Interior design is a good midway point between architecture and decorating. This type of designer looks at how the elements inside a structure work and fit together, in the same way an architect plans an entire building. Interior designers also may get involved in the look of a room, which leans more toward decorating.
Engineering encompasses many different choices of majors including environmental, mechanical and industrial engineering. Engineers, at their core, are designers and the field attracts the creatively minded. If you have a strong mathematical edge, this field could lead you to product or manufacturing design.
Students who are interested in the plans and layouts of buildings may choose mechanical drafting as a major. Since the addition of computers to this field, much of the work is done at a monitor rather than a drafting table. It's a solid alternative choice for learners who are artistic, yet technical, and who like to use their hands.
Designing theatre scenes and props is a unique alternative to architecture. Designing short-term home interiors and landscapes is an excellent way to get a taste of being an architect without majoring in that field. Pursuing theatre design also opens you up to the world of performing arts, which you might not experience in a traditional architect's role.
Graphic designers are employed in many different industries from retail to publishing. Graphic design is an alternate choice to a major in architecture for the student who is creative and likes to put together words and color themes. For the architect, the finished product is typically some kind of structure; for the graphic designer, the product could be a print publication or a website. The graphic designer's work environment varies from the traditional office job to a work-from-home position.