Architect Job Description Sample

Architects are responsible for creating designs for construction projects, which may include renovations/modifications of existing buildings. Their job is to ensure that the design structures are safe, functional and appealing to the eye. Architects are expected to discuss the whole project budget with clients and see the construction through to its completion. They are also required to suggest changes to plans according to financial limitations, environmental conditions and changes in client requirements.

What are the educational and entry requirements for Architect?

To become an architect, it is compulsory to hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture. To get an entry level job in the field, one has to complete internship and also a licensure. Those who want to work for educational institutions as a professor will need a doctorate. Architects are expected to spend a lot of time on education and training compared to other comparable fields. You need to spend five years on bachelor’s degree and three years on internship. A master’s degree in architecture would require another two years to complete.

What are the skills required for becoming an Architect?

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Strong creative thinking skills
• Excellent problem-solving and follow-through skills to see construction projects through to their completion
• Readiness to face long hours and tight deadlines
• Thorough working knowledge of basic architectural drafting and design tools (Example: CAD)
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong visualization skills (to be able to see the bigger picture)
• Ability to multitask
• Strong project management and planning skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Should be a great team player
• Excellent leadership skills

What are the primary responsibilities of an architect?

• Helping clients by creating building designs that match their needs
• Specifying the Architectural requirements of a project
• Using computer-aided design tools to perk up Architectural Design Decisions
• Communicate with construction specialists while carrying out feasibility studies
• Working around the constraints that your design must accommodate, such as local laws, budget etc.
• Visit the construction site frequently to check on progress
• Liaising with a variety of other construction industry professionals, such as Air-Conditioning Engineers, Project Managers and Building Technologists during the course of a project
• Making changes according to issues that crop up during the project
• Liaising with contractors 

What salary can one expect to make as an architect?

According to PayScale.com, the average annual salary of architects is $59K per year. The total pay lies in the range of $40K to $101K. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected 7% employment growth for architects from 2014 to 2024.

What are the pros and cons of working as an architect?

Pros

• Architecture is a passion (especially if making new things appeals to your creative side)
• It’s not a boring job (you get to do a variety of tasks on an everyday basis) 
• Job satisfaction (from helping out in creating safe environments for people)
• You don’t have to do a lot of math (tasks that require advanced mathematical skills are usually managed by other specialists)

Cons

• It is a challenging and demanding profession (becoming an architect itself is a long, laborious process)
• Lower pay (compared to other similar technical professions)
• Long work Hours (you may have to deal with plenty of overtime, especially when big deadlines loom)
• Lack of job security (the construction business depends a lot on the economy. Layoffs are not uncommon)

What is the career path and work environment like?

After completing their graduation and spending a few years on apprenticeship, architects can start working independently on small projects. After gaining around 10 years of experience, one can start working on larger assignments and have a team of junior architects for assistance. Architects usually work in cozy office spaces, communicating with clients, colleagues and engineers. They are often required to travel to the construction site to watch over the progress of a project. It is not uncommon to see Architects working long hours, nights and weekends to meet deadlines.