Running head: ARCHITECTURAL CAREER 1

Architectural Career

E-Portfolio Term Project Paper

Sarah Osguthorpe

BUS 1010 LeDuc Online

Professor Eric LeDuc

April 24, 2018

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Architectural Job Description

Architects design residential and commercial structures, but they have many other

responsibilities as well. Architects must also think about building styles, safety and sustainability

to make sure that the needs of their occupants are met as well as the requirements of state and

federal regulators. Architects can work with both government agencies and private clients. (Krow,

2018)

Customer service and retention- Architects work very closely with their clients. Before

they start drafting a plan or plans, they always meet with their clients many times to learn the

clients’ goals, budget and any requirements for their project. Architects work with other associated

professionals as well, for example engineers, urban planners, landscape architects, construction

representatives and interior designers. Because architects deal with customers and professionals

directly, they must have good oral and written communication skills. (Krow, 2018)

Design, plan and develop- Designing, planning and developing are essential tasks in the

daily routine of an architect. (Krow, 2018) “Architects may be required to provide predesign

figures such as an environmental impact or feasibility study, cost analysis and land-use study. Final

construction plans are created by architects and used by builders as a step-by-step guide on how

the look and details of the building will play out, including plumbing, communication and heating,

electrical, ventilation and structural systems.” (Krow, 2018, para. 3)

Research and knowledge- “Architects must follow building codes, fire regulations,

zoning laws and city ordinances when creating their plans. For public buildings, architects must

be aware of disabled access laws. Since these laws change regularly, architects need to stay up-to-

date on policy, zoning and regulation changes. Architects must be in on the latest energy-efficient
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products, building styles and must research the area they are building to ensure their design

matches current building structures.” (Krow, 2018, para. 4) Certain states require architects to take

classes, continuing their education to keep their license, when other states may require architects

to attend seminars, workshops and conferences to maintain or keep their license. (Krow, 2018)

Application of Technology- Architects today use a lot of technology. Architects must be

trained and know computer-aided drafting systems, building modeling and other related

technologies. (Krow, 2018) “They must conceptualize and experiment with different construction

approaches through software and must also be familiar with basic office software, such as word

processing, spreadsheets and accounting.” (Krow, 2018, para. 5)

Architects day-to-day Duties: “Meet with clients to determine objectives and

requirements for structures, estimate the amount of required materials, equipment, and

construction time, prepare structure specifications, direct workers who prepare drawings and

documents, prepare scaled drawings with computer software and by hand, prepare contract

documents for building contractors, manage construction contracts, visit worksites to ensure that

construction adheres to architectural plans, seek new work by marketing and giving presentations.”

(Truity, (n.d.), from first bullet point)

Types of Career Options in Architecture

Technical Architect: will usually draw how a building is going to be put together, rather

than draw up what the project is going to look like. Design Architect: is the one who leads the

overall concept of the project design. BIM Manager: a BIM is a complete 3D model of the

building or structure. BIM Manager is the coordinator for many models with outside consultants.

Specifications (Spec) Writer: they create a written document explaining to the builders all the
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different types of materials and how they should be used on the project. Project Manager:

responsibility is carrying out the day-to-day duties and responsibilities. Interior Designer: duties

are to meet the client’s goals on what they want their building or house to look like in the inside.

Workplace Consultant: they usually are the team that will interview the clients and staff for

potential projects to get feedback what is or isn’t working in the current structure. Sustainability

Consultant: the main goal of sustainable design is to limit the impact buildings and structures

have on our environment and natural resources. Urban Designer: is described as the lay out,

appearance and the function of out suburbs, towns and cities as well. Sole Proprietor: is one

person in architecture that is his or her own boss but may have an assistant and a few consultants

but for the most part they carry out all the work alone. (Hubbard, 2017)

General Career Path & General Education Experience in Architecture

Step 1: Start Preparing in High School- Take classes in geometry, algebra, precalculus

and physics to develop your skills with mathematical precision. Taking classes in the arts and

humanities artistic side. A lot of modern architecture is designed by using computer-aided design

program called (CAD), so getting yourself familiar with technology and computers would be

helpful. (Learn.org (n.d.)

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree- “Professional B.Arch. programs are typically

completed in five years. You could also pursue a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree

in architecture, but these degrees are considered to be pre-professional, and they don't qualify you

for state licensure. Some schools offer 5-year combined bachelor's and master's degree programs.”

(Learn.org (n.d.), para. 6)

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Step 3: Earn a Master’s Degree- Programs in architecture integrate theoretical,

technological, historical and cultural factors into your design process, also learning how to engage

in a community’s cultural conversation by modeling its built environment. (Learn.org (n.d.) “Some

schools have separate academic tracks depending on whether your bachelor's degree is in

architecture or in an unrelated subject. For example, if you earned a pre-professional degree in

architecture, it may only take you two years to earn your M.Arch. If your degree is in an area other

than architecture, you'll likely enroll on a 3-year track.” (Learn.org (n.d.), para. 7)

Step 4: Complete an Internship- Before you will be permitted for state licensing, you

will have to go through a training period under the supervision of a licensed architect. Most of the

training periods last three years, and most architecture program graduates can meet these needs by

working an internship. (Learn.org (n.d.)

Step 5: Become Certified and Licensed- “All architects must have state licenses to offer

professional services. Apart from earning a degree and completing an internship, you must pass

the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) administered by the National Council of

Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). The ARE consists of nine divisions containing either

graphical questions or multiple choice questions.” (Learn.org (n.d.), para. 9) The NCARB offers

national certification to architects who can verify their educational history, employment record

and professional references, as well. A certification isn’t required, but if you have it, it could make

applying for a license much easier across the states. (Learn.org (n.d.)

Average Salary

“According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, architects earned an annual average

income of $84,470 or $40.61 per hour, for 2016.” (Krow, 2018, para. 7) “Professional bachelor's
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or master's degree typically accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Median Salary (2015)- $76,100 (Except Landscape and Naval Architects)” (Learn.org (n.d.), from

table graph)

Career Outlook

Employment in architecture is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.

Competition is anticipated, especially for those positions at the most distinguished firms, and the

opportunities are best for those architects who are creative. (Innovators Guide. (n.d.).)

“Employment of architects is expected to increase by 16 percent between 2008 and 2018,

which is faster than the average for all occupations.” (Innovators Guide. (n.d.), para 2) “Job growth

(2014-2024) by 7%.” (Learn.org (n.d.), from table graph)

Interview with John Simianer

NCARB accredits many different schools and programs the one John took up in Montana

State University was three and half year undergrad then one and half year master’s which makes

it a five-year program. Your degree must be accredited through NCARB or NAAB. As well as

getting a degree there is a process of an internship work which must be 3800 hours and you must

work under a licensed architect or in a similar field. You can have some of your hours doing

construction, but it’s limited because they mainly want you to learn the trade of an architect.

(Simianer, 2018)

Architect Registration Examination (ARE) consists of 6 exams that last for 3 to 4 hours.

Then to get your license you apply with the state licensing board. The whole internship process,

education journey, and exams to become licensed; all together is about a 7 to 8-year process to

become and architect. (Simianer, 2018)

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John Simianer is a project architect which means he oversees the project managers, draft

people, etc. and approves designs made by the designers. Being a project architect is also dealing

with costumers and then giving out work to his team to start the building process. He can also

design the structure himself or he can have a Design Architect do the work. John and his team

work with consultants like structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc. throughout

the whole process until it’s complete. (Simianer, 2018)

Pros and Cons

“Pro: Architects are responsible for protecting the public health, safety, and welfare. What

an awesome job. Con: Protecting the public health, safety, and welfare is a huge responsibility.

Do you really want that on your shoulders?” (Teer, 2016, para. 3)

“Pro: Once you get licensed, you can put RA, AIA, or NCARB after your name, making

you look legit. Con: You already have 3 quotes and a “think before printing” statement in your

email signature. It’s crowded enough as is.” (Teer, 2016, para. 12)

“Pro: Personal achievement. 5+ years of school, a 3-year internship, and passing the ARE.

You can be proud of yourself for completing such challenging feats. Con: You aren’t very

ambitious and your idea of a personal achievement is finally getting through all 7 Harry Potter

books.” (Teer, 2016, para. 13)

My “fit” with this career

I am a very creative person and I have a need to create things. I am not to bad at math and

according to Bob Borson once you graduate from college the only math you’ll need for architecture

is addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. I do pay attention and notice the world around
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me, meaning all the buildings and details that they are made up of. I also know I can make a decent

living being an architect. (Borson, 2014)

In conclusion I am still not completely sure if I do want to become an architect but reading

about what an architect really does and interviewing John Simianer, has drawn me closer to the

idea of becoming an architect.

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References:

Borson, B. (2014) Should I be an Architect? Retrieved from

https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/should-i-be-an-architect/

Hubbard B. (2017) 10 Potential Career Paths Within Architecture. Retrieved from

https://www.thearchitectsguide.com/blog/10-potential-career-paths-within-architecture

Innovators Guide. (n.d.). Architect Job Outlook. Retrieved from

http://www.innovatorsguide.org/occupations/architect_job_outlook.htm

Krow S. (2018) Duties & Responsibilities of Architects. Retrieved from

http://work.chron.com/duties-responsibilities-architects-12956.html

Learn.org. (n.d.). How to Become an Architect in 5 steps. Retrieved from

https://learn.org/articles/Architect_5_Steps_to_Becoming_an_Architect.html

Simianer J. (2018) Architect Interview. From JZW Architects.

Teer M. (2016) Top 10 Pros and Cons of Being a Licensed Architect. Retrieved from

https://blackspectacles.com/blog/post/architecture-license-pros-cons

Truity (n.d.). Architect. Retrieved from

https://www.truity.com/career-profile/architect