Architecture

By: Jamie Wong

IntroductionThe basic purpose of an architect’s job is plan and design structures such as office buildings, apartments, etc. My career cluster is Engineering and Technologies, which means that people in this field must apply technical knowledge to their job. They need to have knowledge of certain materials for maintaining and repair of buildings.I choose this career at first because I enjoy drawing, designing and mostly arts and crafts but this job isn’t all about being artistic.

Think Before You Decide!!!

If you enjoy drawing, work under pressure, have patience and a people person then this job is perfect for you, otherwise run for your life.Working conditions: spend a lot of time meeting with clients, drafting plans, pricing materials, and preparing reports, most of the work is done indoors.You will also research zoning laws, building codes, price building materials, and prepare reports.

The JobPeople oriented fieldWork 40 to 45 hours per weekSome projects can take many, many months, sometimes even years. (Patience!) (Patience!) Majority of the time spent researching things like elevation, building materials, and visiting worksites.

Tip Me Over and Pour Me Out!!

This phrase really applies because the accuracy of the building’s design is very important. If the building is off by a quarter of an inch and the building collapses, the architect is legally responsible for all the damage.

Daily LifeBeing artistic is not the only important aspect anymore. All the blueprints used to be drafted by hand, but thanks to the software Auto-CAD. Now most of the drawings are done on computers.Consist of meetings, research, and surveying.

SalaryAverage annual earnings in 1998 was $48,000.Intern Architects make $35,000 in 1999.Licensed architects with 3-5 years of experience earn $41,000.With 8-10 years of experience earn $55,000.Partners at firms earn $133,000.

Education,Training and Advancement

A minimum amount of education to become an architect is 9 years.5 years and a Bachelor of architecture degree. In High school, you can take courses in math, physics, art, and computer design.For advancement you can take a 2 years master of architecture degree and have at least one summer or during school internship. This will increase your chance of obtaining an intern-architect position after graduation.Before you can get your license in architecture you must have at least 3 years as an intern architect.Internship, you get experiences from mentor, but as an intern architect you will get a more in depth perspective of the architectural field.

Studying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Job Outlook

Employment till 2008 is expected to grow faster than average because several thousand people are interested in this career.

Related Fields and Competition!!

Related Careers Interior design Industrial design Construction or home

building Surveying Designing Landscapes

Competition 30% are self-employed More than 100,000

architects More coming out of

school each year

UniversitiesSUNYBuffalo University History/Theory

Historic Preservation Restoration

Polytechnic University Civil Engineering

Environmental science Engineering