May 09, 2022
While most define architecture as simply the art or practice of designing and constructing buildings, this traditional route is often a misconception. The field of architecture is an umbrella that seeks professionals with a wide range of skills.
The ability to express your creativity through a non-traditional route such as art, design, and engineering after graduation can be possible with an architecture degree. There are associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctorate degrees available which allow people to enter the architecture field. Some colleges may not have a degree program in architecture but there are other degrees one can get to enter the field, such as interior design or graphic design.
Here are some jobs you can go into within the architecture industry.
Of course, the first job you can get is as an architect. This position designs homes, mixed-use developments, condominiums, townhomes, office spaces, retail stores, educational and health care facilities, shopping centers, and other structures. This study of design occurs in multiple phases as the development of a building uses a combination of science, math, and multi-layered drawings. Requirements vary from state to state on licensure with the first step being to pass the Architecture Registration Exam (ARE). There are several things to expect, know, and learn when thinking about becoming an architect and starting school, so make sure to do some research before committing. But overall, architecture is simply a problem-solving occupation.
The role of a landscape architect is to design and build the outdoor space for commercial and residential buildings, public areas, and infrastructures. The landscape is just as important as the design of the overall structure, helping to connect the spaces in a curated manner. Landscape architects are very detail-oriented, acknowledging the finest of details, from flower and tree types and placement around the grounds, furniture areas, textures, and ground treatment. You can become a licensed landscape architect with a specialization in certain areas, such as residential, urban design, green architecture, and industrial.
This field of design can be done independently or in collaboration with other designers. The steps of drafting, sketching, and rendering are used to visualize to clients a curated concept with ease. A catalog of materials, décor, lighting, and furniture are carefully picked out to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing interior space. An interior designer pays close attention to the ideas of functionality, regulations, safety, and building codes while meeting the client’s goals and aligning with product and materials costs. These objectives are met with a high level of detail and excellent communication to achieve the client’s goals and vision.
Graphic designers compose digital images, graphics, and vectors using computer software. They move artistic visions from concepts to final digital (and sometimes print) products for clients. There are various programs that graphic designers use to move an idea from concept to finished product, including illustration programs, web design platforms, and video editing programs. These all help designers develop illustrative concepts for magazines, logos, portfolios, merchandise, billboards, marketing materials, signage and wayfinding, and other media.
An urban planner for a city is responsible for the larger scale of sustainable development. The city’s economic and demographic changes must be studied to ensure that building codes, public policies, zoning ordinances, and future developments meet regulations in place to create spaces for environmental improvement. Ever-evolving cities require revitalization projects, infrastructure upgrades, historic preservation restoration projects, blight operations, and more to keep up with the future of their communities. An urban planner might work on plans for developing single-family housing, multi-family housing, mixed-use (commercial and residential) areas, and commercial spaces.
While an architect is busy designing, a project manager supervises the design and construction phases of projects. This role is handy as it doesn’t leave everything to the architect. A project manager consults with clients, collaborates with engineers, visits construction sites, and keeps up with the project needs. Their role is to oversee, review, and draft documents to protect the project, architect, owner, contractors, and subcontractors with the legalities that consist of timelines, project policies, safety standards, codes and regulations, budgets, finances, and communication. This role does not require an architecture degree, as it is possible to become one with only a high school diploma with skills related to business and customer service. You can get a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, however, to assist with entering this role.
Within the field of architecture, there are many career opportunities you can take advantage of. The world of art, design, and engineering is limitless.
Written by Korzell Coe
