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."

"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 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."

"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."