A career in architecture is a wonderful choice. It is very exciting to be at the very center of building an incredible high rise in a metropolis or a huge shopping mall on the outside of a city. There are well over 1,50,000 architects at work now in the United States and most work for large architectural firms. It is estimated that only one in every five architects are self-employed.
If you are considering a career as an architect, you should know what all is involved in an architect's typical day. An architect must discuss the objectives and budget with the client and provide the client with pre-design services, which may include conducting environmental impact studies and selection of a site. The architect must also discuss the feasibility of a building idea. An architect is required to develop the final construction plans that show what the building will look like with all of the details of the construction included, as well as the surrounding land. An architect must know about current building codes, laws regarding zoning, fire regulations according to the area the structure will be built in, and many other ordinances, all depending on the area.
After gaining experience, a licensed architect can take on more duties and can eventually manage entire projects. Successful architects can advance to managerial positions in large architectural firms and some may even go into partnerships with established firms.
The job outlook for architects is bright. This field is expected to grow quickly, more than the average of all occupations as a matter of fact, over the next 7 years. It is advisable for prospective architects to gain experience as an intern at an architectural firm while still studying. This can increase the chances of landing a great job once done with school.
An architectural career is considered to be a lucrative one, as the average architect makes around $70,000 per year. In order to become an architect you must earn a degree in architecture at either the bachelor or master level. In the U.S., if you want to provide architectural services, you must be licensed. While earning a professional degree you must complete a practical training or an internship and successfully pass the ARE or Architect Registration Exam. You are also required in most states to maintain your license by continuing your education. Generally speaking, a professional degree in this field must be from a school of architecture that has been accredited by the NAAB or the National Architectural Accrediting Board.
Architects shape our world. Just imagine if the world's buildings all looked the same; how boring that world would be. Architecture is splendid and is often perceived as being works of art. Some of the oldest known civilizations on earth are known primarily through their architectural achievements. A career in architecture is indeed a noble career, as you will make an impact on the environment and on the people who experience what you have built.
