Job Description of Architects:
Architects design
buildings and other structures. In addition to considering the way these
buildings and structures look, they also make sure they are functional,
safe, economical and suit the needs of the people who use them.
Employment Facts for Architects:
Architects held
about 141,000 jobs in 2008. Most of these jobs were in the
architectural, engineering, and related services industry. A small
number worked for residential and nonresidential building construction
firms and for government agencies. About 21% of all architects was
self-employed.
Educational Requirements for Architects:
There are three types of professional degrees in architecture offered through colleges and universities:- 5-year Bachelor of Architecture programs intended for students entering programs from high school or with no previous architectural training
- 2-year Master of Architecture programs for students with a preprofessional undergraduate degree in architecture or a related area
- 3 or 4-year Master of Architecture programs offered to students with degrees in other discipline.
Other Requirements for Architects:
In the United States those who want to provide architectural services must be licensed. To become licensed
one must earn a professional degree in architecture, complete a period
of practical training or internship, and pass all divisions of the ARE
(Architect Registration Examination). In most states, continuing
education is required to maintain licensure.
Generally, the professional degree in architecture must be from a school of architecture accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). A few states don't have this requirement.
Why Do You Need to Know About Job Outlook?
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Architects, Except Landscape and Naval, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/17-1011.00 (visited November 8, 2010).
The Role of the Architect:
A simplistic view of the role is that architects create architectures, and their
responsibilities encompass all that is involved in doing so. This would include
articulating the architectural vision, conceptualizing and experimenting with
alternative architectural approaches, creating models and component and
interface specification documents, and validating the architecture against
requirements and assumptions. However, any experienced architect knows
that the role involves not just these technical activities, but others that are
more political and strategic in nature on the one hand, and more like those of a
consultant, on the other.
These activities drive the competencies that the architect needs to be successful.
We present a competency framework that helps architects assess
areas for their own personal development, and managers in identifying who is
a good fit for the architect role.By Dana Bredemeyer and Ruth Malan
Advancement of Architects:
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.
Why Do You Need to Know About Advancement?
Job Outlook for Architects:
Employment of architects is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2018. Prospective architects may face competition for positions at prestigious firms. To increase one's chances of getting an internship after graduation, prospective architects should gain career-related experience in an architectural firm while still in school. Those who know CADD technology will also have an advantage.Why Do You Need to Know About Job Outlook?
How Much Do Architects Earn?:
Median annual earnings
of wage and salary architects were $72,700 in 2009. Recent graduates
working on internships will earn much less. Those starting out in
private practices will go through a period of time when they are
operating at a loss.
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much architects currently earn in your city.
A Day in an Architect's Life:
On a typical day an architect will:- Discuss the objectives, requirements, and budget of a project;
- Provide various predesign services which may include conducting feasibility and environmental impact studies, selecting a site, or specifying the requirements the design must meet;
- Prepare drawings and present ideas for the client to review;
- Develop final construction plans that show the building's appearance as well as details for its construction;
- Follow building codes, zoning laws, fire regulations, and other ordinances;
- Make necessary changes throughout the planning process;
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Architects, Except Landscape and Naval, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/17-1011.00 (visited November 8, 2010).
The Role of the Architect:
A simplistic view of the role is that architects create architectures, and their
responsibilities encompass all that is involved in doing so. This would include
articulating the architectural vision, conceptualizing and experimenting with
alternative architectural approaches, creating models and component and
interface specification documents, and validating the architecture against
requirements and assumptions. However, any experienced architect knows
that the role involves not just these technical activities, but others that are
more political and strategic in nature on the one hand, and more like those of a
consultant, on the other.
These activities drive the competencies that the architect needs to be successful.
We present a competency framework that helps architects assess
areas for their own personal development, and managers in identifying who is
a good fit for the architect role.By Dana Bredemeyer and Ruth Malan
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