The Job Description
Architects design buildings and other structures. The design of a building involves far more than its appearance; Buildings must also be functional, safe, and economical and must suit the needs of the people who use them. Architects take all these things into consideration when they design buildings and other structures.
Architects provide a wide variety of professional services to individuals and organizations planning a construction project. They may be involved in all phases of development, from the initial discussion of general ideas with the client through construction. Their duties require a number of skills: design, engineering, managerial, communication, and supervisory.
The architect and client first discuss the purposes, requirements, and budget of a project. Based on the discussions, architects may prepare a program—a report specifying the requirements the design must meet. In some cases, the architect assists in conducting feasibility and environmental impact analyses and selecting a site. The architect then prepares drawings and written information presenting ideas for the client to review.
After the initial proposals are discussed and accepted, architects develop final construction plans. These plans show the building's appearance and details for its construction. Accompanying these are drawings of the structural system; air-conditioning, heating, and ventilating systems; electrical systems; plumbing; and possibly site and landscape plans. They also specify the building materials and, in some cases, the interior furnishings. In developing designs, architects follow building codes, zoning laws, fire regulations, and other ordinances, such as those that require easy access by disabled persons.
Architects may also assist the client in obtaining construction bids, selecting a contractor, and negotiating the construction contract. As construction proceeds, they may be employed by the client to visit the building site to ensure that the contractor is following the design, meeting the schedule, using the specified materials, and meeting the specified standards for the quality of work. The job is not complete until all construction is finished, required tests are made, and construction costs are paid.
Architects design a wide variety of buildings, such as office and apartment buildings, schools, churches, factories, hospitals, houses, and airport terminals. They also design multi-building complexes such as urban centers, college campuses, industrial parks, and entire communities. In addition to designing buildings, they may advise on the selection of building sites, prepare cost analysis and land-use studies, and do long-range planning for land development.
Architects sometimes specialize in one phase of work. Some specialize in the design of one type of building—for example, hospitals, schools, or housing. Others specialize in construction management or the management of their firm and do little design work. They often work with engineers, urban planners, interior designers, landscape architects, and others.
During a training period leading up to licensure as architects, entry-level workers are called intern-architects. This training period gives them practical work experience while they prepare for the Architect Registration Examination. Typical duties may include preparing construction drawings on CAD, assisting in the design of one part of a project, or managing the production of a small project.
Working Conditions
Architects generally work in a comfortable environment. Most of their time is spent in offices advising clients, developing reports and drawings, and working with other architects and engineers. However, they also often work at construction sites reviewing the progress of projects.
Architects may occasionally be under great stress, working nights and weekends to meet deadlines; a 40-hour workweek, however, is usual.
Employment
Most architects work for architecture firms. Nearly one-third were self-employed architects, practicing as partners in architecture firms or on their own. A few worked for builders, real estate developers, and for government agencies responsible for housing, planning, or community development, such as the U.S. Departments of Defense, Urban Development and the General Service: Administration.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
All states and the District of Columbia require individual to be licensed (registered) before they may call themselves architects or contract to provide architectural services. Many architecture school graduates work in the field even though they are not licensed. However, a licensed architect is required to take legal responsibility for all work. Three requirements generally must be met for licensure: a professional degree in architecture, a period of practical training or internship (usually for three years), and passing of all sections of the Architect Registration Examination.
In many states, the professional degree in architecture must be from one of the approximately 100 schools of architecture with programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). However, state architectural registration boards set their own standards, so graduation from a non NAAB accredited program may meet the education requirement for licensure in some states.
There are several types of professional degrees in architecture. The majority of all architecture degree: are from five-year Bachelor of Architecture programs intended for students entering from high school or with no previous architecture training. Some schools offer a two-year Master of Architecture program for students with a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture or a related area, or a three-or four-year Master of Architecture program for students with a degree in another discipline. In addition, there are many combinations and variations of these degree programs.
The choice of degree type depends upon each individual's preference and educational background. Prospective architect and students should carefully consider the available options before committing to a program. A typical program includes courses in architectural history and theory, building design, including its technical and legal aspects, professional practice, math, physical sciences, and liberal arts.
Many architecture schools also offer graduate education for those who already have a bachelor's or master's degree in architecture or other areas. Although graduate education beyond the professional degree is not essential for practicing architects, it is normally required for research, teaching, and certain specialties.
Architects must be able to visually communicate their ideas to clients. Artistic and drawing ability is very helpful in doing this, but not essential. More important is a visual orientation and the ability to conceptualize and understand spatial relationships. Good communication skills (both written and oral), the ability to work independently or as part of a team, and creativity are important qualities for anyone interested in becoming an architect. Computer literacy is also required as most firms use computers
New graduates usually begin in architecture firms, where they assist in preparing architectural documents or drawings. They also may do research on building codes and materials; or write specifications for building materials, installation criteria, the quality of finishes, and other related details. Graduates with degrees in architecture also enter related fields such as graphic, interior, industrial design; urban planning; real estate development; civil engineering; or construction management.
In large firms, architects may advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Some architects become partners in established firms; others set up their own practice.
Job Outlook
Architects' employment has traditionally been affected by the level of local construction, particularly of non-institutional structures such as office buildings, shopping centers, schools, and healthcare facilities. Nevertheless, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for architects will grow by 7 percent—as fast as average—between 2014 and 2024.
Despite expected employment growth and the increased number of openings due to replacement needs, prospective architects may face competition, especially if the number of architecture degrees awarded, remain at or above, current levels. Traditionally, many individuals are attracted to this occupation and there are often numerous applicants for available openings, especially in the most prestigious firms. Those involved in the design of institutional buildings such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and correctional facilities, will be less affected by fluctuations in the economy.
Even in times of overall good opportunities, there may be areas of the country with poor opportunities. Architects who are licensed to practice in one state must meet the licensing requirements of other states before practicing elsewhere. These requirements are becoming more standardized, however, facilitating movement to other states.
Earnings
Income
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the median annual salary for architects was $23,320 in 2015. Most employers of wage and salary architects offer paid vacation and sick leave, and a majority also provides medical and life insurance plans to their employees. Employees of very small architecture firms with fewer than five employees are less likely to receive these benefits.
Architects who are partners in well-established architecture firms generally earn much more than their salaried employees, but their income may fluctuate due to changing business conditions. Some architects may have difficulty getting established in their own practices and may go through a period when their expenses are greater than their income, requiring substantial financial resources.
Related Jobs
Architects design and construct buildings and related structures. Others who engage in similar work are landscape architects, building contractors, civil engineers, urban planners, interior designers, industrial designers, and graphic designers.
