Architecture

Architects are responsible for creating visual plans and designing a wide range of structures, including residential homes, commercial buildings, theaters, warehouses, hospitals, and museums.

Similar Titles

Architect
Draftsperson
Revit Technician
BIM Manager/Coordinator
Design Architect
Project Architect
Urban Designer

Median & Top-level
Salary

$102,160

Opportunities

Architecture Firm
Design Build Firm
Interior Design Firm
Urban Planning
Design Firm
Construction Management Company
Real Estate Development Firm
Building Construction Consultancy
Historic Preservation Organization
Government Planning
Development Agency
Landscape Architecture Firm

What Do I Do

• Proactively seeks out new projects by marketing their services and offering presentations to potential clients.
• Meets with their clients to understand their needs and requirements for the structures
• Calculates material, equipment, and construction costs, as well as the estimated time needed to complete the project
• Makes selections for materials and equipment which often requires working with engineering and specialty consultants
• Develops detailed specifications for the design and structure of the project
• Supervises employees who assist with creating the project drawings and documents
• Creates accurate, scaled drawings of the project
• Develops contracts for building contractors
• Oversees construction contracts to ensure
compliance with architectural plans
• Conducts site visits to monitor construction progress and ensure adherence to plans

Hard

& Soft Skills

Proficient in verbal and written communication
Capable of effectively communicating ideas through diagrams, drawings, renderings, and presentations
Skilled in computer drafting and modeling
Possesses a strong technical understanding of construction and engineering systems.

Extended Work Hours: Architecture is a field where long work hours are commonly expected, as architects believe that design can always be improved. Additionally, as the lead consultant working directly with clients on projects, architects must oversee the work of other specialists
Architects may not receive compensation that is commensurate with their level of education compared to other professionals. Nevertheless, many architects find fulfillment in the ability to apply their training to new challenges and use their creativity to interpret the world around them.

Opportunities

& Challenges

What Do I
need to know

Architects have to think about many things, like how the building will look, how it will be used, how many people it will hold, and how it will stay safe and strong.
To become an Architect, you usually have to study for four to five years to get a Bachelor's degree in Architecture. This degree will teach you about design, math, engineering, and other important skills. However, it's important to make sure that the college or university you attend is recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is an organization that makes sure that the schools are teaching everything that Architects need to know. If the school you go to isn't recognized by the NAAB, you might have to get a Master's degree to be able to work as an Architect in some states.
After finishing school, you also have to work at a company for up to three years. This is called an internship, and it's a chance to learn more about what it's like to work as an Architect. The internship has to be approved by the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), which is run by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
Once the internship is complete, Architects must pass a big exam called the Architect Registration Examination. This exam is really important because it shows that Architects know everything they need to know to be able to design buildings that are safe and strong.
Even after getting a license, Architects have to keep learning new things to keep it. This is because buildings are always changing, and Architects need to know about new materials, techniques, and laws that affect their work. This learning can happen through workshops, classes, conferences, or self-study.

Attention to Detail
Tenacity
Computer/Technical Savvy
Communication Skills
Listening to/Monitoring Multiple Activities
Manual Dexterity
Problem-Solving Skill
Active Learning

Time Management
Social Perceptiveness
A Grasp of Popular Culture
Musicality
Fine Arts Knowledge
Teamwork

Top Schools

& Programs

Rice University.
Cornell University.
Washington University in St. Louis.
University of Southern California.
Yale University.

Similar Titles

Median & Top-level Salary

$102,160

Opportunities

What Do I Do

Proficient in verbal and written communication

Capable of effectively communicating ideas through diagrams, drawings, renderings, and presentations

Skilled in computer drafting and modeling

Possesses a strong technical understanding of construction and engineering systems.

Extended Work Hours: Architecture is a field where long work hours are commonly expected, as architects believe that design can always be improved. Additionally, as the lead consultant working directly with clients on projects, architects must oversee the work of other specialists

Architects may not receive compensation that is commensurate with their level of education compared to other professionals. Nevertheless, many architects find fulfillment in the ability to apply their training to new challenges and use their creativity to interpret the world around them.

What Do I need to know

Architects have to think about many things, like how the building will look, how it will be used, how many people it will hold, and how it will stay safe and strong.

Once the internship is complete, Architects must pass a big exam called the Architect Registration Examination. This exam is really important because it shows that Architects know everything they need to know to be able to design buildings that are safe and strong.

Rice University.

Cornell University.

Washington University in St. Louis.

University of Southern California.

Yale University.

Median & Top-level
Salary

What Do I
need to know