Architect Career

Architecture is a fundamental field and it plays a vital role in our world today. There will always be a need for the design and planning of different types of buildings and structures for a myriad of activities of personal, commercial, religious, economic, public, and entertainment importance. As a result of this, architects are well respected and are usually in high demand.

What is an Architect?

An architect is not just responsible for designing and drawing plans for buildings; architecture goes well beyond the look or appearance of structures. A better definition of an architect is an individual that is trained in the practice of building design, structural concept development, and the presentation of these concepts in forms of sketches, images and structural plans.

Architect Job Duties

The duties expected of an architect however go beyond just the drawing of structures and building designs and plans. Architecture can actually be viewed both as an artistic and a scientific field and the job description of an architect encompasses several aspects. Apart from the overall look of the building, the architect is also responsible for ensuring that it is certified safe and functional for the users.

Architect Skills

An architecture career requires the possession of a variety of skills that enhance the discharge of the expected duties. These skills encompass several fields and they include: engineering, management, supervisory and designing skills. In addition to these skills, an architect must also possess strong communication skills in order to adequately pass along the precise ideas he or she has in mind.

Architect Education

The minimal educational requirement for an architect career is an architectural degree from one of the institutions accredited by the NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board). Following this, there is a need for training or internship under a licensed architect for up to 3 years after which the intending architect may sit for the licensing exam (Architect Registration Examination).

Architect Salary

According to a 2009 survey, the average or median annual wage of an architect is $72,700. The top ten percent of architects earn over $122,640 and the lowest ten percent earn $42,320. Others earned between $54,910 and $93,620 annually. Private establishments earn lower than this especially when they are just starting out as expenses usually exceed income during this period. Interns also earn lesser because they are still undergoing training and are yet to be licensed.

Architect Job Outlook

A projected increment of employment opportunities for architect career has been pegged at 16% between now and 2018. Several factors are responsible for this including the increase in population and the demand for structures to accommodate the increment. In addition to this, other architects would be required to replace those retiring or transferring to other professions.

A career in architecture requires great commitment and innovation in order to stand out. It can also be tasking especially in the early stages of just starting out in addition to being highly competitive. Perseverance however, results in fame and success and this compensates for the rigors involved in becoming a professional architect.