How hard is architecture?

There are many things that are considered "hard" or difficult in the field of architecture. The level of difficulty is different for each person. I will try to answer your question by addressing the most difficult aspects within each stage of becoming an architect; education, licensure and professional experience.

1. Education - usually a five year program which requires an extensive study of planning, design, structure, materials and history. The most difficult aspect of this degree would be the courses in physics and calculus. If one obtains a master's degree, then the final year (thesis) is considered the most difficult.

2. Licensure - varies by state, but usually requires a minimum of three years internship/professional experience. Once all experience and education requirements have been fulfilled, a ten part exam must be completed. The fulfillment of internship requirements and the exams are all considered to be "difficult".

3. Professional Practice - it's difficult to pinpoint a single "thing" that is considered most difficult in the practice of architecture. However, on the list of the top five, I would include: clients that do not pay for services, on-site issues that alter the design, absent/uncooperative contractors, clients that expect miraculous spaces without the budget to provide for it and the constantly changing building code procedures and requirements.