Architects are skilled professionals capable of designing new buildings and remodeling old buildings. Architects use their drawing and creation tools to design buildings that are attractive, functional, and safe. The construction of a building constantly requires architects to adapt the design taking into account budget, client requirements and environmental factors. Architects have to work with all construction personnel and other professionals, including civil engineers, electrical engineers, and public health engineers, interior designers, and even landscapers.

Architects can also fill multiple roles, providing interior design, decorating, landscape design, and even turnkey construction.

Qualification of Architects

5 to 7 years of academic study in architecture is required. Architecture includes different subjects such as design, drafting, graphics, materials and construction, architectural history, environmental studies, mechanics, structure, landscape, and interior design.

After graduation, the architect must register with the appropriate department to obtain the license to practice architecture as a professional. However, each country has its own laws different from other country.

After graduation, an architect can further specialize in any subject to earn a master’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. Higher degrees can help architects get high-paying jobs at universities, colleges, and research centers.

Essential Skills for Architects

• Written and oral communication skills.

• Excellent imagination and ability to bring imagination to paper through creative work.

• Ability to start and finish a project in a professional manner.

• Ability to face challenges during construction

• Have great skills in drawing, both manually and using CAD.

• The ability to understand the details of the project

• Ability to manage the entire project

• Ability to lead a team of professionals and workforce

• Well versed in the latest software programs

• Ability to complete a project within contract time and within budget

duties of an architect

• Design of buildings, and conversion to paper of the design through drawings, manually and using AutoCAD, (drawing software).

• Liaise with engineers, surveyors and construction personnel

• Building planning in accordance with local statutes and obtaining design approval from competent authorities

• Preparation of documents such as presentation reports, drafting of proposals and contracts.

• Preparation of BOQs or quantity lists with specifications.

• Make changes to your design according to construction needs.

• Lead a team, which includes cad operators, junior architects, interior designers, contractors, and construction managers

• Guarantee a high quality construction. Frequent meetings with customers at the customers’ location.

Working hours

Although different architectural firms follow 9 am to 5 pm hours Monday through Friday, architects often work late into the night and even nights due to urgent projects or tight deadlines. Architects have to pay their staff overtime for longer working hours.

Architect Salaries

The salary of an architect varies depending on the architecture firm. But, in general, the salary structure depends on the architect’s experience and skills. For example, the salary of a junior architect is less than that of the senior architect.

Industries that hire architects

• Small or large private companies

• Public sectors

• Government sectors

• Large construction companies

• Engineering companies

• Landscaping companies

• Interior design companies

• Teaching institutes and universities