Architects work closely with other professionals to determine the type of materials to be used, interior design features, and engineering considerations. The final design will show the location and type of structure, building features, utilities, windows, doors, plumbing, interior finishes, cabinetry and other building features. After the building plans are complete, the architect may assist the client in hiring contractors. The architect is also responsible for assisting the client with the construction of the building and may be required to change the design as the construction progresses.
Architects design a wide variety of buildings: industrial buildings, shopping centers, homes, apartments, hospitals, offices, churches, and other structures. Architects also design public buildings: airports, schools, libraries, government buildings, and housing for the poor. Architects may specialize in a specific type of property or in one phase of work. Some of the larger firms include urban design, master plan designs for residential communities, and working with government planning departments.
Related Professions
- Civil Engineer
- Interior Designer Drafter
- General Contractor
- Surveyor
- Architectural Technician
- Traffic and Highway Engineer
- Graphic Designer
- Technician
In order to be a practicing architect, a college degree is required. Most architecture schools offer a four- or five-year program leading to a bachelor of architecture degree (BS) or a six-year master's degree. Architecture schools are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). While there are more than 90 accredited schools of architecture, the competition to enter these programs can be fierce.
Many people think that the ability to draw and other artistic abilities are required of an architect. This may be helpful, but it is not required. The most important ability is the ability to conceptualize and understand spatial relationships with a solid understanding of engineering principles. Most college programs include courses in architectural history, building design, math and engineering, graphic design, computer programming, physical sciences, and liberal arts.
Professional Certification
All states require individuals to be licensed or registered before they can practice architecture. Architects that are not licensed must work for a licensed architect who is responsible for the unlicensed architect's work. Most states grant a license only if the candidate graduates from an accredited school of architecture, has completed three years of practical experience, and successfully completes a four-day examination. Contact the American Institute of Architects, listed at the end of this chapter, or the state architectural licensing board for further information.
While architects spend most of their time indoors, office settings are frequently more casual than the traditional office and often suits and ties are not required. An architect in Boulder, Colorado, said he wears a tie to the office but takes it off as soon as he walks in the door. Ironically, while the office setting may be casual, the work hours can be long. Architects may work nights, weekends, and holidays to meet important deadlines.
Setting
While most of an architect's time is spent in an office, they also spend a considerable amount of time outside of the office meeting with clients and at construction sites. The daily routine varies. Architects must meet with clients, salespeople, contractors, and other professionals. While the job offers a good deal of variety, architects spend a good deal of time working on the routine elements of a design. The routine tasks have been reduced by the computer-aided design system (CAD). At the same time, the CAD systems have increased the level of detail required, and have facilitated redesigning properties; this in turn has actually increased the amount of work required by architects.
Employment Statistics And Major Employers
In 1990 almost 108,000 were employed as architects. Most of the jobs were in architecture firms. Most architecture firms are small; the majority employ five or fewer workers. More than 25 percent of all architects are self-employed. Other architects work for builders, real estate developers, consultants, or government agencies. Some of the government agencies that may employ architects include planning agencies, the Departments of Defense, Interior, and Housing and Urban Development, and the General Services Administration. While most architects work for small firms, some firms have offices nationwide, and larger firms may have several offices in one region.
Employment opportunities for architects are expected to be good in the foreseeable future. Employment is expected to increase as fast as the average for all occupations. At the same time, the number of degrees granted in architecture is not expected to increase significantly. The need for architects depends on the demand for new construction. Construction is highly sensitive to cyclical changes in the economy. While the demand for architects is expected to be relatively strong, the employment outlook is shaded by the fact that economic and construction cycles impact on the career opportunities for architects. When the construction industry is expanding, the need for office space increases (for architects, engineers, bankers and other professionals involved in the construction industry) and when employment opportunities increase, more people buy homes and have a greater income (which facilitates the construction of new homes and shopping centers). Likewise, when the construction industry is slow, the demand for new homes, office space, and shopping centers also decreases. Thus, while architecture is an exciting and interesting career, the cycles and fluctuations in this career area must be considered.
Salary Statistics
For recently licensed architects the average salary is about $26,000. Recent college graduates's starting salaries typically range from $18,000 to $22,000.
According to The American Institute of Architects, the median salary for intern-architects was $24,000 in 1990. The median annual earnings for all salaried architects was $36,100 in 1990. For architects with more than eight years' experience, the median salary was $37,000, and for partners and the self-employed, the median salary was $57,700. Some partners in large firms earn more than $100,000. The average salary for architects working for the federal government was $36,500 in the early 1990s.
Sources of Further Information
- The American Institute of Architects 1735 New York Ave. NW Washington, DC 20006
- National Architectural Accreditation Board 1725 New York Ave., NW Washington, DC 20006
- Society of American Registered Architects 1245 South Highland Ave. Lombard, IL 60148
