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Job Report Architects
Nature of the Work
The design of a building involves far more than its appearance. Buildings must also
be functional, safe, and economical and must suit the needs of the people who use them.
Architects take all these things into consideration when they design buildings.
Architects provide a wide variety of professional services to individuals and
organizations planning building projects. They may be involved in all phases of
development, from the initial discussion of general ideas with the client through
construction. Their duties require a variety of skills--design, engineering, managerial, and
supervisory.
The architect and client first discuss the purposes, requirements, and cost of a
project. Based on the discussions, the architect prepares a program--a report specifying
the requirements the design must meet. The architect then prepares drawings presenting
ideas for meeting the client's needs.
After the initial proposals are discussed and accepted, the architect develops final
construction documents. These documents show the floor plans, elevations, building
sections, and other construction details. Accompanying these are drawings of the structural
system; air-conditioning, heating, and ventilating systems; electrical systems; plumbing; and
possibly landscape plans. Architects also specify the building materials, and in some
cases, the interior furnishings. In developing designs, architects follow building codes,
zoning laws, fire regulations, and other ordinances, such as those that require easy access
by handicapped persons. Throughout the planning stage, the architect makes necessary
changes.
The architect may also assist the client in obtaining bids, selecting a contractor, and
negotiating the construction contract. As construction proceeds, the client may employ the
architect to visit the building site to ensure that the contractor is following the design, using
the specified standards for the quality of work. The job is not complete until all construction
is finished, required tests are made, and construction costs are paid.
Architects design a wide variety of buildings, such as churches, factories, hospitals,
houses, office and apartment buildings, schools, and airport terminals. They also design
multibuilding complexes such as urban renewal projects, college campuses, industrial
parks, and new towns. Besides designing buildings, architects may select building sites,
prepare cost and land-use studies, and do long-range planning for land development.
On large projects or in large architectural firms, architects often specialize in one
phase of the work, such as design or administering construction contracts. This often
requires working with engineers, urban planners, interior designers, landscape architects,
and others.
Working Conditions
Architects generally work in a comfortable environment. Most of their time is spent
in offices advising clients, developing reports and drawings, and working with other
architects and engineers. However, they also often work at construction sites reviewing the
progress of projects.
Architects may work under great stress to meet deadlines, and working nights and
weekends is common.
Employment
Architects held almost 89,000 jobs in 1990. Most jobs were in architectural firms-
many of which employ fewer than five workers. Over one-quarter of all architects were self-
employed. They practiced as partners in architectural firms or on their own. A few worked
for builders, estate developers, and for government agencies responsible for housing,
planning or community development such as the Departments of Defense, Interior, Housing
and Urban Development, and The General Services Administration.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
All States and the District of Columbia require individuals to be registered (licensed)
before they may call themselves architects or contract for providing architectural services.
To qualify for the registration examination, a person generally must have at least a Bachelor
of Architecture degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting
Board and 3 years of acceptable experience in an architect's office. Many States have
adopted standards for this 3-year period which are identical to the training and experience
provided in the Intern Architect Development Program, an apprenticeship program for
architects. Many architecture school graduates work in the field even through they are not
registered. However, a registered architect is required to take legal responsibility for all
work.
In 1986, the National Architectural Accrediting Board accredited the programs of 93
architectural schools. Most offer 5-year programs leading to the Bachelor of Architecture
degree. Others offer 6-year Master of Architecture programs. In the 6-year programs, a
non-professional bachelor's degree is usually awarded after 4 years. Students also may
transfer to professional degree programs after completing a 2-year junior or community
college program in architecture. Many architecture schools also offer graduate education
for those who already have a bachelor's degree in architecture or other areas. Although
graduate education is not essential for practicing architects, it is desirable for research,
teaching, and certain specialties. A typical college architecture program includes courses
in architectural history and theory, building design, including its technical and legal aspects,
and science and liberal arts.
Contrary to what many believe, persons planning a career in architecture do not
necessarily need a high level of artistic or drawing ability. Although architects must be able
to make drawings of proposed buildings, this is a skill which can be taught to most people.
However, architects do need the ability to visualize spatial relationships and should have
a capacity for solving technical problems. Mathematical ability is also important. Students
who work for architects, engineers, or building contractors during summer vacations can
gain useful experience.
New graduates begin in architectural firms, where they assist in preparing
architectural plans. They also may administer construction contracts; do research on
building codes and materials; or write specifications for building materials, the method of
installation, the quality of finishes, and many other related details. Graduates with degrees
in architecture also enter other related fields such as graphic, interior, or industrial design,
urban planning, civil engineering, or construction.
In large firms, architects may advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Some
architects become partners in established firms. Often, however, the goal of many
architects is to have their own firm.
Job Outlook
Employment of architects are expected to be good through the year 2000 because
employed is expected to rise faster than the average for all occupations and the number of
degrees granted in architecture is not expected to increase significantly. However, demand
for architects is highly dependent upon the local level of construction, particularly of
nonresidential structures such as office buildings and shopping centers. Although rapid
growth in this area is expected, construction is sensitive to cyclical changes in the economy.
During recessions or slow periods for construction, architects will face competition for job
openings or clients, and layoffs may occur. Even in good times, there may be areas of the
country with poor opportunities.
Regardless of economic conditions, there will continue to be competition for jobs in
the most prestigious firms which offer good potential for career advancement. Although the
increasing use of computer technologies such as computer-aided design increases
efficiency, employment is not expected to be adversely affected because computer
technologies are being used to improve the quality of building designs rather than to reduce
the need for architects.
Although employment is expected to rise faster than the average for all occupations
through the year 2000, most job openings are expected to arise as architects transfer to
other occupations or leave the labor force.
Earnings
The median annual earnings for salaried architects who worked full time were about
$33,950 in 1990. The middle 50 percent earned between $26,825 and $44,725. The top
10 percent earned more than $54,175 and the lowest 10 percent, less than $21,000.
Architects who are partners in well-established architectural firms or solo
practitioners generally earn much more than their salaried employees, but their income may
fluctuate due to changing business conditions. Architects may have difficulty getting
established in their own practices and may go through a period when their expenses are
greater than their income.
In 1990, the average salary for architects working in the Federal Government was
about $41,870.
Related Occupations
Architects are concerned with the design and construction of buildings and related
structures. Others who engage in similar work are landscape architects, building
contractors, civil engineers, urban planners, interior designers, industrial designers, drafters,
and surveyors.
Sources of Additional Information
General information about careers in architecture can be obtained from:
Director, Education Programs, The American Institute of Architects, 1735
New York Ave. NW., Washington, D.C. 20006.
Specific questions on education for a career in architecture should be addressed to:
The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture, Inc., 1735 New York Ave.
NW., Washington, D.C. 20006.
Information about licensing and examination can be obtained from:
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, 1735 New York
Ave. NW., Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20006.
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