From Sketch to Skyline: What Teens Need to Know About a Career as an Architect

Architecture isn't just about drawing buildings—it's about shaping how people live, connect, and experience the world. This book gives curious readers a behind-the-scenes look at what it really means to build a life in design. From the first sketches of an idea to the final details of a completed structure, it reveals how architects think, work, and collaborate to turn imagination into reality. Readers will discover what education and skills are needed to enter the field, what architects actually do day to day, and how design decisions impact everything from sustainability to community well-being. It also explores what architects earn at different career stages, what life inside a studio feels like, and how professionals balance creativity with real-world limits. Beyond the numbers and blueprints, it examines the deeper purpose of architecture—why design matters, how it reflects culture, and how it can change lives. It's a guide for anyone drawn to the intersection of art and logic, creativity and construction, vision and precision. Whether designing a skyscraper or a simple shelter, architects shape the world one space at a time. This book invites readers to explore that journey—and to see how every great design begins with curiosity, persistence, and a single line on a page.