Part 2 students at The University of Nottingham, Rachel Marshall and Jessica Lawton spoke to author Neil Spiller on Zoom about his new book aimed at architecture students.
Neil Spiller's book How to Thrive at Architecture School is a comprehensive guide to navigating architecture school and the route to architectural qualification, covering stages of your education. It provides a fantastic guide for new and current students alike offering an abundance of support for students on topics such as: preparing a portfolio, mental health and stress, finding the right practice for your placement year and working in practice.
The students recently had the opportunity to chat to the author, Neil Spiller, about his new book, his top tips for architecture students and his advice for how to continue to thrive while studying remotely.
Current Challenges
The discussion took place at the beginning of the global pandemic and the shift, for many, to online learning. Like all of us Spiller has had to adapt to remote working in his roles as Editor of Architectural Design (AD) and Visiting Azrieli Critic 2020 at Carleton University, Ontario, working to tackle the challenges presented by virtual teaching and learning.
Spiller described the importance of the studio as an environment for students to support and learn from one another. He encouraged students to maintain contact with each other by setting up virtual studios. To overcome the anxiety that many students will be feeling in these uncertain times, Spiller stressed the importance of routine, staying productive and advised students to find themselves a dedicated workspace in the home, away from distractions.
We moved on to discuss Neil’s book in more detail.
Preparation
The preparation for architecture school begins the moment you decide you want to be an architect. ‘How to Thrive at Architecture School’ covers everything you need to know as a prospective architecture student - from the different modes of study, applications, interviews and the all-important portfolio. Spiller encourages prospective students to be well prepared and informed by speaking to practicing architects, educators and current architecture students. He advises that they should attend end of year shows and taster days to experience the studio culture and get an idea of day to day life at architecture school.
Portfolio and the importance of sketching
In his book Spiller notes that a prospective student’s portfolio “is there to illustrate your creativity over the past few years and should show you in your best light.” It doesn’t have to only include project work but can also include your artwork which could be anything from poetry to composing music. As any architecture student will know, sketching and artistic ability are vital for a strong portfolio. "It doesn't matter what you're sketching as long as you're continually doing it," Spiller explains. "The sketches in your portfolio don't need to be sketches of buildings either."
Spiller got into architecture school with a sketch of a Great Crested Grebe!
Spiller says sketching is “not just something that needs to be taught at first year, it needs to be continuous all the way through architectural education, because sketching is vitally, vitally important” and goes on to note that “the computer has kind of ruined a lot of student’s sketching ability so I think it's more crucial now than it's ever been.”
Aspects of Education
'How to Thrive at Architecture School' provides a detailed account of all aspects of architectural education, from essays and theory to studio culture and crits, offering clear guidance throughout. It covers the challenges faced by many students, highlighting that mental health and managing stress are common pitfalls in the profession. Spiller explained that architectural educators have a role to play in giving students the tools to manage stress and meet tight deadlines – aiding their studies and future careers.
Spiller spoke about the necessity to develop skills such as effective time management at university to avoid “displacement activity” which can cause unnecessary stress. In his book Spiller gives practical tips such as “establishing priorities and having a scheduled timetable [to alleviate] this stress.”
Tips to thrive
Neil shared with us his top three tips on how to thrive at architecture school:
- Only study architecture if you actually enjoy it. Architecture is a vocation and so you have to live and breathe it.
- Focus on delivering what you've been asked to deliver, fast and effectively to time. Avoid getting involved in displacement activity, that is, anything that wastes time.
- Spend time planning your year-out stage. Architecture schools cannot replicate the experience a student can gain from working in practice. It’s a student's first taste at what life might be like after full qualification.
Gaining experience in practice
In his book, Spiller offers advice on finding and applying for jobs, preparing a CV and portfolio as well as preparing for interviews and giving an insight into office life. When finding a year-out position, Spiller emphasises the importance of being proactive and understanding what you're applying for, the type and size of a practice but also the type of work they produce and their philosophical ideas about architecture. He says it is also important to understand that not everything you learn in architecture school is immediately transferable to working in practice.
There are prospective students who may know early on that they want to work in the architectural profession, but do not want to become architects. Indeed, there are many architecture students who leave architecture altogether to pursue careers across the creative industries, from cartoonists to journalists and game designers. Spiller encourages anyone with a passion for and interest in architecture to apply for architecture school, even if they choose to move on after Part 1 or 2. He states “architectural education is probably the best education there is. Architecture is a great all-round education because it's very practical, it's intellectual and it's about managing people, yourself and being creative.”
Continuing your Education
Part 2 is described as a critical stage for architectural development, where spatial and mental dexterity should be taught. Spiller offers advice for choosing the right school of architecture for your Part 2 study, where “you are now the captain of the ship.” As well as explaining the pragmatic points of understanding the professional and legal frameworks that encompass the profession during Part 2 study, Spiller also challenges students to speculate on the future of architecture and technology in a post-digital world where we move between the virtual, augmented and real in these final years of formal architectural education.
Spiller explains how to choose the right Part 3 course and practice for the final stage of your architectural education. He emphasises that Part 3 is different to Part 1 and Part 2 - it is where your professional skills will be developed and assessed. Architecture is described as a life-long learning experience and the importance of continually updating your skills and knowledge throughout your professional career is highlighted. Spiller concludes the book by asking students to “seize every opportunity with optimism, worldliness and a kind heart.”
Our Recommendation
'How to Thrive at Architecture School' is a must read for any current or prospective student of architecture, this book offers great guidance throughout and 'ways to get ahead' to allow you to thrive during every step of your education. As Part 2 students this book is certainly something we wish we'd had access to sooner!
How to Thrive at Architecture School by Neil Spiller is on offer at RIBA Books.
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