Career path
Architecture major is a great opportunity to develop both technical skills and creative ones. And because of the broad range of skills involved in this major, students studying architecture can find career opportunities in many industries including interior design, urban planning and construction management.
1. Architecture
The most obvious career option for architecture majors is also the most popular one. By working as an architect, you’ll be designing buildings for a range of clients including large corporations. The key to finding a specific type of architecture that fits your personality is to ask yourself what kind of buildings you’d like to design. Whether the answer is giant skyscrapers or single-family homes, identifying the types of structures (and clients) you’d like to work with will help you find a role at an architecture firm that fits your style.
2. Technical Architect
Generally larger firms will separate technical and design architects. Most architects often lean towards one or the other as their career evolves.
- A Design Architect will typically start the project and work from the Schematic Design Phase through Design Development.
- At that point a Technical Architect will take it through Construction Documents and Construction Administration.
- A Technical Architect will often draw how the building is put together, rather than define the overall look of the project.
3. Design Architect
A Design Architect is probably what most people picture architects to be. Depending on the firm size the design architect will generally be leading the overall concept of the project design. This is done by analyzing the program (written description of the project requirements from the client) and translating it into a building. This will often start with simple hand drawings then evolve into 2D and 3D development using the software mentioned previously.
4. Director or Partner position
Both design and technical architects can work their way up within the larger architecture firms to a Director or Partner position. In this role you will often oversee the development of multiple projects at once. At this level it would be expected for the person to bring in new work for the office in addition to management and guiding the future of the practice. Traditionally the leadership of most architecture offices consists of licensed architects; of course there are many exceptions.
5. BIM Manager
- BIM is a complete 3D model of the building. Typically on larger projects there is a BIM Manager that is in charge of the model and the updates. There is little design associated with this role and is more of a consultant management and technical position.
- The BIM Manager will coordinate multiple models with outside consultants. For instance, the structural engineers have a structure BIM model that must be linked with the architectural model. Especially on large projects this process can get extremely complicated so this role is very important for effective project delivery.
6. Specifications (Spec) Writer
Specification writers create a written document that describes to builders the different types of materials and how they are used on a project. The spec writer’s job is to make sure that the many components of a building fit and work together. This is especially important on large construction projects, with a 1000+ page specification document.
7. Project Manager
- As defined by the AIA, a Project Manager is responsible for carrying out day-to-day duties and responsibilities. PM's marshal and apply their knowledge and skills to lead, solve problems, motivate others, advocate, measure, document, and communicate.
- He or she is also in charge of planning, organizing, and staffing the project. They must develop a primary understanding of how and when the project will be worked on and what leadership and staff will be needed to perform the work.
- Development of a work plan for the project begins with consideration of schedules, ways to organize relationships between the parties, the firm’s available resources, and perhaps fees. In addition to the above, the PM typically monitors the project progress and the conclusion of the project.
8. Workplace Consultant
Workplace consultancy is common with large projects and can be a career specialization option for some architects. It is an interesting option that takes on more of a research position as opposed to strictly design. Typically the WC team will interview clients and staff on for a potential project. The purpose is to get feedback on what is and isn’t working in the current building.
9. Interior designers
Often works as interior designer to optimize future desking arrangements and meeting spaces. This involves coming up with designs that maximize the efficiency and style of interior spaces. A designer breathes beauty and life into a space, while also making sure the designs are safe and functional. Just like with architecture, working in interior design is all about find out what types of spaces are most appealing to you and focusing your energies there.The overall goal of workplace consultancy is for the client to get the most out of their project in terms of employee satisfaction and productivity.
10. Construction
Whether working to build a room, a patio or a cute little cafe, architecture majors can start a career in construction management where they will be involved in coordinating building processes. This can include everything from preparing contracts to tracking the progress of craftsmen to ensuring that the right materials are available for each project. This is a great role for someone who is interested in the management aspect of construction.
11. Urban planning
An architecture major can also specialize in urban planning, where you make the best use of community land by coordinating, developing, analyzing and reviewing resources. As an urban planner, you’ll work alongside public officials and community members to help an area adapt to evolving problems, goals and economies. It involves not just systematic planning, but also creativity, two key factors that emerge from an education as an architect.
12. Business
The general skill set you’ll acquire as an architecture major transfers well into many fields of business. These industries require just as much of planning, conceptualization, communication and attention-to-detail as jobs in architecture and design. As a result, architecture majors can sometimes find themselves in the roles of project managers or directors, working to build companies rather than the buildings that house them.
13. Education
Degree in architecture can also be put to use in education, whether this is through teaching high school math or conducting a seminar on the basics of interior design at a community college or private institution. Architecture major can also put you on the road to earning an advanced degree, making you eligible for a teaching career in a university setting.
14. Sustainability Consultant
As part of a large office or as a consultants an architect can specialize in sustainability. Sustainability is becoming a very important aspect of building design and will be increasingly important in the future. The goal of sustainable design is to reduce the impact buildings have on the environment and natural resources.
The first step for any architect interested in becoming a sustainability consultant is to become LEED Accredited.
15. Sole Proprietor
This is a one man band architecture office. He or she may have an assistant and a few consultants but generally carries all of the work alone. This is quite common in small scale residential projects as the workload is manageable for one person.
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