Do you enjoy problem-solving? Are you a MECHANIX or a LEGO fan? Do you ever find yourself intrigued by the shape and design of buildings, wondering what the person behind the design was attempting to convey or what the design’s purpose was? If you said yes, you have the mind of an architect—the amazing creators who shape our world!
Architecture encompasses the design, planning, construction, maintenance, and restoration of buildings, physical structures, and the built environment in general. Architecture is the integration of art, science, mathematics, technology, and aesthetics.
Do you aspire to be an Architect or are you just exploring the field? In either case, you’ve arrived at the right place! This blog discusses the career as an Architect, the necessary skills, courses, salary, and other requirements for becoming an Architect. To become an Architect, follow the blog’s detailed guide.
Table of Contents
What does an Architect do?
While there are various types of architects in various industries, the primary nature of the job of all architects is to plan and design all structural components. Architects oversee a structure’s aesthetic appeal as well as its safety and functionality.
They also take into account the economic aspects of buildings and ensure that they meet the needs of the people who will use them. Their responsibilities may differ depending on their work environment and specialisation, but common architect duties include:
Creating architecture that best meets the needs of a client
Supervising architectural projects to ensure that they are functional and of high quality.
Creating plans for a new project
Creating pre-design figures that may include cost analysis, land studies, and a structure’s environmental impact.
Investigating and adhering to zoning laws, building codes, city ordinances, and other regulations that may affect an architectural project
Using advanced computer technology to create structural models and investigate various construction methods
Locating and acquiring construction contracts, as well as coordinating with construction workers
Job Roles of an Architect
Here are the seven distinct types of architects who specialise in various fields.
Commercial Architect:
Many architecture students will tell you that their dream is to design high-rise buildings that define a city’s skyline or to create the next iconic tourist spot that millions of people will photograph.
Commercial architects create these types of structures.
Residential Architect:
Residential architects frequently collaborate with private clients and real estate developers to create stylish and functional homes for homeowners.
Sustainable / Green Design Architect:
Sustainable architects are experts in designing environmentally friendly and energy-efficient structures. They understand the best sustainable products and green building methods to use in order to meet required standards.
Architects who specialise in urban design work in city planning and are concerned with the design of an entire area rather than individual buildings.
Industrial Architect:
An industrial architect is a type of architect who can translate and integrate a specific industry’s processes, machinery, equipment, and other requirements into a functional building design.
Conservation Architect:
These architects have a thorough understanding of period architecture, which allows them to effectively preserve the beauty and craftsmanship of historic buildings while also ensuring that building occupants can enjoy the functionalities expected in modern living.
Landscape Architect:
Landscape architects, as the name suggests, are experts in the design and development of outdoor spaces such as private and public gardens, lawns, parks, squares, orchards, and building walkways.
The career path of an Architect
Although there are many paths to starting your career as an Architect, here are the ideal ones.
Path 1: Select science stream after 10th ➜ Complete the bachelor’s after 12th ➜ Become an Architect
Path 2: Select science stream after 10th ➜ Complete the bachelor’s after 12th ➜ Pursue a Master’s degree ➜ Become an Architect
Before applying for the B. Arch course, candidates who have completed their class 10 can pursue diplomas in various architectural courses. Students should aim for at least 55% in their class 10 subjects, which include Mathematics, English, and Science. Students would be required to take entrance exams. DELHI CET, AP POLYCET, TS POLYCET, and other entrance exams are available.
Architects with less than two years of experience earn around ₹3 lakhs per year, while those with 15 years of experience earn around ₹40 lakhs per year.
The average annual salary of an architect is around ₹ 20 Lakhs.
These figures are based on 10.9k annual salaries.
Skills Required to become an Architect
To succeed in their careers, Architects must have diverse skills. Here are some Architect skills to work on, list on your resume, and explain during job interviews:
Creativity: Architects are free to create their own designs. They can use their imagination to design new structures.
Math and engineering principles: While architects are primarily involved in building design, they also employ math and engineering principles. To complete a project, an architect may employ measurements, scales, and engineering principles.
Technical skills: To complete their projects, architects may use technical skills such as blueprint drawing and computer modelling. They may also use structural and design knowledge to create one-of-a-kind structures.
Communication skills: An architect can express their ideas to a client through verbal communication. They may ask clarifying questions to ensure that they understand the client’s preferences, and they may discuss their expectations with members of their design team.
Leadership skills: Many architects supervise the building of their designs. As managing the construction of a building can include motivating team members and delegating tasks, good leadership skills are required.
Problem-solving: To create efficient and functional designs, architects must solve design challenges and building constraints. They can use problem-solving skills to create the best design for a given space.
Is Architecture a good career option?
With the vision of 100 smart cities and numerous new projects in India, the future opportunities and prospects for architects are very promising. This course provides complete job security.
In Indian cities, construction will increase by 70% over the next few years. The role of an architect is changing faster than ever before due to the rapid evolution of available technologies and their incorporation into the profession.
Architects will have numerous opportunities in the future. There are currently approximately 1.2 lakh architects in India, and there will be a high demand for new architects and building designers in the near future.
Types of industries Hiring Architects
Architects can work with a variety of companies, where they are asked to serve in accordance with the needs of the company. Some architects work independently and earn a living through consultancy fees, which are entirely dependent on their skills, profile, and work experience. Architects can work in the following government and private sectors:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field required: After passing the entrance exams, you can begin your architecture bachelor’s degree programme. This degree typically takes five years to complete. You could study math, design principles, and engineering during this time. Students must achieve a minimum of 50% in PCM as a subject combination in class 12. To be admitted to most architecture schools, candidates must also pass entrance exams such as JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and NATA.
Master’s degree and PhD: Candidates can pursue a master’s degree to earn a higher salary in MNCs. Candidates must also pass PG entrance exams such as GATE and CEED. This path can also lead to a career in education.
Obtain a licence: To practise architecture and work in the country’s Central/State Government Services, you must be registered as an architect with the Council of Architecture (COA).
Degrees in India
UG courses:
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): The Bachelor of Architecture (B Arch) is a five-year undergraduate architecture degree that combines theoretical and practical knowledge to teach candidates the skill of designing, planning, and constructing various types of physical buildings.
Bachelor of Planning (B.Plan): Bachelor of planning is a 3-4 year undergraduate programme that prepares students for careers in fields related to urban human settlements such as design, engineering, management, and problem-solving. The degree is primarily concerned with environmental issues, with the goal of promoting sustainable development and managing natural resources.
Bachelor of Architecture in Landscape Architecture:Bachelor of Landscape Architecture is a three-year undergraduate programme that teaches the art of planning, designing, maintaining, rehabbing, and preserving green space as well as the design of man-made structures.
Bachelor of Architecture in Building and Construction Management: The degree is conferred upon successful completion of a five-year programme or course that covers the study of management aspects and supervision techniques specific to the building industry, as well as the development of detailed knowledge about building and construction processes and materials.
Bachelor of Engineering in Construction Technology: B.E (Construction Technology) or Bachelor of Engineering in Construction Technology is a full-time four-year Under-Graduation degree programme that entails the collection of innovative tools, machinery, modifications, software, and so on that are used during the construction phase of a project to enable advancement in field construction methods, including semi-automated and automated construction equipment.
UG degree: Students can apply for 3 to 4-year degrees, such as a Bachelor of Science in Architecture or a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture. Students must first achieve high marks in class 12 with PCM as a subject combination, as well as pass entrance exams such as TOEFL or IELTS, to be eligible. A ‘Letter of Recommendation (LOR) and a ‘Statement of Purpose (SOP) are also required by some universities (SOP). Because each university has its own set of requirements, it is best to check with them first.
PG courses: Most students continue on to a graduate programme to earn a master’s degree in architecture, which can take up to 5 years of study; however, the amount of time required depends on the individual’s level of previous architectural education and training.
Entrance exams: Students must take important international entrance exams such as the SAT, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, IELTS, and TOEFL. Clearing these exams is required for admission to universities and colleges in various countries around the world. Clever Harvey’s step-by-step guide to the SAT entrance exam will provide you with all of the necessary information for the SAT exam. Check it out for yourself!
If you’ve made it this far in the blog, it can only mean one thing: you admire architects and hope to become one yourself one day! As a bonus, a few architects’ Instagram accounts are included here. Have a look at them and have fun exploring more!
At its most basic, architecture exists to create the physical environment in which people live; however, architecture is more than just the built environment; it is also a part of our culture. It’s a fascinating line of work that opens up a world of opportunities for creative types. Best wishes on your career as an architect! Have a good time with your creations!
FAQs
Is architecture is a good career?
Ans: Architects are generally well-respected members of society, making architecture a viable career choice. In addition, the pay is competitive. They are considered a combination of arts and intelligence due to their creative nature and attention to detail.
What is the career path for an architect?
Ans: After 10th, the most common path is to choose the science stream. After 12th, pursue a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) and work as an architect.
How do I start my career in architecture?
Ans: After 12, pursue a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) and complete an internship. Also, obtain your licence to work as an architect so that you can begin your career as an architect.
What is the best career in architecture?
Ans: The following are the highest-paying architectural careers: 1. Historic preservation architect 2. Architectural drafter 3. Urban planner 4. Landscape architect 5. Retrofit architect 6. Architectural technician 7. Industrial architect 8. Architectural designer
Is architect a stressful job?
Ans: Architects face stressful situations that are sometimes unheard of in any other profession. Meeting deadlines, dealing with the planning, and fabricating our clients’ dreams; this job can be intense and extremely demanding at times.
How can you become a Landscape Designer?
Could Urban Planning be the right career for you?
What are the steps to become an Architect in India?
What are good career options for a creative person?
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