Architecture to RE, help?
Hey y’all, so I am trying to switch from my architecture career into real estate (for a multitude of reasons, just ask me if you’re interested!) and would like some advice regarding my switch.
I graduated with a Masters of Architecture in May, but I took RE courses in finance and data analysis which solidified my desire to change my career path. I am currently working at a large top-15 architecture firm very well known here in my city and have been here since July. My previous work has also been at another large top-10 arch firm along with other smaller firms, for a total of about 4 years of experience.
It’s looking like I will be offered a role as an Assistant Project Manager in my city’s department of housing development. It’ll be about a 20% pay cut.
My main question revolves around whether, if offered, I should take this position or if I should stick it out in my current position while I look for something bigger (thinking CBRE/JLL/Related). On the one hand, I know I want to make this switch and I’d like to do so without wasting any time. On the other, I don’t know if I can potentially find a better offer in about 3-6 months with more networking/applying. I’m mainly concerned with my future career projection, and if I’m shooting for the stars I’d like to be a MD at a big shop or running my own.
If anyone has any suggestions or advice, it’ll all be appreciated!
I've seen many architects lateral into development (probably not so much REPE/REIB/RE Finance, since architecture is not very applicable). Architecture is very relevant to developers though. The architect is essentially the "quarterback" of the construction side of development. The architectural plans determine how the building will be constructed, so all the engineering plans (structural, MEP, etc..) are based off of the architectural plans and the GC constructs the building using the architectural plans. You likely won't be the in-house architect for the developer, but you will be very useful to a developer in OAC meetings/design reviews because you know architecture. Also, if you know AutoCad, Revit etc...you can help developers make quick/minor changes to plans rather than them needing to wait for the 3rd party architect to make changes. I've seen many development roles that prefer architectural backgrounds and knowledge of AutoCad/Revit over finance, esp if the role is to manage existing projects. Now if you can also learn how to financial model (which is much easier than learning architecture), then you'll be every developer's wet dream.
I have a friend who came from an architectural background and got her MSRE to learn finance and now works for one of the largest developers in NYC (think SL Green, RXR, Extell). I'm not saying to get an MSRE, but def learn the finance stuff, if you havent already
I can't speak to whether you should take the new role or not. If I were you, I think I would wait and apply to more developers esp if there is a 20% haircut, because I think your skill set is quite valuable to a developer. If you do choose to take the job though, I would continue applying to developers even if you work there for less than a year
That’s where I am as well, NYC. I know that with my architecture background I can be useful to developers; I know revit and blue ram intimately, I can read construction sets quickly and easily, and my presentation skills are great. I’m just worried that I would be pigeon-holed into being the “architect” at a development company.
I don’t really have the money to get an MSRE as I just spent the last couple of years getting my M.Arch. However, I did take RE finance and data analytic electives in addition to my regular coursework, and I have been doing case studies from Joshua Kahr to hone my financial modeling skills (and so that the vocabulary and methodologies are not completely alien to me). I was also going to sign up for the WSO Excel Modeling Course and the Real Estate Modeling Course for more practice.
As for the job, we’ll see…they did tell me that it would take a few months to hire as it has to go through this whole bureaucratic process (typical NYC). I don’t want to just take the first opportunity that comes my way, but I know I would like to get out of architecture and start my RE career as soon as possible, you know?
I don't think you need to be too worried about being pigeon-holed as being the "architect" at a developer. 4 years experience is hardly enough time to be the lead architect. Also, in my experience, architects are not just useful for drawing up plans...being able to draw plans is sort of the bare minimum for an architect...the real value of an architect is their connections/networks with city officials. In my state, each city/town has its own "go to architect" that everyone uses for that specific town. They can all draw up plans and maximize livable SF...but each of these "go to architects" meet with their respective city officials on a weekly basis and they've been doing it for years. They know the zoning/planning board members/building inspectors and know what their concerns are/what they look for. It is very similar to hiring the right zoning attorney. So unless you are very close with the city officials, I wouldn't be too concerned about being pigeon-holed (but also if you are very close with the city officials, it should make you even more attractive of a candidate)
Once again, you should look for development roles that focus on managing existing projects and the jobs description specifically states that they prefer candidates with architectural backgrounds and know Revit etc... The assistant project manager role with the department of housing that you are expecting an offer for seems more on the construction side. It is not what I and most on this site would define as "development" because your job will be 100% construction related. Just want to make sure you are aware of this
This is the most surefire path. I know some pretty prominent folks who did this. You basically are rebranding yourself, taking an entry level analyst/associate role, and restarting your career. It will be an uphill battle without this, as everyone will essentially just want to make you a project manager at a developer (which if you are interested in this, might not be a problem, this career track just ends up paying less, but you might find it more enjoyable).
Agree with everything else.
I don't have too much advice on this as you're in the same shoes as my grandfather was 55 years ago, as he got his architect's license and became a draftsman and then was the GP on a couple of shopping center developments throughout the Northeast; he'd often argue that he was the most valuable since he knew how to actually build it. It's awesome you have a degree in architecture as its incredibly valuable to RE development; a lot of us on this forum come from a finance background and we lack the necessary skills of construction. If I was in your shoes I'd go for the Relateds/CBREs. I'm currently with one of those firms and they're trying to hire a bunch of people in a lot of positions right now
Maybe my story could help you: I’m an architect and a civil engineer and I got a job into REPE as an investment analyst 5 months ago.
When I graduated from college I worked as an structural engineer. Two years later I decided to start my own company (architectural, structural and MEP designs) and also got into a Masters in Architectural Management. In other words, no finance related roles for 5 years after graduation. I found out that I really loved real estate finance (too late) and got interested in learning everything about finance by my own. I asked to the Basic Finance course teacher to be his class assistant, just to gain more knowledge and to give my CV a little more finance touch. He agreed and later asked me to help him with more finance related courses as he saw that I was good at it.
I looked for a job in local real estate funds for over 6 months and finally got an offer. Last week talking with my current boss he told me that one of the main reasons they chose me was because of these class assistant things on my CV.
I know this may not be your case, but it worked for me. Good luck!
If you're asking about transitioning from architecture to real estate (RE), it’s a great move! Architects bring a deep understanding of design, space planning, and structure, which is highly valuable in real estate. You can leverage your skills in property development, project management, or real estate investment. With your background, you’ll have an eye for quality properties, design trends, and efficient layouts—an asset in the real estate world. Whether you're designing developments or helping clients find the right property, your architecture expertise gives you a unique advantage.
The best pivot is either to get an MBA or Masters in Real Estate Development. Before you do that, I'd reach out to people on LinkedIn who've made the transition to hear how they did it.
Hey, so I actually totally forgot about this post and since you commented, I figured I might as well update here:
I actually never got an MBA or a MSRE or similar. I made the jump into a public sector role initially as an Assistant PM helping manage development projects in pre-dev dealing with loans and tax exemptions, and now after three years I am Deputy Director and managing a team of PMs. I’ve quite enjoyed my work so far as I do feel that my role and what we’ve accomplished has purpose, but I’m always open to new opportunities when they present themselves. I’ve been reached out to by a number of developers about roles, but didn’t think they were the right fit and kept deciding to stay put.
All in all, I’m very happy with making the change.
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