Life as an Architect

Definition/ Responsibilities of Architecture:

Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings and other physical structures. The art and science of designing buildings and some nonbuilding structures. Architectural works in the material form of buildings are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art. Architecture responsibilities are:

Work Environments/ Conditions for Architects:

They work in the construction industry and are involved with designing new buildings, extensions or alterations to existing buildings, or advising on the restoration and conservation of old properties. Architects spend much of their time in offices, where they meet with clients, develop reports and drawings, and work with other architects and engineers. They also visit construction sites to ensure the client’s objectives are met and to review the progress of projects. Some architects work from home. Many architects work standard forty-hour weeks. They may also work nights and weekends. Self-employed architects generally work longer hours and often meet clients during the evening.

Education

                                         “If you focus on design, you can call yourself a designer. If you focus on the implementation of your design, you call yourself an architect.”
                                                                                                                                                                         -Cameron Sinclair, Architecture for Humanity

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In order to be an Architect you need a professional bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture. Other requirements that architecture need are state licensure, voluntary certification available through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). The internship program requires completing a minimum of 5,600 hours of training. Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field such as Architectural history or construction management and want to pursue a career as an architect may matriculate to a Master of Architecture program. The Bachelor of Architecture program is typically completed in five years. Pre-professional bachelor’s degree programs in architectural studies or construction management take four years to complete. Students can earn a professional Master of Architecture degree in two years with a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture or three years with a bachelor’s in another field. Students who have already completed a Bachelor of Architecture program can generally complete an Master of Architecture program in one year. Architects often work with landowners, developers, construction workers, engineers and urban planners during the design and construction stages.

Opportunities for Advancement

A licensed architect, after gaining experience, may take on increasingly responsible duties and eventual managing entire projects. Architects may advance to supervisory or managerial positions in large firms. Some become partners in established firms while others set up their own practices. Architects can become supervisors and project managers. They can go into construction management and government service.

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Salary

Median pay (annual): $73,090
Median pay (hourly): $35.14

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Contact

If you have any questions or concerns about anything you can contact me at 1(800)-8design

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