Q & A about the Architect Profession

Question: What Is an Architect?

Answer: An architect is a licensed professional who organizes space. Architects design houses, office buildings, skyscrapers, landscapes, and even entire cities. 

Architects are trained in many areas, from historic preservation to structural engineering. Like doctors and lawyers, architects have completed university programs and lengthy internships. In most parts of the world, architects must pass a series of rigorous exams in order be licensed.

An information architect is a person who plans the flow of information on Web pages. This use of the word architect is not related to building design.

The services of a licensed architect depend on the type of project; fees may range from 10% to 15% of the total construction costs.

Answer: Architecture is more than designing buildings. Students who study architecture in college may choose to go into many different careers. Here’s just a sampling:

• Architectural Journalist
• Architectural Historian
• Corporate Architect
• Draftsperson
• Building Researcher
• Building Inspector
• Building Contractor
• Carpenter
• Cartographer
• Architectural Engineer
• Civil Engineer
• Industrial Engineer
• Marine Architect
• Mechanical Engineer
• Surveyor
• Technical Illustrator
• Urban Planner
• Art Director
• Fashion Designer
• Furniture Designer
• Graphic Designer Illustrator
• Industrial Designer
• Interior Designer
• Landscape Architect
• Set Designer
• Real Estate Broker

Answer: While still in high school, you should plan a strong college preparatory program with courses in English, humanities subjects, mathematics, including geometry, trigonometry, algebra, and pre-calculus, and physics.

Art courses – drawing, painting, sculpture, or photography – will be helpful in developing your ability to visualize and conceptualize, both important skills to an architect.

Elective courses in computers and business will be extremely helpful in preparing for a career in architecture.

Answer: As an architecture student, you will study a broad range of subjects, including writing, design, graphics, computer applications, art history, mathematics, physics, structural systems, and building and materials construction.

Answer: Ideally, attempt to find a career-related position while in school; this will make gaining your first full-time position easier. You may work for an architect, desiger, or builder doing a variety of tasks.

Otherwise, network your way into a firm with the help of your interviewing skills and portfolio.

Most architects work for several years as interns before they become licensed.

Source | About.com