What is an Architect?
Architecture gives you the freedom to use the right side of your brain, the creative part!
An architect is someone who loves to design, and is specifically trained and licensed to work on the planning and design of buildings. Every building is different. Every project is different.
The facets of an architect's role are as varied and fascinating as their work; these are professionals who lead the process of creating functional spaces, from concept and design to a full realization of those designs.
Architecture is an art that works hand-in-hand with science to design places where people can live, eat, work and play. As a leader of various projects, from something as small as an addition to someone's home, to something as large as a hospital, college campus, or an entire neighbourhood, the role of an architect is to bring together the creative ideas and visions of the client and keep in mind the needs of those that will be using the new space.
What does an Architect do?
Architects are not just involved in the design of a building. As a licensed professional they are also responsible for public safety and overseeing of projects. Their role is important in every stage of the building's construction, from the initial concept to the opening ceremony when the building is complete. Beyond completion, an architect often remains involved in a project as buildings evolve to incorporate new surroundings and ideas.
The aspects of work can be split into three main roles or phases:
- design
- documentation
- construction
In the design role, an architect is hired by a client to produce detailed designs of a concept or idea that the client wants to bring to reality. As well as needing creative design ideas, this part of the role involves a great deal of technical knowledge and responsibility.
There is a need to comply with building and safety regulations, local planning regulations, and restrictions. Depending on the project, there may be laws surrounding the preservation of the local environment or any historical parts of a building.
Regular client meetings are important to establish requirements and discuss detailed design proposals. Also important is heading up the team of other professionals who will work on this stage of the project including engineers, designers and financiers.
During the documentation phase, the responsibilities are to capture the design on paper, producing detailed drawings and using technology such as CAD to test the feasibility of the design. This stage can involve continual revision and redrawing to incorporate changes based on the client's requirements, budget and regulations. Once the design documents are complete, there are then a second set of documents that need to be produced.
These are the construction documents, which translate the design into instructions and technical specifications for contractors and construction experts. Once the project reaches the construction stage, the architect will be involved in site visits and meetings, overseeing the construction and signing off on various pieces of work, negotiating with contractors and dealing with and resolving any problems that arise.
What is the workplace of an Architect like?
The variety of roles means that there is also a variety of workplaces. Most of the design work will be done from an office, but there will also be visits to clients' offices, meetings with planning offices and local government, and of course site visits.
Depending on whether they are freelance or employed by a company, an architect may work from their own office, sometimes from home, or from a number of company offices. The role can involve travel and international conferences, placements or meetings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a civil engineer and an architect?
Both civil engineers and architects are involved in planning and designing structures. However, a civil engineer will concentrate on making sure the structure will be safe and be able to endure everyday and extreme conditions, while the architect will focus on the aesthetics of the structural work, as well as concentrate on the look, feel, and functionality.
The civil engineer will analyze and evaluate the structural integrity of the design that the architect has created, and find ways to make the construction design possible by suggesting alterations/modifications in order to turn the architect's vision into reality.
Civil engineers and architects often work with each other, as their work sometimes overlaps. A good working relationship between the two professions will make a construction job more effective and successful.
What is the difference between an architect and an architectural designer?
An architect is a licensed professional who has passed the registration exam - a very rigorous seven-part exam that is administered by the NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards). This exam is to architects what a bar exam is to lawyers.
An architectural designer is not a licensed architect, and has not passed the registration exam.
Note: an architectural designer should not be confused with a design architect, who has passed the registration exam and is a licensed architect, but chooses to only deal with the design aspect of a project, and lets another architect deal with the construction end of things.
Is an interior architect an architect?
In a nutshell, no.
This is a very good explanation of what an interior architect is/does (taken from an article appearing in The Star on 02/08/12):
"Interior Architecture (IA) has certainly come a long way. The profession was initially known as Interior Decorating before it evolved into Interior Design. Interior Design professionals still provide decorating and design consultation, but their job responsibilities now include more ‘technical’ duties such as technical drawing, building technology & services, materials & building finishes technology, and furniture detailing.
The need to understand architecture-related matters within Interior Design has given birth to the field of Interior Architecture (IA). Interior Architecture involves the planning and detailing of a residential or commercial building’s interiors. This is to maximize effectiveness by emphasizing on space planning and creation. Not only does the space need to look good, it must also be functional. Innovative designs enable us to live and work more comfortably, efficiently, and securely; all within an aesthetically-fulfilling environment.
So what do interior architecture graduates do exactly, once they join the workforce? They plan space allocation, traffic flow, as well as work with engineers on building services, joinery (woodwork), and lighting. This is in addition to the selection of materials, furniture, finishes, fittings and artwork, in order to create attractive and vibrant spaces. They are also trained to consider the modification of a building’s interior structure with assistance from engineers, rather than just refurnishing existing spaces."
Should an architect know how to construct a building?
Architects are obligated to protect the health, welfare and safety of a building's occupants, so it is absolutely necessary that the architect have construction knowledge. Anyone who designs a building without any construction knowledge is an artist or a designer; they are not an architect. An architect is held responsible for the conception, execution, and successful completion of a building.
It is necessary to note, however, that a building beyond a rudimentary structure is too much for just one architect to take on or to fully understand all by themselves. Sometimes there are gaps in knowledge, and it takes collaboration with other architects and engineers to safely and successfully execute a design through to its completion.
Do architects and civil engineers work together?
The two main designers of a structure are the architect and the civil engineer; both professions being integral to the structure's execution and construction. Their responsibilities often overlap.
The architect will design a space to meet the client's needs, and will come up with blueprints for both the inside and outside of a building. Because the architect is ultimately responsible that the building is safe for its occupants, he or she will work closely with a civil engineer to ensure the structure meets all the appropriate building codes.
The civil engineer can also advise and/or select the appropriate structural materials, and help with specifying the plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems that will be needed.
What is some good advice for architect students?
Architecture school is very rigorous, and you won't have much of a life during your school years. Projects take much longer than you think they will - figure on two or three times longer than what you estimate. For the first couple of years, your work will all be done by hand (hand modeling and hand drawing). Draw everything and everyday, it is important to draw as much as you can. This will help you in the long run. The later years will introduce computer modeling. Learn how to render well; it is one of the most useful things you can put on your resume and in your portfolio.
Try to get as much work experience as possible, as soon as you can. An excellent place to work is at a construction company, as you will learn a lot about the buildings you are designing and will become a much better architect with that understanding. Make the best impression you can during your internships - you need to start building relationships/connections with people early on.
Develop an appreciation for art and influences outside of the realm of architecture. Try and keep an outside perspective, it will help open your mind to possibilities and shape your career.
What's it like being an architect?
Being an architect can be very challenging and competitive. University does not teach you everything you need to know, but it does develop your creative talents and opens your mind to new ideas.
You will learn about business and the technical aspects of architecture when you start working in the field. You will also develop useful contacts and relationships with contractors, engineers and clients. Practicing architecture for most architects is not about designing per se, but about coordinating projects, solving design problems, and overseeing the details of the construction. All these sometimes mundane and uninspiring tasks will lead to a successful design.
Over time, you may prefer either the design aspect, or the technical aspect of the job and may veer towards doing one over the other. The direction you take in your career will dictate what your typical day will be like.
Architectural design focuses on the design of a building, the use of 3d models, sketching, renderings etc. Technical design focuses on the construction, documentation, and details of a project. There is also the business side of architecture, and if you find you prefer that side of the picture, you can branch out and become a project manager.
Try to get an opportunity to spend some time in an architecture office if you can. See if you like what the people are doing, chat with them and see if they are the type of people with whom you'd like to work with - this is really the best indicator of whether you will enjoy being an architect or not.
What is the difference between an interior designer and an architect?
Both interior designers and architects have specific skills they use to develop design plans for their clients. However, they perform markedly different design functions.
Interior Designer
Interior designers use their artistic abilities to reconfigure and decorate interior spaces, and work with their clients (homeowners, business owners, etc.) to create something aesthetically pleasing and functional. Whether designing a home or a business, an interior designer needs to be able to tap into and understand a client's needs and wants. Spaces can range from indoor and outdoor home environments to restaurants, gyms, dental offices, hotels, and spas. No matter the shape or size, every interior designer works with the end goal of creating a space that is attractive, practical, and safe.
An interior designer will meet with a potential client to discuss the scope of the project, and prepare a design proposal. The design proposal needs to fit the budget and needs of the client, and more often than not, modifications need to be made along the way in order to keep to budget. The interior designer will also secure any materials that are needed for the project. Designers often work closely with architects and contractors to help attain the ambience and look the client is after while still adhering to code and regulatory requirements.
Education: Most design firms require designers to hold at least an undergraduate degree accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. Those that earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree can generally enter the field in an assistant role. An Associate of Arts Degree prepares students to continue their interior design education and is often pursued by students who intend to further pursue education in architecture or industrial design.
Architect
An architect is specifically trained and licensed to work on the planning and design of buildings. These buildings can be anything where people live, eat, work and play - from something as small as an addition to someone's home, to a new hotel on the Las Vegas strip. The role of an architect is to bring together the creative ideas and visions of their client and to keep in mind the needs of those that will be using the new space. Architects often work closely with interior designers to help attain the ambience and look that the client is after while still adhering to code and regulatory requirements.
An architect's role involves a great deal of technical knowledge and responsibility. There is a need to comply with building and safety regulations, local planning regulations and restrictions. Depending on the project, there may be laws surrounding the preservation of the local environment or any historic parts of a building. Once the project reaches the construction stage, the architect will be involved in site visits and meetings, overseeing the construction and signing off on various pieces of work, negotiating with contractors and dealing with and resolving any problems that may arise.
Education: Architects need to complete a bachelor's degree program (B.Arch) that is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). A Master of Architecture (M.Arch) is open to applicants who have earned a B.Arch degree and want to specialize in historic preservation, design theory, solar design, or another related field.
Should I become an Architect?
Before committing to the field of architecture, consider its rather complex make-up.
We often think of architects as artists whose focus is on the aesthetics of a building or structure. That is only partially true. The fact is that architects are equally concerned with function as with form. In other words, architecture is one of those professions that calls upon its practitioners to think mathematically and scientifically to address functionality and safety, as well as creatively to address design and style.
Architects must be able to conceptualize and visualize structures before they are even drawn. They must possess developed communication skills, to effectively interact and present ideas and concepts to colleagues and clients alike. They must be listeners, critical thinkers, problem solvers; and time, project, budget, and people managers.
Are Architects happy?
Architects rank as moderately happy among careers. Overall they rank in the 45th percentile of careers for satisfaction scores. Please note that this number is derived from the data we have collected from our Sokanu members only.
Though not officially supported or proven by data, this rather average happiness quotient may be attributable to the wide, demanding spectrum of both technical and soft skills required to thrive in the industry.
How long does it take to become an Architect?
Typically, it takes about eight years to become a licensed architect:
- Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) – five years
- Architectural Experience Program (AXP) – three years
Students who pursue a master’s (M.Arch.) or doctorate (D.Arch.) generally add between 2.5 and 3.5 years to their educational track.
What are Architects like?
Based on our pool of users, Architects tend to be predominately artistic people. This is certainly a valid finding. Though, as articulated in the ‘Should I become an Architect?’ section above, they could be referred to as mathematically and scientifically inclined artists!
Architects are also known as:
Design Architect
Architectural Designer
Chartered Architect