Architect Job Description
An architect performs planning, design, and then supervises the construction of various structures and buildings. They may be responsible for something as small as a back yard shed all the way up to a multi-story, international world trade office building. These designers of the structures we inhabit are responsible for structural integrity, layout, usefulness and the visual pleasantness of various structures and buildings. Architects must design a building within the design parameters and layout needs of the client while ensuring the structure is safe and meets all local building codes and regulations.
Education, Skills, Responsibilities and Functions
- The position of architect normally requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited school of architecture.
- Additionally, 3 years as an apprentice under the guidance of an architect firm, learning the practical applications and skills of the field are required in most states prior to becoming a full-fledged licensed architect.
- High school students wanting to transition into this field should prepare in advance for the required experience. It is usually best advised to obtain part-time employment or even volunteer work at an architectural firm while still in high school and the beginning years of college.
- Employment opportunities for these professionals exist in architectural firms, engineering offices, building companies, local, state and federal government offices.
- Architects spend most of their time in offices creating, drawing and modifying designs, drawing blueprints, consulting engineers, working with county and city building departments and interfacing with clients.
- Architects must work closely with clients in order to design a structure that meets the needs and intent, within a certain budget of the client.
- An architect must be proficient in the operation of computer-assisted design and drafting (CADD) software. This software is used to create preliminary drawings or sketches of the building.
- Initial drawings or sketches propose the general appearance and shape of the building, the type and method of construction, where it will be located relative to the building site and how the inside features and floor plan layout will appear.
- In designing buildings for various locations, the architect needs to consider the climate, the surrounding buildings, and the slope and drainage of the building site along with the compaction of the soil of the site.
- After the initial drawings or sketches are approved by the client, the ability of an architect to complete job plans is extremely important. Architects must indicate the dimensions and placement of all walls and windows of the structure. They must include plans for heating and air conditioning ducts and detail the routes for electrical wiring and plumbing. The architect must include detailed technical specifications and the actual materials used and installation methods for the project.
- Architects must develop and possess exceptionally neat and orderly drawing and written communication skills as these professionals will be required to detail important building designs and specifications. This requires clear transmittal of information and specifications to engineers, local inspectors, construction firms and builders.
- Architects working in smaller or self-owned architectural firms will generally need to be multi-faceted individuals. They should not only be fluent in design and building codes, but also be good planners, businesspeople, artists, organizers, and coordinators.
- Prior to deciding on a building design, a good architect needs to be aware of, and bring to the surface the needs of not only clients but the important and unique needs and considerations of the eventual building users. Many times this requires the ability to foresee the unforeseen as building users may not know or have a voice in the building process.
- Architects can expect to work closely with other professionals such as contractors, building inspectors, urban planners, engineers and other architects.
- Frequent trips are required to actual building and construction sites in order to monitor and adjust progress of projects in the ongoing building phase. Architects need to be able to be mobile and be able to sometimes adjust to heights and be comfortable at remote, dirty, dusty and sometimes dangerous construction sites. Adherence to building site safety standards and practices are such as the wearing of hardhats and proper safety clothing are important in order to avoid injury.
- Because structural design can be extremely varied and incorporates widely different design parameters, structural function and whether or not a building will be for residential, commercial or industrial uses, some architects focus on specialized design for one type of building purpose. Some of the specialties may include commercial, industrial, shopping centers, high rise buildings, schools, governmental complexes, residential houses, condominiums and so forth.
- As buildings provide safe shelter for human beings, and the safety of the inhabitants is the number one concern, extreme attention to detail is of crucial importance in the architectural field.
- Architects must do extensive land surveys to ensure the desired structure will fit properly within the intended constraints of the land and lot parameters. Many times an intended building design and shape will not work properly with a given land or lot layout. Proper zoning and permits must be strictly considered and worked through for any building project. Many times architects work closely with builders to find the ideal location for a specific type of project. Collaborative working habits are crucial for this position.
|
