10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Architecture School
The honest advice I needed, and now I’m passing it on.
Architecture school is exciting, intense, and unlike any other degree, but let’s be real: it doesn’t come with a manual.
When I walked into my first studio, I thought I had to prove myself immediately. I thought I needed perfect sketches, bold ideas, and an aesthetic everyone would admire. The truth? Architecture school is messy, overwhelming, and deeply rewarding. Looking back, there are so many things I wish someone had told me, and not just about design, but about mindset, balance, and learning how to think like an architect.
Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into studio culture, here are 10 things I wish I knew before architecture school. Hopefully, they’ll help you feel more prepared (and a lot less alone).
1. You’re Not Supposed to Know Everything
The biggest myth is that you have to walk in the door knowing how to draw, draft, or use every piece of software. You don’t. Curiosity matters more than confidence. Your professors don’t expect you to have it all figured out. They want to see that you’re open to learning, experimenting, and finding your own voice.
2. It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Architecture is famous for its all-nighters, but burnout is not a badge of honor. Time management, sleep, and boundaries will serve you far better than another cup of coffee at 3 a.m. Treat this like a long-distance run: pace yourself, rest when you need to, and know that you’ll do your best work when you’re not running on fumes.
3. Your First Projects Won’t Be Good — and That’s Okay
No one nails it at the start. You’ll look back at your first models and drawings and cringe, and that’s a good thing. It means you’re growing. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. Each project is a step forward, even if it feels clumsy.
4. Design Is About Ideas, Not Just Aesthetics
Making something “look cool” is not the end game. Architecture is about ideas, narratives, and solving problems. The most powerful projects tell a story, challenge assumptions, and impact people’s lives. If you focus only on how something looks, you’ll miss the deeper lessons.
5. Critique Isn’t Personal
One of the hardest parts of school is learning how to handle critique. It’s easy to feel like negative feedback is an attack on you. Critique is about the work, not your worth. Learning to listen, adapt, and separate yourself from your project is one of the most valuable skills you’ll carry into practice.
6. Software Can Be Learned, but Start Now
Rhino. Revit. Illustrator. InDesign. The list of programs can feel endless. The good news? Software is learnable. Don’t let it intimidate you. Start with one tool, practice consistently, and you’ll build fluency over time. The earlier you get comfortable, the more space you’ll have to focus on design instead of struggling with shortcuts.
7. You Don’t Need to Compete With Your Classmates
Studio culture can make you feel like you’re in constant competition. But the truth? Collaboration will get you further than comparison. Everyone brings different strengths to the table. Your classmates aren’t your rivals, they’re your future network. Learn from each other, share resources, and cheer each other on.
8. Your Professors Aren’t Always Right
Respect your professors’ experience, but remember: architecture is not a one-size-fits-all profession. Sometimes, your instincts will lead you in a direction that doesn’t align with their feedback. That’s okay. Questioning, experimenting, and finding your own voice is part of the process.
9. You’ll Learn Just as Much Outside the Studio
Some of the best lessons don’t happen behind a drafting table. Internships, travel, side projects, and conversations will shape your perspective in ways studio alone can’t. Be curious outside of class. Go to lectures, visit buildings, sketch in the city, or take on small creative projects. These experiences will add richness to your work.
10. Your Degree Doesn’t Define Your Future
Here’s the big one: graduating with a degree in architecture doesn’t lock you into one path. Some of your classmates will design skyscrapers; others will go into UX, film design, research, teaching, or entrepreneurship. Architecture teaches you how to think, and that skill opens countless doors.
You’re Not Alone in This
If you’re heading into architecture school (or just trying to survive it), remember: you’re not supposed to have all the answers. The process is about growth, resilience, and discovering your voice as a designer.
What about you? What’s something you wish you knew before starting architecture school, or what surprised you the most once you were in it? Share it below. The more we talk honestly about this journey, the better prepared the next generation will be.
