Architect

An architect is a professional who designs and oversees the construction of various structures, including homes, offices, schools, and other buildings, while considering factors like safety, functionality, and budget. Architects typically hold a bachelor's degree in architecture, and many also complete internships or residency programs as part of their training. The profession is known for its creative and technical demands, requiring proficiency in computer-aided design tools and drafting technologies.

Architects spend a significant amount of their time in office settings, engaging with clients, developing blueprints, and collaborating with contractors and engineers. They may also visit construction sites to monitor progress and ensure adherence to design specifications and building codes. According to recent statistics, architects earn a median salary of approximately $93,310 annually, with job opportunities projected to grow faster than average over the coming years.

The field attracts individuals who enjoy merging engineering principles with artistic vision and who are comfortable leading construction projects. Additionally, specialized areas within architecture, such as landscape architecture and sustainable design, provide opportunities for architects to focus on specific interests and skills.

Published in: 2024

By: Auerbach, Michael

Subject Terms

Architect

Snapshot

Career Cluster(s): Architecture & Construction

Interests: Design, drawing, drafting, computer technology, communicating with people

Earnings (Yearly Median): $93,310 per year $44.86 per hour (2023)

Employment & Outlook: 5 percent (Faster than average)

Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree

Related Work Experience None

On-the-job-Training Internship/residency

Overview

Sphere of Work. Architects design and sometimes oversee the construction of a wide array of buildings and other structures. They plan homes, offices, government buildings, schools and educational complexes, and other buildings and complexes according to safety, function, and budget specifications, as well as the needs of the client. Once an architect creates the blueprints for the project, he or she may coordinate with construction crews during all stages of the project to ensure that it is built to plan and stays within budget. In 2022, about 13 percent of licensed architects were self-employed, a higher than average percentage compared to other careers. Another 76 percent worked for architectural firms, 4 percent for construction companies, and 3 percent government agencies.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that 123,700 people were employed as architects in 2022. About six thousand additional jobs were projected to be added by 2032.

Work Environment. Architects spend most of their workdays in an office setting, where they meet with clients, draft blueprints and reports, and coordinate with contractors, engineers, and other architects. They may frequently visit work sites to review the progress of a particular project, monitor the types of materials used, and meet with contractors and workers. Building sites can present physical risks, such as exposed wiring and exposure to dust and debris. Architects may work long hours at the office, drafting blueprints and drawing models.

Occupation Interest. Architects must be comfortable taking a leadership role in construction, renovation, or preservation projects. They take the general ideas and needs of a client and use both creativity and spatial design expertise to transform those ideas into a reality that construction contractors can execute. People who seek to become architects should be attracted to careers that combine both engineering knowledge and imagination.

Historically, architects drew blueprints by hand. However, today they use innovative computer technologies, such as 2-D and 3-D drafting, modeling, and design tools and software, almost exclusively to design and draw blueprints. The profession attracts individuals able to work independently as well as collaborate with others.

A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Prior to the project’s initiation, an architect meets with clients to establish the budget, project objectives, and client requirements. Using this information, the architect begins pre-design activities, such as conducting environmental impact assessment studies and feasibility reports, preparing cost analysis and land-use studies, establishing design requirements and constraints and, where necessary, helping in the selection of construction sites. Once pre-design is complete, the architect works with his or her staff to prepare blueprint drawings and generate ideas to present to the client. It is not unusual for several plans to be presented before the architect and client agree on a final version, so architects should be prepared to design and execute multiple drafts of a plan for any project.

When the client approves of the architect’s proposals, the architect begins the construction phase of the project. They develop final construction plans, which include structural systems and other design components such as electricity, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, ventilation (HVAC), and landscaping. The architect may also be responsible for choosing building materials and awarding construction bids on behalf of the client. Once the crews have been organized and building begins, the architect may coordinate consistently with these groups at the construction site to ensure that the project is proceeding according to schedule, budget, and design specifications. He or she may also spend time with local government officials to ensure the project complies with building and fire codes, zoning laws, and other ordinances. Finally, the architect may make changes to the plan (and, if so, coordinate with the construction contractors regarding these changes) as asked by the client.

Landscape Architects (001.061-018). Landscape Architects plan and design the development of land areas for projects, such as recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools and sites that are planned for residential, commercial and industrial development.

School-Plant Consultants (001.167-010). School-Plant Consultants formulate and enforce the standards for the construction of public school facilities. They develop legislation relative to school building sites and school design and construction.

Architectural Drafters (001.261-010). Architectural Drafters prepare detailed drawings of architectural designs and plans for buildings, according to the specifications, sketches and rough drafts that are provided by architects.

Landscape Drafters (001.261-014). Landscape Drafters prepare detailed scale drawings and tracings from rough sketches or other data provided by a landscape architect.

Sustainable/Clean Energy/Green Building Architects. Sustainable/Clean Energy/Green Building Architects design buildings that use clean energy technologies to meet new environmental standards.

Work Environment

Immediate Physical Environment. Architects spend most of their time in an office environment, whether as part of an architectural firm, a home office, or the headquarters of a developer or construction company. A significant amount of time may be spent at building sites, supervising the construction process and discussing the project with contractors. Some architects also spend time at local town and city halls and offices, securing permits and filing compliance reports with government officials.

Human Environment. Architects work with a wide range of clients, which includes homeowners, but more often developers and building owners. They may work on a daily basis with construction workers, general contractors, and other professionals (such as plumbers, electricians, and interior designers). Some architects work closely with public officials, including fire marshals, health and building inspectors, and environmental officials, ensuring compliance with local and state laws, regulations, and ordinances.

Technological Environment. Architects predominantly work with computer modeling tools and software to create blueprints and construction plans. They must be familiar with computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) and building information modeling (BIM) technologies as well as other 2-D and 3-D systems. They must also understand the construction tools and materials necessary for the project, as well as have an understanding of building methods. A thorough comprehension of how to execute environmental statements related to any project is increasingly a necessity.

Education, Training, and Advancement

High School/Secondary. High school students interested in becoming architects should take courses that will help develop their spatial design capabilities. These classes include geometry, algebra, physics, industrial arts, drafting, and computer science. It is also useful for students to study history to gain a better understanding of period architecture and art. Because communication with clients and contractors is a critical aspect of the architectural design and building processes, students are encouraged to take courses that build verbal and communication skills.

Postsecondary. Most states require that architects have a professional-caliber degree in architecture in order to receive their licenses. These degrees are considered to include the five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree and the two-year Master of Architecture degree. Advanced degrees increase the individual’s competitiveness as a candidate for employment and can help them specialize in certain fields of architecture. Some schools offer graduate-level degrees in "green" or environmentally sustainable architectural design.

− Civil Engineer

− Construction Manager

− Drafter

− Landscape Architect

− Marine Engineer & Naval Architect

− Mechanical Engineer

− Surveyor & Cartographer

− Urban & Regional Planner