How to become an Architect

This article provides in-depth information into What is an Architect? What Architects do? Degrees for Architects, Steps to become Architect and much more.

A person whose job is to plan design and review new buildings to ensure that they are constructed as per the configured idea. An architect is a person who involves in the profession of architecture and also used in disciplines related to landscape architecture, naval architecture, and information technology, which includes roles of solution architect, enterprise architect, systems architect, and software architect.

What does a Architect do ?

An architect not just designs buildings but also holds the responsibility for public safety and overseeing of projects. The architect plays a vital role from the initial concept till the building is completed. The job of an architect can be classified into three phases namely: design, documentation, construction. These phases can be further divided as listed below

  • Meet the clients to regulate objectives and requirements for constructions
  • Provide initial approximations about cost and construction time
  • Prepare structure specifications
  • Guide workers those who make sketches and documents
  • Prepare scaled drawings, by means of a computer software or by hand
  • Prepare contract documents for building contractors
  • Manage construction contracts
  • Visit work sites to certify that construction stick to architectural plans
  • Seek new work by marketing and giving presentations

Steps for becoming a Architect

1

Start Preparing In High School

A student interested in choosing architecture as their career can start preparing during high school. Courses such as geometry, algebra, pre-calculus, and physics develop your skills with mathematical precision which is essential for architecture. Much of current architecture is planned with help of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs, hence familiarity with technology and computers will be helpful.

2

Earn A Bachelor’s Degree

B.Arch. is a five years degree program that introduces to fundamental design concepts and acquaints students with properties of the material. This course focuses on examination of interior space and proportions, structural systems, environmental systems and building technology

3

Earn A Master Degree

A master's degree integrates theoretical, technological, historical and cultural factors in the design process as well as discovers ways to involve these concepts in a community’s cultural conversation. This course also enlightens and explores ecologically sustainable building practices, historic preservation and urban planning.

4

Complete An Internship

State licensing requires a training period under the guidance of a licensed architect. This training period requires the duration of three years. Most architecture program graduates meet the obligation by working an internship

5

Become Certified And Licensed

Architects must possess a state license to offer professional services. Irrespective of earning a degree student must pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) which is administered by the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB). ARE consists of nine divisions which contains graphical questions or multiple-choice questions

Architect Degree Levels

Certificate

Certificates offer students with preparation for specific jobs and acts as stepping stones to college degrees. Colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in architectural history.

Certificate programs usually take up to twelve to fifteen credit hours and offered as a specialty in addition to a student's primary discipline.

Ancient Greek architecture

  • Focused mainly on open-air theatre

  • Processional gateway

  • Public square surrounded by the colonnade 

Objectives

Smart implementation of elements available in nature to build infrastructure

Italian architecture and art

  • Focused on basilican or the central plan

  • Introduction to the art of mosaic

  • Usage of rounded stone arches

Objectives

Optimum utilization of available limited resources

Prehistoric architecture

  • Invention of Stonehenge

  • Introduction to Dolmen

  • Carnac Menhirs 

Objectives

Study of evolution of architecture

Associate

Students perusing associate degree develop proficiency working with computers as well as learn to create architectural prints and presentations. This program also discovers a way to examine facts and figures and execute estimates. Study of this program includes construction systems, drawing techniques and measuring and graphing. Courses studied in associate degree include

Structural conceptions

  • Combined-action structures

  • Post-and-beam structures

  • Tents and cable networks

  • Vaults and domes

Objectives

Ability to idealize and analyse statically determinate and indeterminate structures

Visual illustrations

  • Graphical form of complex concepts

  • Use of artwork to make visual renderings

  • Based on plan, design, and construction

Objectives

This program Establish fluency in conceptual thinking, visual vocabulary and craft.

CAD

  • Create precision drawings

  • Illustrations of new buildings

  • Two-dimensional or three-dimensional models

  • More precise way of producing models 

Objectives

This course uses basic commands and tools essential for professional 2D drawing, design, and drafting using AutoCAD / AutoCAD LT

Bachelors

A bachelor’s degree helps students to develop their drawing and design techniques. This program also focuses on how to study the community and environment surrounding their designs. B.Arch. is a five-year degree program that concentrates on areas such as architectural theory, history, and practice. It also involves professional practices that help students to get hands-on experience in the field and to put their skills into action.

Visual communication

  • Fundamental visual communication

  • Study of graphic expression techniques

  • Design enquiry process for architects

Objectives

This program helps to understand and apply drawing techniques and design practice to communicate design ideas.

Integrated Design

  • Brings together separate specialism

  • Deals with current crises

  • Teaches sustainable design

  • Emerge of interdisciplinary activity

Objectives

Smart usage of limited resources to gain magnificent outcomes

Construction Systems

  • Tensile Structures

  • Architectural membranes

  • Inflatable structures

  • Anchoring Systems

Objectives

Uses modern techniques to build a economically, functionally, sustainable, and safe buildings

Masters

Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) is best suited for students whose undergraduate degree is in area other than architecture or those who completed a pre-professional program in architecture. This program includes a detailed understanding of theory, design, technology and history related to architecture. Students are provided with opportunity to participate in internships and study abroad semesters during an architecture program.

Research Methods

  • Research methodology 

  • Literature review

  • Cross-disciplinary working and collaboration

  • Conducting and documenting fieldwork

Objectives

Research methods help us gain specific knowledge about the chosen specialization

Ecological Issues

  • Deals with climatic changes

  • Mathematical models of global climate change

  • Reduce energy usage

  • Effects of climatic changes

Objectives

Implementation of surrounding eco-system elements into infrastructure which makes it eco-friendlier

Design Theory

  • Design of vernacular structures

  • Conceiving of architectural design

  • Influence of utilitarian and symbolic functions

  • Trade-offs in production and maintenance

Objectives

Learning to customize designs as per individual specific ideas