Why Choose Architecture?

Choosing a career is never easy, especially when it feels like you’re standing at a crossroads with endless possibilities. For me, the decision to pursue architecture was not an obvious one. It wasn’t a lifelong dream or something I always knew I wanted to do; it evolved over time. What began as a simple curiosity about a construction project near my home gradually turned into an interest in understanding how things are built. This fascination with the process of creation led me to explore architecture—a field where logic meets creativity.

My journey into architecture truly began after 10th grade when I chose PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Math) with the firm decision that engineering wasn’t for me. A massive flyover being constructed near my house caught my attention every day, and I became captivated by the sheer scale of the project. The design and construction process intrigued me, sparking questions like, “Who are the people behind this? How is all of this coming together?”

Curiosity led me to search for answers, and that’s when I stumbled upon architecture. It felt like a perfect fit for me. I started preparing for NATA and JEE Mains Paper 2 for B.Arch, but even then, I wasn’t entirely sure if this was the right path. I did a lot of research online and on YouTube, where people often said that architecture is a tough and demanding field. They emphasized that you need to truly love it to survive. I knew I was capable of hard work, but I still questioned whether I had the passion to sustain it.

Then, a pivotal moment came during a science fest project I was working on under a faculty member. It was completely out of character for me, as science projects had never interested me. This particular project involved creating a model related to black holes—definitely not architecture-related. But something unexpected happened: I found myself working late into the night, painting the base and assembling the model, and I enjoyed every moment of it. It was in that late-night session that I realized how much I loved model-making and creating something with my hands. My friends would find it ironic that I came into this field because of models, given how much I dislike model-making now.

That experience gave me the confidence that I could manage the demands of architecture school, even though I still didn’t fully grasp what the curriculum would entail. My success in two competitions, where we won first and second prizes, further reinforced my belief that I could excel if I put in the effort and stayed curious. Those wins lifted my confidence and made me aim higher, even though I had only considered schools within my reach as an average student.

Looking back as a fourth-year B.Arch student, I realize that this journey was about more than just choosing a career—it was about building self-confidence and belief in my abilities. I can only join the dots after experiencing architecture school. In a creative field like architecture, these qualities are essential. Architecture school can sometimes shake your confidence, making you question everything about yourself. But the challenges also help you discover your true potential.

Architecture school puts you into a lot of new, difficult situations—numerous juries, group work, re-dos, balancing a hectic schedule with co-curriculars. It makes you mentally strong, and I promise, it’s going to be an emotional rollercoaster as well. Very often, you will question why you are doing this, but it is all worth it for the person you will become after going through this degree. And when it comes to architecture, it grows on you.

So, if you’re thinking about architecture, know that it’s a field full of challenges, but also one where you can find real satisfaction. It’s not just about designing buildings—it’s about enjoying the process of creating something tangible, even when it gets tough. If you’re curious, willing to work hard, and find joy in making things, architecture might be just right for you.

Thanks for reading! What sparked your interest in your chosen field? Whether it’s architecture or something else, I’d love to hear your story. Share it in the comments below!