How to Become an Architect

How to Become an Architect

How to Become an Architect
Mandira Pangeni

Architecture, as opposed to construction-related abilities, is the art and technique of designing and building. The profession of architecture is used to satisfy functional and expressive needs, and as a result, it contributes to both utilitarian and aesthetic goals. These two goals can be identified from one another, but they cannot be separated, and there is a wide range in the relative importance placed on each. 

Every society, whether settled or nomadic, has a spatial relationship to the natural world and other societies. As a result, the structures created by these relationships reveal a great deal about the environment (including climate and weather), history, ceremonies, the artistic sensibility of the societies in question, and many aspects of daily life.

This article will cover what an architect is, what they do, and how to become one.

What is an Architect? 

A person who plans or designs something and oversees its creation is an architect. Architects are professionals in the science and art of building design. They conceive the ideas for the constructions, translate those ideas into pictures and designs, and then maybe transform those things into residences, workplaces, and other amenities. Their work entails more than just how a structure appears.

What is the role and responsibilities of an Architect?

  • Plans for buildings, the design process, a project schedule, and documentation.
  • Building design and construction methods.
  • Agreements & Cost Calculation.
  • Identifying the needs of the client
  • Draw up the project.
  • Study the existing structure and site analysis
  • Investigate the significance of the location in terms of culture, environment, and history.
  • Record business and industrial developments.
  • Considering construction supplies.
  • Establish a contract.
  • Submit building permits.
  • Organize the internal teams involved.
  • Employee subcontractors where necessary.
  • Plan changes to accommodate the client's vision and the sales force's needs.

How to Become an Architect? Qualifications

Architects are educated professionals who design and build functional and aesthetically beautiful structures. Typically, an architect is involved in all phases of building and design. Let’s talk about some must-have skills they must possess.

Obtaining a degree in architecture 

The first step toward a career in architecture is obtaining a bachelor's degree from a university or a recognized trade school. According to statistics, a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture degree program at an architecture school allows students without prior training to obtain their professional degree. 

Even though many people want to study architecture, it cannot be easy to get into undergraduate programs because the field is so well-liked. A further year of college study, including additional architectural courses, is necessary to complete an undergraduate architecture degree program.

Various architectural specialities and degrees

Although a general architecture degree are the one people most frequently pursue in this field. Additional architecture education alternatives are available for those with varied interests. For instance, you can also get your license to practice landscape architecture. Landscape architecture works more closely with planning about the natural environment than traditional architecture. 

Knowledge & Training

  • To become a licensed architect, you must complete the following three phases:
  • Obtaining a professional degree in architecture from a college or university accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board to be eligible for the state license.
  • Internships to gain professional practice and relevant experience.
  • Passing the Architect Registration Examination, a demanding test set, is the final test.

Qualifications for Architecture Training

Most recent graduates complete their training by working within architectural companies through the Architectural Experience Program, even though many state architectural registration boards require architecture graduates to complete a thoroughly paid internship before taking the ARE.

Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards offers extra national certification in addition to the Architect Registration Exam. Although it's not necessary, this certification can make it simpler to apply for architectural employment in several states and show off your skills and experience in the field. 

Apply for a position as an architect

You can apply to work as an architect once you have passed the Architect Registration Examination and obtained your license. You can decide to work for a company, in private practice, or in the field of expertise where you did your internship.

Consider pursuing a master's degree

Those who want to work in research or education, as well as those who want to move to a profession in architecture but do not have a bachelor's degree in architecture, may find that pursuing a master's degree is a useful option.

Other Skills

  • Engineering and math abilities.
  • Leadership qualities.
  • Talents in communication.
  • Creative abilities.
  • Design expertise.
  • Teamwork abilities.
  • Commercial sensitivity.

Steps to Becoming a Successful Architect

As an architect, you would design buildings' exteriors and interiors so that people might live there, work there, shop there, and play there. To develop preliminary cost and feasibility estimates, architects first discuss with the client the needs and preferences of the project. 

The appropriate building contracts, scaled drawings, and structural requirements are then created. The arrangements are utilized to specify work contractors. The architect supervises the construction themselves to ensure conformity to the architectural plans.

Academic Requirements 

  • Most states demand that architects complete a curriculum authorized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
  • A Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch),
  • Master of Architecture (M.Arch), PhD in Architecture,
  • Doctor of Architecture is the typical outcome of these studies (D.Arch.).

Acquire more knowledge after high school

Most states demand that architects complete a curriculum authorized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). A Bachelor of Architec(B.Arch), Master of Architecture (M.Arch), PhD in Architecture, or Doctor of Architecture is the typical outcome of these studies (D.Arch.). 

All 50 states require architects to hold a license, although each has unique licensing standards. Architects must pass the NCARB's Architect Registration Examination after finishing an educational program and an internship (ARE). Its main objective is to evaluate the architect's understanding of planning, structure, and safe construction techniques.

Experience (work and related fields)

A bachelor's degree from a recognized architectural program, followed by professional experience, and passing a national licensure exam are requirements for becoming an architect. Architects who have obtained a license must continue their education to keep their skills sharp. They must work with various professions and clients to boost their knowledge. They must gain experience working in companies or projects to understand how real project scenarios work.

Training (job or related fields)

In addition to job experience and passing a national licensure exam, architects must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized architectural institution. Architects who have been licensed must continue their education to keep their skills sharp. 

An architect creates buildings like houses, offices, factories, sports stadiums, churches, theatres, and dining establishments. During the planning and building phases, architects frequently collaborate with landowners, developers, construction workers, engineers, and urban planners. They could be experts in just one kind of architectural or construction design service.

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Career

Architects are imaginative problem-solvers that take pleasure in developing buildings and layouts that improve functionality and maximize areas for neighbourhoods, individuals, and businesses. These experts envision projects based on customer requirements and product designs and plan to carry out those visions.

Employment areas

  • Office buildings/ skyscrapers
  • Hotels 
  • Bridges 
  • Schools 
  • Museums 
  • Government buildings 
  • Industries 
  • Green buildings 
  • Oversees 
  • Urban areas 
  • Landscapes

Job titles

  • Graphic artist
  • Project manager
  • Interior decorator
  • Professor
  • Draftsman for buildings
  • Restoration supervisor
  • Building technology specialist
  • Archivist
  • Planning expert
  • Building engineer
  • Historical architect

Salary of an Architect

Let us see the average annual salary of an Architect in some popular countries.

Country

Annual Average Salary of an Architect

Australia

$124,029 (AUD)/yr

Argentina

1.863.350 (ARS)/yr

Belgium

73.264 € (EUR)/yr

Brazil

R$130.164 (BRL)/yr

Canada

$101,429 (CAD)/yr

China

¥273,583 (CNY)/yr

Costa Rica

₡17 575 396 (CRC)/yr

Denmark

633.058 kr. (DKK)/yr

Egypt

194,892 ج.م.‏ (EGP)/yr

Finland

67 204 € (EUR)/yr

France

64 911 € (EUR)/yr

Germany

74.028 € (EUR)/yr

Hong Kong SAR

HK$590,164 (HKD)/yr

India

₹10,77,295 (INR)/yr

Italy

56.785 € (EUR)/yr

Japan

¥8,320,396 (JPY)/yr

Malaysia

RM116,358 (MYR)/yr

Mexico

$404,462 (MXN)/yr

Netherlands

€ 71.656 (EUR)/yr

New Zealand

$112,150 (NZD)/yr

Poland

130 582 zł (PLN)/yr

Portugal

41 271 € (EUR)/yr

Russian Federation

1 330 505 ₽ (RUB)/yr

Switzerland

CHF 106'384 (CHF)/yr

Spain

51.808 € (EUR)/yr

Thailand

฿793,463 (THB)/yr

UK

£54,145 (GBP)/yr

Ukraine

459 997 ₴ (UAH)/y

United Arab Emirates

277,356 د.إ.‏ (AED)/yr

United States

$95,138 (USD)/yr

Vietnam

479.995.815 ₫ (VND)/yr

Training Course for an Architect.

Let us talk about some degrees to become a successful Architect.

Level

Program

Diploma

Diploma in Architectural Technologies

Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology

Diploma in Architectural Technician (ARTC)

Technical Diploma in Architectural Woodworking/Cabinetmaking

Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology

Diploma of Science in Architecture

Bachelors

Bachelor Program in Architecture

Bachelor In Architecture

BA Architecture

B.A. in Media, Art, Design and Architecture

BSc in Architecture

Bachelor of Architectural Studies

BSc + MSc in Architecture

Bachelor in Architecture and Urban Design

B.Sc. Architecture

BA (Hons) Architecture

Masters

Master Program in Architecture and Urbanism

Master in Architecture and Urban Design

Master in Architecture and Urban Design

Master in Architecture

Specializing Master in Industrial Design for Architecture

Master of Science in Architecture

MSc in Architecture and Urban Planning

MA in International Architectural Regeneration and Development

PHD

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Architecture and Architectural design

Doctorate in Architecture

PhD in Architecture - Doctoral Programme in Architecture

PhD in Architecture, Design, Planning

Doctoral School (Engineering Studies)

PhD in Architecture and Urbanism

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Research in Architecture and Architectural Design

Pros and Cons of Becoming an Architect

Architects create places and buildings using their imaginations and understanding of design principles. There are several advantages to being an architect, including the chance to produce influential work. 

If you are considering a career in architecture, you might be interested in learning more about the benefits and drawbacks of this line of work. Read below for some advantages and disadvantages of being an architect and offer advice for landing a job.

Advantages of becoming an Architect.

  • Effective work
  • Employing creativity
  • Reputable occupation
  • Several duties at work
  • Good salary
  • Working as an Architect can be fascinating 
  • Can start your own company 
  • Creativeness 
  • Work-life balance 
  • Will be able to travel to different places around the world 

Disadvantages of becoming an Architect

  • Education requirements
  • Challenging career path
  • Lengthy hours
  • Pressure-filled work
  • Limited development
  • Stressful
  • Mistakes can ruin your reputation 
  • Some jobs can be replaced by machines 
  • Clients can be demanding 

How to Become an Architect? FAQs

What does an architect do?

Architects ensure a professional finish and compliance with Building Control regulations. A good design and realistic construction are provided with the aid of architects. The finest builder for your project can be found with an architect's assistance, who can supervise the job while staying on schedule and budget.

How many types of architects are there?

As you start your profession, you may want to consider the various specializations and types of architects available. The following are some potential career paths in the discipline of architecture:

  • Design Architect
  • Site architect
  • Design Architect
  • Interior architect
  • Landscape architect
  • Naval architect

How to Become an Architect?

Although there are four-year bachelor's degrees in architecture in science, art, and fine arts, these programs are typically not nationally certified. To be eligible for state licensure, an individual with one of these undergraduate degrees may need to enrol in an architectural master's program.

What does an architect do?

Architects are licensed professionals who have received training in both the science and art of building design. Buildings and other structures created and used in various situations must be designed and built by them.

What are the jobs comparable to architecture?

  • A civil engineer
  • Industrial designer
  • CAD designer
  • Urban planner
  • Architectural drafter
  • Structural designer
  • Architectural historian
  • Structural engineer
  • Lighting consultant
  • Interior designer

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