A Comparative Look At Architecture And Web Design

The field of design is quite a large one, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that there are going to be similarities between many of the different ‘arty’ careers. If you work in web design, for example, you might wonder whether your skills and design rules could translate to another profession (should you ever decide you wish to move on). Have you ever considered how you would do in architecture?

Believe it or not, there are actually a number of similarities between architecture and web design (should you care to look deep enough). These are the most common and obvious ways that the two are alike:

• Good design should focus on tying together the past, present and the future
  In architecture, it is important to ensure that buildings are pleasing to the eye and that they won’t become outdated after only a few years. In web design, it is important to ensure that websites are pleasing to the eye and will not need to be updated every few weeks to stay current.
• What is left out of a design can be just as important as what is left in it; the idea of minimalism is rife in the industry
  In architecture, you can often find that, when something is removed, what is left becomes even more visually striking. In web design, the same sort of idea is mirrored by the amount of white (or ‘negative’) space that is left on a website, which creates a visual buffer.
• The client/designer relationship is vital for keeping both parties happy
  When an architect is working on the plans of a house or building, they need to ensure that they regularly meet and communicate with the client throughout the entire process. The same is true of a web designer, because a well-informed client is a happy one.
• It is the bold colours of a design that make the whole thing more interesting
  In architecture, bright or bold colours may be incorporated in the trim of a room or building, or even as accent wall, so that an element of interest is added to the overall space. In web design, bright or bold colours can be included in the borders, typography, navigation or even the background of the page to prevent it from appearing dull.

As you can see, there are a number of skills and techniques that you would have picked up working in the web design industry that would be easily translatable into another design profession, such as architecture. If you are ever looking at a career change, why not begin by looking at the design industry and see where else your talents may be of use?