Architecture is a career with many different avenues. For those who are interested in visual organization, creativity and structure, this is an ideal profession.
What Is An Architect?
There are a variety of types of architects. Commercial, landscaping and urban design are just some of the specializations available. At its core, an architect is a trained professional that designs structures on public or private landscapes. They can advise others while combining both an artistic skill and technical ability.
A career as an architect is ideal for those who enjoy using technical knowledge and design to craft complex spaces. Some of the skills needed for this career include:
- Good interpersonal skills
- Ethics
- Imagination and creative vision
How Do You Become An Architect?
Knowing what type of architect you want to become can be helpful when first starting out. Some questions to ask yourself include:
- Do you want to work for a firm?
- Do you want to see an entire project from start to finish or work on individual parts?
Talking to architects can help you narrow your decision based on experience.
To become an architect, including interior architecture, a higher education is necessary. When getting your bachelors degree, major in architecture. Many universities will offer architecture programs, but not all. Doing your research is crucial for this part of the process. Depending on which school you attend, some programs take longer than others.
The next step is to apply for a graduate degree in architecture. The architecture program should be accredited by the NAAB. For those who attended a college that did not have a combination bachelors and master’s program, a separate master’s in architecture can help you focus on modern design, restoration and environmental factors.
After completing a master’s program, professional experience is mandatory before licensure. By completing the Architectural Experience Program, you can safely learn how to handle real-life architecture scenarios. Once you have gained experience, the only thing left to do is pass the Architect Registration Examination.
Architect Specialization
There are several specialties within the architecture field. Some of these include residential, commercial, landscaping, interior architecture, urban design, green building design and industrial architecture.
Residential Architect
A residential architect understands and helps clients who wish to have customized houses designed. By observing the spatial and practical requirements that are necessary for function, an architect can design the layouts and elevations needed to build a residential building. In This process, they estimate the cost of services as well as materials and time needed for construction.
Commercial Architect
A commercial architect understands the type of space that a public building needs. They can design spaces for a natural flow of clients and other members of the public. Commercial architects are skilled in both engineering and construction.
Landscape Architect
A landscape architect handles outdoor spaces. They can design parks, gardens and neighborhoods. They focus on efficiency and the environment so they can predict which suitable materials and plants are necessary.
Interior Architect
Designing the interior of a building requires creativity. Interior designers have a deep knowledge for fabric, colors and furniture design. In addition to planning the aesthetics of a space, they also design for safety and functionality. Interior designers can work in both residential and office spaces.
Urban Designer
An urban designer can incorporate landscape design and residential design. They can work with neighborhoods, districts and cities to group buildings for a sense of overall shape. This specialty often blends politics, economics, and culture.
Green Building Design
This specialty requires the understanding of renewable energy resources. These architects create eco-friendly and energy efficient designs for buildings. Aerodynamics, sunlight, and shading are all part of this field.
Industrial Architect
An industrial architect focuses on the functionality of a facility. By understanding specific industrial processes, this type of architect can design efficient buildings that are fully functional. Industrial architects are essential to the development of these structures.
Conclusion
Architecture incorporates a variety of skills from different parts of the brain. By combining art, creativity and interpersonal skills with functionality, science and technology, an architect is a mixture of talents. Architects in the United States enjoy a secure career that is necessary in all different realms. By having an architecture license, you can develop designs for innovative and practical spaces throughout the country.