Reddit mentions of Architectural Graphics

I am assuming from your profile that you are in the U.S. and will be attending a U.S. school.

First of all, I echo what others have said about questioning "Architecture Engineering". Architecture and Engineering are related but otherwise completely different disciplines. Yes, you use some mathematics and engineering knowledge when practicing architecture, and many engineers also use design principles, but in terms of your education these are very different majors. If I had to guess based upon other programs I've seen, I would hazard that "Architecture Engineering" is some kind of composite course that covers bits of Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Engineering, maybe Mechanical Systems (HVAC, Plumbing, Etc.), and maybe even Construction Management. Each of these is difficult academic program all its own, and I can't imagine there being meaningful time for any sort of Architecture Studio curriculum, let alone interior design.

That said, you need to decide if you want to go into Design(Architecture/Interior Design) or Engineering first; don't waste time and money pursuing programs that you aren't interested in. If your goal is to become a practicing, licensed architect then you need to get a NCARB accredited degree from an accredited College of Architecture. This usually takes the form of getting an undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Architecture followed by a Master of Architecture. The Master's degree is the actual accredited, professional degree which is required in order to become licensed. Of course, that means you could study whatever you wanted as your undergraduate degree and still apply to a Master program, but I think you'd be very lost without the solid foundation that an undergraduate architecture degree gives. During or following school, you also must intern under a licensed Architect who will sign off on how many hours you work for the Architecture Experience Program. Once you have completed these hour requirements as well as the professional architecture degree from your Masters, you must pass the Architectural Registration Exam, a series of exams which test your capabilities and education. Finally, after that, you may legally practice architecture and call yourself ARCHITECT.

So, regarding your questions, it's VERY important that you start actually researching the profession of architecture to see if it's even what you want to do. I HIGHLY recommend you read Architect? A Candid Guide To The Profession by Roger Lewis. It's the most accurate, thorough and honest overview of the entire process of practicing architecture that I've found. Architecture is a competitive field which requires an intense dedication and discipline to mastering a wide array of complex and disparate skills. It costs a lot of money and at least 7 or so years of your life to become an architect. One upside is that the skills you learn can be applied to all kinds of other industries, though, so many people don't even stick with architecture following graduation but find work in all kinds of other design fields.

Architects, in general, don't make very much money. In general, you won't really be hitting your stride in your profession until your early 50s. Most of this job is sitting down at a computer/desk for very long periods of time doing very monotonous work for someone else. In practicing professionally, you'll find that most people want a simple box for their home/business, and would much rather spend their money on their families/a boat/investments than a nice building. I don't say all this to be cynical, but it's just part of it you have to be ready for. Most of this job is enormously fulfilling, but it's on you to find that.


If, after all of this, you are still interested in Architecture, here's my recommendation for preparing for the Fall:

1. Read that book I mentioned.
   
   
2. Pick up a book on Architectural Drafting. You won't do much physical drafting beyond your first year, but if you don't understand the fundamentals of how objects and buildings are drawn, you will have a very hard time keeping up. I recommend Architectural Graphics by Francis D. Ching. You won't need all the tools he mentions in the beginning. Get yourself a good mechanical pencil, a drafting triangle, a scale, and a ream of cheap white printer paper. Find some very simple houses or buildings you like and practice "seeing" them and drawing them. Drafting is the common language of the Architecture-Engineering-Construction industries and is arguably THE technical skill that you'll first need to master.
   
   
3. If you have time, download a student version of AutoCAD and start messing around with it. Watch some tutorials. A GREAT thing to do would be to practice designing a small 1-room shed/studio and take it all the way from a sketch to some basic orthographic views in CAD.
   
   
4. Finally, and I cannot stress this enough, do NOT get too caught up in what you think Architecture "is". I think the best possible advice for school is to go into it with an open mind and without preconceptions. Buildings you love now you might not care too much about it 5 years. Things you don't undertand/get might become your favorite projects. Architecture is an extremely open-ended field and the hardest part is carving your own path through it.
   
   Of course, this is all based upon my own meandering experience, and parts of this probably don't apply to every person. Take it with a grain of salt.
   Feel free to DM me if you have any further questions. Good luck!

Fun! I remember free-hand drawing elevations of the house I lived in around your age. You might ask for Architectural Graphics by Francis Ching. It is a good introduction to architectural drawing concepts and techniques.

I would Recommend Francis D.K. Chings Architectural Graphics

Some of my students have also had good luck with The Architect's Studio Companion

Cool renderings. What program/engine are you using?

Architectural Graphics

Freehand Drawing for Architects and Interior Designers

Design Drawing

These should provide plenty of foundational skills and examples of the kinds of handdrawings you may find useful.