Architects employ the principles of art, engineering, and physics to design buildings such as homes, office complexes, airports, museums, etc.
While this may sound a lot like the work of a structural engineer, the main distinction between structural engineers and architects is that architects are more concerned with the aesthetics of the structure, whereas structural engineers are more concerned with the safety and effectiveness of the building.
Structural engineers and architects frequently collaborate. The fact that structural engineers can design other types of infrastructure, such as bridges and dams, contrasts with architects, who usually only design buildings.
What is an architect’s role?
The most typical activities and duties architects carry out on a daily basis are as follows:
- Organize early architectural studies for new construction.
- Arrange for architectural research on existing structures.
- From conception to completion, manage projects.
- Communicate with clients effectively and carry out their vision.
- Understanding, requesting, and managing building permit paperwork.
- Make construction paperwork, drawings, and specifications.
How does a person become an architect?
You can become an architect by following a few different routes.
The majority of firms demand an associate’s degree in drafting or engineering graphics if you want to work as an architectural drafter. That is around two years after high school for full-time students. On the other hand, if you’re enrolled in a thorough CTE program at your district, firms may occasionally recruit architectural drafters straight out of high school.
It will take more time to become an authorized architect. You must enrol in an undergraduate or graduate program at a school that has earned National Architectural Accrediting Board accreditation (NAAB). It’s likely that your school’s architecture program is accredited, but it never hurts to double-check. You can expect to finish your degree in three to five years, depending on the requirements of the program and whether you’re in undergrad or graduate school.
After receiving your degree, you must have experience before applying for your license. The NCARB’s Architectural Experience Program has further information about it (AXP).
Once you’ve completed enough apprenticeships, you can finally sit the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) to earn your license. It’s a challenging exam. About half of test takers, according to NCARB, succeed on the exam. You can always retake it, so don’t be concerned!
Can you work for yourself as an architect?
It is possible for you to start your own business as an architect or to perform services on a freelance basis. If this is the career path you choose, you will be responsible for managing any risk associated with the provision of architectural services. As such, you are advised to ensure you fully research and understand the insurance for architect offerings that are available. Are you interested in becoming an architect? You can learn more here.
What kind of software is used by architects?
Computer-aided design (CAD) drawings in 2D and 3D are no longer the only types of architecture software.
Building information modeling (BIM) is now used by the top architecture software to enable collaboration between architects and the engineers they are working with on design, labor, materials, and standards for each given project. With the use of BIM technologies, architects can see a building’s final appearance.
In the United States, an architect makes a base salary of $89,820. Between 0 and 10+ years of experience may be necessary for these positions.
Architectural drafters in the US make an average base salary of $21.46 per hour, or $44,636 annually. These positions call for 0-2 years of experience.
Junior architects in the United States get an average base salary of $57,048. No prior experience is necessary for these positions.
Your employment options in architecture design are only limited by your ambition. There isn’t much hierarchy in job titles, but the income will increase as the years of experience increase.
Just as with any profession, keep in mind that pay might vary depending on a number of things, including where you live, your areas of expertise, and the organization you work for.
Is architecture a promising career?
Despite a projected growth rate of only 3%, architecture design careers are still expanding. This is in contrast to the anticipated job growth rate of 8% for all occupations in the United States between 2020 and 2030 (BLS). Despite this, architecture remains a viable career option due to its relatively high median salary. While the median wage in the US is $41,950, architects earn double that amount.