Exploring a Career in Architecture
By Kathy A. JohnsonInterior Design School Review Columnist
Architects do more than design the outward appearance of buildings. They must make sure their buildings are structurally safe and designed appropriately for their functions.
Architects have a wide range of duties, and thus a wide range of necessary skills. They make presentations to prospective clients, so they need to be able to communicate clearly via written and spoken word. They estimate costs to make sure a project stays within budget. They plan, visualize, and produce drawings or models of their projects (either by hand or by using special computer software). They also must coordinate and supervise the team of professionals who complete the building project.
Learn more about The Art Institute
Online's Bachelor Degree program in Interior Design.
Education and Licensing
Architects have three types of degrees to choose from. The five-year Bachelor of Architecture program is the most common. Some colleges and universities also offer a two-year Master of Architecture program for students with an undergraduate degree in architecture or a related field, and a three- or four-year Master of Architecture program for students with a degree in an unrelated field. Course work for a bachelor's degree usually includes the study of architectural theory and history, construction methods, technology, and other subjects related to the discipline. Students also take some liberal arts classes, and take part in a design studio, where they can make practical use of their classroom instruction.To become licensed, architects must have an architecture degree, experience gained through an internship or other practical training, and they must pass all parts of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). After licensing and gaining experience, architects may take on more responsibility for design projects.
Related Fields
Graduates with an architecture degree sometimes enter related fields, such as interior design, urban planning, or industrial design. Whatever career path they choose, architects work to make buildings more beautiful and useful.Sources:
The American Institute of ArchitectsBureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
About the Author:
Kathy A. Johnson has written articles on health, fitness, and many other topics in her career as a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Florida, and is the features editor of Forum, a bimonthly publication of the national mothers group, Mothers & More.
Previous: Unique Hotel, Unique Interior Design
Next: Add French Style to Your Interior Design
Back to News Archive
Want to suggest interior design news or links?
