Hi there,

I'm a first year architecture student. But I'm not too sure if architecture is for me. I do like architecture but I'm more interested in interior design (and abit of graphic design, and photography).

I know architecture is going to be a tough course and requires a lot of passion. Its just that internal confusion in me that is I don't know just how much passion I have to carry on in architecture or that do I make the cut.

Should I continue with my architecture course, or should I specialise in interior design at another place?

And if you could be so kind to answer this last part, what exactly differentiates architecture and interior architecture, as well as interior architecture and interior design.

Thanks so so much (:

I agree that you will have to have a lot of passion and, in addition, heart for architecture to go into it. I would suggest asking some architects if you could visit with them, maybe even at their office, and see what it would be like to be one. You could also offer to pay them something for their time.

You seem however, to be drawn more to the types of careers where you will have to work with people more according to their individual tastes and desires for what they want you to do artistically for them. This takes a people type of person. I sense that you do have those qualities in you because of the way that you write.

I would follow your heart, if I were you, as to what you want to do, after exploring what it's actually like to be doing the things that you are thinking about doing.

I am no expert at what is involved in the types of architecture about which you are inquiring. But, my guess would be that architecture proper, is usually thought of to be that which concerns the design of buildings and homes on the inside as well as the outside. I would think that interior design has to do more with how a place or dwelling is furnished and decorated on the inside. This could involve types and colors of carpets and flooring that are used to styles of furniture and drapes to be used as well as what kinds and colors of pictures that might be hung on the walls. As compared to architecture proper which I think, also has to do with structures being planned and built according to certain building codes so that they are structurally sound. As such, I think that a person would have much more freedom to be creative when involved with planning things concerning interior design. I think that it would be more fun overall, to be involved with people that way. But, that is just my taste.

Hopefully, someone will come along who knows more about the latter things that you ask.