Best Advice I Received in Architecture School
Architecture school is no walk in the park.
Between sleepless nights, tight deadlines, and the constant pressure to outdo yourself, it’s easy to lose motivation.
But through the years, I’ve picked up nuggets of wisdom that kept me grounded and moving forward.
Here are the best pieces of advice I received, ones that I hope will resonate with you too.
1. Hard Work Beats Talent When Talent Fails to Work Hard
This was the first advice I received, even before I started college.
One of my dad’s friends, a talented painter, shared this during a summer mentorship.
He explained how talent alone doesn’t guarantee success.
Some of his highly gifted classmates in fine arts didn’t graduate on time simply because they lacked the discipline to work hard.
This advice stuck with me because I didn’t feel naturally gifted in drawing, and architecture seemed like an uphill climb.
But I realized that effort and persistence can close the gap talent leaves behind.
Professors often notice students who give their all, even if their work isn’t perfect, compared to those who coast on raw skill.
Takeaway: In a competitive field like architecture, effort often levels the playing field. Show up, put in the work, and let your perseverance shine.
2. The Key is Prayer and Hard Work
On my first week of college, I asked one of our top-performing facilitators for her secret. Her answer? Prayer and hard work.
This combination struck a chord with me. Hard work matters, but we don’t control everything.
Prayer is about anchoring yourself and seeking guidance especially when things feel overwhelming.
That year, by God’s grace and effort, I ranked first in our batch.
Takeaway: Balance the grind with faith and introspection. Trust the process and work diligently, but remember you’re not alone in your journey.
3. Mistakes Build Your Path Forward
One facilitator admitted to making some of the worst and funniest mistakes during his student years.
Despite that—or maybe because of it—he became one of the most knowledgeable mentors we had.
This taught me that mistakes aren’t just inevitable; they’re valuable.
They provide lessons that sharpen your skills and help you grow.
And while it’s great to learn from your own missteps, it’s even better to learn from others’ experiences to avoid repeating them.
Takeaway: Don’t fear failure. Embrace it, learn from it, and use it to build your expertise.
4. Architects Are Jacks of All Trades
“We are a jack of all trades, master of none, but oftentimes better than master of one.”
This popular phrase encapsulates what architecture is about.
Professors reminded us that architecture goes beyond aesthetics—it’s a multidisciplinary field.
We must understand engineering, psychology, environmental science, and even law to create designs that truly serve people.
The more skills and knowledge you gather, the more equipped you’ll be to face the diverse challenges in this profession.
Takeaway: Stay curious. Explore different fields, learn new skills, and embrace the versatility that architecture demands.
5. It’s Not the End of the World
When a professor told us that some thesis students lose sight of life’s bigger picture, it hit me hard.
The pressure to succeed can make you feel like a single failure is catastrophic.
But stepping back and remembering that “it’s not the end of the world” helps put things into perspective.
Yes, grades matter, but your health, relationships, and well-being matter more.
In the grand scheme of things, your struggles in school are just one chapter in a much larger story.
Takeaway: Give your best, but don’t sacrifice your health or happiness. Life is bigger than any project or deadline.
6. Know When to Let Go
A first-year blockmate once shared this simple yet impactful philosophy: “I just get done as much as I can. If it’s 4 am and I’m not yet done, I just let it go and sleep.”
At the time, I couldn’t relate. I used to push myself to stay up until every detail was perfect, often compromising my health.
But I realized that there will always be more work to do—and if I don’t set limits, I’ll burn out before I even reach the finish line.
Takeaway: Know your limits and prioritize rest. A well-rested mind works more efficiently than an exhausted one.
7. Joining Organizations Prepares You for the Real World
One of the best decisions I made in college was joining student organizations.
Beyond learning about teamwork and leadership, I gained valuable insights into architecture’s many facets—especially sustainability, which one of my organizations focused on.
In organizations, you’ll work with people of varying personalities, skills, and backgrounds.
You’ll experience the challenges of managing events, communicating ideas, and collaborating on projects.
These experiences build skills that are hard to learn in the classroom but essential in the workplace.
Takeaway: Invest time in organizations that align with your values and interests. The skills you gain will be invaluable in your career.
8. You Don’t Have Enough Time—So Prioritize
A professor once told me, “You don’t have enough time.” At first, it sounded discouraging, but it was actually a call to action.
It’s a reminder to focus on what truly matters, start with the basics, and let go of unnecessary perfectionism.
Another professor emphasized knowing when to stop.
Sometimes, less is more. Good design doesn’t mean adding endless features; it means knowing when your work is complete.
Takeaway: Prioritize what’s essential, and don’t get caught up chasing perfection. Efficiency and clarity are just as important as creativity.
Final Thoughts
Architecture school is a journey filled with challenges, growth, and learning.
Here’s a recap of the best advice that guided me through:
Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.
The key is prayer and hard work.
Mistakes build your path forward.
Architects are jacks of all trades.
It’s not the end of the world.
Know when to let go.
Joining organizations prepares you for the real world.
You don’t have enough time—so prioritize.
These words of wisdom helped me survive and thrive in architecture school.
If you have your own advice or lessons to share, drop them in the comments below! Let’s learn from one another.
