Do you like solving challenges? Are you a fan of MECHANIX or LEGO? Do you ever become intrigued by the shape and design of buildings, wondering what the person behind the design was attempting to convey or what the purpose of the design was? If you answered yes, you have the mind of an architect—the amazing creators who shape the world we live in!
The design, planning, construction, maintenance, and restoration of buildings, physical structures, and the built environment, in general, are all aspects of architecture. Architecture combines 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 come to the right place! This blog discusses how to become an architect the skills required, colleges and courses, salary, and what else it takes to be an architect. Follow the step-by-step guide in the blog to become an architect.
Who is an architect?
An architect is a professional who specializes in the design, planning, and construction of buildings, physical structures, and the built environment. Architects are knowledgeable in areas such as design, construction management, project management, material management, cost estimation, and architectural law.
Learn more: How to become an Interior Designer
How to become an architect? [Step by Step Guide]
Step 1: Stream to select
To become an architect, one must select the Science stream with Math as a compulsory subject because geometry, algebra, and trigonometry are all important in architectural design. These math forms are used by architects to plan their blueprints or initial sketch designs.
Step 2: Certification courses and project courses
As a beginner, the certification courses listed below can assist you in becoming an architect.
- Frank Gehry Teaches Design and Architecture
- Making ArchKnowledgeby IE School of Architecture and Design
- Practices for Sustainable Architecture by Philadelphia University
- Roman Architecture by Yale University
- The Art of Structural Engineering by Bridges by Princeton University
The following certification courses can help architects advance in their careers.
- 3D Modeling from Architecture Drawings
- Architectural Design and Animation in Blender
- Architectural design and fundamentals
- Architecture 101 using AutoCAD LT
- Autodesk Revit – From beginner to an intermediate level
- Coursera Making Architecture by IE Business School
- Coursera Roman Architecture by Yale University
- edX The Architectural Imagination by Harvard University
- Introduction to Design and Management in Construction
- LinkedIn Archicad 24 Essential Training
- Realistic Architectural 3D Modeling
- Roman Architecture by Yale University
- The Architectural Imagination by Harvard University
- Architectural Post Production in Photoshop by DATEC studios
- Coursera Autodesk Certificated Professional Course: Revit for Architectural design Exam by Autodesk
Step 3: Educational qualifications
To become an architect, you must first earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture.
How to become an architect after 10th?
Candidates who have completed their class 10 can pursue diplomas in various architectural courses before applying for the B. Arch course. Students should ensure that they received at least 55% in their class 10 subjects, which included Mathematics, English, and Science. Students would have to pass entrance exams. Some of the entrance exams are DELHI CET, AP POLYCET, TS POLYCET, and others.
- Diploma courses to become an architect after 10th in India:
Course | Duration |
Diploma in Architectural Assistantship | 3 years |
Diploma in Architecture | 3 years |
Diploma in Architectural Assistantship + B.Des. | 6 years |
Diploma in Construction Management | 1 year |
Foundation Diploma in Architecture and Design | 2 years |
Diploma In Architectural Assistantship – B.Tech. Civil Engineering | 6 years |
Diploma in Construction Technology | 3 years |
ITI Architectural Draughtsman | 2 years |
Diploma in Architectural Technology | 2 years |
How to become an architect after 12th?
Students must achieve a minimum of 50% in class 12 with PCM as a subject combination. Candidates must also pass entrance exams such as JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and NATA to be admitted to most architecture schools.
- UG courses to become an architect in India:
Course | Duration |
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) | 5 years |
Bachelor of Planning (B.Plan) | 3 years |
Bachelor of Architecture in Landscape Architecture | 3 years |
Bachelor of Architecture in Building and Construction Management | 5 years |
Bachelor of Engineering in Construction Technology | 4 years |
- Top UG colleges to become an architect in India:
NIRF Rank | Name of Institution | Location |
1 | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | Uttarakhand |
2 | National Institute of Technology Calicut | Kerala |
3 | Indian Institute Of Technology Kharagpur | West Bengal |
4 | School Of Planning And Architecture, Delhi | Delhi |
5 | National Institute Of Technology, Tiruchirapalli | Tamil Nadu |
6 | Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur | West Bengal |
7 | School of Planning & Architecture, Vijaywada | Andhra Pradesh |
8 | Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur | Maharashra |
9 | Jamia Millia Islamia University | Delhi |
10 | School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh |
To become an Architect Abroad
Students must achieve high marks in class 12 with PCM as a subject combination and pass entrance exams such as TOEFL or IELTS. Some universities also require a ‘Letter of Recommendation’ (LOR) and a ‘Statement of Purpose’ (SOP). Because all universities have different requirements, checking with the universities is advised.
- UG courses to become an architect abroad:
Course | Duration |
Bachelor of Science in Architecture | 3-4 years |
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Architecture | 4 years |
BA (Hons) Architecture | 5 years |
- Top UG colleges to become an architect abroad:
QS World Rank | Name of Institution | Location |
1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | United States |
2 | Delft University of Technology | Netherlands |
3 | The Bartlett School of Architecture | UCL (University College London) | United Kingdom |
4 | ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) | Switzerland |
5 | Harvard University | United States |
6 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | United States |
7 | Politecnico di Milano | Italy |
8 | Manchester School of Architecture | United Kingdom |
9 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom |
10 | Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) | Switzerland |
Also read: SAT Prep Time- Details on Preparing for SAT
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Step 4: How to prepare for the job?
- Internships: Internships in architecture provide the formal training required to become a certified professional and are critical for gaining a well-rounded set of experiences to help you grow as both a student and a newly qualified architect.
- Perfect your portfolio: A strong portfolio should be distinct and stand out among the thousands of portfolios seen daily by developers, clients, and potential employers.
- Get licensed: Registration as an architect with the Council of Architecture (COA) is required for pursuing the profession of architecture and employment in the country’s Central/State Government Services.
- Take inspiration from everything: Everything in your environment is a source of inspiration. Many architects do not do this, but shapes, lines, and new designs can be found everywhere. It’s simply a matter of recognizing and implementing them.
- Make use of the rapidly growing technologies and stay informed: Keep up with the latest design software updates and learn what might be useful to you and improve your practice.
- Step out of your comfort zone: You must never be afraid to try new things as an architect. Even if that means learning something complicated from scratch in the limited time you have, know that if you have the will, you can do it.
10 most important skills for becoming an architect
- Knowledge of math and physics in construction
- Creativity
- Knowledge of industry laws and codes
- Designing
- Visualizing
- Problem-Solving and Analytics
- Project management
- Business skills
- Knowledge of sustainability
- Communication skills
Salary of an architect:
Salary In India
An entry-level architect earns an annual salary of ₹3,00,000 on average.
Salary Abroad
The following are some entry-level architect salaries from around the world.
Country | Annual Salary |
Ireland | €32,421 |
Australia | $87,364 (AUD) |
Canada | $44,829 (CAD) |
United States | $100,51 |
United Kingdom | £38,073 |
Switzerland | CHF 74,592 |
United Arab Emirates | 196,033 د.إ. |
Hong Kong | HK$416,636 |
Singapore | $66,918 (SGD) |
Japan | ¥5,841,747 |
Top 10 recruiters in India
- Abin Design Studio
- Architecture BRIO
- Architecture Discipline
- CP Kukreja Architects
- Cadence Architects
- Creative Designer Architects
- Creative Group
- Design Plus Architects
- DSP Design Associates
- Edifice Consultants
Top 10 recruiters abroad
- Gensler
- Nikken Sekkei
- AECOM
- HDR
- Sweco
- IBI Group
- Aedas
- HKS
- Perkins and Will
- Perkins Eastman
More about architects?
If you’ve arrived at this point in the blog, it can only mean one thing: you like architects and may one day become one yourself! As a bonus, a few Instagram accounts of a few architects are included here. Check them out and have fun exploring more!
- @adjaye_visual_sketchbook
- @annabelleselldorf
- @johnpawson
- @deborahberkepartners
- @bjarkeingels
- @herzogdemeuron
- @family_newyork
- @studiogang
- @daniellibeskind
- @sou_fujimoto
Architecture exists at its core 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 an intriguing line of work that opens up a world of possibilities for creative types. Best wishes on your path to becoming an architect! Have fun with your creations!
FAQs about how to become an Architect
What qualifications do you need to become an architect?
Ans: You must first obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture before you can work as an architect.
How many years will it take to be an architect?
Ans: Architecture is a highly rewarding and in-demand profession. Individuals must, however, receive the necessary amounts of education and hands-on work experience in order to succeed, which typically takes 8 to 11 years.
Is it difficult to become an architect?
Ans: A degree in architecture can be extremely rewarding. But it’s also one of the most demanding, with long hours, a massive workload, and a focus on detail, so you need to know what you’re getting yourself into.
How do I start my career as an architect?
Ans: To become a licenced architect, take the following steps:
1. Obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree
2. Participate in an internship programme
3. Obtain your licence
4. Apply for a position as an architect.
5. Obtain professional certifications
What skills do architects need?
Ans: Architects must have the following skills:
1. Knowledge of math and physics in construction
2. Creativity
3. Understanding of industry laws and codes
4. Designing
5. Visualizing
6. Problem-Solving and Analytics
7. Project management
8. Business skills
9. Knowledge of sustainability
10. Communication skills