Have you ever wondered what else you can do besides get a degree in architecture? Designing beautiful and functional buildings can be a fulfilling career path for many architects, but if you are not one of them, don't worry. There are countless opportunities to apply your architectural skills and knowledge in exciting and unique ways.

So, if you are curious to explore different career alternatives within architecture, keep reading this blog.

Graphic Designer

Although graphic design and architecture are two different fields, they both use the same thinking and strategies. For example, an architect is frequently asked, "How will people use this space?" while graphic designers come across questions like ‘What is the user experience?’

While studying architecture, you must be coming across graphic design software to create your architectural concepts and final jury presentation. If you enjoy creating something digitally that is both aesthetic and useful to its users, graphic design can be an alternative career for you. You may come across software like Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign to demonstrate your skills.

Set Designer

If you are someone who is fascinated by theatres, films, or television, set designing can be a good option for you. Set design involves the unique perspective of showcasing the background of the story in a physical space.

Your skills might be put to the test when any script involves an unrealistic fictional portrayal, and you will have to design a set that has never been seen in the world for the story to play out accordingly. As a set designer, you will need to communicate your ideas, from elaborate sketches to models and thoughtful floorplans, sections, and elevations that you have studied in architecture school.

Product Designer

Product design can also be niched down to User Interface (UI) design, User Experience (UX) design, Interaction design, or Information architecture. If you are passionate about art, science, and technology, then product designing is something you should consider. This field contributes a lot to innovation and influences the industry strongly.

Product designers are extremely skilled, with a combination of both hard and soft skills. The designer's job does not end with the product's launch because the product may require constant updates to remain competitive in the market. This allows the product designers to be in the commercial loop. To be ahead of the game, you will need to keep yourself up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry.

Architectural and Interior Visualizer

Architectural and interior visualisation is a graphical representation of spaces in multiple dimensions. It helps architects and interior designers, as well as their clients, to visualise a space before it is built. It helps a lot with communicating ideas and concepts.

An architectural and interior visualizer is a good alternative career in architecture for someone who can visualise and create 3D models of a space before it is built. The field includes visualisation techniques ranging from hand sketches and 2D drafting to photorealistic 3D rendering. You may come across software like Sketchup, 3ds Max, Rhino, Vray, Lumion, and more to produce some amazing renders for visualisation.

Professor

If you are someone who would like to share their knowledge and passion for the field with others and has the skills to teach the subject uniquely, then you can consider becoming a professor of architecture as an alternative career. You have a chance to influence the next generation and educate them.

To become a professor, you will need a Master’s degree, and some universities also demand a Ph.D. in architecture. Before becoming a professor, it would be better if you gained some field experience.

In a nutshell, the field of architecture is full of possibilities beyond just designing buildings. If you have channelled your skills, you just need to find a place that fits you, and you are good to go. So, take some time to consider your interests and skills, and don’t be afraid to explore new things.