Architects have a license and are professionals who design and plan buildings that are beautiful, safe and functional. An architect will be involved in all phases of the building design and construction. The architecture major is a rewarding career for students with both left- and right-brain abilities. It combines elements of math and science, as well as multi-layered levels that draw upon the creative arts. There is an ever-growing demand for architects to design residential homes, commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, shopping centers and other facilities.
This article will discuss the degree you’ll need (a bachelor’s or a master’s) to begin your career as an architect. We’ll also cover what duties are involved in this exciting field. Architects must not only meet licensing and education requirements but also have excellent communication and technical skills.
How to Earn an Architecture Degree
In the United States, earning a bachelor’s in architecture from a university or accredited trade school has traditionally been the first step to achieving your career goals. Statistics show that students who have never attended an architecture school can earn a professional degree by completing a five-year Bachelor of Architecture program. Despite the fact that many students want to pursue architecture degrees, it can be difficult for them to get into undergraduate architecture programs due to the popularity of this career. A bachelor’s degree in architecture requires an additional year of college with extra architecture classes. As all architectural programs are different, transfer students should check to see how much credit they will receive for their prior architecture courses and general education coursework. Some transfer students, as well as those wishing to receive advanced placement, may need a portfolio.
The majority of students will continue to graduate school to earn their Master’s Degree in Architecture. This can require an additional five years of education. However, this depends on how much architectural training and education the student has already received. Aspired architects should carefully plan their education to ensure that the program does not take more than five years. Undergrads should also consider these skill sets as they are desirable qualities for successful architects:
- Analytical aptitude: To succeed in his profession, an architect needs to have a complete understanding of all the design elements and mathematics, as well as the context within which they were developed. An architect must have a thorough understanding of how mechanical systems are located and affect the building’s operations.
- Communication savvy Due to the verbal and written nature, an architect needs to have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate in a concise manner. The job of an architect involves a lot of collaboration with coworkers, including draftsmen and graphic designers, as well as senior staff, interns and other architects. It also requires a great deal between clients and construction workers.
- Creative ability: The overall aesthetics of a structure are dependent on its design, flow, and layout. Having an artistic eye and a creative flair is important to the profession. The end result of a structure should not only be pleasing to the eye but also functional and environmentally friendly.
- Organizational skills: An architect’s job involves contracts, detailed paperwork, email correspondences, blueprints and renderings/drawings as well as other digital and physical collateral. It is up to the individual to be able to organize themselves. In the business world, it is important to maintain records that address all the moving parts in a project, such as the cost analysis, the materials used, the project details, and the charting of progress.
- Technical expertise: Due to the ever-changing landscape of digital technologies and software upgrades, architects need to keep up with the latest tools and architectural technology in the industry. This may require continuing education or the use of current architectural practices. It is important to be able to use programs like CADD when creating building information models (BIM) or drafting designs.
- Visualization Skills: The ability to visualize the relationship between the different parts of the structure is essential for a successful architect. The ability to imagine the finished structure, from the interior of the building and its placement in the urban environment to excellent hand-drawing abilities, is also required. Drawing skills can be used to quickly visualize the final design of the building. An architect should be able to explain their vision verbally to staff and clients.
Are you planning to start your architecture care in Montana?
Montana, a state located in the picturesque western United States, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and growing business and economic environment. With industries ranging from agriculture, energy, tourism, and technology, Montana offers a favourable business climate, natural resources, and a strong sense of community, attracting businesses and fostering economic growth in various sectors.
Montana architects should seriously contemplate the advantages of investing in errors and omissions insurance. Given the inherent risks associated with their line of work, such as the potential for legal action from clients, having errors and omissions insurance in Montana is an invaluable protective measure. With this insurance coverage, you can ensure the preservation of your career and financial well-being.
Students in the architecture bachelor’s program can expect to study a wide range of courses, including:
- Architectural Design History and Theory
- Building Design with an emphasis on CADD, Structures, Construction Methods & Professional Practices
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- Physical Sciences
- Liberal Arts
- Graphic Design (various).
Students will gain a deeper understanding of architecture, architecture courses and more.
- Architectural History
- Architectural Engineering
- Design Studio experience
- Design Theory
- There’s More
The US currently has 34 states which require that architects hold a professional architecture degree from an accredited program. On the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards site, you can find the 123 architecture schools accredited by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB), along with the individual licensing requirements for each state. In states without such requirements, applicants can receive their license after 8-13 years of work experience. It is important to note that the majority of architects in these states continue to obtain their professional accredited architecture degree.
Different types of architects & degrees
There are many other options in architecture for those with different interests. You can become a licensed landscape architect, for example. Landscape architecture is more concerned with the planning of natural environments than traditional architecture. There are also many specializations in the field of Architecture, including:
- Residents
- Commercial
- Environmental Design/Green Architecture: A Focus on Sustainability
- Urban Design
- Industrial
- Interior Architecture Design
- Urban Landscape/Landscape Architect