Reader Comments

What a fabulous project, and a fabulous read. It is so satisfying to read humane accounts of the profession. The 'pram in the hall' quote does make its own sense: it reflects a romantic mindset -- where the artist is to go up the mountain, as it were, to find inspiration -- and belongs to social worlds where all kinds of exclusions were considered positive. Now were are experimenting with exactly the contrary -- the making of an inclusive world, the search for balance. The question 'how does it impact your practice' helps define this other, artistic/architectural ethos that speaks of our own world.

Bravo.

- Brigitte


As a young father and new(ish) student of architecture, this has been one of my main concerns, especially having read the book 'Architect?' (among others) by Roger K. Lewis, in which he states that it would be wise to hold off having children for those really interested in a career in architecture. This sentiment seems to be fairly standard throughout the industry and it is very reassuring to read about the experiences that parents are having working as professionals in architecture. Is this discrimination? Is this just one of those professions that require an abnormally high level of devotion in order to succeed? How has it come to pass that it is acceptable for a profession to be so adverse towards people who are performing this civic duty of raising children? Admittedly, my understanding of how all of this plays out is limited by my lack of exposure to the professional environment, but these are questions to which answers are unclear. Good to see this addressed though.

- Michael


I couldn't agree more with all these comments... I can't believe and be thankful enough that someone started this topic, really.
I've always seen my mom working in an architectural office and that's how I got the taste of architecture... but it wasn't easy at all... After graduating from an European university and emigrated in Canada 13 years ago, children came into our life, and that was on top of having to find and keep a job. I always had in mind that I wanted to practice architecture, and that was the only thing I wanted to do. That's how I got thru the internship, thru all the nine exams and the oral review- all while taking so much time away from my family, over so many years. Some of the exams I failed, I had to re-take them, but nothing could've stopped me from pursuing my dream.
In a way I can say that I've lost a few years from my children's growing up- but in the end it's all worth it. If I would start all over again, I would choose architecture without any doubt!

- Elena

 

Architecture is a calling, not a job, not even a career. Although I have wanted to be an architect since I was 8 years old, I didn't manage to get back to school for a Master of Architecture degree until I was 35 years old with two young children, ages 2 and 4. It was a simple matter of life and death. I was not a happy stay-at-home mom and I had a dream that needed to be fulfilled. The children would have a part-time mother or no mother at all. It heralded the end of my marriage, but fortunately, both my children and I survived an architecture degree, a divorce, a custody battle, and commuting every weekend for three years because of the strength and commitment of my own mother, without whom I simply would not have managed. After six years as an intern, taking all required courses commuting to Vancouver, writing the battery of exams and passing the Oral, I was finally registered five years ago. I am now approaching 50. My sons are in their late teens. Architect, yes. My own firm, no.

- Lynn


I really appreciate this forum! i recently completed my M.Arch at ubc, and actually was pregnant during my thesis, very challenging! I have not been able to enter the field of architecture as I had imagined, since I am now caring for my baby at home. I am working freelance, but find it frustrating since I don't have any peers around me to bounce off ideas, and stay current. I would like to start working soon, but now I have to find daycare, and I am stressed about it. I also wonder if I do start wokring somewhere, how long will it be before I leave to have a second child. Is it even worth going back to work at this point? I would love to take part in the interviews if that's possible?

Thanks for this very valuable resource for me!
- Andrea

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