If you have always dreamed of being a high-earning licensed professional in a creative, rewarding, and desirable field, it could be that architecture is the ideal career path for you.
This is a simple guide that first details the job responsibilities of an architect, then the education and training requirements to become an architect, and finally, the different types of architect you can become.
If this seems like a potential career move for you, read on, and you can discover the steps you will need to take and the job roles you could have as a trained and qualified architect if you choose to pursue this impressive career.
Becoming An Architect
The Job
Architects provide the designs for the construction of buildings. The design aspect, as well as being aesthetically inclined, must focus on the safety and functionality of the buildings. The design has to fit the specific needs of the client. So, for instance, if the client requires wheelchair accessibility or sculpted gardens, an architect must comply with specifications. Moreover, an architect creates blueprints for their buildings and uses a computer to generate structure models.
Before an architect begins their design process, they must consider and analyze factors such as land studies, cost analysis, and environmental impact reports. Moreover, they will need to research the local building codes, city regulations, and zoning laws for each project individually to ensure their plans comply with local regulations. Once the plans are in place, the architect will have to obtain construction contracts and work with construction workers to bring their vision and thorough plans to life.
Education and Training
To become an architect, there are several layers of education and training to pass. This will be worth it for the job satisfaction and good salary you will get at the end of the process! You will first need to complete high school and get a bachelor’s degree. Then, you must complete an internship in architecture which gives you experience in design, pre-design, project management, and practice management. You will complete 5,600 hours of experience in architecture as a part of your internship. After the internship is completed, you can take the seven-part licensing exam. The exam is pass or fail, and once you pass you will be a licensed architect.
As an architect, you will be a licensed professional, trained in the arts and sciences of designing a building. However, for some projects, you may need additional certifications. You can learn more here about the specifics of becoming an architect. Finally, it is not a requirement, but if you wish to progress in the field and open as many doors as possible, you can do a master’s degree.
Types of Architect
If you choose to become a site architect your job will revolve around overseeing the construction site for the duration of the project. One of your main responsibilities will be the safety and quality of the work. You might also be assigning job roles to workers.
A planning architect focuses on the planning stage of building construction, based on the local and national regulations and requirements. This vital role involves researching any legal restrictions for a project and ensuring the project is approved by the local and regional authorities.
Perhaps the most well-known type of architect is the design architect who actually works on the design of the building. This kind of architect will outline the structure of the building, create blueprints, choose materials, oversee the design team throughout the project, and make adjustments based on the needs of the client.
Finally, if you choose to become a technical architect you will be concerned with the technical aspects of the building, such as its water tightness and thermal efficiency. Part of this job is also to modify construction mechanics to ensure the building meets all construction standards and regulations in the local area.
Make The First Step Today
If you have read this guide and realized your life-long dream of becoming an architect, why not make the first step toward this exciting and profitable future today? Whatever level of education you have, this guide should have informed you of the next step you will need to take, whether it is completing a bachelor’s degree, or if you already have done so, beginning your apprenticeship.
It may seem like a long process, but becoming an architect is a very deep and creative process, where you will learn a lot about the science and art of building design, as well as gain a lot of first-hand experience. And, don’t forget, in the end, you will have a highly desirable career and a very nice salary to go with it!
Comments are closed.