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Will
Student
Elmwood, Nebraska
1
Question
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What does an architectures day to day life look like?
What does an architectures day to day life look like? How demanding is the job?
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2 answers
Eric Packer
Structural engineer
90
Answers
Boise, Idaho
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Will, a career in architecture can be very rewarding and most architects stay very busy. An entry level architect will typically be assigned to work on a few projects at a time. Projects can be at various stages of development, from early programming, developing schematic renderings and plans, to producing complete construction documents, and also involvement in the construction review process. Depending on the size of the architectural firm, there are various roles that architects take on. Larger firms often have dedicated designers. These designers are typically involved in developing raw plans and renderings that show the massing of the building. Principal owners are typically involved in marketing and writing proposals, the early stage of programming (determining the overall needs of the building owner, such as sizes of different spaces and room types), and then they are involved in the document review process so that they can stamp and sign drawings. A project manager is usually a senior architect that is involved in all phases of design and acts as a team coordinator to make sure that the project is delivered on schedule and on budget. On smaller projects the project manager might take on the design aspects but, for larger projects, they will usually rely on the dedicated designers. The project managers also usually oversee code analysis (e.g., egress, fire resistance, and ADA compliance) with the assistance of a junior architect. Other team members assist with the production of the drawings, including the development of building elevations, sections, schedules, details and specifications. Junior architects will usually be busy assisting with these tasks. The majority of time will be spent in the production of the construction documents. But, junior architects will also be assigned to assist in coordinating construction review items, include observation of the construction progress. And, often a project will involve a remodel of an existing building, in which case you will need to make a site visit to document the existing conditions and possibly take measurements in order to produce existing plans. The tasks are varied, and each project is unique. So, there is often new and exciting work available to work on.
Gina Roca
Technical Support Advisor
15
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Gina’s Answer
Hello Will!
My name is Gina Roca and I'm an Architecture graduate student at the University of Florida. I completely understand your questions and concern about the topic and here is some advice I have for you and also advice that has been passed down by professors, faculty, and architecture professionals:
1. The day-to-day of an architect can all depend on what kind of architect you aspire to be. There are different kinds like landscape architects, theme park architects, commercial architects, or even private development architects. Each branch may focus on specific things but overall they all focus on the same thing which is to design, propose ideas, and present interesting ideas that could perhaps innovate or create new features for their area of concentration.
2. As an architect student not only do you learn the necessary things to be an architect but you also learn that drawings, sketches, and designs are vital parts of an architect's process on a day-to-day basis. Most work comes through our creativity and these drawings and proposals can help bring those ideas to life.
3. Something that may not be related to design but is something a lot of architects have to experience is working in teams or working alongside other people who not only may influence or have an input in your design but could even suggest changes to what you have created. This is a process of teamwork and it's important to push forward with these dynamics because they are going to help us be successful in understanding the group dynamics in the architecture field.
4. Another thing architects may expect in a day-to-day setting may be speaking with clients or those who are looking for designs for whatever projects they may be working on. All of these are good moments to promote your ideas but to also sit down and be a good listener to understand what the individuals are looking for.
5. Lastly, architects focus on creating innovative projects but oftentimes may start at an entry-level where your designs may not necessarily make a community as time goes on and your expertise develops, you can continue creating designs and at some point bring a proposal where your work is accepted and is even recognized for its uniqueness and characteristics that the developers are looking for.
Hope these ideas and recommendations help you understand the field better!
Best regards,
Gina Roca
My name is Gina Roca and I'm an Architecture graduate student at the University of Florida. I completely understand your questions and concern about the topic and here is some advice I have for you and also advice that has been passed down by professors, faculty, and architecture professionals:
1. The day-to-day of an architect can all depend on what kind of architect you aspire to be. There are different kinds like landscape architects, theme park architects, commercial architects, or even private development architects. Each branch may focus on specific things but overall they all focus on the same thing which is to design, propose ideas, and present interesting ideas that could perhaps innovate or create new features for their area of concentration.
2. As an architect student not only do you learn the necessary things to be an architect but you also learn that drawings, sketches, and designs are vital parts of an architect's process on a day-to-day basis. Most work comes through our creativity and these drawings and proposals can help bring those ideas to life.
3. Something that may not be related to design but is something a lot of architects have to experience is working in teams or working alongside other people who not only may influence or have an input in your design but could even suggest changes to what you have created. This is a process of teamwork and it's important to push forward with these dynamics because they are going to help us be successful in understanding the group dynamics in the architecture field.
4. Another thing architects may expect in a day-to-day setting may be speaking with clients or those who are looking for designs for whatever projects they may be working on. All of these are good moments to promote your ideas but to also sit down and be a good listener to understand what the individuals are looking for.
5. Lastly, architects focus on creating innovative projects but oftentimes may start at an entry-level where your designs may not necessarily make a community as time goes on and your expertise develops, you can continue creating designs and at some point bring a proposal where your work is accepted and is even recognized for its uniqueness and characteristics that the developers are looking for.
Hope these ideas and recommendations help you understand the field better!
Best regards,
Gina Roca