Top career options in Architecture
Architects are responsible for all the modern development when it comes to construction, and the job comes with a huge responsibility as you need to ensure the safety of thousands of people who might be working or living in the buildings that you are going to build.
As a profession, the areas in architecture are diversified, and you can engage in multiple roles and responsibilities. Here are some of the career options that you can consider in the field of Architecture and give a head start to your career:
Technical Architect
Larger firms have separate sections for technical as well as design architects, and over time the architects tend to build up their careers in any one of these two sides. The difference between these two choices is that technical and design architects have a specific style of working and tend to be engaged in their specialties.
The design architect often tends to start a project with a schematic design that is used for design development. On the other hand, a technical architect tends to make use of construction documents and administration into use. They are also responsible for providing designs on how the entire building is going to be put together that would decide the appearance of the project. They need to provide intricate details in the drawing.
Design Architect
The designers can be divided into three levels: Junior with 3-5 years of experience, intermediate with 6-9 years of experience, and senior designer with 10+years of experience. These are responsible for determining the overall concept of the project and need to analyze the drawings and provide a solution for the architecture of a building.
Every architect might have a different process of construction, but they often start with site analysis. Moreover, they tend to identify the photos, surveys, and the project site to suit the existing conditions of the project. The process often begins with drawing simple designs which are then converted into 2D and 3D designs.
BIM Manager
BIM is the 3D model of the building, and as a manager of the same, you are required to work on the models and updates that are required. The job is meant for management consultants and also involves managing the technical position. They are responsible for coordinating multiple models and need to be linked with the architectural models. The job can be a little bit complicated and is extremely important for timely project delivery.
Specifications (Spec) Writer
As a specification writer, you are required to create a written document for the builders regarding the products and materials used and how they are going to be used on the project. You will need to make sure that different components of the building remain fit and can be worked on together. Such information needs to be conveyed on large construction projects so that the process becomes clear to the person.
Project Manager
The project manager is responsible for carrying our daily activities and responsibilities. They need to use their knowledge for problem-solving, measuring documents, communicating, and advocating. Moreover, they also need to keep the motivation of the team high during the entire process. You will also be responsible for planning and staffing the project.
At the initial stages, you will need to develop an understanding of the project and the staff that you would need to perform the work. After this, you will need to devise a plan, organize the relationships, and also consider the schedule and the fees that would be required during the project.
Interior Designer
If the projects demand to work with the interiors, then you can work in this department as well. For most of the commercial projects, the task is often given to a design firm on a contract. Once this is done, you will need to form a licensing body that is responsible for regulating the interior design.
As an interior designer, you will be required to achieve the following:
Analyze the goals and requirements of the clients
Develop a space plan which offers 2D or 3D designs in the form of sketches and concept studies
Confirm that space plan and the concept is safe enough to construct a building and is as per the client’s requirements in terms of aesthetics, accessibility, sustainability, etc.
Prepare construction documents so that these could be shown to the client before finalizing them.
Workplace Consultant
This position can be associated more as a research position as opposed to the designing counterpart. As a consultant, you are required to interview the clients and staff on the project. Moreover, you will need feedback on what is working and what is not working for the current building. You will need to work in coordination with the interior designers and optimize the meeting spaces and the desk arrangements.
Sustainability Consultant
As a consultant, you can also specialize in the sustainability category, where you are responsible for analyzing every aspect of the building design and ensure that it would be suitable for the environment and conservation of natural resources. Once you are devised a plan, you will need to approach an organization that provides ratings on the basis of the operation, maintenance, and sustainability of the building. You can use their inputs to get the better of the building construction.
Urban Designer
Urban design is mostly concerned with the construction of buildings, cities, towns, and suburbs. In this profession, you will be required to decide the appearance, function, and arrangement of the suburbs and ensure that the people and the communities living a specific area engage properly.
Sole Proprietor
You will be required to work single-handedly in an architecture firm if you have taken up this job. You might work with assistants and consultants to advise you on some important matters. If you want to work alone, small scale residential projects would be perfectly manageable by you.
If you are seeking out a job in the architecture profession
, you should definitely follow-up on these jobs that you might be interested in the future.
Author: Frank Taylor