Architects

QUALIFICATIONS

A professional Architecture degree like B.Arch., M.Arch., or D.Arch., through a school of architecture program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB); accompanied with the experience requirement for Licensure candidates and completion of the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and Architect Registration Examination (ARE), Architecture certifications like the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certificate etc., encompassing at least 4 to 6 year requisite study and practice credit hours; combined with – On the Job Training (OJT) programs, Apprenticeships, Architect Workforce Job Training or Experience; covering Architecture work topics including Architecture fundamentals and principles, Urban planning and Floor planning, sketching, diagrams and blueprints, composition & types of structures, space optimization, terrain & topology, heat, ventilation and climate control, ecological balance and environment protection, hydraulics and maritime technologies, Thermodynamics, Hydronics, computer graphics software and applications, Architectural project proposal, planning, design, development, practice, management, documentation, construction & evaluation. An MBA or a Post Graduation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) or a Master’s Degree in construction management, project management, building management, and civil engineering will be an added plus.

AVERAGE ANNUAL PAY
(Credits: www.payscale.com)

PROJECTED GROWTH
(Credits: www.bls.gov)

Architects are an exciting career, in which employment is projected to grow at a marginal 1 percent from 2019 to 2029.

SKILLS/ TRAITS NEEDED

Besides architecture and/or management qualifications and skills, the Architect needs to be self-driven with strategic thinking, planning, visualizing, foresighted for “would-be” problems, strong scientific aptitude, having a strong knowledge of urban planning, building codes, building techniques, structural designs, blueprints, diagrams; and a flair for envisioning and architecting varied projects and initiatives, holistic structural analysis, fabrication, functionality, aesthetics & landscaping; keeping in mind, terrain & topology, space optimization, sustainability, and ecological balance, the statutory and safety protocols, along with a good knowledge of construction & materials. Ability to work under pressure, attention to detail, math & technical acumen and computer graphics software knowledge, strong written and verbal communication, problem-solving, time management, prioritization, reporting, inter-personal & soft-skills, patience, perseverance, and creativity, are the vital ingredients of a successful Architect.

WORK FUNCTIONS

Architects visualize, envision, design, and develop the architectural plans for cities, urban areas, buildings and floor plans, homes, offices, infrastructure, construction, and engineering projects. They, in association with engineers, come up with rough sketches and specifications, culminating in digital drawings and diagrams of the construction architecture or engineering designs, layouts, and plans. They extensively use their knowledge of urban planning, design, and building techniques, terrain & topology, structural analysis, fabrication, functionality, aesthetics & landscaping, space optimization, sustainability & ecological balance, statutory and safety protocols, and construction & materials. They also guide and work closely with Drafters / Designers for creating digital drawings, designs, and layouts with accurate dimensions. They may set up their own business and work independently, or work for the government, or private contractors and employers.