Architect

Your Fit

Income

$93K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

4.8%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Architect?

An Architect is a professional who plans, designs, and oversees the construction and development of buildings and structures. They blend artistic vision with technical knowledge to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Architect.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Architect earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$59K per year	$73K per year	$93K per year	$117K per year	$151K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $45K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Architect do?

Work environment

Architects typically work in architectural firms, construction companies, or run their own practices. Their work involves office environments for design and planning, as well as fieldwork to visit construction sites. Collaborative work with engineers, urban planners, and contractors is common.

Quick task list

Designs new buildings or extensions/modifications to existing structures.
Creates detailed drawings and specifications for building projects.
Consults with clients to determine requirements and project scope.
Coordinates with construction professionals and oversees project progress.
Ensures compliance with zoning laws, building codes, and safety standards.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Residential Architecture: Designing homes and residential dwellings.
Commercial Architecture: Focusing on business and commercial property design.
Sustainable Architecture: Specializing in eco-friendly and sustainable design principles.
Urban Design: Planning and designing urban areas, considering the broader urban context.
Interior Architecture: Concentrating on the interior design and functionality of spaces within buildings.

Description

Architects are the visionaries behind the physical spaces in which people live, work, and play. They combine creative design with practical logistics to ensure that structures are safe, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing. Architects must be adept at problem-solving, as they often need to adapt designs to meet client needs, budget constraints, and environmental considerations.

The role of an architect involves continuous learning and adaptation. They must stay abreast of emerging trends, new materials, and technological advancements in construction. Architects also play a crucial role in addressing contemporary challenges such as urbanization, sustainability, and environmental impact.

Communication is key in this profession. Architects must effectively convey their ideas to clients, contractors, and other professionals. They also need strong project management skills to oversee the construction process and ensure that the project adheres to the planned vision.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Seeing a concept become a tangible structure.
The creative process of designing unique and functional spaces.
Contributing to the shaping of communities and the environment.

You might make a good Architect if you are...

Creative with a strong interest in design and aesthetics.
Technically inclined, comfortable with design software and architectural principles.
A problem solver who enjoys tackling complex challenges.
Good at communication and collaboration with diverse teams.
Passionate about influencing the built environment.

Pros:

Creative satisfaction from designing and bringing structures to life.
Diverse opportunities across various sectors and specializations.
Professional status and the potential for a lucrative career.

Cons:

Long education pathway and the requirement for licensure.
High responsibility and potential stress related to project timelines and budgets.
Potentially long hours, especially when meeting project deadlines.

How to become an Architect

Typical education

Becoming an architect usually requires a professional degree in architecture (5-year Bachelor of Architecture or a 2-3 year Master of Architecture for those with an undergraduate degree in another field). This is followed by a period of internship and passing the Architect Registration Examination for licensure.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art and design courses to develop creative skills.
Mathematics, especially geometry, for understanding architectural principles.
Physics to grasp the basics of structural integrity and materials.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in design or art clubs.
Engaging in software courses like CAD (Computer-Aided Design).
Volunteering or interning at architectural firms or related areas.

Preparation after high school

Enrolling in a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) program.
Completing an internship as part of the pathway to licensure.
Gaining experience through entry-level positions in architectural firms.
Preparing for and passing the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).

More resources

American Institute of Architects (AIA) - Professional organization offering resources and support for architects.
ArchDaily - An online magazine offering the latest architectural news, projects, and products.
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) - Provides information on licensing requirements and the ARE.
Architectural Digest - A publication showcasing the best in architecture and design.
Autodesk University - Offers training and resources on design software used in architecture.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.