Make a career as an Architect: About the job, background in design as well as Education
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Have a look around and you'll see the works of architects. Architects are involved in the planning, design and the construction of any kind of structure from retail stores and office buildings, to homes. residences.
However, if you're considering becoming an architect, you're likely to have questions: What does architects do? What's the amount that architects make? What certifications and degrees are required to become an architect?
What Is an Architect and What are they doing?
You might think that the answer to this question is easy: architects design constructions. And that's essentially what you'll see if browse through the dictionary--it's defined as the process of designing, planning, and constructing buildings and other buildings.
But there's more to it. In the grand scheme of things, architects can work in many various capacities, including:
- Making plans for commercial building including supermarkets, skyscrapers and even super-highrises
- Making plans for residential development
But, in addition to determining the physical appearance of the structure architects also need to make sure the building is functional and safe.
On a tactical level What is an architect's job on a daily basis? Architects perform a wide range of tasks, such as:
- Investigating safety and building regulations
- Developing cost estimates
- The choice of material
- Clients meet with the client to discuss plans and needs
- Filing permit applications
- Visiting construction sites to assess the project's progress
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What is the best way to become an architect?
Being an architect is the completion of formal education along with on-site education as well as licensure. However, how long will it take to become an architect? It depends on what path you take the average is 8 years. The way to break it down:
Education
There are several paths you can take when it comes to formal training. If you are just entering the college system, you can take the five-year bachelor of Architecture program. If you already have an undergraduate degree then you could take a two- or four-year Master of Architecture program. (The length of this program generally depends on whether or not you earned your undergraduate degree in architecture or if you went on to pursue a different field.)
In either case, you must be sure that you confirm that the program is accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board. It is possible that certain institutions and colleges offer Bachelor of Arts programs in architecture, but these generally aren't accredited.
Training
In addition to obtaining an architectural degree, students who want to become architects are usually required to finish an unpaid internship for three years typically through the Architectural Experience Program. You may be able to take part of the experience while in college.
Certification
The last step to becoming an architect licensed is passing the 6-part Architect Registration Examination. This exam assesses your architecture abilities and understanding that you need to be able to be able to pass each of the six sections in order for a certificate. Once you are licensed the majority of states require ongoing education to maintain your certification.
What's the Job Path of an Architect?
Certain architects choose to quit established companies to start their own practice of architecture. Keep in mind that being the principal architect of your own firm involves more than just architectural design skills, like marketing, sales and customer relationships.
The Salary of an Architect: What is an Architect Paid?
Based on Salary.com, U.S. architects typically earn between $75,000 to $94,000 per year. Glassdoor says that the median pay for architects in the U.S. is just over $89,000 annually.
It is possible to vary according to your place of residence and the experience you have. Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Investopedia reports that New York, Washington, D.C., and Georgia offer the highest annual median salaries for architects - all over $100,000 annually.
How to find Architect Jobs
As with all professions network is the most effective approach to finding architect positions. Numerous architects in the process of becoming architects get jobs by making connections at school, through work experience, or by utilizing other networking opportunities for professionals.
However, for a more comprehensive list of job openings, check out the American Institute of Architects Career Center and Archinect, where you can search for architecture-specific jobs, as well as upload your resume for employers to search and review.
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