Who's an Architect?
The Taj Mahal, the Parthenon, the Eiffel Tower, the Burj Khalifa, what do these things have in common? Magnificence! There are so many beautiful structures around the world and it’s all thanks to architects. An architect designs and oversees the construction of different structures. If you would someday like to design a structure of your own, consider architecture as a career! You could build places like schools and office buildings, hospitals and residential spaces like apartments, towers or bungalows, or you could even build cityscapes like bridges! Want to know more about what your life would look like as an architect? Read on!
Are you passionate about architecture? Want to pursue it as a future career option? Explore a day in the life of a Architect- Mr. Niket Deshpande and Mrs. Tapan Deshpande
What will you do?
Where would you work?
How do you get there?
What skills would you require?
Creative Skills
Creative skills involve the ability to think outside the box, generate new ideas, and find innovative solutions to problems. These skills include imagination, design thinking, artistic abilities, and the capacity to develop fresh concepts or approaches in different fields, from writing and art to problem-solving in business. Creative skills help you come up with original ideas, improve processes, and develop unique solutions in the workplace. In roles like marketing, design, or product development, creativity is essential for staying competitive and bringing new perspectives to projects or challenges. build this skill
Analytical and Data Skills
Analytical and data skills involve the ability to evaluate information, interpret data, and draw insights to solve problems or make informed decisions. These skills require critical thinking, logical reasoning, and proficiency in working with data sets, often using tools like Excel, SQL, or statistical software. This skill set helps you break down complex problems, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions. In the workplace, strong analytical and data skills allow you to provide insights that guide strategies, optimise processes, and drive innovation. They are essential for roles involving research, business analysis, marketing, finance, and operations. build this skill
Technical Skills
Technical skills refer to the specific knowledge and abilities required to perform particular tasks, often related to technology, engineering, computer science, or specialized fields. These skills encompass a wide range of competencies, including proficiency in software applications, programming languages, data analysis tools, and technical writing. Mastering technical skills allows individuals to effectively utilise tools and technologies relevant to their job roles. Strong technical skills will enable professionals to troubleshoot issues, implement solutions, and contribute to innovation within their organisations. build this skill
Time Management
Time management refers to the ability to plan and organise how much time you spend on specific activities. Good time management enables individuals to work smarter rather than harder, helping them prioritise tasks, set goals, and allocate time efficiently. It includes skills such as prioritisation, scheduling, and setting deadlines, allowing individuals to maximise productivity and reduce stress. This skill is especially valuable in fast-paced environments, where the ability to adapt and adjust priorities can significantly impact performance.
Social Skills
Social skills are the abilities that enable effective communication and interaction with others. They encompass a range of interpersonal competencies, including active listening, empathy, non-verbal communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork. These skills help individuals navigate social situations, build relationships, and collaborate effectively in various settings. Having strong social skills is crucial for personal and professional success. They enhance teamwork, foster positive relationships, and improve communication, which can lead to better collaboration and productivity in the workplace. In many professions, especially those involving direct interaction with others—such as education, healthcare, and sales—strong social skills can significantly impact outcomes and overall effectiveness. build this skillHow do you make it to the top ranks?
Intern
At this level, you would be in your last year architecture graduation and would join a firm as a trainee to gain some exposure and experience. You would be performing clerical tasks and assisting other architects in simple researching and designing tasks.
Junior Architect
Your job would majorly involve desk work. You would design drawings and assist other architects in reviewing project proposals. You would be working under the supervision of senior architects and project managers.
Senior Architect
Your work would involve designing project plans, visiting the construction site and overseeing the work done by junior architects. You would also have to coordinate with clients and ensure that the construction work is legally and safely completed. You would be handling two or three projects simultaneously.
Project Manager
You would manage all the projects for your firm, and be the point of contact between the team of architects and the clients. You would have to oversee the budget of the projects and also have to ensure that the tasks are being done as per the client’s requirements.
Senior Project Manager
You would be at the senior-level position in the firm and all the important decisions will be taken by you. You would be responsible for ensuring the swift working of all the architects and managing the project timelines. You would assign different projects to architects and project managers.
Principal Architect
You would be the head of the organisation and not only look after the firm’s projects but also its management and financial prospects. You would oversee the work of the firm as the whole and manage projects effectively and efficiently.
Pursuing your career locally versus overseas
There are different architectural firms and start-ups in India that require architectural knowledge to excel in the areas of their business. Pursuing architecture in India would give you a good opportunity to build a network here or set up your own firm in the country. To get admission in an architecture college in India you would have to pass the National Aptitude Test (NATA). You can opt for a bachelor’s degree, a diploma or a master’s degree in architecture. The duration of the architecture course in India is five years, depending on the university and course you opt for. Pursuing a graduate degree in India is enough to land you a job but if you want to gain more exposure, opting for a master’s or diploma would be a good choice. Top architecture colleges in India are IIT-Kharagpur, IIT-Roorkee, SIR JJ School of Architecture, Jadavpur University and others. Studying architecture in India would cost you a yearly fee of Rs. INR 15,000-2,00,000, depending on the university you choose.
Travelling overseas to study architecture would give you exposure to witnessing international architecture and design. Though getting a job abroad with an Indian degree is difficult, you can always work on building a network that could help you get a part-time or a full-time job. Studying architecture abroad would help you upgrade your skills and enhance your knowledge about various principles of architecture. The US, Canada, the UK, and Germany are the best countries to pursue a Masters in Architecture. The average fee for the course is anywhere between INR 15,00,000-50,00,000. The fee would depend on the university and course that you wish to pursue. If you don’t plan to move abroad, then you can register yourself for online architecture programs through Boston Architecture College, Lawrence Technological University, Academy of Art and others.
How much would you get paid?
The exact number will depend on where you’re working, your education, skill-set and internship experience.
What are an Architect's career options?
Design Architecture
A design architect designs the overall look of a building and other structures. You must keep in mind the budget, area and specifications given by the client while creating the overall design of the building. The design is created on the basis of what the project requires and the written description provided by the client. You will have to visit the site, perform analyses through photos and surveys and only then start with your designs. You would start with simple hand drawings and then slowly move onto 2D and 3D models. You would usually handle 2-3 or more projects at one go.
Specification Writing
The job of a spec writer involves writing for a variety of complex architecture projects on the basis of construction products, material and methods. You would create project manuals utilising the set design standards of the project. You would also have to ensure that the components of the building fit and work together. Your job would mainly involve drafting the project documentation of both small and large-scale projects.
Interior Designing
An interior designer designs functional, safe and beautiful spaces keeping in mind the space of the room. It will be your job to select decorative materials, lighting and other materials that need to be incorporated into the design of the space. The primary duty of an interior designer is to formulate a space plan using design concept studies and sketches. You would need a diploma or a bachelor’s degree in Interior Designing to get into this field.
Workspace Consulting
The job of a workspace consultant is to optimise the design of the workspace to create an effective working environment. You would help modernise the workplace by creating new design concepts. From deciding the desk arrangement to the meeting space and also the pantry area, you would plan it all as per your client’s instructions. You would also help them conceptualise the setting based on the goals of their business, their office culture and any other requirements of the organisation.
Urban Designing
The primary job of an urban designer is to design and shape the physical features of a specific location i.e. a city or a town. Unlike design architects, You would plan the design of a large-scale group of buildings, streets and public spaces or even the entire city! You would have to plan your designs in a way that makes the area functional, attractive and sustainable.
Sustainable Architecture
A sustainable architect minimises the negative impact of the construction and maintenance of buildings on the environment. You would have to come up with ways to put into use design methods, materials, energy to ensure that the building isn’t affecting the surrounding ecosystem. While incorporating these designs, you will have to take natural resources and site conditions into consideration, and use sustainable materials to build these designs. You would need a certificate in sustainable architecture to get into this field.
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