A Day in the Life of a Graduate Architecture Student
Graduate school in architecture is complex mixture of creativity, deadlines, and constant problem-solving. While no two days are exactly the same, here’s a glimpse into what my day often looks like as a student at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Morning: Setting the Tone
I usually start my day early, around 6:30 a.m. if I’m headed to the office, or closer to 8:00 a.m. on class days. Caffeine is essential and I often pair it with light reading—whether it’s AIA Chicago Magazine, Crain's Chicago Business, or chipping away at my book list. I am currently reading The Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton https://amzn.to/3VjJ9uq .This habit keeps me inspired and connected to the field, and it feels like my first win of the day.
Before diving into work, I take a moment to review what I worked on the night before. Whether it’s refining sketches or evaluating a Rhino model, mornings are perfect for assessing progress with fresh eyes.
Studio Sessions and Classes
Studio dominates most of my early evenings. It’s the heart of architecture school—a space buzzing with collaboration and creativity. Here, I might work on anything from façade proposals to detailed diagrams, plans, and renderings.
Outside of studio, coursework covers a range of topics like structural systems, environmental design, and building science. These classes are intense but rewarding, often sparking ideas that I apply to my projects. For instance, a recent lecture on sustainability inspired me to rethink material choices in my designs.
Afternoon: Hands-On Work and Collaboration
Afternoons are dedicated to production—rendering, drafting, and experimenting with tools like Grasshopper or ClimateStudio. Collaboration is a big part of this time. I might meet with my studio team for a quick critique session, chat with professors about progress, or break up the day by grabbing lunch with friends or family.
Evening: Pushing Through
Evenings are when I hit my stride. This is when I refine floor plans, troubleshoot Grasshopper scripts, work on 3D modeling or tweaking renders. Of course, the classic architecture student challenge—avoiding a computer crash—is always lurking. (Pro tip: save your work constantly.)
To keep me in the zone I play some music while working. Dinner is often a quick but necessary break to recharge and step away from the screen.
Late Night: Wrapping Up
While architecture students are known for late nights, I aim to shut down by 10:00 p.m. whenever possible. This is when I review progress, set goals for the next day, and reflect on what’s left to tackle. Of course, exceptions happen—deadlines or complex models sometimes mean working overtime.
Finding Balance
Despite my packed schedule, I carve out time for life outside of architecture. Whether it’s playing softball, exploring Chicago’s iconic buildings, spending time with my girlfriend, or trying a new restaurant, these moments help me stay grounded.
I also dedicate 2–3 hours a week to building my “brand.” That means writing blogs, brainstorming ideas, or refining my website. This work feels just as important as my design projects, as it’s helping me build a foundation for the future.
Takeaway
Graduate school in architecture is demanding, but it’s also a period of growth and discovery. Every day is an opportunity to learn, test ideas, and push creative boundaries.
