Architect - Careers, Jobs, Education, Training

Architects are dreamers who make their dreams come true! They use their knowledge of architectural history and theory, building design, structures, technology, construction methods, math, and physical sciences to design places in which to live, work, play, learn, worship, meet, govern, shop, and eat. These places may be private or public; indoors or outdoors; or rooms, buildings, or complexes; and together, they make up neighborhoods, towns, suburbs, and cities where we all live.

Architects use their training in the art and science of building design to transform needs into concepts and then develop the concepts into images and plans of buildings that can be constructed. They are responsible for the overall design of buildings including making the buildings functional, safe, economical, and suitable to the needs of the people who use them. Architects consider all these factors when they design buildings and other structures. This means they spend a great deal of time explaining their ideas to clients and construction contractors. Successful architects must be able to communicate their unique vision persuasively. Their duties also require specific skills such as designing and engineering, and this means they also have alone time to problem solve and create building solutions.

Architects held about 113,000 jobs in 2002. Almost two of three jobs were in architectural, engineering, and related services, mostly in architectural firms with fewer than five workers. A small number worked for residential and nonresidential building construction firms and for government agencies responsible for housing, planning, or community development. About twenty percent of architects were self-employed.

Employment of architects is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2012, and additional job openings will result from the need to replace architects who retire, transfer to new occupations, or leave the labor force permanently for other reasons.

A growing and aging population will drive demand for the construction of adult daycare, assisted-living, and other outpatient facilities, all of which are preferable, less costly alternatives to hospitals and nursing homes. Similarly, the construction of schools will increase to accommodate growth in the school-aged population.

However, it’s important to know that the number of architects often exceeds the number of available jobs, especially in the most prestigious firms. Students who gain career-related experience in an architectural firm while they are still in school and who know Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) technology, especially as it conforms to the new national standards, will have a distinct advantage in obtaining an intern position after graduation.

All states require individuals to be licensed before they may call themselves architects or contract to provide architectural services. Many architecture school graduates work in the field while they are in the process of becoming licensed. However, a licensed architect is required to take legal responsibility for all work.

In most states, the professional degree in architecture must be from one of the schools of architecture that have degree programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The majority of all architectural degrees are from Bachelor of Architecture programs, intended for students entering university-level studies from high school or with no previous architectural training.

Typical annual earnings of architects were $56,620 in 2002. Earnings of partners in established architectural firms may fluctuate because of changing business conditions.

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