Considering a career in one of the most influential professions of the current times? A career in architecture will offer you opportunities to solve some of the most complex problems of the present times while having a chance at transforming the environment which we live in. Also career as an architect is most highly paid with innovative prospects and wide growth opportunities. More about how to make a foray in architectural engineering in the following post.
All these buildings can owe their existence to the expertise and knowledge of an architect, who through application of mathematics, analytics, and design principles makes sure that the structure is built as per the purpose it intends to serve. With the growing requirements for building new architecture that conforms to the more stringent design standards, space constraints and changing client preferences, the role of an architect becomes all the more prominent.
The path to becoming an architect
First things first, architecture isn’t the easiest choice of profession. Be prepared for a long and arduous journey of at least 7 to 8 years, where you would spend 5 years earning the degree and another three years at internship, before being declared as a qualified architect. A comparison with other courses like engineering and medical reveals that it is even tougher becoming an architect. During the course of pursuing the degree you will be studying about designs of building and structures. While communication skills, excellent memory and good eye for details help the candidate throughout his career, it is the right credentials in academic that matter the most.
Education: To apply to a B.Arch course, the candidate should have passed 10+2 with Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry as main subjects. Good grades in the qualifying examination help in being shortlisted for better and greater number of colleges. There are a number of reputed colleges that offer a degree in architecture at the undergraduate level. Most of these colleges take admission through a national level entrance examination. While IITs conduct the JEE, NITs and some other colleges of repute conduct AIEEE for short listing candidates for the B.Arch course. After the completion of the five year B.Arch students can undertake internship at an incumbent architectural firm. Graduate architects can further specialize in different areas such as urban designing and planning, ecological management, environmental design, heritage management and others.
Typical work activities
A qualified architect is involved at the earliest stages of a building project, which begins by developing the idea with the client, laying out the design on paper, estimating the budget and designing the plan for starting construction. Using the technical knowledge accrued during the five year degree, the architects provide solutions that are sustainable, functional and aesthetically pleasing.
In the initial stages of the project, the architects have a discussion with their clients to know their expectations, project requirements, budget constraints and any other specific personal preference. The architect suggests changes if any required in the best interest of the client. Next comes the design phase, where the architect performs an inspection of building site and develops the idea through sketches, drawings and models. These sketches are given the name of concept design drawings, which are then developed further using technical details of the project. The architect collaborates with his team to create detailed drawings, and floor plans with complete specifications. The builder and architect work in close coordination to ensure that the project is constructed as per the original drawings and specifications.
Is this path made for you?
There are many aspirants who follow the path of architectural engineering for its optimum salary benefits and good job prospects outside the country. However, the real drive for pursuing a career as architect should be a curiosity about structures, buildings and how exactly a city is created out of barren lands. You should have a love for design, and a never ending thirst to improvise. An architect should care about the environment and people who actually live in their buildings. If you have got good college backing your academic credentials, chances are that you will land up a fairly respectable job. However, the ensuing journey towards the top echelons of this profession is laden with many baby bumps. Long working hours, economic volatility, dealing with all sorts of clients can wear the initial excitement out after some years, unless you are truly passionate about architecture.
Author : Saurabh Tyagi
Saurabh Tyagi is an expert writer having interest in diverse topics like education, technology, and career. He has previously written articles on various medical, management and engineering colleges in India. He is also a social media enthusiast and a self-confessed gadget-freak, who loves to follow the latest happenings in the tech world.
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