How to become an architect

 

 

Introduction | Outlook - Career Challenges | Education | Becoming a Licensed Architect | Resources - NY Schools | Other Schools - Scholarships

 

Outlook

 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), in the year 2000, over 102,000 jobs were held by architects. Although the majority of these jobs were in small (under five people) architectural firms, over one quarter of them were self-employed. Others found work as general building contractors or worked for various local, state and national government agencies. The median annual earnings for architects in 2006 was $64,000 (US minimum wage: $10,712)

 

Career Challenges

 

Architects must have the eye of an artist and the pragmatism of an engineer. They must be able to synthesis the often vague needs and desires of their clients into solid, functional, three-dimensional structures. To do this they must create and demonstrate ideas, through renderings, models and construction plans. But it is not just the aesthetics one must consider; practicality, economic feasibility and public welfare must also be considered and addressed in design of any built environment. The end product must be in compliance with all zoning and building codes and regulations. The architect must take into account the movements of earth and the prevailing winds when planning a structure. Various elements in the environment will have an influence on how an architect designs structures and, conversely, everything about the structure, from the methods of construction to the materials used, will have an effect on the environment that surrounds it.

 

The work of an architect is very diverse. Architects need to be knowledgeable in history, art, design, engineering and physics. They must be able to manage and coordinate different groups of people towards a common goal. The majority of an architect’s time is spent in an office environment, but frequent visits to construction sites, meeting with clients and consultants are needed to ensure professional delivery of the project. Computers and the Internet are increasingly important tools in the architecture profession; when used properly, these tools increase efficiency of the drafting process and facilitate accuracy and coordination between the parties involved in the design process. Examples of tasks that are facilitate by use of computer programs available to architects:

• Surveying building sites and reviewing clients' needs

• Communicating with clients and consultants to discuss design specifications

• Accessing local building codes, permits and applications

• Creating cost proposals and budgets

• Overseeing, planning, constructing, budgeting and staffing of projects

• Researching building materials and methodologies

• Creating persuasive presentations of their vision to the client