Visit the National Building Museum
A good place to start exploring a career in architecture is the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. The Italian Renaissance building that is home to the museum is an attraction in and of itself, with its carefully appointed windows, vents, massive interior Corinthian columns, and central fountain. Inside you can find thousands of architectural plans, photographs, and working drawings that focus on 20th century building design.Tour a Few Frank Lloyd Wright Houses
The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation's website contains information on every Frank Lloyd Wright house open to the public throughout the United States. Find one near you and tour a home designed by one of the most notable architects of the 20th century. By visiting the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, you can also learn about interesting events for students and enthusiasts of architecture.Attend Cool Industry Events
You can also learn of architectural-related events through the American Institute of Architects, a nonprofit organization devoted to providing "guidance, service, and standards to architects around the world." The AIA's website is also a good resource for information on careers, education, and recent news in the field of architecture.Intern at an Architectural Firm
Working as an intern will give you a better sense of what the average architect does day in and day out. Try to find a firm that completes a wide range of projects, including residential, corporate, and civil architecture. If you don't yet have any formal training using CADD technology, you might be able to get a job at an architectural firm doing administrative work such as answering phones, preparing documents, and scheduling meetings.This strategy of mining for information about architecture will no doubt shed light on the field as a whole and also, perhaps, your level of enthusiasm for it.
Sources
Frank Lloyd Wright FoundationAmerican Institute of Architects
