An architect designs buildings and other structures-anything from a private home to a large office building or an entire city's redevelopment.
The architect must oversee all phases of the project from initial idea to completed structure. He or she must solve complex technical problems while retaining artistic design and must be able to function in a highly competitive atmosphere.
After discussing ideas, needs, and concepts with the client, the architect prepares preliminary drawings and then detailed plans for the project including the plumbing, electrical, and heating systems. He or she must specify materials that comply with local building regulations and must stay within the client's budget.
All through this process, the architect may have to make changes at the request of the client. Once plans are ready and approved, the architect may help the client select a contractor and will continue to check the work while it is in progress to ensure that all design specifications are being carried out. The architect's responsibility does not end until the structure is completed and has successfully passed all required inspections.
Architects can work in salaried positions for architectural firms or they can go into private practice. Those who decide to open their own businesses usually begin their careers with a few years in salaried positions to accumulate experience.
Most architects are employed by architectural firms, building contractors, and community planning and redevelopment authorities. A few architects work for government agencies such as the Department of Defense, Housing and Urban Development, and the General Services Administration.
Only about 10 percent of all architects are women, but about 22 percent of the new degrees being awarded in architecture now go to women. Because this is a field where part-time practice is possible and since architects often work from their homes, the field has advantages for people with family responsibilities. There is, however, a wide salary inequality between men and women in architecture.
Related fields are building contractor, urban planner, and landscape architect.
Places of employment and working conditions
Architects are employed throughout the country, in towns and cities of all sizes. A large proportion of all architectural work, however, is concentrated in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.
Architects generally work in comfortable offices and spend much of their time advising clients, developing reports and drawings, and working with other architects and engineers. They sometimes must put in overtime to meet deadlines. Once building is under way, they spend a great deal of time outdoors inspecting the progress of construction.
Qualifications, education, and training
Architecture requires a wide variety of technical, artistic, and social skills. Anyone planning a career in this field should be able to work independently, have a capacity for solving technical problems, and be artistic. Good business skills are also helpful.
High school students interested in architecture should take courses in mathematics, physics, and art. Summer jobs with architects or building contractors can provide useful experience.
There are several types of degrees granted in architecture. Most architecture degrees are from five-year bachelor of architecture programs intended for students continuing their education after high school. Another type of bachelor of architecture program requires three to four years and is for students with a prior degree in another discipline. There are also two master of architecture programs; these require two years for students with undergraduate degrees in architecture or a related area and three to four years for students with a degree in another discipline. Courses typically include architectural theory, design, graphics, engineering, urban planning, English, mathematics, chemistry, sociology, economics, and a foreign language.
Although many architects work without a license, all states require that a licensed architect take the final legal responsibility for a completed project. To qualify for the licensing examination, the applicant must have a bachelor's degree plus three years of experience in an architect's office and pass all sections of the Architect Registration Examination.
Potential and advancement
There are over 86,000 architects at present, most of them in large cities. Prospects for employment in architecture are expected to be good, but opportunities depend upon the number of degrees being granted and the rise and fall of the building market. Competition is expected to be keen for jobs with the most prestigious firms. Most openings will occur in architectural firms, but some jobs will also be available in government agencies and in colleges and universities.
New graduates usually begin as assistants in architectural firms. Their tasks include helping in the preparation of architectural documents or drawings, researching building codes and materials, and writing specifications. Experienced architects may be promoted to supervisory or management positions in large firms. Some may become partners in firms, while others set up their own firms.
Income
Salaries for experienced architects average about $32,000 a year. The top 10 percent earn more than $51,700, and the bottom 10 percent earn less than $19,500.
Architects in private practice usually go through a period with high expenses and low income. Once a practice is established, partners earn much more than their salaried employees, but income will fluctuate with the cyclical changes in the construction industry.
Additional sources of information
The American Institute of Architects, NW Washington, DC 20006
The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture, Inc., NW Washington, DC 20006
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, Washington, DC 20006
