You need a plan before you build anything. Architects plan and design all
types of buildings. They may also plan renovations of existing buildings.
Architecture creatively blends art with science. Buildings must be safe
for people. This requires analysis of the structure and materials. Buildings
must always suit the purpose for which they were created. Those buildings
may be offices, sports arenas, schools, hospitals, religious buildings, shopping
malls, fitness centers or homes.
And architects aim to please the senses, too. Architects get to watch their
ideas turn into buildings.
At work, architects design, draw and build scale models. They may also
need to write reports or proposals. Many architects supervise or manage other
aspects of the business or construction project. They may also do research
and consulting.
An architect who works in consulting will have a lot more to do than just
design. They will have to meet their client's needs. That could include business
planning, human resources, planning how to maintain a facility, and many other
services.
Architects are licensed professionals. In the U.S., architects are required
to have a professional degree in architecture. Then they must complete a period
of practical training. The final step is passing the Architect Registration
Examination. Many architects are also choosing to become certified with the
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
Architects find work with architectural, engineering and other types of
consulting firms. They may also be self-employed.
A 40-hour work week is usual for architects, but many work longer hours
to meet deadlines. They mostly work in an office environment, though they
may be required to visit construction sites to see how things are shaping
up.
"The physical demands are few," says Michael Willis. He notes that architects
should be able to draw.
Architect Bruce Goetzman agrees. "You need to be able to sit down and sketch
something you're looking at and have it be a reasonable representation," says
Goetzman. He has 40 years of experience as an architect.
In addition to being creative artists, he says architects also need writing
skills, an interest in math, the ability to visualize things three-dimensionally
and computer skills.