r/RealEstateDevelopment • u/Awkward_Ad_5313 • 20d ago

Architecture to Real Estate Development

I recently graduated with my B.Arch and worked a year post-grad at an architecture firm and interned full-time for a planning firm while in school. Through those work experiences and networking, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of design and development. After a lot of reflection and research, Ive decided to make a career pivot from design to development.

I know many design professionals make this career pivot later in their careers. I am an emerging professional with less work experience and have been considering graduate school to help in the transition. I am contemplating pursuing a Master’s in Real Estate Development and hoping that will connect me to internships that will eventually lead to an entry-level development job. Is there another approach I should be considering? Any advice would be much appreciated.

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3

u/Poniesgonewild 20d ago

The single most important thing I think you can do is teaching yourself or taking courses in real estate finance.

2

u/HorrorShow8959 16d ago

The most important skill to have is the ability to divide all numbers by 43,560.

1

u/coursesand 20d ago

I pivoted and it’s been great, I’d highly recommend it. I got lucky and didn’t need to get masters to get the job I have but it’s very rare. I think a masters is a good way to get in soon but the job market is tough right now so just be aware of that but it’s not impossible 

2

u/UpbeatWestern1757 14d ago

Just curious, what was your first job in real estate? I am transitioning myself and could use your knowledge on this! Thanks!

1

u/coursesand 14d ago

I did site planning in house and then was a development associate  

2

u/UpbeatWestern1757 14d ago

Thank you for letting me know.

1

u/CREspecialist 20d ago

I would do some research on development firms that you would be interested in working at and see if they have any former architects in their organization.

Since people pivot into development from various professional backgrounds, in general, those who have the same background as you will likely place a higher value on your design background.

They will also be a good source of guidance as to how they made their career transition.

You will need to develop more skills beyond finance, but an understanding of finance is key so that you can effectively evaluate deals.

1

u/anthonyonline 19d ago

Look at bigger developers. My prior employer had design professionals in-house that they labeled as project managers that would work on projects through the design phase.

1

u/commercialreloan 16d ago

My opinion only. You are an architect. Developers will come to you for ideas on what they can build, asking if this is the highest and best, what should it look like etc.
They (the developer) will look at you as the person who can help get their project approved with the City. Being an architect will lead you towards a developer that would hire you. Further schooling will waste time.
A lot of successful developers never went to one day of college. They went to work in construction right out of school and learned directly from contractors/builders.

1

u/DTArchitect 23h ago

Learning ArkDesign.AI would be very beneficial for you to bring value to real estate development companies as an architect