An architect is the person who designs the buildings, homes, offices, and other structures with proper plans and overseeing the construction of the buildings. The term architect is derived from the Latin word “architectus”, which is derived from the Greek words “arkhi-” meaning “chief” and “-tekton” meaning “builder”. Hence, the word architect means chief builder. It is of three types: (1) building architect, (2) landscape architect, and (3) naval architect. Architecture means practicing architect or, broadly, it is the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing different structures like buildings.
The job is office based. It also requires visiting the sites and the clients out of the office. On site, protective gears like headgear and protective boots must be worn to avoid any injury or damage. Freelancing is also available. Self-employment serves a basic need for all architects: freshers and experienced. In a working day, significant travelling is possible with payable mileage, no vehicle is provided. The job does not include overnight travelling. Thus, females can work comfortably.
There are certain roles and requirements that an architect is expected to possess and fulfill. The major responsibilities of an architect are
1. Discussing the ideas, requirements, objectives, and budget of a project,
2. keeping within financial budgets and deadlines,
3. consulting with other professionals,
4. negotiating with contractors and professionals,
5. preparing tender applications and presentations,
6. assessing the impact on the local environment,
7. controlling a project from start to finish,
8. using IT in design and project management,
9. producing detailed drawings and specifications,
10. drawing up tender documents for contracts,
11. resolving problems arising during construction, and
12. managing the environmental impact of the project managed.
The field of an architect is very specialized and fascinating. There are certain skills required that make this career a lucrative one. It has been predicted that this field is growing at a faster rate than any other field. Therefore, the salaries are expected to increase for experienced fellows. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual average salary of an architect is $76,750. Salaries vary according to the location and size of the employing organization.
To be an architect, it requires certain academic qualifications. The minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree. Significant work experience with someone professional in the field and a mixture of work like freehand drawings, sketches, models, and photographs are what looked in by the interviewer. But the standard route to enter the architectural profession includes a total of seven years, including higher education, with some training accomplished in three parts, according to the Royal Institute of British Architecture (RIBA).
Part 1: three to four years of RIBA-accredited undergraduate degree course + 12 months of practice with a professional
Part 2: advanced study + 12 months of professional experience
Part 3: an examination conducted based on the experience gained from the parts 1 and 2
The title “Architect” is awarded only to the professionals registered with the Architect’s Registration Board (ARB). Only after fulfilling the RIBA procedure, one can apply for ARB and for chartered membership with the RIBA. Continuing professional development (CPD) is widely encouraged. Chartered architects too follow CPD and fulfill the requirement of 35 hours every year. There are no conversion courses for this profession. However, gaining membership with RIBA and undertaking CPD levels will enable progression to more senior positions. Once you gain 5 years of membership with RIBA with significant experience, you may be awarded Fellow of RIBA status and entitled to use the affix FRIBA. Private firms offer more opportunities than the government organizations for advancement. With experience gained enough, you can start and set-up your own organizations with your counterparts and practices. Apart from academics, other requirements include
1. working experience,
2. to prove artistic skill, a strong portfolio,
3. an eye for detail,
4. communication skills,
5. project management skills,
6. excellent drawing and freehand sketching skills,
7. familiar with design tools – SketchUp, Photoshop, 3d Studio VIZ, etc., and
8. strong imagination and the ability to think in three-dimensional (3D) structures and then create 3D structures.
Employers at Ragns are waiting for a right-brained architect who can perform planning, designing, and overseeing the construction work. The one to fulfill the client’s needs and produce designs that are sustainable, aesthetical, and functional are in demand. If a fascinating, creative, tough, and innovative career appeals you, then architecture is your career destination. Find your dream job, work under professionals, and get hired without waiting for opportunities to knock your door in just few simple steps: log on to www.ragns.com; build your profile; and upload your resume. Get job alerts from the employers in your profile free.