“Have confidence in yourself,” said Chea Bunseang, chief architect at Bunseang Architects and Associates and a lecturer in Architecture and Design at Pannassastra University of Cambodia.

Bunseang, also a young Cambodian architect who was the design manager for the Council of Ministers building, shared his experience and tips on becoming an architect.

Bunseang said: “Ask yourself, do you want to be an architect long term? If the answer is yes, you should do it. Don’t do it unless you’re in it for the long haul.”

Architecture is a lifestyle; it’s not a high-paying job but one that we enjoy because we impact society and the way people see our culture.

He continued, “Architects must be up to date with all the latest technology. There is never enough time. You need think long and hard and create things that have never been seen before.”

Those who want to become an architect should have a natural talent for art as well as math and physics. Architecture is half science and half art; it is a combination of the two.

Bunseang added, “You’ve no need for a bachelor’s or master’s degree from abroad to be a good architect. But you should have connections with established architects. Learn from them and improve yourself.”

In closing Bunseang conveyed, “Learn what you want to do and try your best. Study architecture because you want to be an architect, don’t just learn this field but then get another job. The architecture market starts with you.”