CAREER PROFILE

Architect

Career As An Architect - Overview

The art of planning, creating, and constructing buildings and other physical structures is known as architecture. Architecture is a field of study that blends artistic/sketching abilities with engineering.

Architecture is an appealing job choice for creative minds since it is a reputable profession with the chance to create your own firm. Working on fresh designs and creating attractive locations is definitely intriguing. Furthermore, there are several professional paths and specialities to pursue.

To be successful in architecture, you’ll need a wide range of talents, including math, physics, and excellent interpersonal skills. The admission test, however, is less tough than in engineering or medicine.

What Does An Architect Do? (Role and Responsibilities)

Architects typically do the following:

  1. Meet with clients to determine objectives and requirements for structures
  2. Give preliminary estimates on cost and construction time
  3. Prepare structure specifications
  4. Direct workers who prepare drawings and documents
  5. Prepare scaled drawings, either with computer software or by hand
  6. Prepare contract documents for building contractors
  7. Manage construction contracts
  8. Visit worksites to ensure that construction adheres to architectural plans
  9. Seek new work by marketing and giving presentations
Skills Required To Become An Architect

Technical Skills

Soft Skills

Education for Architects

Specialization

How To Become An Architect?

Due to the great scope of a career in architecture, it has now attained huge popularity as a field of study among students. Wondering how to become an architect? Here is a step by step guide for you:

1. Opt for Science Stream after 10th

If you want to be an architect, you should start by studying the required disciplines in high school. After completing your 10th grade, you must enrol in a scientific programme and select mathematics as one of your major topics, as an awareness of numerous mathematical principles is required while developing the framework of a building. Architects must also have a solid understanding of the fundamental physics ideas involved in construction. Additionally, drawing abilities are in helpful when designing structures on paper.

2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

After finishing secondary school, you should pursue a Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch) degree. The B.Arch programme is typically a 5-year degree that attempts to provide students with all of the skills and information required to work as an architect in the construction industry. The training includes both academic and practical courses, resulting in highly skilled architects.

Apart from the general BArch degree, you can also choose from specialised bachelor’s degree programs in Architecture such as:

  • Bachelor’s in Engineering and Architectural Design
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Landscape Architecture
  • BSc/BA in Architecture Technology & Construction Management
  • BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture & Design

The minimum qualification for a bachelor’s degree in architecture is 10+2, and if you wish to apply to Indian colleges, you will also need to pass the NATA test or another university-specific exam. Students who wish to pursue these courses overseas must also have a valid score on necessary examinations such as the ACT or SAT, as well as English language exams such as TOEFL or IELTS.

  • NATA Exam Pattern
  • BArch Syllabus
  • NATA Syllabus

3. Apply for an Architect Position

After completing the Architect Registration Examination and being licenced, you can apply to work as an architect. You can work for a company, a private practice, or in the sector where you interned.

4. Work on your Skills through Training Programs

Before becoming a professional architect, all architects must complete a mandatory internship term (included in bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes). You will be expected to work under a professional architect not just to receive exposure to all aspects of construction but also to develop experience as an architect.

There are regulated training programmes for architecture students preparing for licencing tests in countries such as the United States and Canada. In the United States, these programmes are known as the Intern Development Program (IDP), whereas in Canada, they are known as the Intern Architect Program (IAP).

5. Get Registered/Licensed as an Architect

The final and most significant stage is to register as a professional architect or receive a licence. Although you may work as an architect without a licence in some countries after earning a bachelor’s degree in this subject, getting a licence opens up additional career prospects on a worldwide scale. In India, an architect must register with The Council Of Architecture (COA) and receive a credential from a recognised university in addition to registering with The Council Of Architecture (COA). Every country outside of the United States has its own department in charge of issuing architect licences.

For example, in the US, you have to pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) conducted by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) to earn a professional license, while the Architects Registration Board (ARB) administers the license in the UK.

6. Earn Professional Certifications

In addition to the Architect Registration Examination, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards provides extra-national certification. While not required, this qualification may help you apply for architectural jobs in many states and demonstrate your professional qualifications and competence.

7. Earn a Master’s Degree

The next stage in this how to become an architect step-by-step tutorial is to seek a master’s degree. If you choose to pursue a higher-level certification after graduation, you can pursue a Masters in Architecture (M.Arch) degree or specialised master’s level Architecture programmes.

While many BArch graduates choose to explore work prospects after finishing their bachelor’s degree, earning a postgraduate degree will allow you to build experience and specialise in a certain subject. The following are some of the primary specialisations available for major master’s degree level Architecture courses:

  • Installation Art
  • Urban Design
  • Interior Architecture
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Sustainable Architecture
  • Naval Architecture
  • Civil Engineering
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Lighting Design and Management
  • Urban Studies and Planning
  • Real Estate Management
Salary of Architect

A career as an architect offers a competitive income package as well as additional perks. In India, the average income for an architect is 348,423. The remuneration normally rises in direct proportion to one’s level of expertise and extra talents. The wage ranges for various architectural job profiles are shown below:

  • Lighting Architect ₹340,872
  • Research Architect ₹13,03,845
  • Restoration Architect $95,410
  • Landscape Architect INR 8,63,500
Top Colleges/Certifications To Pursue Career As An Architect
Name of Institution Location Admission Route
IIT Kharagpur Kharagpur JEE MainsJEE Advanced + AAT
IIT Roorkee Roorkee JEE Mains+ Advanced + AAT
National Institute of Technology (NIT’s) Multiple JEE Mains Paper 2
BIT Mesra Ranchi JEE Mains Paper 2
School of Planning & Architecture Multiple JEE Mains Paper 2
Chandigarh College of Architecture Chandigarh JEE Mains Paper 2
Faculty of Architecture, Jamia Milia University New Delhi JEE Mains Paper 2
SMVDU, Katra Jammu JEE Mains Paper 2
Sir J. J. College Of Architecture Mumbai JEE Mains Paper 2 / NATA
Manipal Institute of Technology Manipal NATA