Architect

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.

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

Top Colleges/Certifications To Pursue Career As An Architect

Name of Institution	Location	Admission Route
IIT Kharagpur	Kharagpur	JEE Mains+ JEE 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