

I know many firms, especially larger ones, have robust QA/QC protocols in place for intermittent review and coordination of drawings and specs, before CDs are issued. QC reviews are often done in-house, preferably by senior staff who are not working on that project. I see potential value of offering a QA/QC service which would be done by an experienced architect, with completely fresh eyes. I see my fees as short money to avoid much more costly change orders during construction.I am also considering making my services available to Owners and GCs.

Would love to hear feedback on the need / demand for this. Also, I want to clarify that I am not offering services or employment - this idea is just in its infancy stages at this point.

So I recently got a ticket for the Sydney open event this year, but haven’t made time to look into which buildings will be open. I will do my research, but in the meantime, what places do you think is worth visiting during this event?

I’m from Bangladesh and I’m currently studying for a Diploma in Engineering in Architecture Technology. I’m almost finished with my diploma, but honestly, I feel like I know very little about architecture.
This has been bothering me a lot because I want to take architecture seriously and eventually go abroad for further study and hopefully build a career there. But right now I’m not confident about my architectural knowledge, design thinking, drawing skills, or even what I should be focusing on.
I can use AutoCAD to some extent, and I’m starting to learn Revit. I’m also interested in 3D visualization. But I’m worried that I’m focusing too much on software while lacking the actual architectural fundamentals.
I’m also not good at freehand drawing or sketching. I struggle to come up with design ideas and sometimes feel like I simply don’t think like an architect.
So I’d really appreciate some honest advice from architects or architecture students:
How important is freehand/sketching ability for an architecture student and practicing architect?
If I know AutoCAD, do I still need to learn traditional/freehand architectural drawing?
Should I focus on learning Revit/BIM now, or should I first spend more time learning architectural fundamentals and design?
How can I develop the ability to think like an architect and generate design ideas?
What architectural fundamentals should someone in my situation learn first?
If you were almost finished with your diploma but felt like you had learned very little, what would you do from this point?
If your goal was to study architecture abroad, what would you prioritize building over the next 1–2 years?
I’m not looking for someone to tell me to “just practice.” I’m trying to understand what I should actually practice and in what order.
I know I’m late to this, but I’m willing to put in the work. I’d really appreciate honest advice, especially from people who have experience studying or practicing architecture.
Note: I used AI to help organize and write this post, but the situation and questions are genuinely mine.

Why is it that when we are facing more and more economic headwinds, the AIA finds it convenient time to jack up dues again?. $840 for an annual National/State dues for an individual is MADNESS in a market with over 40 months of declining average ABI data. So sick of the disconnect within our profession and their complacency on very important topics they should be leading in.

Data Center evils, a Triumphant arch, wholesale demolition of historic grounds and buildings. And the AIA stays quiet.

I've been a loyal AIA member for many years. But these fees compared to what professional benefits they offer (particularly in smaller markets) is a joke. If not the value the initials have when working with clients or local government. It's a useless title more and more.

I also have been a member of the regionally based ALA (Association of Licensed Architects) for the same period. They are only $280 annually and offer nearly the same level of services (minus the bloat) of the AIA. They just don't carry any professional heft when working in larger professional circles.

Apart from everyone dumping on AIA - can anyone offer anything of value that would support renewing the AIA for another year of parasitic codependency. Or is is it just time to cut them loose?

Architects who went to grad school for degrees in urbanism, landscaping, advanced architecture etc. What made you do it and why ?

I'm a fresh graduate currently struggling to find employment at a liveable wage in my country with a 5 year professional bachelor of architecture. The pay is quite poor for entry level roles and definitely not something I can survive upon. Opportunities in my town/city are also non existent.

Whilst doing my degree though, I realised my shifting interests in various other domains such as BIM, Structural Engineering and Computational Design. Should I consider applying to grad schools abroad for better work opportunities and better exposure ?

Would love some insight into the same!

I’m very fortunate to recently have a lot of residential side work sent my way (day job is 100% commercial) as I really enjoy the residential side.

I am pretty young in my career and working toward licensure and learning ALL things architecture, so I’m glad to have these opportunities to not be pigeon holed into commercial only.

However, I currently have SO many random side work prospects, that my Saturdays for the next month are going to be spent field measuring houses.

Those of you with a full time office job that do moonlight stuff on the side, how do you make it work? Also, do you restrict your (unlicensed) work to existing conditions/schematic design only, or do you produce permit sets? I’m currently working on my first side job ever that is seemingly going to move past field verification and cute ideas, and into permits eventually. Do you have any tips on navigating that?

Any other advice, time structuring, fees, time protection, contracts/proposals, whatever it is would be appreciated. Tell your stories below!

I have a degree in architecture and am considering continuing my studies in Germany. I'm hesitating between three options: first, a two-year Master's degree in architecture, then finding a job in a firm at the end of the first year, completing a two-year internship, and registering with the German Order of Architects; second, vocational training (Ausbildung), ideally in the construction sector, then obtaining my Master's degree; third, a dual degree program (Dualstudium) and then obtaining my Master's degree. I'm a bit lost and would appreciate your advice.

Hi, Ive been using archicad 22 (cracked version) for the last 6years, now that version is not working anymore at my pc, so im thinking with what version should i replace it? Or maybe if you suggest me any other softwares that are good for 2D and 3D modeling.

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I am an architect based in Latin America, supporting projects for the U.S. market. I'm considering a move from a design-focused firm to a multidisciplinary engineering and consulting company.

The new role would offer better compensation and exposure to industrial, infrastructure, and technically complex projects. My current position provides valuable design experience, a strong professional environment, and opportunities to keep developing as an architect.

I'm trying to understand the long-term trade-offs between these career paths, particularly when working remotely or internationally for U.S.-based firms.

For people who have made a similar transition:

- How did the move affect your career progression?

- Did you gain valuable technical skills, or did you miss working in a design-focused environment?

- Which path offered better long-term opportunities?

- How transferable are the skills and experience between these sectors?

- What would you evaluate beyond salary before making the change?

I'd particularly appreciate firsthand experiences from people who have worked in both architecture and multidisciplinary engineering environments, especially those working with U.S. clients from Latin America.

I only realised after joining my first practice how much working knowledge there is that you never see at university. Screeds, how a proper render is actually set up, blockwork coursing and setting out, build-ups, junctions, how a drawing set is really organised. All of it is just assumed, and none of it is written down anywhere I could find. I learned it by asking colleagues, getting things wrong, and watching other people's drawings. Honestly it made me wonder if we should be asking the university for some of our money back.

The frustrating part is that this knowledge clearly exists. It just lives inside practices, in people's heads and in old project folders, and it gets passed on one person at a time.

This reminded me of a story from computing that I think architecture has not absorbed. In the 1970s a professor called John Lions wrote a book explaining the source code of the Unix operating system. For anyone unfamiliar: source code is the human-readable instructions that a program is built from. If the finished program is the building, source code is the full set of working drawings and specification. You can use the building without ever seeing it, but you cannot really learn how it works, or build anything similar, until you can read the drawings.

When Unix became proprietary, the owner stopped allowing that book to be published, because it contained their source code. So students photocopied it and passed it around, again and again, for years. It became one of the most copied documents in computing, and a generation of people who went on to build the systems we use today learned how a real operating system worked from those illicit photocopies. The knowledge was so valuable that people took a risk to share it, and sharing it did not destroy anything. It made the whole field better. (The book was eventually published officially in 1996.)

Architecture does the opposite. We publish glossy photos of the finished building and keep the working drawings, the details and the reasoning private, as if they were trade secrets. Then we wonder why graduates arrive knowing how to make a render but not how a wall is put together.

So, a genuine question for people further along than me:

Where did you actually learn the practical, buildable stuff, if not at uni or on the job? Are there any good open sources of real detail drawings, specs and construction sequences? I know about the manufacturer guides and some of the standard textbooks, but they feel like a small slice. Would your practice ever share its details openly, and if not, why not?

Hello, I am a landscape architect and have been working at a firm in the USA for.
I completed my university studies in New York.
If I can offer you any advice, I’m here!