Architecture as a Career Option for the Future

If you are a student and are wondering what kind of a degree to pursue, you would certainly want to pursue a degree that will come to use in your professional life. If you are good at design, have an eye for detail, and are unfazed by mathematics, you could think of architecture as a career and a good future option (if you haven’t thought about it already). 

Famous American architects include Charles Moore, Maya Lin, Ray Eames, Robert A.M. Stern, and the recently deceased Cesar Pelli. 

But we live in a world that is depending on artificial intelligence and machine learning, and new technologies. So, is architecture a good future option? Let’s find out.

The Role of an Architect

Before getting into whether architecture is a good future option, it’s important to understand who an architect is and what does an architect’s job involve. 

In a nutshell, an architect is a person who plans, designs, and reviews the construction of buildings. This person uses their skills to design, engineer, manage, and coordinate the construction of aesthetically pleasing and safe buildings. Architects rank #6 in Best Engineering Jobs.

Architecture careers are very diverse, and can include:

• Building architecture – The designing of new buildings and/or adapting existing buildings to newer conditions.
• Landscape architecture – The planning, designing, and managing of both natural and urban open spaces.
• Naval architecture – The architecture of marine vessels and ships.

Note: If you are an architect or are planning a career in architecture, you should consider purchasing architects’ professional liability insurance if you intend on working for yourself or managing a business. This insurance can protect you and your assets if an unhappy or unsatisfied client sues you for negligence, or you are made accountable for damages – regardless of whether the claim is true or merely alleged. Check this website for more information on how professional liability insurance for architects works. 

A Respected Career

One of the first benefits of becoming an architect that is worth mentioning right at the beginning is that architecture is a respected career. It is one of those careers that is respected all over the world. As a successful architect, you will even have a chance to work on projects around the world. 

An Impactful Career

Architects receive a great deal of respect for their work and serve a very important role in the building of modern society. The impact that architecture has on society is very tangible. Structures and buildings make a city and can last several centuries – becoming historic buildings.

A Fast-Paced Career

If you are looking for a career in a fast-paced environment, your job as an architect will not disappoint you. New technologies and ever-evolving techniques will keep you constantly on your toes. You will have lots to learn and relearn – making this career path both challenging and extremely varied and exciting. There will be days when you will be at the office, other days when you are visiting clients, and still more days when you will be busy on-site. If you want an exciting and challenging career, this one is for you.

How many architects does our economy need?

There was a time when it seemed like the country had a surplus of architects. Today, it seems like the industry is short of architects – that there isn’t a sufficient number of architects to serve the evolving needs of the profession. Architecture firms have been trying to develop coping mechanisms to deal with the shortage of architects and shifting workloads. According to a 2018 article, we need to think about two aspects this decade. Firstly, there is a growing need to replace those architects who are due to retire. Secondly, additional staff is required to keep up with future growth in the construction business. It is estimated that the United States will need an additional 25,000 architects and architectural staff this decade.

What is the job outlook for an architect?

The employment of architects is expected to grow by eight percent between the years 2018 and 2028. That is a faster-than-average growth rate for all types of occupations. 

With a high number of students graduating with architecture degrees, there is expected to be strong competition for internships and jobs. 

What is your career path as an architect?

Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture and a three-year internship, you have the freedom to pursue a variety of fields related to architecture. Some potential career paths within architecture include:

• Technical architect or architectural technologist
• Design architect
• BIM manager
• Specifications (spec) writer
• Project manager
• Building surveyor
• Town planner
• Structural engineer
• Historic buildings inspector
• Interior and spatial designer
• Urban designer
• Workplace consultant
• Sustainability consultant
• Sole proprietor

Working in the United States and Abroad

While the average salary of an architect in the United States is nothing to be worried about, you could end up working as an architect anywhere in the world. The top 10 countries and the average architect salary they offer are:

• United Arab Emirates – $94,000
• Hong Kong – $94,000
• United States – $80,490
• Switzerland – $78,000
• Singapore – $70,000
• Ireland – $62,000
• United Kingdom – $60,000
• Canada – $60,000
• Australia – $57,000
• Japan – $57,000

Places with the most architecture jobs within the United States

Within the United States, California and New York have the most jobs for architects. However, if you are looking for places where architects are paid the highest, Georgia pays the highest architect’s salary with a mean of $97,900.

The perks of working for large architecture companies

You might decide to start your own architecture business or join a well-established architecture company. The perks are well-worth the struggle of getting into a large, well-established architecture company. When you work for a large firm, you can get:

• International projects that give you a chance to work around the world.
• You will have fantastic resources at your disposal.
• The work ethics are much better.
• You have focused work.
• You get to meet a lot of like-minded people and peers in the same profession whom you can share and exchange ideas with.

The job satisfaction of architects

Job satisfaction can be measured by upward mobility, stress levels, and flexibility. 

Upward mobility: The opportunities for advancements and salaries – this is between average and high, depending on the career path you choose.

Stress level: The work environment and the complexities related to the job’s responsibilities – the stress level associated with architecture as a career is above average.

Flexibility: The ability to choose alternative working schedules and a work-life balance – this is around average as you will not work alone but as a team.

If you are passionate about architecture and are considering it as a career option, you have no need to fear. The world needs more architects. Architecture is a lucrative and exciting career, and you can have a lot of job satisfaction from this career.

Similar Posts:

• 3 Proven Ways to Start a Career in Social Care
• When Your Job Search Takes Longer
• Top Stay At Home Mom Jobs