The job market for architects in the U.S.
What do Architects do on a day to day basis?
The employment of architects is projected to grow at a slower rate than other occupations.
Plans and designs for the construction and renovation of homes, offices, retail stores, and other structures are expected to be needed by architects.Many school districts and universities are going to build new facilities.As the baby-boomer population ages and more people use healthcare services, there will be more demand for healthcare facilities.
Demand for architects with a knowledge of green design is expected to continue.Architects are needed to design buildings and structures that use resources efficiently, reduce waste and pollution, and apply eco-friendly design, specifications and materials.
Competition for internships and jobs is expected with a high number of students graduating with degrees in architecture.
The construction industry is very important for the employment of architects.When there is a slowdown in requests for new projects or when the overall level of construction falls, these workers may experience periods of unemployment.
In May 2016 the annual wage for architects was $76,930.Half of the workers in an occupation earn more than the median wage, while the other half earn less.The lowest 10 percent earned less than $46,600, and the highest 10 Percent earned more than $129,810.
The median annual wages for architects in the top industries in which they worked were in May.
Many architects work additional hours when facing deadlines.It is possible that self-employed architects have more flexible work hours.
People need places to live and work.These places are designed by architects.They work on both public and private projects.Anything from a single room to an entire complex of buildings can be designed by an architect.
The objectives, requirements, and budget of a project are discussed by architects.Feasibility and environmental impact studies, site selection, cost analyses, and design requirements are some of the predesign services provided by architects.
After discussing and agreeing on the initial proposal with clients, architects develop final construction plans.The plans show the appearance and construction of the building.The plans include drawings of the structural system, as well as air-conditioning, heating, and ventilating systems.Landscape plans can be included as well.Easy access to buildings for people who are disabled is one of the requirements that architects must follow in developing designs.
Computer-aided design and drafting and building information modeling are used by architects.During the conceptual stages of a project and when an architect is at a construction site, hand-drawing skills are still required.
As construction continues, architects may visit building sites to ensure that contractors follow the design, adhere to the schedule, use the specified materials, and meet work-quality standards.The job is not complete until all construction is done and the costs are paid.
Architects can help clients get construction bids, select contractors, and negotiate construction contracts.
Civil engineers, urban and regional planners, drafters, interior designers, and landscape architects are some of the workers who collaborate with architects.
Architects spend most of their time in offices, where they meet with clients, develop reports and drawings, and work with other architects and engineers.They visit construction sites to make sure the objectives of the clients are met.Some architects work from home.
Many architects work additional hours when facing deadlines.There are more flexible work schedules for self-employed architects.
The three main steps to becoming a licensed architect are completing a bachelor's degree in architecture, gaining relevant experience through a paid internship, and passing the Architect registration Examination.
A bachelor's degree in architecture is the first step to becoming an architect in most states.A Bachelor of Architecture degree program is required for most architects.A master's degree in architecture can take up to 5 years to complete.The time required is dependent on the student's previous education and training in architecture.
A typical bachelor's degree program includes courses in architectural history and theory, building design with an emphasis on computer-aided design and drafting, structures, construction methods, professional practices, math, physical sciences, and liberal arts.
35 states require architects to have a degree in architecture from a school accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board.State licensing requirements can be found at the NCARB.
All state architectural registration boards require architecture graduates to complete an internship before they can take the exam.The Architectural Experience Program is a program that guides students through the internship process and is run by the NCARB.Some states allow training to take place in the offices of employers in related careers, such as engineers and general contractors.The internship time can be counted towards the 3-year training period for architecture students.
Part of a project may be designed by interns.They can help prepare architectural documents and drawings.Building codes, installation criteria, quality of finishes, and other details can be researched by interns.Architects take the documents that interns produce, make edits to them, finalize plans, and then sign and seal them.
The District of Columbia requires architects to be licensed.Licensing requirements include completing a degree program in architecture, gaining relevant experience through a paid internship, and passing the Architect registration Examination.
Continuing education is required in most states to keep a license.Continuing education requirements vary by state but usually involve additional education through workshops, university classes, conferences, self-study courses, or other sources.
Some architects become engineering managers after many years of work experience.Managers coordinate the activities of employees and may work on larger construction projects.
Analytical skills.The context in which the designs were created must be understood by the architects.Architects need to understand how mechanical systems affect building operations.
Communication skills are important.In oral presentations and in writing, architects share their ideas with clients, other architects and workers.Presentations are also given to explain their ideas.
There is creativity.The look of houses, buildings, and other structures are designed by architects.The final product should be functional and attractive.
Organizational skills.Architects are often in charge of contracts.They have to keep records related to the details of the project.
Technical skills.As part of building information modeling, architects need to use CADD technology.
There are visualization skills.Architects need to be able to see how parts of a structure relate to each other.They need to be able to see how the building will look once completed.