A super demanding, competitive yet rewarding – an architecture career! That’s how I would like to describe making a career in the field of architecture. You would have made out already that being an architect is no walk in the park. However, the work is engaging and exciting and offers a lucrative package. Architects are responsible for creating diverse structures, buildings and related creative concepts in varied industries.
What Does an Architect Do?
Architects are trained in the art and science of building design and are certified professionals. They are in charge of designing & constructing buildings, other structures that are built and used in a variety of settings.
As an architect, you will be accountable for a structure’s aesthetic appeal as well as its safety and functionality. You will also have to take into account the economic elements of buildings and fulfil the needs of the people who will use them.
Responsibilities of an Architect:
- Ensure practical and good quality designs by supervising architecture projects.
- Create blueprints for the projects
- Research and follow building codes, city ordinances, zoning laws and other laws that can affect the architectural scheme
- Develop an architecture that meets the client requirements
- Look for and acquire construction contracts and cooperate with the construction workers
- Create pre-design figures, which can include land studies, cost analysis and environmental effect on a design
- Employ modern computer technology to prepare models and explore various construction methods.
You may have heard about different types of architects based on the industries, but the main focus of any B.Arch degree is nothing but planning and designing structures from scratch.
Different Types of Architects:
Below are some of the common types of architects you should know about:
Planning Architect
A planning architect is usually brought into a construction process to consult on the project’s compliance with local and national mandates. For instance, a planning architect may illustrate a site’s legal constraints or request a project approval from a local or regional authority.
Technical Architect
As the name suggests, technical architects are mainly concerned with the technical aspects of the structure. Responsibilities like water tightness and thermal efficiency fall under the role of a technical architect. Technical architects research and revise construction mechanics to ensure that buildings meet regional building codes and regulations.
Design Architect
Design architects usually plan the initial outline of the structure, prepare a blueprint and alter the building design depending on the clients’ preferences. Simply put, a design architect is responsible for the whole design and structure of the building. They also play a role in selecting materials for building the structure.
Site Architect
A site architect is in charge of regulating all functions on a construction site from stem to stern. As a site architect, you may give directions to construction workers, acquire a construction contract, and focus on maintaining safety and quality assurance through the project’s complete timeframe.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Become an Architect:
Pursue Science after Class 10th
The first and foremost thing you need to make a career as an architect is choosing the right stream and subject at the school. For becoming an architect, choose science stream and mathematics as your core subject. Since several mathematical concepts are required while planning the structure of the building, an understanding of the maths subject is a must.
Architects must also have a solid understanding of the fundamental physics concepts involved in construction. Additionally, drawing skills prove to be very helpful when designing structures on paper.
Get a Bachelor’s Degree
The minimum qualification you will need to pursue a bachelor’s degree is the completion of a 10+2 class in science. Also, for studying in Indian Universities, you may need to appear for the NATA examination or college-based examination. You will have to get a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree, a 5-year course to acquire the in-depth knowledge and skills you will need to become an architect.
You can pursue your B.ARCH Course from Marwadi University, the current best Architecture institute in Rajkot, Gujarat. At Marwadi University, you will receive experiential learning under the direction of PhD faculties. Aside from the obvious B.Arch degree, you can also choose from specialised architecture bachelor’s degree programmes such as:
- Bachelor’s in Engineering and Architectural Design
- Bachelor of Engineering in Landscape Architecture
- BSc/BA in Architecture Technology & Construction Management
Earn an Internship
Future architects should undergo an internship to become eligible to receive an architect license. An internship provides students with a worthwhile learning experience and prepares them to work as architects in the corporate world. During the internship, you will work under a professional architect to get absolute exposure to the construction technicalities and gain experience as a professional architect.
Acquire your License
Obtaining your architectural license is the most crucial step to making your career in architecture. To become a licenced architect in your state, you must first pass the Architect Registration Examination. To be eligible to take the exam, most states require a bachelor’s degree and the completion of an internship. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards administers this seven-part pass-or-fail exam.
Take up an Architectural Job
On successfully completing the Architect Registration Examination and getting the license, you can apply for jobs to operate as an architect. You can start your own practice or work in a company.
Gain Professional Certification
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards provides additional national certification in addition to the Architect Registration Examination. While not mandatory, this certification can help you apply for architecture jobs in different states and demonstrate your professional skills and experience.
Opt for a Master’s Degree
Many architects consider earning a master’s degree to advance their knowledge and career. A master’s degree works best for those individuals who wish to work in research or as a professor in a university. If one wishes to switch to an architecture career and do not have a related degree, s/he can also opt for a master’s.
Skills You Need as an Architect:
You will have to wear a lot of hats as an architect. Here are some architecture skills that are a must:
- Being good at mathematics
- Ability to lead people
- A good communicator
- Can solve complex problems
- Creativity
- Computer literacy
- Commercial awareness
- Working in a team
- Managing skills
- Perseverance
Jobs that are Similar to Being an Architect:
Now that it’s clear in your mind how to become an architect, here are some other roles similar to an architect, which you can take up:
- Civil Engineer
- Urban Planner
- Industrial Designer
- Interior Designer
- CAD Designer
- Structural Designer
- Architectural Historian
- Structural Engineer
Architecture – Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Architects frequently develop a holistic and broad perspective and are capable of approaching everyday situations in novel ways.
- An architect works in a fast-paced environment and has a versatile thought process.
- Architecture is one of the most rewarding careers for people who want to use their creativity to create something new that is both beautiful and functional.
- Architects collaborate closely with professionals from a variety of fields, including engineering and design.
Cons:
- You will have to go through a very long period of academics before starting to work in a company.
- Architects may work under several deadlines, and their workload may differ from time to time.
- The field is a taxing and highly-competitive.
- The initial pay of an architect may be average compared to other related professions.
And, here’s everything you need to know about becoming an architect.
