what is it like to work as an architect?

Architecture is more than just shaping the physical environment. Architects influence our lives and tell stories about us. Their work defines regions and highlights societal values through the buildings they create. Architects design cultural details that shape how we present ourselves. They apply both science and art in their planning, considering sociological, psychological, and economic factors. They dedicate time to understanding our communities and blend emotional, technological, and intellectual aspects to create spaces that connect and unify people.

An architect is a trained professional capable of designing buildings with unique aesthetic qualities, as well as providing construction planning and consulting. However, an architect's role is much more than just designing structures.

what does an architect do?

Architects provide the blueprint for every home, office building, restaurant, park, school, and many other structures. An architect doesn't just design; they typically work as part of a team and often assist in managing the construction process. They blend knowledge from various disciplines to create functional plans, all while ensuring compliance with health and safety standards as well as building regulations.

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average architect salary.

Our salary calculator allows you to explore salary ranges to see how much a beginner or experienced architect earns. Several factors can influence the pay, primarily experience and the complexity of the specific project. In addition to the base salary, employers may offer other benefits such as health insurance, bonuses, or support for commuting and housing.

Want to know how much an architect earns? Check out our salary calculator!

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how can architects earn more?

Factors influencing an architect's salary can be quite diverse. An individual's income depends on several elements, including their experience in architecture, their area of specialization (residential buildings, commercial projects, industrial facilities, or restoration), their qualifications and degrees, the location of their work, the size and complexity of the projects they handle, as well as their professional skills and network of contacts. Market demand, the type of employer (architecture firm, construction company, or government agency), and the current economic climate also play a role in determining compensation. These factors collectively shape an architect's earning level and are important considerations in career development.

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types of architect roles.

Architecture encompasses various fields, and architects can also pursue alternative careers. In any of these professions, an architect can work independently as a freelancer or practice, or be employed as an employee. The most common areas include the following:

  • Residential building design: architects who specialize in designing residential buildings use planning software that considers aesthetic aspects to create, shape, and redesign homes. This includes houses, apartment towers, and other structures. They are responsible for designing and drawing the plans, and they may also be involved in developing the project budget.
  • Design of commercial buildings: architects specializing in commercial construction design office buildings and other business-related structures. These professionals may work on projects such as government buildings, schools, hotels, bridges, museums, office towers, skyscrapers, and other public buildings.
  • Landscape architecture: we owe the existence of parks, playgrounds, and local sports facilities to landscape architects, who specialize in developing outdoor spaces. Their work ranges from expansive university campuses to minimalist community gardens. Using their creativity, they aim to design safe and welcoming environments for communities a significant responsibility, as outdoor projects require much more planning than even the tallest skyscraper. They need to be knowledgeable about plants, pathways, trees, and every detail of the design. From the placement of doors and restrooms to benches, they are responsible for every aspect of the outdoor space.
  • Interior design: interior designers are responsible for ensuring the comfort and safety of a building’s interior elements, as well as its aesthetic appeal. They handle everything from ensuring new building floors meet regulatory standards to redesigning kitchens in private homes. It’s important to note that not all interior designers are architects. Some focus on the overall visual impact, using artistic sensitivity to manage colors and fabrics. They source various elements to create cohesive and harmonious spaces.
  • Urban planning: urban planners are typically tasked with large-scale, high-volume projects, where their job is to develop entire neighborhoods or districts. They design complete city sections or blocks. Depending on the project, they also need to consider specific buildings, as well as the placement of shrubs and trees.
  • Green design architecture: green design architects create plans with a focus not only on functionality but also on their ecological impact, considering how their designs affect the ecosystem. They understand the complexity of environmentally sustainable planning—whether it’s energy efficiency or water management—by applying best practices and eco-friendly materials to achieve results that are attractive to clients and safe for the environment. This area of architecture is likely to grow as eco-friendly solutions become increasingly appealing.
  • Industrial architecture: involves developing buildings that support the smooth and efficient operation of clients within a specific industry. This requires considering all variables, including the unique characteristics of the business itself—for example, a vehicle manufacturer will need different facilities than a dairy plant. Even companies within the same industry may have distinct processes that influence their facility requirements. Overall, an industrial architect must possess in-depth knowledge of these types of structures to create designs that meet precise specifications and operational needs.
  • Building technology: it supports architects in building design with the technical expertise of building technologists. This knowledge is typically applied during renovation and refurbishment projects.
  • Building surveyor: a building surveyor is an expert consultant in real estate and construction projects, whether it's modest repairs or a complete renovation.
  • Development assessment: development assessments plan projects and provide advice, helping clients make smart decisions regarding their investments.
  • Construction project manager: they work on job sites and oversee the construction process from start to finish. Working closely with site supervisors, clients, architects, and surveyors, they ensure that projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.
  • Static: when designing structures that are subject to potential loads, static considerations must include environmental conditions and the effects of human usage. This covers structures at risk of overturning, collapse, or vibration.
Male with glasses smiling and looking to the side
Male with glasses smiling and looking to the side
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working as an architect.

Being an architect is an exciting career with diverse job opportunities. Keep reading to discover the daily routines and responsibilities of architects.

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required studies and skills.

studies.

To work as an architect, acquiring professional knowledge is essential. It is advisable to choose one of the following training programs to get started:

woman in the office
woman in the office

skills.

The following skills are required for an architect to perform their job:

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frequently asked questions.

We have compiled the most frequently asked questions regarding the architect profession.

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