Description
This is an ideal career for visionary thinkers. Architects design new buildings and the spaces around them, as well as make alterations to existing buildings. You produce detailed workings and drawings – both manually and computer aided – to meet the needs of the client.
You manage projects working to tight specifications, prepare planning applications ensure that any environmental damage caused by the project is limited, appraise and approve listed buildings and conservation areas.
You will tend to specialise in particular types of work, for example, domestic, low-rise commercial, high-rise commercial, industrial, conservation and heritage buildings.
What you do every day
I spend my time designing documenting and administering the creation of new and the modification of existing buildings.This involves discussing requirements and costs with clients and builders and preparing sketch drawings, production drawings and detailed drawings using computer-aided design (CAD) equipment
Getting something built involves consultation with other professions, trades and government authorities. This includes engineers, quantity surveyors, landscape architects and town planners. You make sure the necessary approvals from authorities are obtained as well.
Once a project has commenced being built you regularly inspect and monitor the building and workmanship to make sure it is progressing according to the contract, specifications and quality.
Personality that best fits this occupation
Architecture is a very broad profession. You will find that there are a variety of personality types in the profession. Also you will often find that partnerships/firms are made up of a range of personalities, each specializing in a part of the building process or business. Even though you are an architect primarily designing buildings, you also have to be a salesperson, a business person as well as a politician. Given there are diverse personalities you need to have a creative flair, be innovative, a visionary thinker and enjoy design. You must be able to analyse problems logically and have good communication skills as you spend a lot of time dealing with clients, local authorities and all those associated with the building process.
Best things about this career
You live for the day when you create a unique, rare structure from start to finish. If you are good, really good you can make substantial money. The work is stimulating it can overcome even times when you’re seriously down, so spending time at work is a plus on most fronts.
Worst things about this career
The seven years time period it takes to gain the required formal qualification is a long time. The breadth of knowledge is huge, almost impossible to comprehend and it gets under your skin when people who can draw a little think they can design a structure or at least have an opinion on one.
About the Author
Len Chapman
Director of Slap Architects
Slap Architects is a recognised architectural practice offering architectural and interior design services. They supply customers with consultancy services, design excellence, innovation and environmental responsibility. Slap Architects are currently involved in commercial, residential, education, health and tourism projects. They have a strong focus on buildings which improve lives, optimise energy efficiency and minimise environmental impact.
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