Architects design and supervise the construction of residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational buildings. With the use of computer-aided design (CAD) programs, engineering plans, and other designing tools, architects plan building designs according to the client's specifications and vision. For the most part, the architect is responsible for making a design that creatively combines aesthetics and function. In many cases, architects work as consultants, but in other cases, architects work in building jobs alongside construction.
The Nature of the JobOne of the most important duties of an architect is to maximize budget while delivering a design that meets the requirements of the client. In doing so, the architect must be aware of building procedures, materials, regulations, codes, and zoning. The planning of the design is done in close contact with the client, since specifications and other design elements will heavily rely on the desires and needs of the client. Once conceptualized, the design is made into a computer-aided design with the use of AutoCAD or other similar computer programs. This design provides blueprints, measurements, materials, and other specifications to be used during construction. Architects often work on-site during building jobs, because they have to supervise the construction.Requirements and QualificationEducation is a must for most employers, since architecture is a highly technical industry that requires precision. College education is a common requirement. Architects working on a building job will benefit from any specialized education in urban design or other related courses. Communication skills are a must since architects have to be able to speak in both technical and non-technical terms in order to inform and work with clients and co-workers. Teamwork and team leadership is a must for architects since they often work in construction teams, especially on building jobs. The ability to follow a schedule tightly and solve problems that occur during construction are important. Compensation is dependent on qualification, experience, and the scale of the project.
