Career in Architecture

Architecture deals with the design, planning and construction of buildings and structures-residential, commercial or industrial. It is a discipline that encompasses several diverse fields including, spatial design, aesthetics, safety management, material management etc. Architects blend their vision and dreams with materials to erect milestones that leave a powerful imprint on human mankind.

With increasing demand for urban housing, offices and industrial complexes, hospitals, hotels, airports, shopping and commercial complexes, schools etc. the architects in India would surely have much to contribute. Today, architecture has taken a totally different shape. From, the basic necessity of housing and shelter of yesteryears, emphasis is now given on comfort, luxury and style. These rapidly changing demands and requirements ask for professionally trained architects who can design and deliver quality, environment friendly constructions. Thus there are tremendous opportunities for those interested in making a career in this sector.

Designing any structure not only moves around giving physical facelift to it but also involves other important factors that are equally important like its functional utility, safety and economy. Architects performs numerous functions like Site selection, Planning & design of the building, Safety management, Quality control, Environmental planning, Estimating & costing, Supervision of construction work, Interior decoration, and even remodeling of existing buildings.

Qualifications

The Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree programme is of 5 years duration and includes a period of practical experience. The apprenticeship has to be done under a practicing architect. The course includes subjects like Acoustics, Methods of construction, Materials management, Applied mechanics, Structural designing etc. The alternative to a degree programme in architecture is a diploma.

At the postgraduate level (Master of Architecture), specialization areas include Urban designing, Town planning, Construction management, Traffic and transport planning, Project management, Landscape designing, Industrial design, Environmental planning and Building engineering.

In the field of architecture, a post-graduate degree is a necessity only if you want to teach. Also, if you want to pursue research in architecture or a certain specialty, a Master of Architecture is required. But in the professional world, post graduate education beyond the professional degree is optional for practicing architects.

Personal traits

The role of an Architect is quite diverse, and so are the skills and personal qualities required.

An aspirant for the field of architecture should be a creative artist with a sense of aesthetics and interest towards designing. He needs to have an imaginative and perspective outlook. Awareness of social and environmental factors, observant attitude adds to the advantage while designing structures. Apart from being technically sound, good mathematical ability is important as the work involves complex designing problems and cost estimations.

Good communication skills, hard work, physical stamina to work on the desk as well as on the site, a high degree of concentration level, flexibility, patience, team spirit, responsibility and accountability are some other important traits of the profession.

Career Options

An architect can find employment in Government organizations like Public Works Department, National Building Organization, Housing and Urban Development Corporation, State Housing Boards, City Development Authorities and Municipalities. Openings in the private sector exist with the Real estate development firms, Construction industry, Architecture Firms, Consultants etc. Architects with some experience can even set up their own business as Consultants and Contractors.

To be a consultant or set up private practice, it is imperative to register with the Council of Architecture. This body along with the Indian Institute of Architects lays down the guidelines for working hours, work environment, fees etc.

After obtaining licensure and experience, you can quickly further your career in architecture by moving up to managing projects, on to a supervisory or managerial position within your firm and eventually make partner, or open your own architecture firm.