r/architectureph•
ricahfim

Interior Design or Architecture as a college course?

Academic Question

Hello po! Incoming 1st year po ako and I'm having this huge life crisis on whether to pursue arki or ID. Architecture has been the longest dream of mine, but 2 years ago I was hit by reality when I saw countless social media posts talking about the negative side of architecture. I chose to ignore it for a while in hopes that my passion remains stronger than my fear but now that I'm here in a point of my life where I have to pick a college course, I'm again, lost.

When I was applying for colleges last year, I discovered the ID course and became interested in it. It was an architecture adjacent course and seemed less "stressful". I'm not belitling interior design though, I think it's an amazing course. However, it feels like I'm turning away from my real passion-buildings. Additionally, comparing both programs, ID is more on the creativity side of things while Arki is on the technical side. This is also my other fear because even though l'm artistic, I don't consider myself THAT creative. That's why I like a bit of technicality.

Architecture is also notorious for being paid peanuts here in the Philippines. I do hope on leaving the country to earn a better living, but it seems like getting the money to do that is also a challenge in itself. I come from a family that is not rich so if my goal is giving back to them as soon as possible, I think I'm at a disadvantage. It hurts to know that your tuition is extremely expensive (for arki) and you'll spend 7 years of your life to get a license just to get paid 15k per month. That's why I think ID is the safer route with years being shorter to get a license. I am also aware that IDrs get paid peanuts too, but at least you got the license quicker? I don't know if this makes any sense.

In all honesty, I'm severely lost. have been feeling lost ever since. am a STEM graduate and all my classmates are pursuing med courses and they've been sure about it EVER SINCE. I used to be sure with architecture, but nowit's so frustrating. Especially because my sister has been telling me that healthcare is the only field that will get you abroad. I know she's just looking out for me since she's also a victim of the exploitation of Filipino salaries, but 1 will never see myself in the medical field EVER.

Please share your opinions because I don't know what to think anymore. I have not enrolled (because I'm still unsure) yet but classes start in July.

Posted May 1, 2026, 9:08 PM UTC

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