Getting Started in Architecture

by Robert Black

Architects design the places that people live, work, play, learn, worship, meet, govern, and eat in. They are trained and skilled in the art of creating the overall aesthetic look of buildings and other structures, as well as ensuring the integrity of the structures. Architectural plans involve far more than just the focus of the buildings physical features. In this job you have to be able to make your buildings functional, safe, economical, and able to meet the needs of the people who use them (Architects, 1). Read on to learn more about this exciting and evolving occupation.

Duties & Skills

Architects are usually involved throughout the entire construction process, starting with the original client discussions through to the summation of the construction phases. Architects usually spend an enormous amount of time strategizing and explaining ideas to clients, construction managers, contractors, and others, and monitoring the progress and integrity of their projects. Therefore, communicating with clients and builders is an essential skill. Skills in engineering, supervision, managing, and some drawing skills are also often required (Architects, 1).

Construction process

The architect and client first discuss the objectives, budget, and requirements of the project. The architect will then typically create a pre-drawing for the client to show his or her initial thoughts and ideas for the project. Some architects will offer various pre-design services that help the client select a site, preparing a cost analysis, conducting environmental impact issue studies, and specifying the requirements (Architects, 1). Once the client and architect agree upon the proposal, the architect will develop a final construction plan that shows the design details for the project. An architect’s job is not complete until the construction is complete, required tests are conducted, and construction costs are paid.

Salary

The base pay scale for an architect ranged from around $49,780 to $83,450 a year in 2006. In the same year, the top ten percent of the highest paid architects earned over $105,000 per year (Architect, 1). Factors that will affect compensation include the size of the organization, the types of structures being built, the experience level and degree of the architect, and other factors. All Architects must pass all of the sections on an architecture licensing exam.

Computer Skills

When architects are not in the field evaluating sites and progress, they are in their offices using computers to simulate a range of solutions for the structure that is being designed. Much of the role is office-based using computers to simulate a range of solutions for the structure that is being designed. The work also involves examining structures on site or supervising the structural integrity of those being built. Computer aided drafting applications like AutoCAD play an important part in the design of new structures. Other programs such as Revit and SketchUp are also popular.

Getting Started in Architecture

Many college graduates initially work in the field of architecture under the guidance and supervision of a licensed architect before they become a licensed architect themselves. This apprenticeship or internship is an essential part of the learning and acclamation process, combining academic knowledge with real-word, hands-on experience

After an architect is licensed or certified he or she will be looking and applying for full-fledged architect jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook there were about 132,000 architectural jobs in 2006, with about 7 out of the 10 jobs in the architectural, engineering, or related fields in the industry. Most of these jobs are for architecture firms with fewer than five people. The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook projects that in 2016 architecture jobs will reach 155,000 jobs.

"Architect." Building & Fixing Things. 29 Apr. 2008. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 24 July 2008 http://www.bls.gov/k12/build04.htm

"Architects, Except Landscape and Naval." Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition . 18 Dec. 2007. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 24 July 2008 http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos038.htm