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Architects

(D.O.T.  001.061-010 and .167-010)

Nature of the Work

Architects design buildings and other structures.  The design of a
building involves far more than its appearance.  Buildings must also
be functional, safe, and economical and must suit the needs of the
people who use them.  Architects take all these things into
consideration when they design buildings and other structures.

   Architects provide a wide variety of professional services to
individuals and organizations planning a construction project.  They
may be involved in all phases of development, from the initial
discussion of general ideas with the client through construction.
Their duties require a number of skills design, engineering,
managerial, communication, and supervisory.

   The architect and client first discuss the purposes, requirements,
and budget of a project.  Based on the discussions, the architect
may prepare a program a report specifying the requirements the
design must meet.  In some cases, the architect assists in
conducting feasibility and environmental impact analyses and
selecting a site.  The architect then prepares drawings and written
information presenting ideas for the client to review.

   After the initial proposals are discussed and accepted, the
architect develops final construction plans.  These plans show the
building's appearance and details for its construction.
Accompanying these are drawings of the structural system;
air-conditioning, heating, and ventilating systems; electrical
systems; plumbing; and possibly site and landscape plans.
Architects also specify the building materials and, in some cases,
the interior furnishings.  In developing designs, architects follow
building codes, zoning laws, fire regulations, and other ordinances,
such as those that require easy access by disabled persons.
Throughout the planning stage, the architect makes necessary
changes.  While architects have traditionally used pencil and paper
to produce design and construction drawings, architects are
increasingly turning to computer-aided design and drafting (CADD)
technology for these important tasks.

   The architect may also assist the client in obtaining construction
bids, selecting a contractor, and negotiating the construction
contract.  As construction proceeds, the architect may be employed
by the client to visit the building site to ensure that the
contractor is following the design, meeting the schedule, using the
specified materials, and meeting the specified standards for the
quality of work.  The job is not complete until all construction is
finished, required tests are made, and construction costs are paid.

   Architects design a wide variety of buildings, such as office and
apartment buildings, schools, churches, factories, hospitals,
houses, and airport terminals.  They also design multibuilding
complexes such as urban centers, college campuses, industrial parks,
and entire communities.  In addition to designing buildings,
architects may advise on the selection of building sites, prepare
cost analysis and land-use studies, and do long-range planning for
land development.

   Architects sometimes specialize in one phase of work.  Some
specialize in the design of one type of building for example,
hospitals, schools, or housing.  Others specialize in construction
management or the management of their firm and do little design
work.  Architects often work with engineers, urban planners,
interior designers, landscape architects, and others.

   During a training period leading up to licensure as architects,
entry-level workers are called intern-architects.  This training
period gives them practical work experience while they prepare for
the Architect Registration Examination.  Typical duties may include
preparing construction drawings on CADD, assisting in the design of
one part of a project, or managing the production of a small
project.

   Architects occasionally work nights and weekends to meet project
deadlines.

Working Conditions

Architects generally work in a comfortable environment.  Most of
their time is spent in offices advising clients, developing reports
and drawings, and working with other architects and engineers.
However, they also often work at construction sites reviewing the
progress of projects.

   While a 40-hour workweek is usual, architects may occasionally be
under great stress, working nights and weekends to meet deadlines.

Employment

Architects held about 96,000 jobs in 1992.  Most jobs were in
architecture firms the majority of which employ fewer than five
workers.  About one-third were self-employed architects, practicing
as partners in architecture firms or on their own.  A few worked for
builders, real estate developers, and for government agencies
responsible for housing, planning, or community development such as
the Departments of Defense, Interior, and Housing and Urban
Development, and the General Services Administration.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

All States and the District of Columbia require individuals to be
licensed (registered) before they may call themselves architects or
contract to provide architectural services.  Many architecture
school graduates work in the field even though they are not
licensed.  However, a licensed architect is required to take legal
responsibility for all work.  Three requirements generally must be
met for licensure: A professional degree in architecture, a period
of practical training or internship (usually for 3 years), and
passage of all sections of the Architect Registration Examination.

   In most States, the professional degree in architecture must be from
one of the approximately 100 schools of architecture with programs
accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board.  There
are several types of professional degrees in architecture.  Over
half of all architecture degrees are from 5-year Bachelor of
Architecture programs intended for students entering from high
school.  Some schools offer a 2-year Master of Architecture program
for students with a preprofessional undergraduate degree in
architecture or a related area, or a 3- or 4-year Master of
Architecture program for students with a degree in another
discipline.  In addition, there are many combinations and variations
of these degree programs.

   The choice of degree type depends upon each individual's preference
and educational background.  Prospective architecture students
should carefully consider the available options before committing to
a program.  For example, although the 5-year Bachelor of
Architecture program offers the fastest route to the professional
degree, courses are specialized and, if the student does not
complete the program, moving to a nonarchitecture program may be
difficult.  A typical program includes courses in architectural
history and theory, building design, including its technical and
legal aspects, professional practice, math, physical sciences, and
liberal arts.  Many architecture schools also offer graduate
education for those who already have a bachelor's or master's degree
in architecture or other areas.  Although graduate education beyond
the professional degree is not essential for practicing architects,
it is normally required for research, teaching, and certain
specialties.

   Architects must be able to visually communicate their ideas to
clients.  Artistic and drawing ability is very helpful in doing
this, but not essential.  More important is a visual orientation and
the ability to conceptualize and understand spatial relationships.
Good communication skills (both written and oral), the ability to
work independently or as part of a team, and creativity are
important qualities for anyone interested in becoming an architect.
Computer literacy is also required as most firms use computers for
word processing, specifications writing, two- and three- dimensional
drafting, and financial management.  A knowledge of computer-aided
design and drafting (CADD) is helpful and will become more important
as architecture firms continue to adopt this technology.

   New graduates usually begin in architecture firms, where they assist
in preparing architectural documents or drawings.  They also may do
research on building codes and materials; or write specifications
for building materials, installation criteria, the quality of
finishes, and other related details.  Graduates with degrees in
architecture also enter related fields such as graphic, interior, or
industrial design; urban planning; real estate development; civil
engineering; or construction management.

   In large firms, architects may advance to supervisory or managerial
positions.  Some architects become partners in established firms;
others set up their own practice.

Job Outlook

Employment opportunities for architects are highly dependent on the
level of local construction, particularly of nonresidential
structures such as office buildings and shopping centers.  Because
the level of construction nationally is not expected to be higher
during the 1992-2005 period than the 1980's, employment growth of
architects is expected to increase as fast as the average for all
occupations through 2005.  Although the need to replace architects
who leave the labor force will provide many job openings in addition
to growth openings, and the number of degrees granted in
architecture is not expected to increase significantly, prospective
architects may still face competition, particularly for jobs in the
most prestigious firms.  Also, noninstitutional construction is
sensitive to cyclical changes in the economy, and during recessions
architects will face strong competition for jobs or clients, and
layoffs may occur.  Architects involved in the design of
institutional buildings such as schools, hospitals, and nursing
homes, will be less affected by fluctuations in the economy.  The
expected expansion of the population under age 15 and over age 65
should spur the demand for such buildings.

   Even in times of overall good opportunities, there may be areas of
the country with poor opportunities.  Architects who are licensed to
practice in one State must meet the licensing requirements of other
States before practicing elsewhere.  These requirements are becoming
more standardized, however, facilitating movement to other States.

   Although the use of computer-aided design and drafting is becoming
more prevalent in architecture firms, it is not expected to reduce
the need for architects.  Rather, CADD allows architects to
visualize, develop, and present more options, and to make changes in
plans and elevations more easily, improving the quality of building
designs and increasing productivity and profit margins for firms.
Prospective architects who know CADD technology may experience
better opportunities in the future, particularly in a competitive
job market.

Earnings

According to The American Institute of Architects, the median salary
for intern-architects in architecture firms was $24,500 in 1992.
Licensed architects with 8 to 10 years' experience but who were not
managers or principals of a firm earned a median salary of $36,700
in 1992; and principals or partners of firms earned a median salary
of $50,000 in 1992.  Partners in some large practices earned over
$100,000.  Most employers of wage and salary architects offer paid
vacation and sick leave, and many also provide medical insurance.
Employees of very small architecture firms (fewer than 5 employees)
are less likely to receive these benefits.

   Architects who are partners in well-established architecture firms
generally earn much more than their salaried employees, but their
income may fluctuate due to changing business conditions.
Architects may have difficulty getting established in their own
practices and may go through a period when their expenses are
greater than their income, requiring substantial financial
resources.

Related Occupations

Architects are concerned with the design and construction of
buildings and related structures.  Others who engage in similar work
are landscape architects, building contractors, civil engineers,
urban planners, interior designers, industrial designers, drafters,
and graphic designers.

Sources of Additional Information

   Information about education and careers in architecture can be
obtained from:

   Director, Careers in Architecture Programs, The American Institute
of Architects, 1735 New York Ave.  NW., Washington, DC 20006.