So You Want To Be An Architect (So You Want To Be A...)

"Have you ever drawn a house and wished it was real? So You Want to Be an Architect by Linda Soules is a non-fiction children’s book that introduces readers to the world of being an architect. Soules describes these professionals as part artist, part engineer, part listener, and part dreamer. For them, the simple act of sketching ideas can be the first step toward building a real structure. In this book, young readers get a behind-the-scenes look at this career. An architect’s work includes sketching designs, constructing models, visiting construction sites, and more. Another aspect of this field is understanding clients’ needs. Architects create spaces that turn those wishes into something real. Also included are sections on the tools they use, where they work, and the types of projects they design. Challenges and rewards are also highlighted. At the end, there are pages introducing famous architects and a glossary of terms. So, do you want to be an architect?

I’ve read several books in Linda Soules’ So You Want to Be… series, and just like the others, So You Want to Be an Architect did not disappoint. I love how she continues to introduce children to different careers while reminding them that these opportunities are for everyone. The dedication says it is for “every kid who ever drew the floor plan of an imaginary house,” and I was one of those kids. I really connected with Linda Soules's description of architects as dreamers. As an educator, I would read it during a careers unit. Then, as a follow-up, we could vote as a class for our favorite buildings. Students can also design their own structure or create a model. I’d also use the glossary to help young learners understand new architecture terms. I also appreciate how Linda Soules presents so much information in a way that is clear and accessible to kids. I can tell how much hard work she puts into each title. The artwork adds another layer to the experience. My favorite is the one depicting a woman wearing a hard hat on a construction site. Julia Morgan, the architect behind San Simeon, once said, “Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves.” This guide shows children that their drawings could one day become places that really matter to others. Anyone looking to read about unique careers, creativity, or designing will want to pick this one up."

"So You Want to Be an Architect by Linda Soules is an engaging children’s book that introduces kids to the exciting and challenging world of architecture. Written for young readers who enjoy drawing houses, building with LEGO, creating in Minecraft, or imagining new spaces, the book explains that architects are more than artists. They are also engineers, problem-solvers, listeners, and dreamers who turn people’s needs and ideas into real places where they can live, learn, work, and play.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its emphasis on empathy. Soules explains that a successful design does not begin with a blueprint or computer program but with listening to the people who will use the space. The book then guides readers through the architectural process, including sketching, constructing physical models, visiting building sites, using 3D printing, and working with programs such as AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. It also honestly discusses the patience, perseverance, teamwork, and flexibility required when projects face delays, financial problems, or other challenges.

The book is filled with memorable stories and fascinating facts that make the subject entertaining as well as educational. Readers learn about unusual structures, such as a skyscraper that reflected enough heat to damage a car, a tower stabilized by a giant swinging weight, and an office building shaped like a picnic basket. They are also introduced to influential architects, including Filippo Brunelleschi, Frank Lloyd Wright, Maya Lin, Zaha Hadid, Jørn Utzon, and Norma Merrick Sklarek. Helpful sections such as 'A Day in the Life,' descriptions of the best and hardest parts of the job, and a glossary of architectural terms make complex information clear and accessible.

So You Want to Be an Architect is an inspiring and informative career guide that treats children as capable future professionals. The illustrations add energy and interest, while the practical activities encourage readers to sketch, observe buildings, design structures, and consider whether architecture matches their interests and strengths. This book would be an excellent choice for a classroom careers unit, a school library, a homeschool lesson, or a gift for a creative young builder. Even children who do not plan to become architects will come away with a greater appreciation for the thought, care, and imagination behind the spaces around them."

"So You Want To Be An Architect by Linda Soules speaks straight to the ten- to twelve-year-old who has mapped an imaginary floor plan and walked through every room in their head before bedtime. Parents browsing ahead of a shared read will find just as much here.

The book traces one commission from a child's scribbled room list through floor plans and blueprints to a finished building. One thread follows a full workday, from dawn sketches to a hard-hat library visit where sunlight fills the children's reading room just as the child's scale model had promised — easily the book's most engaging stretch. The book also covers studio tools, collaborating engineers, shrinking budgets, and commissions that never get built, with curiosities like the Walkie-Scorchie and Gaudi's weighted strings keeping things lively. Sketching prompts, a self-check list, and a glossary round it out.

Direct address carries the tone: 'So, you want to be an architect.' The prose weighs pencil sketches against AutoCAD, treats constraints as puzzle pieces, and never hides how long a single commission can run. Studio photos, cardboard models, and landmarks, from Fallingwater to the Longaberger Basket Building, a seven-story office shaped like a picnic basket in Ohio, give younger readers and parents plenty to study during a read-aloud. A handful of studio terms may run slightly advanced for a younger ten-year-old reading alone, though a shared read-aloud carries them comfortably.

Pick it up for the ten- to twelve-year-old who already sketches floor plans or rebuilds rooms in Minecraft and is ready for an honest, long-view look at the work."

"I really liked this book! It takes something that might sound a bit complicated — architecture — and makes it feel exciting, creative and surprisingly relatable. I especially liked the idea that architects are part artists, part engineers, part listeners and part dreamers. It makes you realise that being an architect isn't just about drawing buildings; it's about thinking about the people who will actually live, work and spend time in them.

The book does a great job of showing how much thought goes into a building, from the first idea and sketches to the practical stuff that makes sure everything actually works. There are lots of interesting details, and I liked the way it encourages you to look at the buildings around you differently. Suddenly, a window, a staircase or even the way light enters a room can seem like something worth thinking about!

This is a really good choice for 9–12-year-olds who enjoy drawing, designing, building things or simply asking lots of questions about how the world works. It's informative without feeling like a boring textbook, and it could definitely inspire some readers to pick up a pencil and start designing their own dream house, school or skyscraper. A fun, thoughtful and inspiring introduction to the world of architecture.

This is what my 12 year old son felt after reading it –

I thought this book was really interesting because I’ve always liked drawing and building things, and it made being an architect sound like a pretty cool job. I didn’t realise how much thinking goes into designing buildings, or that architects have to consider things like light, space and the people who are going to use them. It was easy to read and had lots of interesting ideas, and now I’m definitely looking at buildings a bit differently!"

"This book was interesting and very informative. I read it to my 11 year old and he actually sat there and paid attention. He has always wanted to be an architect and this book has given him some very good insight into what's involved. I would definitely recommend."

"SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ARCHITECT by Linda Soules is another excellent addition to a series that consistently introduces young readers to careers in an honest, engaging, and age-appropriate way. Rather than reducing architecture to drawing attractive buildings, the book explains that great architects are first and foremost great listeners and problem-solvers who design spaces around the needs of the people who will use them. From blueprints and building models to famous landmarks and inspiring architects throughout history, it offers children a well-rounded understanding of the profession without ever feeling overwhelming. Having now read four previous books in the series, I can say it’s clear that the author has a remarkable ability to make complex careers accessible while treating young readers with respect.

What makes SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ARCHITECT especially valuable is its emphasis on helping children discover whether the career truly suits them, rather than simply encouraging them to pursue it. The book highlights the skills, mindset, and habits that aspiring architects can begin developing long before college, while also introducing the challenges and rewards that come with the profession. The real-world examples, fascinating architectural stories, and practical advice make the subject feel exciting without losing sight of reality. Whether a child dreams of designing skyscrapers, creating welcoming homes, or simply enjoys building with LEGO or sketching floor plans, SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ARCHITECT is an inspiring introduction that encourages curiosity, creativity, and thoughtful career exploration."

"SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ARCHITECT is one of many career books written by the author. As a mom of three, I spent many years volunteering in elementary and middle school libraries and classrooms and have not come across any books as detailed as these.

SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ARCHITECT addresses specific skills needed, such as patience, perseverance, and ability to work with others. It highlights famous architectural works as well as famous architects but also identifies everyday buildings we take for granted, such as libraries and homes.

It goes above and beyond the norm by pointing out what kids can do now to prepare for a career in this field and provides additional resources for learning more.

I recently recommended this series to a friend who is an administrator at a K-8 school as a resource for older elementary and middle school students."

"While I like all of the books in this authors' series, and they're all done with a lot of thought, this one in particular strikes me as particularly encouraging. It's really nice to see the attention to diversity in the families, too."

"This is such an interesting book to read even if you are not looking to be an architect. It has some really cool information about different buildings and some architects and their famous buildings. It also has information on what you can do to prepare to be an architect in the future if you are interested in everything you read!"

"In SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ARCHITECT, Linda Soules helps readers understand everything about architecture in the most simple and attractive way that inspires young minds to want to explore this field. From imagination to sketching and building, the author walks you through each step like a friend would talk you through how things work in their field of expertise.

Most importantly, Linda lays out the team an architect works with and who does what to ensure the plan becomes a house. Moreover, they used appropriate explanatory diagrammatic illustrations to help the reader understand information, making the book more informative, interesting, and suitable for the target audience. This book is helpful in inspiring young readers on choosing the career path."

"I always enjoy Linda Soules' So You Want To Be A... books, and So You Want To Be An Architect is another great addition to the series. It's a fun, informative look at architecture that goes beyond just drawing buildings. I liked that the book shows kids that architects spend just as much time listening to people and solving problems as they do designing.

The book explains the entire process in a way that's easy to understand, from sketching ideas and making models to visiting construction sites and using design software. There are also lots of interesting facts and stories sprinkled throughout, along with introductions to famous architects and some truly unique buildings. I found those sections especially fun because they show how creative and surprising architecture can be.

If you have a child who loves building with LEGO, creating in Minecraft, drawing houses, or just wondering how buildings are designed, I think this book would be a great fit. It's an enjoyable introduction to architecture that encourages creativity, curiosity, and looking at the world a little differently."

"What a great read! This is a great book for kids into architecture. It goes through the day by day life, blueprints, what building is like and how creative minds invent the spaces we live, learn and grow."

"Another great book in this series! I learned so much about buildings I didn't even know existed. I found myself Googling the architects mentioned and scrolling through pictures of their work. Very good book for someone interested in architecture to help prepare for what their future could look like."

"It’s not just about drawing! This book shows kids the real-world teamwork, safety rules, and exact planning that goes into architecture. The pictures beautifully show how a flat sketch turns into a real building, turning a child's curiosity into a love for design."

"Want to get kids excited about architecture? Linda Soules’ SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ARCHITECT is the perfect book to start with. I’ve read a few of her books, and this one is just as thoughtful and engaging as the rest. Instead of making the job sound like it's just about drawing cool buildings, it gives kids an honest look at what architects really do. It shows that the best architects are really good listeners and problem-solvers who design spaces with the people using them in mind. From sketching ideas and building models to visiting construction sites and using design software, the book walks through the whole process in a way that's easy for kids to follow without feeling overwhelming."

"This is an amazing book for kids. I love how it breaks down all the components for being an architect. It even includes some challenges that might come up. As a teacher, I like to introduce lots of books to my students. This will definitely be in my classroom library."

"I read SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ARCHITECT by Linda Soules, and it really impressed me. It’s more than just about drawing buildings, it shows in a fun-real way what architects actually do.

What I love most is how it helps kids figure out whether architecture is really right for them. It points out the key skills and habits kids can start picking up right away: like patience, perseverance, teamwork, and creativity, even long before college. It’s got fun parts about what a normal day looks like, the best and hardest parts of the job, the surprises they face, and even why some projects never get built. I really liked the real-world examples, the cool stories about famous architects like Zaha Hadid and Jørn Utzon, the quirky buildings, and the down-to-earth advice on what to do next."

"Such an interesting and fun-to-read book that explains all about what architects do! Topics include what qualities are needed to be an architect - including some you might not expect to need - the best and hardest parts of the job, who architects work with, what a day in the life looks like, famous and unusual buildings around the world, famous architects, fun facts, and so much more. Read this book to learn more about this fascinating career!"

"This book is another excellent addition to the 'So You Want To Be A…' series of books written by Linda Soules. In this book, she introduces the reader to being an Architect in a way that is easy for them to understand while still covering all of the important areas such as: where they work, what they do, buildings that break the rules and so much more. Then it even has a section about 'What They Can Do To Prepare Right Now.' For any child that loves building snow forts, playing with legos or simply making a fort inside your house, this is a must have book."

"This was a very interesting read and could be for a diverse age group! We pass by hundreds of structures a day and I bet many of us don't think twice about the people behind said structures. I had no idea the amount of schooling/exams it took to become an architect, along with that fact that many of their projects take years to come to fruition with many that never even come off the paper. Definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in the people behind the scenes of the structures we pass by each day!"

"Great primer for a 4th-6th grade child on this career. I appreciate how it gave actionable items for kids to do now to be ready, or to figure out if they might enjoy this career. I also like how they give examples of favorite architects (that way I can help my child see their buildings and learn more)."

"This book expressed how an architect does so much more than just drawing buildings such as talking to clients and building relationships with builders and engineers. I love the fun facts it listed of the odd things that buildings did that no one could have expected."

"Another well done book in this series. If you have a kid interested in building things, this is for you. Gives realistic expectations of what a career in architecture might be like without being too technical. The illustrations are stunning and really enhance the content. Highly recommend!!"

"If you love to sketch buildings, build Legos, play Minecraft or just build a fort, being an architect might be in your future! An architect studies the history of buildings and take pictures of buildings. They start with a sketch that may turn into a three to ten year project from start to finish. The joy is watching the people enjoy the building you designed and created. Great read about the life of an Architect!"

"I love this series of books. The illustrations are always beautiful. This one especially has great fun facts. I didn’t know some buildings move on purpose!"

"This book is a fun and engaging introduction to the world of architecture. It explains building design, blueprints, and the creative process in a way kids can easily understand. A great read for young minds who love to imagine, create, and dream about designing the spaces of tomorrow!"

"This book is a phenomenal children’s book with very detailed illustrations show in your childhood. Be an architect.

The book details the duties of architect very well and in an in depth fashion. The book is easy to read with simple language and easy to follow theme. There is a whimsical and explorative tone of this book which I think is appropriate for a children’s book. The book also intermittently asks thought-provoking questions about being an architect, which is a great exercise for children who are learning. It also details the personality traits, and skills that a person have which would make them a good architect. I think this book would be a good addition to any children’s library and it can provoke a lot of discussion about careers and the future. You can also be the opportunity for a child to ask about being an architect. Overall, a really great children’s book and I highly recommend it."

"What makes So You Want To Be An Architect so engaging is that it doesn't just explain architecture—it uses real-world examples that genuinely surprised me, like London's curved skyscraper that accidentally reflected enough sunlight to melt a parked car. I also found the explanation of Taipei 101's giant 660-tonne swinging pendulum fascinating because it showed how architects and engineers solve problems with creativity and innovation, making complex ideas easy to understand. This book left me with a greater appreciation for the thought and teamwork behind every building and I would highly recommend it to young readers who enjoy learning through real life stories and amazing engineering."

"I enjoyed this book so much that I signed up on the authors website to receive more information as it becomes available. This was an excellent book for all children to read that are thinking about their future and specifically becoming an architect. I've been in the building trades for about 50 years and found it very interesting and informative. I recommend it highly. I especially liked the graphics that complemented the written descriptions. I found it to be very accurate and realistic when describing the things involved. Especially the parts about how to work with others involved in the trade. I'm looking forward to reading more books in the series."

"While I like all of the books in this authors' series, and they're all done with a lot of thought, this one in particular strikes me as particularly encouraging. It's really nice to see the attention to diversity in the families, too."

"If you have a kid who spends hours building elaborate worlds in Minecraft, meticulously planning LEGO cities, or sketching floor plans on graph paper, buy this book immediately. Linda Soules does an incredible job of taking a complex career and making it thrilling for young readers (around ages 8–12). Instead of reading like a dry textbook, it feels like an invitation into a secret club."

"Great job for kids to explain the job of an architect. The book gives a simple, but detailed, explanation of the job of an architect. It explains different aspects of the job and what kind of things you would need to learn or classes you need to take for the job. The book reviews what a day in the life of an architect looks like. It also provides examples of different buildings architects work on. Great career review for kids."

"So You Want to be an Architect is a great book teaching all about being blueprints, building design and architecture.

It has many interesting full color pictures and easier language for older primary students to understand. It's enjoyable for adults to learn from, maybe even find a new career. This is 1 of a 196 books series explaining all about jobs you can achieve.

It has great information sections: what the job is, what they do, where they work, tools of the trade, best/hardest/surprising parts of the job, a day in a life of, people they work with, people they help, famous historical figures, and fun facts about the job."

"This guide is superb. It is conversational and provides a great deal of insight into determining if the reader would be suited being an architect.

It provides comprehensive details around what architects do, what skills are necessary to be an architect, and what you can do now to build the necessary skills.

The author shares prominent architects and their work to inspire the reader. This is a profession in which the projects designs will outlive the designer. It is a way to impact the future with your ideas.

I loved this book and wish I had read it when I was young."

"I love how this book describes an architect as part artist, part engineer, part listener, and part dreamer. Excited to share this book with my Lego lovers.

It walks students through the process from a quick sketch on a napkin to real life projects. Another great addition to my classroom library!"

"This is a great resource of information on being an architect. I wanted to be an architect growing up since I loved drawing. That mindset was definitely an oversimplification of the job, and this book shows all the different aspects that play into becoming an architect."

"These books in the SO you Want to be a series are really well written. This is my 3rd of 196 to read and even as an adult they have enough knowledge about the subject and is well researched enough to keep me interested, entertained, and learning about a profession. The reality of being an architect was brought home, how many designs are drawn and how many truly never get built to fruition. I did not know the Vietnam Memorial Wall was designed by Maya Lin, a 21 year old Asian woman , but I’ve touched it, felt it traced my fingers along names some my father fought with. I learned about how the beautiful shell shaped Sydney Opera House, architect left before seeing it accomplished and never saw it with his own eyes. I love the fun facts, especially the one about the Sangrada Familia and how 5 generations worked on it and it is still on interior work, what a lifetime working in one monument to design. Excellent - can't wait to read the next one."

"SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ARCHITECT takes what could be a complicated subject and makes it accessible to kids and teens. But it also doesn't talk down to them—there are areas younger kids may not be able to follow, but there's enough context to get the point across well enough, I think. I also think that if something is a little over a kid's head and sends them to asking someone about it or looking it up, that's not a bad thing at all. The book goes beyond explaining what architects do and what they need to learn to be able to do it; it also talks about what kinds of interests, innate skills, and even indefinable ways of seeing the world around them that might lend themselves to a potential future architect. There are segments on famous architects and fun facts as well and beautiful, colorful illustrations throughout. (The illustrations are done with AI assistance, as Soules explains at the back of the book.)

I really like how the book talks about both the good and the bad (or at least the difficult) sides of being an architect, as well as the glamorous and more-common "normal" aspects. The book is intended for pre-teens through teens aged 10-14, and I definitely could see it being a great one for anyone in or near that age range, on either side of it."

"This is yet another great book in the series which explores various professions in great depth for children. For years my son has wanted to be an architect, so this was the perfect book for him to read to see just what the job entails."

"A great read for anyone! Even me, as an adult. I knew what an architect was, but I gained more detail about what kind of work they really do. From designing building/structural ideas, to creating models, to backing those models up into software, and eventually having those designs constructed so that people can walk in them is so cool! Architects really have a hard and rewarding job. It takes great experience and knowledge to be able to build a safe building for others. My takeaway from this book is that architects will always have work to do. We always need buildings in every area, state, country etc. The work that an architect puts into what they are passionate about, will always be appreciated. For me personally, although I feel like I have good ideas and visual ideas, I cannot draw, construct, or perform mathematical calculations that is require for an architect. But there are so many people who could actually do that job well!"

"This is a helpful and inspiring book that helps preteens and teens decide if a career in architecture is something they want to pursue. It focuses on all the areas you would expect...famous architects and architectural buildings...has beautiful color illustrations. And it also focuses on what areas you might not expect like how listening and working with people is just as important as being a creative designer or builder. It's a well-rounded look at the profession without being overwhelming. It's the perfect book for parents and teachers to give to their budding architects. Though I've never read any of the other books in the series, this one makes me want to because the author handled this one so well. Truly one of a kind approach to what amounts to acting as a guidance counselor of sorts."