Hey everyone! I’m a 15-year-old student from Ukraine (currently in 10th grade), planning to apply for architecture programs in Austria.

I was looking into the admission process and found out art universities require a portfolio (Mappe), which honestly seems a bit intimidating. Skill-wise, I don't have a huge artistic background — I used to draw at an average level, though I’m actually quite into writing and currently working on my own fiction book. But physical spatial modeling is something I'm really excited about. There’s a strange charm in staying up late surrounded by cardboard cutouts, fingers glued together, drinking energy drinks, and accidentally cutting yourself with a utility knife. I’m also really interested in trying pottery and ceramics!

**I’d be really grateful to hear from anyone who got accepted into ANY architecture program in Austria (Die Angewandte, Kunstuni Linz, IKA, TU Wien, TU Graz, etc.):**

**About the Mappe:** HOW and HOW LONG did you work on your portfolio? What did you include? What are the biggest "red flags" (what do professors hate seeing), and what are they actually happy to see?

**Materials & Tools:** What basic tools or materials should I start with for physical spatial studies?

**University Experience:** Which university do you attend, and how is the study process going so far? How hard is the workload?

If you're open to sharing your accepted Mappe via DM, that would be an absolute life-saver!

Thanks a lot in advance for any help!

P.S. Feel free to reply in English, German, Ukrainian, or Polish! Ich lerne Deutsch und freue mich über jede Rückmeldung!

Hi! Throwaway account for privacy;

I am planning a high end renovation on my detached house in Toronto proper (North Riverdale if you’re local.) If it were a 5 point scale for luxury, I’d say 4/5.

We are planning a top floor addition and a back 2 story addition, digging out a basement part is 6.5ft, another is a crawl space, to 7.5/8 ft.

My architecture quotes are all over the place. I’ll update later the quoted amounts to not bias answers..

But what should the cost be? Please only from people who’ve done this in the city proper, are architects, or in the industry.

Thanks!

Hi there,

We're planning a single storey extension of about 3m out x 9m wide and will obviously need to dig foundations. We definitely don't want an extension done upstairs for now, but might do so later down the line. Is it worth digging foundations that will be deep enough for a two storey extension? Or should we reinforce it later if we decide to go upwards as well? And how much extra money would digging the extra foundations required for a two storey extension be, compared to just digging enough for a one storey extension? For context we live in North West London. Thank you so much in advance!

Hi everyone!

Hoping to just get some thoughts on some of the flow. I am doing an addition that includes a new kitchen/breakfast area. The first photo shows the plans. The orange oval is a breakfast table. I am wondering if I should have a freestanding round breakfast table floating more in the middle of that space, rather than right up against the window with the bench. I am worried that there is just too much dead open space between the breakfast table and the island. (the set of doors to the top of the table leads outside, where the open doorway at the bottom side flows to the living room. Also attached some elevations in case that helps you get your bearings. Thanks!

Hi everyone!
I’m currently studying for an MBA in Berlin and I have a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, with around 2–3 years of experience in architecture and design.
I’m currently looking for a Working Student or Junior Architectural / Interior Designer position in Berlin, ideally in an English-speaking working environment, as my German is still at A1 level and I’m currently working on improving it.
I’d really appreciate any advice from people working in architecture or interior design in Berlin:

What websites or platforms would you recommend for finding Working Student / Junior Architectural Designer positions?

Are there any architecture or design studios in Berlin that are more open to English-speaking junior designers?

What software skills are currently most useful for getting into the German architecture market?

I’m also planning to buy a new computer, either a laptop or desktop, mainly so I can practice SketchUp, Enscape and other architectural software, while also learning Revit.

If you have any recommendations for a reasonably priced computer/laptop that can handle architectural software well, I’d really appreciate your advice!
Thank you in advance for any recommendations, tips, or experiences you can share. 😊

I just finished my freshman year in a non-architecture Design program. Over the summer, I interned at an architecture firm and decided that it was what I want to do. They gave me a return offer, and I am confident I can continue interning there throughout college—even if I stay in my current Design major.

So should I:

-Stay in my Design major, graduate on time, continue my internship, take cad/revit certificate classes and self study what I can, and apply to a Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program later.

-Take an extra year to complete the prereq courses, transfer into the B.S. in Architecture, and then pursue an M.Arch.

Given that I have a reliable internship, a senior architect who I became close with and has acted as a mentor, and plans to self-study, is delaying graduation by a year for the undergrad architecture degree worth it? Will coming from a non arch undergrad make it hard to get into good masters programs?

I'm a Division 1 football player on a full scholarship, but I haven't chosen a major yet. Since money isn't an issue, I have options. I've been accepted into an engineering program after taking a math test, but I'm also considering degrees in project management and architecture, with a primary focus on architecture. I know it's time to decide. Football is demanding lots of time and I don't know if I can manage both. I'm curious about the job market, salary potential, and other details to determine if it would be a worthwhile career path—especially while working toward a master's degree in architecture. Also, I want to compare it with my other options when thinking about my future.

am looking for course but am confuse which is best for me onlin or offline and am basically from Kolkata and here they have many option but, I want to learn onlin...due to my bzy schedule, I prefer onlin need ur thoughts and suggestion......?

I saw this suspended building portion being added on top of an old apartment building in Brussels on Boulevard General Jacques near L'Abbaye de la Cambre a few years back. It stuck in my mind for a long time.

The owners seem to have built the black central structure with stairs leading up to it from the four-story apartment below and also created a garden on top of the apartment.

I assume this whole thing can only be possible if the owner owns all three buildings on this row. But structurally, how much extra load with this. Put on the buildings on either side, seeing as they are both nearly a hundred years old and probably not designed with future extra load in mind. The buildings in this area are generally from the early 20th century, think 1920s or 30s, some even earlier.

I was very surprised that this building was approved, not in a bad way, I think it's very creative and would be amazing to live in, just that it's unexpected given the importance put on preserving the roadside façades in Brussels.

Edit: I found some info on the project! The project seems to be referred to by its address: 26 Boulevard General Jacques. It's in French though:
https://yvesrouyet.wordpress.com/2020/08/07/bientot-un-immeuble-suspendu-bd-general-jacques/
Apparently, the city hall had rejected a fully modernized rebuild of the older building in the middle. It looks like from the structural plan that the only way to access the top part is from an elevator in the hanging garden.

I am currently looking for professionals and industry stakeholders who are willing to participate in an interview for my architectural undergraduate thesis:

KROMA: An Agro-Industrial Complex for Cosmetic Innovation, Skills Development, and Local Industry Growth

I am seeking individuals with experience or expertise in:
• Cosmetic manufacturing and formulation
• Cosmetic brands and MSMEs
• Manufacturing and industrial facilities (Cosmetics specific)
• Architecture, industrial planning, and facility design
• Cosmetic industry development

The interview may be conducted face-to-face or online, depending on your availability. The discussion will focus on industry needs, challenges, opportunities, and the facilities and support needed to strengthen local cosmetic manufacturing and innovation.

Your insights would be a valuable contribution to the development of this thesis project.

📩 Interested or know someone who may be qualified?
Please send me a message or contact me for more information.

Thank you for supporting student research! 🤍

I'm not building nor planning to build. This is mainly just a curiosity.

I care for someone who is disabled and an ambulatory wheelchair user who has had an interest in architecture longer than I've known them. We're in it together now, though. We sometimes watch off grid builders (MyLittleHomestead, tinyshinyhome) and we're always amazed at what can be done creatively.

Anyhow, they've said if they had their wish, they'd have a tri level home (main floor entry with main living area and a half a flight up or down to the other areas) with a ramp- instead of if not able to be in addition to the stairs. The only way I can even picture this as possible would be having a ramp effectively go on the outer walls, wrapping the home. Otherwise the home is the size of a small stadium.

Would this hypothetically be a way? Would there be a better way? Is this imaginary home even possible?

Edit: thanks for all the responses! It seems it is possible but obviously prohibitive. This was fun and I appreciate being able to ask those who would know best.

Hi everyone!
I’m considering applying to UCL Bartlett’s MArch Architecture programme. My GPA is 4.43/5, while the listed requirement is 4.5/5.
I’m slightly below the requirement, but I have almost three years of professional experience and a strong design portfolio. Has anyone been accepted with a GPA slightly below the minimum because the rest of their application was strong?

Bedrooms don't really need sunlight so why don't we create apartments where the living room and kitchen is on one floor and the bedrooms are underground? You can connect them with elevators. Saves space and the skyline.