Architect Job Description Information

A licensed architect leads a team of designers in both drawing up the plans for and supervising the construction of a building, house or some other structure. His skill set combines the disciplines of art, engineering and construction. He must also develop strong management skills to guide his team, stay within a budget and negotiate with clients, suppliers and contractors to shepherd his vision into reality.

 

Significance

• To practice their profession in the United States, architects are required to complete either a bachelor's or master's degree in architecture from an accredited educational institution. Architects must also pass the computerized Architect Registration Examination (ARE) to qualify for their license. Architecture students also need to complete an internship or other professional training. Once they have fulfilled those requirements, they can become architects and start work.

Function

• An individual does not need to be a licensed architect to work in architecture. Many architects employ designers and drafters -- many of whom are studying to become architects. Most architects either own and operate their own firm or work for a larger company that employs many architects. Some architects distinguish themselves by their artistry and creativity while others pride themselves on low cost, efficiency and the ability to put together projects quickly.

Features

• A major part of an architect's job is determining what a client wants and then drawing up preliminary plans and making a cost estimate with relatively little information to go on. As most architecture clients know very little about the field, instructions are often vague. After outlining the project, architects need to be able to draw up blueprints and work with architecture software like CADD to complete the design phase.

Considerations

• Once the design phase is complete, the architect moves to more of a supervisory role in the building project. He will often have to monitor the construction to make sure that the contractor is building everything to the architect's specifications. If something unexpected happens with the construction or some new piece of information comes to light -- such as some sort of undiscovered geological issue with the land under the construction -- the architect will need to alter the plans on the fly, communicate them to the contractor and client and then alter the budget to meet the challenge.

Benefits

• Architecture is a challenging profession constantly looking for more professionals. The educational requirements and expectations are rigorous, and the work is very hard. The pay for the work is quite generous, averaging about $65,000 at the entry level, and architects that distinguish themselves in their profession can eventually become quite wealthy. Architects may often find that they can make more money and enjoy greater freedom either starting their own firm or working their way up the management ladder of a larger one.

Read more: Architect Job Description | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_4743731_architect-job-description.html#ixzz1ghf6msl0

Architect Salary Information

Architect salary is determined by numerous factors. Income varies greatly according to geographic location, type of firm, level of education, and years of experience. Even if they are not the most recent, published statistics offer a glimpse of what awaits architects in terms of compensation and benefits. According to most recent U.S. Department of Labor statistics, architects in the U.S. earn between $41,320 and $119,220 a year. According to the same report, they have a mean annual architect salary of $76,750 and a mean hourly wage of $36.90.

Reliable wage statistics can also be obtained from the DesignIntelligence Compensation and Benefits Survey, which bases its figures on those submitted by 460 entities engaged in architecture, design-build, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, urban design, and industrial design. Over 25,000 full-time professionals participated in this survey.

The results of the 2010-2011 edition paint a bright picture for an architect salary despite an ailing national economy. Salaries for recent architecture school graduates are increasing. Proof of this is the mean wages for bachelor’s degree holders, which climbed from just $39,333 in 2008 to $41,012 in 2009. The same is true for master’s degree earners, whose mean wage reached $47,263 from just $42,985 within the same time frame.

Architects with 20-year experience tucked under their belt stand to make as much as $100,723 for an architect salary. The salaries of those with lengthier and more relevant experience can go as high as $142,200, reports the DesignIntelligence study.

Architects working directly on the payroll of firms, governments and corporations usually earn a regular annual salary.

Architects are professionals trained and licensed to conceptualize and design various types of buildings and establishments, including homes, offices, factories, schools, malls, and churches. They face a myriad of opportunities and challenges as they create designs for both public and private structures.

One of your main duties as an architect is to sit down with your clients and decipher their requirements, specifically in terms of form and function. As an architect, you will also be tasked to develop an original, visually appealing and functional master plan in accordance with the client’s requirements and standards. From beginning to end, you will oversee the entire project, specifically by managing, designing, engineering, and supervising all its facets and details. You will also be in charge of all communications with others who are involved in the project.

The average architect salary of over $70,000, or even higher for the more qualified ones, is doubt luring many creative individuals to join the industry. Not only do architects achieve fulfillment and decent compensation, they also get the chance to be their own boss as self-employed contractors.

Article Source: http://architect-salary.net/

How to Become an Architect

Architects apply creativity and engineering to design a wide range of buildings and structures. Architects are concerned with functionality, safety and pleasant aesthetics. They often partake in every part of the building process - from conception to construction - to ensure a satisfactory result. Becoming an architect is a clear-cut process, requiring a degree, internship experience and state licensure.

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor's Degree Program

State architecture boards determine the requirements for becoming an architect; however, most boards require completion of Bachelor of Architecture programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). In June 2011, the NAAB reported that there were 58 such programs available in the U.S. (www.naab.org). These degree programs tend to last five years, and they are geared toward students with no previous architecture experience. Courses may include building systems and technology, project management, structural elements and environmental planning.

 

Step 2: Consider Earning a Graduate Degree

Many architects pursue advanced education in master's degree programs, which may last 1-5 years depending on the students' previous architectural education. The NAAB accredited 95 Master of Architecture programs in June 2011. Such degree programs may also be a viable option for students who are interested in a career in architecture and hold bachelor's degrees in unrelated fields. Additionally, some schools offer post-professional degree programs, which are not accredited by the NAAB but may be required for specialty, research or teaching positions. Post-professional programs often result in specialized master's or doctoral degree.

 

Step 3: Attend an Internship Program

All states require that architects complete training or internship programs prior to obtaining licensure. Internships typically last three years and allow training architects to attain hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed architects. Most states employ the Intern Development Program (IDP) administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and the American Institute of Architects. Completion of the IDP entails 5600 hours of state- and NCARB-approved work experience (www.ncarb.org). This experience is divided into elective and core hours, which must focus on specific job functions, such as project management and contract negotiation.

 

Step 4: Obtain State Licensure

Architects must hold licensure from the states in which they practice. While conditions for obtaining licensure vary, most states require completion of an approved bachelor's degree program and internship. Qualified applicants may sit for the NCARB's Architect Registration Examination (ARE) that is a 7-part pass or fail test covering topics in site planning, building systems and construction documents. License holders may have to renew licensure regularly by earning continuing education credits.

 

Step 5: Earn Professional Certification

Many architects opt to earn voluntary, NCARB certification, which demonstrates professional aptitude and may make it easier to obtain reciprocal licensure from another state. This certification is available to licensed architects who submit transcripts, documentation of ARE passage and proof of acceptable experience. Candidates may be required to sit for an interview or additional testing before being approved for NCARB certification.

Article Source: How to Become a Architect