Architects are people who get training to build and design a structure. This occupation offers a great outlook and salary.
Who is an architect?
An architect is a professional responsible for the construction of buildings and houses. They get training in the art of building. They don’t only take care of the design and construction of a building but also its functionality and safety measures. They have to keep the needs of the customers in view and the economic aspects of the structure.
Here are some duties of an architect:
- To oversee the projects.
- To ensure the quality and functionality of the design.
- To keep the needs of the client as the number one priority.
- Making blueprints of the design they construct.
- To compose a proper plan. It should include the impact of the structure on the surroundings, cost analysis, and land study.
- To maintain the city regulations, building codes, and zoning rules that may affect your project.
- To explore different construction projects and draft models with advanced computers.
- To find and take contracts and coordinate with construction workers.
There are many duties of an architect. The main objective of an architect is to design and construct all aspects of a structure.
Different Types of Architectures:
Architects are of many types, and some of them are the following;
1- Design Architecture:
This type of architecture is the one where architects create the overall design and structure of the project. They formulate the outline, blueprints of the buildings. They adjust them according to the preference of the client as well. They have to select the material to use in the construction and manage the workers throughout the project.
2- Technical Architecture:
Type of architecture where an architect is solely responsible for the technical stuff, like the water tightness and thermal efficiency. They have to make sure the building meets the building standards and laws of the region and local area. They do that by studying and modifying the mechanics and other details of the structure.
3- Site Architecture:
Type of architecture where the architect is responsible for examining the whole project from beginning to end. They have to instruct the construction site workers. They have to obtain contracts and keep the safety and quality of the place in check throughout.
4- Planning Architecture:
In this type of architecture, the architects are responsible for planning to comply with national rules. They submit the project to the authorities and outline the legal regulations of the project.
Different types of Architects
Different types of architects refer to the professionals categorized by the practice they have specialized.
Following are types of architects and what they do:
1- Residential Architect:
These types of architects are known to design residences. Cookie-cutter residences are in fashion at the time because they are affordable and practical for individuals. Due to this reason, people consider residential architects as a common practice.
Famous architects like Frank Lloyd, Le Corbusier, and Zaha Hadid have designed residential projects once that have become known worldwide.
These architects work with clients privately or with real estate developers to construct and design functional and stylish homes for people. When they work for a private client, they have to be creative to make their dream home and still keep it inside their budget and functional. They have to be able to adapt and follow the legal restrictions of the surroundings.
2- Commercial Architect:
People who are pursuing architecture dream to create their famous landmarks. Where thousands of tourists will visit and make history. These works refer to commercial architects.
These architects create non-residential buildings that are functional and practical for a larger number of users. They construct museums, office towers, retail shops, hotels, hospitals, government buildings, and public buildings. They also build places that are memorable or inspirational.
They also have to keep in check the regulations. These include the commercial codes, the safety of surroundings, and the financial state of the project.
3- Industrial Architect:
Functionalism of the buildings is the first concern of these architects. They build large scale places like factories, distribution and logistics capacities, storage buildings, warehouses, power plants, transport terminals e.t.c.
These architects are responsible for creating buildings and integrate different processes. They have to consider the equipment, machinery, and other requirements of an industry. They have to create a space where business operations take place. It should be comfortable for users.
4- Interior Architect:
These architects are licensed professionals that focus on the science and art of the interior of a building. They have to take care of the shape of the building along with the decor. They know of the building methods and construction. They are responsible for making a blank space into a comfortable and beautiful environment.
How to become an architect?
Here are some steps you can follow to become a professional architect:
Earning a degree of Bachelor:
Having a degree is one of the most crucial requirements of a state from its architects, a degree that is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. There are currently 176 NAAB recognized programs worldwide in 139 different institutes. The courses that these programs offer include building systems, project management, impact analysis, environmental planning.
Taking Internships:
According to the regulations, to become eligible for a license to become an architect should participate in any internship program. This experience mostly lasts for three years and trains individuals precisely to become professional architects. Programs like the American Institute of Architects ( AIA) and National Council of Architectural Registration Boards offer different internships through the Intern Developmental Program for students. These include work experience of 5600 hours, including management practice, pre-design, design, and project management.
Earn a license:
It is mandatory to have a license you obtain by passing the Architect Registration Examination to become an architect. Many states require a degree and an internship experience for eligibility for this license. That is a seven-part pass-or-fail exam that the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards offers.
Apply for a position:
When you pass the exam and become a licensed architect, the first thing to do is apply for a job. You can work in firms or practice privately. You can continue the specialty that you took for an internship.
Earn certificates:
Certificates can help you in applying to various architecture jobs. They help demonstrate your capabilities and experience as an architect.
Apply for a Master degree:
Individuals who wish to work at some teaching or research facility can pursue a degree for it. It can also help people who want to switch to architecture as a career or did not have a degree in architecture. NAAB associates several Master of Architecture programs for this purpose.
Skills an architect needs
Architects need to have a few skills to be effective in their jobs. Following are some of these skills:
Engineering and Mathematics Skills:
As mathematics and engineering relate to architecture. Architects have to be skilled in these fields as well. They use scales and measurements from math and engineering principles in the construction of a structure.
Leadership Skills:
Architects need leadership skills because they have to oversee the workers at the site and the site itself, other than being in charge of the design and structure. They have to make sure the team understands the goal of the project and maintains teamwork.
Communication Skills:
Communication is the key to architecture. The architect needs to know to communicate to convey his vision and voice and interpret the project aim. They should have proper communication skills to convince clients to trust you with their property.
Architecture requires hard work to earn the eligibility to call yourself an architect. It is hard, but once you have set foot in this industry, you will understand how this field is. Moreover, this field provides larger salaries than all average jobs. It is a type of art where what you design and what you build releases in real life. You can create and style a place people can call home, a building where people will work and earn for their families. What you build would affect the way people live, their behavior, and their mood.
