An architect is a skilled professional who combines his technical expertise and architectural skills in designing, planning and supervising building constructions. Architects work in coordination with the engineers, building developers, landscape architects and constructors. While designing building structures, they have to consider many factors and government rules and regulations and make a proper design as per the clients' requirements. Architect work requires artistic ability and ability to implement innovative yet safe designs understanding the importance of the building.
Work Profile
Architects play an important role in the construction process right from the beginning of the project. They may have to design commercial building, shopping complexes, housing societies, dams, roads, etc. Their work profile differs depending upon the company they are working with. Here are some of the job responsibilities of an architect:
Career Scope of Architects
An architect may handle multiple responsibilities at work or may be assigned a single role. This completely depends upon his experience and the size of the company for which he is working. Some bigger construction groups that handle big construction assignments may have a team of architects and distribute work amongst them while small construction groups may assign multiple responsibilities to a single architect.
Design Architects: Design architects understand the design issues and the client specifications and prepare designs and structure plan of the buildings. While doing this they need to consider many factors such as the area, climatic conditions, government rules, purpose and use of the building. They either use computerized tools or draw sketches manually.
Documentation Architects: The documentation architects draw plumbing chart, electrical circuit drawings, etc for the buildings. They also perform all kinds of documentation work for the building such as getting a permit from the government for plumbing, electricity, water supply, etc.
Construction Architects: These architects supervise the construction site and make sure that the construction work is done as per the design. They guide and assist the construction workers to prepare instruction charts for the workers.
Work Environment
Those who work as design architects may not have to work out of their office frequently as they draw sketches on computers in their offices. However, at the time of site inspection, they may have to work outdoor. Other architects such as documentation architects and constructions architects mostly work at the construction sites of their offices. These architects should be prepared to work in unfavourable climatic conditions and take quick and proper decisions.
Current industry Trends and Employer Requirements
Architects should possess a 4 year Architecture degree and should have experience in designing and planning. They should also be creative enough to design commercially efficient designs and should be adaptable to the working style of the company they are working with. An Architect should be aware of the current technologies used in construction and wisely use them in his designs.
Career Path and Growth Opportunities
Assistant architects who have experience of more than 5 to 6 years can work as lead architects and handle a team of architects and assist them. They perform higher level of duties and discuss critical issues with the constructors. Some experienced architects are also self-employed. They sell their designs to the construction groups and bag huge amount from the constructors for their design.
If you are looking forward to pursue a career in this profession then the architect work profile given here will definitely help you.