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Design Architect, Architectural Planner, Project Architect, Specifications Writer, Architectural Engineer

Job Description

Architects plan and design building and structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, hospitals, and museums.  

Rewarding Aspects of Career

“Architects are often called upon to bring order to a disparate set up ideas and desires. Designing a building is incredibly complicated and requires the work of many people, sometimes over many years in the context of different economic, social, political forces. In this kind of environment, after sometimes many years of hard work, to see a building you designed come to fruition is so exhilarating. It is so gratifying to create something out of nothing and make a client’s vision a reality in a way that they can not conceive of themselves.” Christina Cho Yoo, AIA, PE, Architect and Professional Engineer, Atelier Cho Thompson

2016 Employment
128,800
2026 Projected Employment
134,300
The Inside Scoop
Day in the Life
  • Architects discuss with clients the objectives, requirements, and budget of a project. In some cases, architects provide various predesign services, such as feasibility and environmental impact studies, site selection, cost analyses and land-use studies, and design requirements. Architects must help conceptualize the program and devise formal solutions for the client.
  • In developing designs, architects must create compelling spaces all the while serving a functional need, following building codes, zoning laws, fire regulations, and other ordinances, such as those requiring easy access by people who are disabled.
  • Computer-aided design and drafting (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) technology have replaced traditional drafting paper and pencil as the most common methods for creating designs and construction drawings. Still, being able to sketch is an important skill that architects should cultivate to effectively communicate with clients during meetings or with consultants in systems coordination.
  • ​​Architects also may help clients get construction bids, select contractors, and negotiate construction contracts.
  • As construction proceeds, architects may visit building sites to ensure that contractors follow the design intent, keep to the schedule, use the specified materials, and meet work-quality standards. The job is not complete until all construction is finished, required tests are conducted, and construction costs are paid.
Job Responsibilities
  • Seeks new work by marketing and giving presentations
  • Consults with clients to determine requirements for structures
  • Estimates materials, equipment, costs, and construction time
  • Selects materials and equipment and/or coordinate engineering & specialty consultants to do so
  • Prepares, designs, and structures specifications
  • Directs workers who prepare drawings and documents
  • Prepares scaled drawings of the project
  • Prepares contract documents for building contractors
  • Manages construction contracts
  • Visits worksites to ensure that construction adheres to architectural plans
Skills Needed on the Job
  • Verbal and written communication
  • The ability to represent your ideas in diagrams, drawings, renderings, and presentations
  • Computer drafting and modeling skills
  • Technical understanding of construction and engineering systems
Different Types of Organizations
  • Architectural firms
  • Universities – planning office or as professors
  • Museums
  • Research Organizations
  • Product design companies
  • Design directors for corporations or retail stores
  • Real estate developers
  • Staging companies
Expectations and Sacrifices
  • Long Hours: Culturally architects are known to work long hours as they feel like design can always iterate and become better. They also are oftentimes the prime consultant working right under a client on projects, and this role requires them to oversee all other specialty consultants’ work.
  • Compensation: Typically, architects do not get compensated to the level that other professionals with a similar amount of schooling may get. However, most architects often say they love how their training affords them to see the world and be creative with whatever task may be put in front of them.
Current Trends

New areas of practice include ideation, design strategy, and public interest design.

What kinds of things did people in this career enjoy doing when they were younger…
  • Draw
  • Legos
  • Daydream
  • Make things out of random things
  • Interest in different cultures & travel
Education and Training Needed
  • As Architecture combines science and art, many Architects complete a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture program
    • Note, many colleges offer degrees in Architectural Studies, but they may not be nationally accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). As a result, the graduate might have to complete a master’s to qualify for state licensure. The Bureau of Labor Statistics points out that “two-thirds of states require that architects hold a degree in architecture from one of more than 120 schools of architecture accredited by NAAB”
  • Apart from a NAAB-accredited degree, students may also pursue a Master of Architecture (M. Arch) or a PhD
  • States also require Architect hopefuls to complete a paid internship of up to 3 years, generally with a firm approved by the AXP — Architectural Experience Program (administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards)
  • Following the internship, workers must pass the Architect Registration Examination
  • The educational requirements never stop, with continuing education needed in most states to maintain licensure. These requirements may include workshops, classes, conferences, and self-study
Requirements of getting licensed

Getting licensed varies by jurisdiction; however, below are the general steps. For more information about specific jurisdictions, go to NCARB.

  • Intern Development Program (IDP)
  • Pass ARE (Architecture Registration Examinations) licensing exams
  • Get an initial license
  • Get certified
  • Continuing education requirements
Education Stats
  • 1% with High School Diploma
  • 5% with Associate’s
  • 49% with Bachelor’s
  • 32% with Master’s
  • 8% with Doctoral/Professional
Things to look for in an University

Some schools are known for being very hands-on about building while others are known to be more conceptual. Some architecture departments are housed in the same building as the landscape architecture, urban design, or art departments. Depending on your personal bent, you should choose a school that suits what kind of architect you would like to be.

Top Educational Institutions

Top 10 Architecture Undergraduate Programs for 2018 

  1. Cornell University
  2. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
  3. Syracuse University
  4. Virginia Tech
  5. University of Southern California
  6. Rice University
  7. University of Texas, Austin
  8. Southern California Institute of Architecture
  9. Pratt Institute
  10. Rhode Island School of Design

Top 10 Architecture Graduate Programs for 2018

  1. Harvard University
  2. Columbia University
  3. Cornell University
  4. Yale University
  5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  6. University of California, Los Angeles
  7. University of Pennsylvania
  8. University of California, Berkeley
  9. University of Southern California
  10. Washington University, St. Louis
Things to do in High School and College
  • As soon as you know you’re interested in studying Architecture, start looking at college program requirements. Many schools are competitive and want candidates with sufficient background to succeed in their rigorous courses
  • Make sure to lay a strong foundation for your college work by taking high school classes related to art, AP 3D Art and Design, photography, graphic design, math, and physics
  • In terms of math, you’ll need to study most of the branches, including geometry, algebra, calculus, and trigonometry. Physics is also crucial for understanding the various forces that come into play
  • Don’t wait to get started on a portfolio to show schools and prospective employers. The portfolio doesn’t have to be entirely architecture-related
    • For example, to apply to Cornell’s undergraduate program, the requirement is, “The portfolio should contain several examples of freehand drawings including sketches as well as fully developed work. In addition to drawing, a range of artistic media needs to be demonstrated, but each applicant should emphasize the work where their skills and passion are expressed most strongly. Painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, video, woodworking, and other crafts can convey artistic experience and aptitude.”
Typical Roadmap
Typical Roadmap for Architect
How to Land your 1st job
  • As mentioned in the Education section, Architects must complete a long internship before being eligible to take the Architect Registration Examination and apply for licensure
  • Internships are done via the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) administered by NCARB — the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. AXP “provides a framework to guide you through building competency in a broad range of areas and documenting your work. You can start reporting experience as soon as you graduate from high school.”
    • The AXP requires the completion of 3,740 hours of reported work experience along with 96 key skills (falling under six distinct categories) to be developed
    • Half of the experience must be gained via practice done under the supervision of a licenced architect (i.e., during the internship, which can last up to 3 years)
  • AXP Internships opportunities can be found online via Indeed.com, or by checking out articles such as Black Spectacles’ 5 of the Best Architect Internships You Should Apply to This Summer
  • After you’ve completed your internship, passed your Architect Registration Examination, and gained your state licensure, then it’s time to look for positions on job portals such as ZipRecruiter, Indeed, Glassdoor, and others
  • There are different types of Architects, such as Technical Architect, Planning Architect, Site Architect, and Design Architect, so look for postings that match your background and qualifications
  • Let your LinkedIn network know you’re licensed and looking for openings
  • Contact references to inquire if they are willing to recommend you or write letters of reference
  • Create an online portfolio to showcase your work as well as your personality and style
  • Before doing interviews, get ready by reviewing Architect Interview Questions and Answers
How to Climb the Ladder
  • Keep abreast of the latest technologies in the industry.
  • Attend industry events.
  • Keep in touch with your network of designers and architects.
  • Keep your LinkedIn profile updated.
  • Try to become an expert in a certain type of design or with a certain valuable program.
  • Get AIA licensed and LEED accredited
Recommended Tools/Resources

Websites

Books

Plan B

Key transferable skills

  • Design thinking – how to systematically and creatively come up with a solution to a problem
  • Graphic representation
  • Presentation skills
  • How to build things and think through how details may come together

Alternate careers:

  • Universities – planning office or as professors
  • Museums
  • Research Organizations
  • Product designer, Industrial designer
  • Production Designer (film and television sets)
  • Design directors for corporations or retail stores
  • Real estate developers
  • Staging companies
  • Architecture professor
Quotes

“People often have a love-hate relationship with architecture. Many architects are known to work long hours for less pay than other professionals. Architects like the idea of designing but the realities and challenges of pushing through a project are often grueling and frustrating. However, once those hurdles are overcome and a project is built, there are few things as gratifying as seeing the culmination of many years of hard work right in front of you.” Christina Cho Yoo, AIA, PE, Architect and Professional Engineer, Atelier Cho Thompson

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