Nature of the Work

People need places in which to live, work, play, learn, worship, meet, govern, shop and eat. These places may be private or public; indoors or outdoors; or rooms, buildings, or complexes; and together, they make up neighborhoods, towns, suburbs, and cities. Architects—licensed professionals trained in the art and science of building design—transform these needs into concepts and then develop the concepts into images and plans of buildings that can be constructed by others.


Architects design the overall aesthetic and look of buildings and other structures, but the design of a building involves far more than its appearance. Buildings also must be functional, safe, and economical and must suit the needs of the people who use them. Architects consider all these factors when they design buildings and other structures.


Architects provide professional services to individuals and organizations planning a construction project. They may be involved in all phases of development, from the initial discussion  through the entire construction process. Their duties require specific skills—designing, engineering, managing, supervising, and communicating with clients and builders. Architects spend a great deal of time explaining their ideas to clients, construction contractors and others. Successful architects must be able to communicate their unique vision persuasively.


The architect and client discuss the objectives, requirements and budget of a project. In some cases, architects provide various pre design services—conducting feasibility and environmental impact studies, selecting a site, or specifying the requirements the design must meet. For example, they may determine space requirements by researching the numbers and types of potential users of a building. The architect then prepares drawings and a report presenting ideas for the client to review.


After discussing and agreeing on the initial proposal, architects develop final construction plans that show the building’s appearance and details for its construction. Accompanying these plans are drawings of the structural system; air-conditioning, heating, and ventilating systems; electrical systems; communications systems; plumbing; and, possibly, site and landscape plans. The plans 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 requiring easy access by disabled persons. Throughout the planning stage, they make necessary changes. Although they have traditionally used pencil and paper to produce design and construction drawings, architects are increasingly turning to computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) technology for these important tasks. Continual revision of plans on the basis of client needs and budget constraints is often necessary.


Architects may also assist clients in obtaining construction bids, selecting contractors, and negotiating construction contracts. As construction proceeds, they may visit building sites to make sure that contractors follow the design, adhere to the schedule, use the specified materials and meet work quality standards. The job is not complete until all construction is finished, required tests are conducted.


Sometimes, architects also provide post construction services, such as facilities management. They advise on energy efficiency measures, evaluate how well the building design adapts to the needs of occupants and make necessary improvements.


Architects design a wide variety of buildings, such as office and apartment buildings, schools, temples, factories, hospitals, houses and airport terminals. They also design complexes such as urban centers, college campuses, industrial parks and entire communities. In addition, they may advise on the selection of building sites, prepare cost analysis and land-use studies and do long-range planning for land development.


Architects sometimes specialize in one phase of work. Some specialize in the design of one type of building—for example, hospitals, schools, or housing. Others focus on planning and pre design services or construction management and do minimal design work. They often work with engineers, planners, interior designers, landscape architects and other professionals.


In fact, architects spend a great deal of their time coordinating information from, and the work of, others engaged in the same project. Many architects—particularly at larger firms—use the Internet and e-mail to update designs and communicate changes efficiently. Architects also use the Internet to research product specifications and government regulations.

Working Conditions

Architects usually work in a comfortable environment. Most of their time is spent in offices consulting with clients, developing reports and drawings and working with other architects and engineers. However, they often visit construction sites to review the progress of projects.


Architects may occasionally be under stress, working nights and weekends to meet deadlines.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

The architectural degree is 5-year Bachelor of Architecture programs, intended for students entering university-level studies after 10+2 or Equivalent.


A typical program includes courses in architectural history and theory, building design, structures, technology, construction methods, professional practice, math, physical sciences, and liberal arts. Central to most architectural programs is the design studio, where students put into practice the skills and concepts learned in the classroom. During the final year of programs, students devote their studio time to creating an architectural project from beginning to end, culminating in a three-dimensional model of their design.


Architects must be able to communicate their ideas visually to their clients. Artistic and drawing ability is helpful, but not essential, to such communication. More important are a visual orientation and the ability to conceptualize and understand spatial relationships. Good communication skills, the ability to work independently or as part of a team, and creativity are important qualities for anyone interested in becoming an architect. Computer literacy also is required for writing specifications, for two- and three-dimensional drafting and for financial management. Knowledge of CADD is helpful and will become essential as architectural firms continue to adopt that technology.


New graduates usually begin as interns in architectural firms, where they assist in preparing architectural documents or drawings.


Interns may research building codes and materials or write specifications for building materials, installation criteria, the quality of finishes and other related details. 


After gaining experience, architects take on increasingly responsible duties, eventually managing entire projects. In large firms, architects may advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Some architects become partners in established firms; others set up their own practices. Graduates with degrees in architecture also enter related fields, such as graphic, interior or industrial design; urban planning; real estate development; civil engineering; and construction management.

Job Outlook

Prospective architects may face competition for entry-level positions. Employment of architects is projected to grow very fast and additional job openings will stem from the need to replace architects who retire, transfer to new occupations, or leave permanently for other reasons. However, many individuals are attracted to this occupation, and the number of applicants often exceeds the number of available jobs, especially in the most prestigious firms. Prospective architects who gain career-related experience in an architectural firm while they are still in school and who know CADD technology—especially that which conforms to the new standards—will have a distinct advantage in obtaining an intern position after graduation.


Employment of architects is strongly tied to the level of local construction, particularly nonresidential structures such as office buildings, shopping centers, schools, and healthcare facilities. Employment in nonresidential construction is expected to grow because a large number of structures will be coming, particularly in urban areas where space for new buildings is becoming limited. On the other hand, technology enhancements will dampen demand for new commercial construction as nontraditional work and retail environments, such as teleconferencing, home offices, telecommuting, and electronic shopping, proliferate.


Demographic trends and changes will influence the demand for certain institutional structures and should also provide more jobs for architects in the future.  Similarly, the construction of schools will increase to accommodate growth in the school-aged population. Additions to existing schools (especially colleges and universities), as well as overall modernization, will continue to add to demand for architects.


Demand for residential construction is also expected to continue to grow. As the people reach their peak earning years and can afford to spend more on housing, demand for larger homes with more amenities, as well as for second homes, will continue to rise. 


Growth in demand for new-home construction will be tempered by consumers’ preference to perform home improvements and renovations—especially in attractive, established neighborhoods—rather than construct new homes. Many starter homes will be remodeled to appeal to more affluent, space- and amenity-hungry buyers. Also, as buyers trade up, some may prefer to remodel existing homes, rather than construct new homes.


Those involved in the design of institutional buildings, such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and correctional facilities, will be affected by increase in the economy.