Rennisha Morgan

Mr. Tech
English III/ 1st
October 28, 2014
Architects
People need places to live, work, learn, shop, and eat. Architects are responsible for
designing these places. Homes, schools, hospitals, hotels, skyscrapers, churches; all of these
things are designed by architects. Architecture, one of the most influential professions today.
Architects design and shape the world we live in. Architecture brings together the arts,
environmental awareness, sciences and technology to build buildings in which we work and live.
Architects develop plans for development of new structures or dwelling units, and they
create new designs for existing structures, using information provided by the client. Their duties
require specific skillsdesigning, engineering, managing, supervising, and communicating with
clients and builders. Thomas Fitch from Fergusons Career Guidance Center explains Architects
work in the construction industry involved with designing new buildings, extensions or
alterations, to existing buildings or advising on restoration and conversation for old properties.
An architects think about a buildings style, sustainability, and safety to ensure the building
meets the needs of the owner as well as the state and federal regulators.
You may ask how exactly does an architect architect? Once the Architect has seen the
physical space, he or she can begin developing proposals based on the information gathered.
Written proposals are converted into architectural drawings or renderings, using computer

assisted drafting software, and plans are reviewed with the client. Fitch explains that before
starts just building a build they must first take their architectural knowledge, the specific
requirements of the buyer, the space and budget and lays the ideas down on paper. They start
with a blueprint, making it easier to visualize the building before the building is built. Before
starting the blueprint the architect has to think about what the building is for and the amount of
people who will have to be in the building at once.
Computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) and building information modeling (BIM)
have replaced traditional drafting paper and pencil as the most common methods for creating
designs and construction drawings. Becoming an architect doesnt just take have amazing
drawing and mathematics skills. Though these qualifications are important and required, there
more to becoming an architect. One very important qualification is having great communication
skills. BLS states Architects spend much of their time in offices, where they meet with clients,
develop reports and drawings, and work with other architects and engineers. They also visit
construction sites to ensure the clients objectives are met and to review the progress of projects.
Some architects work from home offices. An architect has several meetings with their clients,
learning their budget, and specific requirements for the project, to understand what the client
wants. Another qualification is having a great sense of design. Not all the time will you get a
client that knows exactly what he or she wants so the architect must combine the client budget
and requirements to design their dream home.
There are also many other qualities an architect should have. Analytical skills which means
architects must understand the content of designs and the context in which they were created.
Visual Skills which is to have a strong sense of design. Technical skills which is to understand
computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) technology. Also Organization Skills, architects

must keep records related to the details of a project, including total cost, materials used, and
progress.
Each building has its own specific requirements. For instance if an architect were to build a
school he would need a large space for many medium classrooms and small offices. The school
will also need large halls so the students and staff can pass through without feeling cramped. The
architect must then make sure the building is safe, exists every so often for emergencies, and be
sure that the building is stable for so many people.
While in high school take courses in mathematics, drawing, drafting, and computer science.
Fitch gives personal experience that future architects should consider which includes high school
classes such as art, interior design; and mathematics classes such as geometry, algebra, precalculus, and physics. Other classes like English and history will help sharpen communication
skills.
There are typically three main steps to becoming a licensed architect: completing a
professional degree in architecture, gaining relevant experience through a paid internship, and
passing the Architect Registration Exam. Occupational Outlook Handbook states an architect
must be licensed before they can start working and consider their self and architect. First you
must have your high school degree. Then you must complete an internship administered by
Nation Architectural Accredited Board (NAAB). NAAB is the sole agency authorized to accredit
US professional degree programs in architecture. Inters work under licensed architects to gain in
experience in many architectural skills Receiving this degree is an essential aspect of preparing
for the professional practice of architecture. All state architectural registration boards require
architecture graduates to complete a lengthy paid internship, most require at least 3 years of
experience before they may sit for the Architect Registration Exam. Earning a professional

degree in architecture is the typical path to becoming an architect in all states. Most architects
earn their professional degree through a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture degree program,
intended for students with no previous architectural training. The NAAB does not set any nation
requirements but you can view education guidelines, rules of conduct, and Legislative guidelines
and model law regulations.
The median annual wage for architects was $73,090 in May 2012. Employment of
architects is projected to grow 17 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all
occupations. Competition for jobs will be strong as the number of applicants continues to
outnumber available positions. Occupational Outlook Handbook states the annual wage of an
architect and the growing percentage. Bureau of Labor Statistics states The lowest 10 percent
earned less than $44,600, and the top 10 percent earned more than $118,230. Many architects
wok full time and many work long hours, especially when facing deadlines. Self-employed
architects may have more flexible work hours.
Employment of architects is projected to grow 17 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the
average for all occupations. With a growing number of students graduating with architectural
degrees, strong competition for jobs will be especially strong at the best firms. BLS states those
with up-to-date technical skills and training in sustainable design could have an advantage.
Employment of the architects is strongly tied to the activity of the construction industry. BLS
explains that architects may experience periods of unemployment when the request for new
projects slowdown.

Work Cited
Fitch, Thomas. "Architect." Ferguson's Career Guidance Center. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 13
Oct. 2014.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 201415 Edition, Architects, on the Internet