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Is being an architect a fulfilling job? What are the day-to-day activities?
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5 answers
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Cristina’s Answer
Architecture can be a fulfilling profession if you find the right fit for you. The size of the firm, the types of projects you work on and the clients that come with those projects, the office structure, and the position itself will all play a role in determining what you do day to day. Think about what you are good at and where your interests lie and how that might relate to the type of work you want to do - Do you like to problem solve? Do you have a deep interest in architectural history? Or structural design? Are you interested in city building codes and zoning? Or city planning? Write a list for yourself - all of these talents and focuses can help guide you towards your ideal career.
First think about what types of buildings you would be interested in designing as that will determine the type of client you are working for - with residential it could be a single family or a developer versus with schools or other public buildings you would be working for the city and its various entities. Retail is relativity fast paced with less meticulous detail, while residential can take longer to complete. An airport would be a massive scale requiring many coordinated teams on board, versus a kitchen renovation that would maybe only have one or two people on the project.
Once you decide the type of architecture you're interested in, investigate local firms to see what they've completed to find if that appeals to you. If you are just starting out in the profession you could reach out to the firms you like to see if anyone would have time for an informational interview. This would be a great time to get the inside scoop on how the firm works and where you could fit in.
In architecture you start out as an intern running various errands which can range from picking up or ordering samples, to organizing the material library, to "picking up redlines." Once you have proven yourself as an intern over time you will be pulled into projects more by being given tasks for drawing, code research, generating schedules, working with consultants, etc. As you advance in your career and (if you decide to) get licensed, you will be entrusted with more responsibility, direct client contact, mentoring younger architects, and eventually run your own projects or even branch out to open your own firm.
The job itself can be very stressful and time consuming, so if you interview at places try to find companies that encourage work/life balance. Here in NYC there is a lot of burnout from employees that work too many hours for too long - it's a cultural downside to the industry. Personally I believe the way to survive in architecture in the long term is to make sure there is more to your life than your job - that way you won't be reluctant to go back to it on Monday morning.
Hope that answers some of your question. Good luck!
First think about what types of buildings you would be interested in designing as that will determine the type of client you are working for - with residential it could be a single family or a developer versus with schools or other public buildings you would be working for the city and its various entities. Retail is relativity fast paced with less meticulous detail, while residential can take longer to complete. An airport would be a massive scale requiring many coordinated teams on board, versus a kitchen renovation that would maybe only have one or two people on the project.
Once you decide the type of architecture you're interested in, investigate local firms to see what they've completed to find if that appeals to you. If you are just starting out in the profession you could reach out to the firms you like to see if anyone would have time for an informational interview. This would be a great time to get the inside scoop on how the firm works and where you could fit in.
In architecture you start out as an intern running various errands which can range from picking up or ordering samples, to organizing the material library, to "picking up redlines." Once you have proven yourself as an intern over time you will be pulled into projects more by being given tasks for drawing, code research, generating schedules, working with consultants, etc. As you advance in your career and (if you decide to) get licensed, you will be entrusted with more responsibility, direct client contact, mentoring younger architects, and eventually run your own projects or even branch out to open your own firm.
The job itself can be very stressful and time consuming, so if you interview at places try to find companies that encourage work/life balance. Here in NYC there is a lot of burnout from employees that work too many hours for too long - it's a cultural downside to the industry. Personally I believe the way to survive in architecture in the long term is to make sure there is more to your life than your job - that way you won't be reluctant to go back to it on Monday morning.
Hope that answers some of your question. Good luck!
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
I am a Registered Architect in New York State outside NYC. My day consists of looking for new work and completing projects already contracted for.
A typical set of plans, include specifications, measurements, and descriptions of how to build a project, they conform to current building codes and must meet the Owner’s requirements.
Having worked in Texas, requirements inside the city limits are different than working outside the city limits or more rural area. Your geology is different than NYS. You may have rolling hills inland, but bay front sandy or swamp areas
You suffer from hurricanes, heat, and tornadoes. I deal with wind loads and snow loads. These are structural issues.
Take a visit to an architect’s office (Call first). Visit the AIA.org and NCARB websites. Visit your local building departments. Read the Texas building and zoning codes. Learn CAD drafting.
Architects need 5-years of college training followed by 3 years of internship. Then take an NCARB licensing test.
The COVID19 pandemic is currently affecting business.
A typical set of plans, include specifications, measurements, and descriptions of how to build a project, they conform to current building codes and must meet the Owner’s requirements.
Having worked in Texas, requirements inside the city limits are different than working outside the city limits or more rural area. Your geology is different than NYS. You may have rolling hills inland, but bay front sandy or swamp areas
You suffer from hurricanes, heat, and tornadoes. I deal with wind loads and snow loads. These are structural issues.
Take a visit to an architect’s office (Call first). Visit the AIA.org and NCARB websites. Visit your local building departments. Read the Texas building and zoning codes. Learn CAD drafting.
Architects need 5-years of college training followed by 3 years of internship. Then take an NCARB licensing test.
The COVID19 pandemic is currently affecting business.
Updated
Gina’s Answer
An architect position requires a good amount of attention detail, timely completion of projects and in most cases, a degree in architecture. Many would consider this a very rewarding and exciting position.
Updated
ErikaLynn’s Answer
I am an Interior Architect and find it VERY fulfilling. I have a passion to solve problems creatively and gain knowledge of a client's needs. Architecture and Interiors require you have a keen sense of detail. You should be a good listener and be able to translate words into spaces.
The best part of my job is working through a challenge and transferring the client's needs onto paper and watch it grow into a 3D space. You will NEVER forget the feeling the first time you walk through a space in the 3D world you once helped create on p"aper".
My advice to you if you are considering a career in Architecture, learn to accept and absorb criticism and how to turn it into a positive.
This profession, i think, is extremely challenging however can be very fulfilling
The best part of my job is working through a challenge and transferring the client's needs onto paper and watch it grow into a 3D space. You will NEVER forget the feeling the first time you walk through a space in the 3D world you once helped create on p"aper".
My advice to you if you are considering a career in Architecture, learn to accept and absorb criticism and how to turn it into a positive.
This profession, i think, is extremely challenging however can be very fulfilling
Updated
Emily’s Answer
The most rewarding part of working in the field of architecture is watching you and your team's work become real, tangible, and lived-in! It is indescribably rewarding to look back at a project and feel like you were a part of something bigger than yourself - and perhaps something that will stand the test of time!
It is unlike any other field - taking something from concept to paper and then to the built environment.
It is unlike any other field - taking something from concept to paper and then to the built environment.