Architect

What is this job like?		Back to Top

Architects design houses and buildings. They plan offices and apartments. They design schools, churches, and airport terminals. Their plans involve far more than a building's looks. Buildings must be safe and strong. They must also suit the needs of the people who use them. Architects look at all these things.

The architect and client first discuss what the client wants. The architect sometimes helps decide if a project would work at all or if it would harm the environment. The architect then creates drawings for the client to review. They may be involved in all stages of the construction of a building.

If the ideas are OK, the architect draws up the final plans. These plans show how the building will look and how to build it. The drawings show the beams that hold up the building. They show the air-conditioner, furnace, and ventilating systems. The drawings show how the electricity and plumbing work. Architects used to use pencil and paper to draw their plans. Today, more and more architects are using computers. Architects generally work in comfortable conditions. They spend most of their time in offices. However, they spend some time at building sites to see how projects are going.

Architects may feel stressed sometimes. Most architects work 40 hours a week, but they may need to work nights and weekends in order to meet deadlines.

How do you get ready?		Back to Top

Architects must be licensed before they can practice. In order to get a license: 1) You need a degree in architecture. Courses include architectural theory, building design, math, and science. 2) You must finish an internship. 3) Finally, you must pass all sections of a license exam. Architects sometimes take new classes to keep their skills fresh.

Architects must be able to visualize things and communicate well visually. Art classes are very helpful in doing this. Speaking, writing, and creativity are also important. Architects should be computer literate.

How much does this job pay?		Back to Top

The middle half of all architects earned between $49,780 and $83,450 a year in 2006. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $39,420. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $104,970 a year.

How many jobs are there?		Back to Top

Architects held about 132,000 jobs in 2006. Most jobs were in small architecture firms. About 1 in 5 was self-employed. This means they practiced as partners in a firm or on their own. Some worked for builders or government agencies.

What about the future?		Back to Top

BLS expects the number of jobs for architects to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. Despite this growth, however, new architects face competition. This job attracts many people, so there are lots of applicants for openings. Applicants who have gained experience working for an architectural firm while in school have a competitive advantage. Those who know about computer-aided design and drafting technology also have a better chance of getting a job.

Are there other jobs like this?		Back to Top

• Construction managers
• Civil engineers
• Designers (commercial and industrial designers, interior designers, graphic designers)
• Landscape architects
• Urban planners

Where can you find more information?		Back to Top

More BLS information about architects can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The Handbook also shows where to find out even more about this job.

Last Modified Date: April 29, 2008