Becoming an Architect

🚨Nostalgia Alert!!!🚨 Do you remember 🤔 Bob the Builder? Well, he was basically an architect!

*This is totally not the new version *

Image Courtesy of GIPHY

What is an Architect?

An architect is a person who has learned the science 💥 and art 🎨 behind designing buildings 🏛and other structures. Architects also make sure that the structures are functional and safe.

What Are the Duties of an Architect?

Architects are often in charge of:

• Creating blueprints of structures 📘

• Developing and designing buildings that are compliant with clients 🤝

• Using computer technology to model buildings and structures 💻

• Ensuring that structures meet the requirements needed ✅

• Managing the construction of various projects 👍

The specific structures they work on are:

• Homes 🏠

• Offices 🏢

• Factories 🏭

• Public Buildings 🏪

• Statues 🗽

What Are the Requirements to Become an Architect?

Architects must have been a part of a program approved by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). These programs can include getting a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or a Ph.D. in Architecture🎓. Once they finish one of these programs, they might have to participate in an internship by the Intern Development Program, which will allow them to meet their architecture license requirements. In all 50 states of the U.S., an architectural license is mandatory❗. The rules for obtaining an architect license differ across U.S. states, but architects in all 50 states must take the NCARB’s Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and pass 💯. 

Which Colleges Are Good to Attend for Architecture?

For a list of the best 💫 architecture schools in 2021, check out this link!

Many good colleges offer exceptional architecture programs! Some of the well-renowned 😇 schools are listed below:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• Harvard University

• Cornell University

• Stanford University

• Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

• University of Pennsylvania

Internships

If you are interested in the field and want to get a feel for what it is like to be an architect, check out the opportunities listed below! 👀

• Hip Hop Architecture Camp

• NOTE: This is an experience for underrepresented youth.

• Let’s Build Camp

• NOTE: This is an experience for high school girls interested in architecture!

• Boston Architectural College Summer Academy

NOTE: There is a cost attached to joining this experience

Carnegie Mellon University: Center for Architecture Explorations Programs

Online Courses

There are a variety of online courses (paid 🤑 and free 🆓) that you can start to take as a high schooler! They are entirely virtual! Check out websites like Udemy, Coursera, and EDX for thousands of classes you might be interested in!

Here is a list of a few courses regarding Architecture!

• The Architectural Imagination (EDX)

• NOTE: This course is free!

• Ecodesign for Cities and Suburbs (EDX)

• NOTE: This course is free!

• Making Architecture (Coursera)

• NOTE: This course is free!

• The Age of Sustainable Development (Coursera)

• NOTE: This course is free!

• Roman Architecture (Coursera)

• NOTE: This course is free!

• Architectural Design & Animation in Blender (Udemy)

• NOTE: There is a cost attached to this course! 💰 

• ARCHICAD 23 - Beginner and Intermediate Level (Udemy) 

  • NOTE: There is a cost attached to this course! 💰

Work Conditions 

Architects usually work in offices, meeting new clients 🤝and creating drawings 📝 and designs for new projects. They often go to sites of construction🌉 to manage the progress of the project and make sure to carry out the client’s visions. Some architects also work from home and are self-employed, allowing them to have a flexible schedule⏰.

Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 1% increase📈 in employment for architects between 2019 and 2029. Those who are more experienced with modeling software and measuring technology are more likely to get hired💻.

Salary

❗REMEMBER: Salary depends on the position, qualifications, experience, and education an individual has received!❗

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019, the yearly salary🤑 for architects was $80,750. The salary prediction provided excluded naval and landscape architects.

Want More Options?

Are you interested in the field of architecture but want more options? Don’t worry. We’re here to help 😊

Below is a list of some jobs which deal with similar aspects of architecture!

• Interior Design 🛋

• Graphic Design

• Urban Planning 🏙

• T.V./Movie Set Designer 📺🎥

• Civil Engineer

• Industrial Designer

Closing Remarks on Becoming an Architect

If you like to build and design things, consider the field of architecture! Although becoming an architect is educationally demanding, you will be able to follow your passions of developing new structures and contributing to the welfare of society. If you are interested in learning more about this field, check out the embedded links and try applying to some architecture programs! Best of luck 🍀 in pursuing your dreams! You got this! 🥳🎉

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