Architecture is an art that involves the science of designing and constructing a building or a structure, be it residential, commercial or of public interest. Those who pursue a career in architecture are referred to as architects. An architect basically designs and plans a structure and helps to execute the same. Architecture has come a long way from the elegant buildings and structures of Rome to the modern day skyscrapers of New York. The pyramids of Egypt and the Seven Wonders of the World are all masterpieces of architecture. The renaissance era was the time when architectural splendors were built across the world. Architecture gets the architect recognition especially if the creation is magnificent and popular. This is what makes architecture one of the most lucrative and prestigious of professions to follow in recent times.
Those who decide to pursue a career in architecture should preferably be science graduates as it helps in a basic understanding of the aesthetics involved in designing. Knowledge of physics and a knack for creativity can also go a long way in pursuing a successful career in architecture. To pursue a career in architecture apart from being a graduate in science a master's degree in architecture will be a plus point.
A course in architecture whether it is a diploma or a master's degree must cover a basic introduction to the basics and fundamentals of architecture, knowledge of building materials, a training in execution and leadership, information on state building codes, a training in client handling and presentation. An architect can design anything from skyscrapers to residential houses. These days with the prevalence on computers an architect must also possess knowledge in CAD, i.e. Career Aided Design. To become an architect one must also appear and pass the state certification examination at the state where he or she will be practicing. Apart from that a person experienced in architecture must have adequate knowledge of the environment, space, mathematics, artistic skills, interior designing skills, and alertness and mindset to understand the client's requirements.
Individuals pursuing a career in architecture must be skilled artists too with an eye for detail as an architect must be able to draw out his or her structural plan for the building or structure that he or she plans to design and erect. It's best to get enrolled in a college of architecture for a bachelor's degree right after passing out of high school if one considers serious pursuing of a career in architecture. Having a degree in engineering along with architecture makes a career in architecture all the more easier to handle. An aspiring architect must also complete an internship in architecture before he or she pursues a proper career in the same.
The career prospects for an architect are very lucrative. Especially at a time when the world is developing with new state of the art cities coming up, the need for creative, experienced and passionate architects have grown. The countries of America, Saudi Arabia, Middle East, China, and Australia are a spectacle to watch today especially because of the beautiful architecture created by experienced architects. And mind you they all get a huge remuneration for their creations as well. An experienced architect can earn anything from $40,000 - $ 80,000 depending on the work they do. A trainee can earn about $1,000 - $ 2,000 a month depending on the association he or she chooses to work for. An architect can also be a freelancer in the field of architecture. A freelancer has excellent scope for working on a variety of projects.
As an architectural consultant an architect can charge up to 5% of the construction fees. A freelancer in the field of architecture can earn up to $50,000 a month depending on the projects that come to the individual. One can choose to be an Architectural Journalist, Architectural Historian, Corporate Architect, Draftsman, Building Researcher, Building Inspector Building Contractor, Carpenter Cartographer, Architectural Engineer, Civil Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Marine Architect, Mechanical Engineer, Surveyor, Technical Illustrator, Urban Planner, Furniture Designer, Graphic Designer Illustrator, or Industrial Designer with a degree or experience in architecture.
A career in architecture is highly lucrative and interesting to follow, especially when there is a large scale investment happening in the building and construction sector. One can find a job both in the private and public sectors which include the government organizations, urban and rural development sectors. There are architectural firms, National development companies, various state departments and city development associations, building construction agencies, public works, and archaeological departments who are always in need of architects thereby increasing their demand. Modern architects combine rationalism and aesthetics while making their creation. Architecture is overall a very interesting career prospect to follow in recent times.
