Architecture - A LearningPath.org Guide
Is Architecture
The Field For Me?
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Editor's Note
Dear Reader,
Whether you've always liked drawing or you'd like to get involved with helping people build safe, sustainable housing, there's never been a better time to pursue
your dreams than today. The demand for sustainable architecture, unique expression and energy-efficiency in construction continues to grow.
The team at LearningPath.org is here to help you make the educational and career decisions that are right for you. We want you to be informed, prepared and
successful. We understand that your educational decisions will last a lifetime, which is why we've prepared this guide. We also encourage you to visit our site's
other architecture-related articles for more information.
We hope these pages help you find your path.
Happy reading,
Citlali Tolia
Lead Editor, INSIDE Guides
Architecture
Is Architecture Right for You?
Architectural professionals possess a common set of traits. See if more than 12 of the following apply, and if so, architecture might work for you!
Job Options in Architecture
Most job options in architecture include those as architects, landscape architects, drafters or urban planners. In each, you'll draw upon the same skill sets,
such as those in drawing, math, aesthetic design and project estimation.
Architects
Architects design buildings while considering appearance, functionality, safety and heating efficiency as factors. Your responsibility as an architect will begin at the planning stages of a project.
This is where you sit down with a client and determine
what needs a building design will address. In some cases, you might complete an initial assessment for safety or environmental purposes to see if a building
can be constructed safely. You'll also discuss budgets, required materials and zoning or building codes with your clients.
Landscape Architects
Landscape architects are responsible for designing the general grounds of golf courses, parks and other outdoor areas. You might also oversee the process of
restoring forest land, abandoned mines or drained wetlands. As a landscape
architect, you'll work with foresters, landscapers, arborists and environmental scientists to protect natural resources and create the outdoor
environment your clients are looking for.
Urban Planners
As an urban planner, you'll come up with land use plans for the short and long
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term. These plans will help manage sprawl, limit environmental damage and
revitalize communities. Your work will be critical to planning roads or other infrastructure. In most projects, you'll need to consider the local economy,
social issues, cultures, public policy and environmental impact. Many urban planners specialize by project type.
Specialization notwithstanding, you might need to learn about civil engineering, public policy regulations and contracting to collaborate with other building
professionals.
Architectural and Civil Drafters
Civil and architectural drafters focus on drawing buildings, roads and other
structures. Many specialize in a type of architectural project. Architectural drafters focus more on buildings, and civil
drafters create drawings of infrastructure. You can expect to complete this by using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. Civil and architectural drafters
might also use hand tools to draw, such as mechanical pencils, rulers, styluses and templates. Most drafters complete a 2-year or 4-year degree program before
they enter the workforce. As a drafter, you can expect to enter this field under the supervision of a senior drafter before you're promoted to intermediate or
senior positions.
Architecture Specializations
Naval Architecture
Naval architects are responsible for designing ships. In this field, you can expect to work with marine engineers who will focus on propulsion systems and
navigation equipment. Your responsibilities as a naval
architect will be to design the hull, deck and exterior of a ship. This design will need to incorporate initial project costs along
with foreseeable
maintenance concerns. You might also have to choose the type of material the ship is made from or how it's fabricated.
Historical Architecture
As a historical architect, you'll combine a knowledge of architecture, history and research to preserve historical buildings or sites. You can expect to spend
a lot of time in libraries or checking historical buildings to determine what a structure looked like, how it was built and how to keep it functional. You can
also expect to spend a lot of time outside historical buildings or crawling through attics to assess structural integrity. Most positions in this field are
with local, state or federal government agencies.
Sustainable Architecture
Some architects specialize in sustainable or green development. If you earn a degree with a concentration in this area, you can help design buildings for
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environmental friendliness and energy efficiency. Sustainable
Architects also work to improve the health of a building's occupants by controlling air pollution or addressing wastewater disposal requirements.
Real Estate Development
Many architects specialize in real estate development. In the real
estate development field, you can design buildings that meet the needs of public policy and the local economy. This can be accomplished by combining a
basic knowledge of design with accounting, law, history and urban planning.
Architecture Degree Options
Architectural, Civil and CAD Certificates
Certificate programs are designed to provide basic drafting skills. Some are designed to prepare you for a 2-year program. In support of both objectives,
you'll take courses that cover construction, computer aided design (CAD), civil technology and algebra. Many programs also cover communications. Additionally,
you can enroll in a CAD program to focus
your studies on computer modeling. A CAD program might also cover manufacturing processes.
Associate's Degrees in Design and Drafting
Associate's degree programs can prepare you to work with engineering and architectural professionals. Most programs will offer coursework that covers civil
technology, architectural principles, CAD programs and blueprint reading. This will teach you how to render 3-D models used to create buildings. Some associate's degree programs might cover industrial processes, such as
metal joining. This will help you understand basic manufacturing and construction practices.
Architecture
Bachelor of Architecture
Earning your Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) is essential to enrolling in a Master of Architecture program later on. B.Arch. programs also allow you to complete the licensing requirements to work as an architect. The goal of an
undergraduate program is to provide you with a basic understanding of CAD software, freehand drawing, construction principles, building codes and design
practices. B.Arch. programs usually require five years to finish and include an opportunity to complete a professional experience.
Master of Architecture (Pre-Professional)
Pre-professional Master of Architecture programs build upon study in a B.Arch. program and allows you to complete the necessary studio and professional
experience to work on advanced architectural projects. A Master of Architecture
degree program is usually completed by students immediately after a 5-year undergraduate program.
Master's in Urban or Real Estate Development
You can enroll in an urban design or real estate development after you've earned a 4-year degree in a field related to architecture or civil engineering.
However, you might need to complete gateway or evaluation courses before you work on intensive requirements in real estate or urban planning. After
completing
these courses, you'll learn about designing communities to meet public policy, economic or environmental needs. This leads to opportunities to work with urban
development and real estate professionals in the field.
Master of Architecture (Post-Professional)
Post-professional programs are open to students who have an architectural degree. They are designed to provide you with a basic understanding of
research and the opportunity to specialize as a professional. Available specializations usually include those in sustainable development, historical
research or urban planning.
Architectural Licensing Requirements
Architects need to earn a bachelor's degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). You'll also need to complete three
years of experience working under the supervision of a licensed architect before you earn a license. Other requirements vary by state, and are
available through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) (www.ncarb.org).
Professional Organizations
There are a variety of organizations that can provide you with support, advice, professional development and other benefits as an architect. They also provide
you
important information on professional standards along with networking opportunities. National organizations include:
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is focused on advocacy and providing professional resources for the architectural profession. AIA
also
standardizes industry documentation, performs market research and offers assistance to new architects.
The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is the only organization qualified to recognize architectural programs. NAAB also sets the
standards of education for architectural practice.
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is primarily focused on cataloging licensing requirements in each state. NCARB
serves additional functions that credential architects, monitor interns and serve as a record-keeper for state organizations.
Deconstructing Architecture: Frank Gehry
Frank Gehry was born in 1929 and grew up in Toronto. He pioneered 'deconstructivism', a style of architecture that defies traditional order through the use of
fragmenting, the lack of parallel surfaces and an end product that appears structurally unsound. Gehry's works have included the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los
Angeles and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.
Gehry also applied his style to the design of furniture and jewelry, and eventually, technological designs. Notable among these is the Ray and Maria Stata
Center,
which was designed to replace the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Building 20. Characteristic of Gehry's use of angles, the building's design
prevented light pollution, controlled wastewater, monitored carbon levels and involved a recycled garage.
Throughout his career, Gehry has earned more than eight honorary doctorates. His other awards have included the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the Arnold W.
Brunner Memorial Prize in Architecture, the Wolf Prize in Art and the Imperiale Award in Architecture.
Architecture
INSIDE Track
Earning a bachelor's degree isn't enough to thrive as an architect. Successful architects earn a master's degree and specialize their work. The experience you
acquire as a student is critical to building a resume and learning through hands-on experience. Certification after you graduate is critical to actualizing many job
prospects, opportunities for a raise and building a client base.
Get a Master's Degree
A master's degree program will allow you to learn about emerging trends in the field. These include a renewed focus on sustainable development, environmental
concerns and energy efficiency. You can also use your master's degree to build your skills and reputation as a researcher or instructor. Earning a graduate degree
isn't necessary, but it is essential if you're looking to meet new demands in the field.
Acquire Experience in School
Experience working under a skilled architect is a licensing requirement in every state. Completing an internship as a student can reduce the amount of time it will
take to earn your license. It also allows you to learn how professionals deal with clients, address unique problems and build relationships. You can also build your
resume by working with a prestigious firm.
Get Certified
Certification shows potential employers that you have the skills to get the job done. It will also make it easier for you to get a license in another state. In
fact, certification is a key component of having your credentials recognized outside the state where you plan to work. You'll be able to handle complex or unique
projects involving civil engineering, real estate development or construction.
Architecture Scholarship Central
Minority and disadvantaged students can apply for this scholarship through the American Institute of Architects as they earn a professional degree in
architecture. It awards $3,000-$4,000 based on architectural aptitude and need. Students can also reapply for the award every year.
Students can receive and reapply for $5,000 for each year of their architectural study. The scholarship is designed to pair a student with architectural and
engineering professionals, which allows the student to benefit from financial support and real-world experience.
The Simpson Strong-Tie company awards 49 students $1,000 every year. The award is open to undergraduates studying architecture or structural engineering.
Applicants must be juniors and earning their degree as full-time students.
The Peterson Fellowship is offered through the Society of Architectural Historians and awards $2,000 every year. The award is granted to graduate students who've
focused on architectural history and completed unique research.
