Building A Career in Architecture

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An architecture career is unique, as it is a creative process of art and science, put together in response to human needs or activities using available resources?like materials, men, money, and machinery.?

It requires the student to learn many subjects related to Architecture Design, Architectural Drawing, Building Construction, Building Materials, Building Services, and advanced subjects related to Core Architecture such as Climatology, Acoustics, Green Buildings, Sustainability, Landscape, Conservation, and Urban design.

"We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us” ~Winston Churchill

The mentioned quote aptly summarizes the importance of building design. At its simplest, architecture is the design of buildings, groups of buildings, and often the space between buildings. The increasing complexity of building requirements has created scope for specialists to design buildings at every stage of civilization.?

Anyone aspiring to be a student of Architecture, along with the basic qualities of motivation and dedication, needs the perseverance to?sustain the gruel of Architectural learning.

Any student of architecture requires:

• Artistic and creative skills: As architecture is an amalgamation of art and science, one should have a sense of proportions, color schemes, and aesthetics.
• Interest in human relationships: As an architect, you must handle clients as well as allied consultants like vendors, contractors, skilled workers, and unskilled labor.
• Analytical skill set: They should be interested in research, as every project requires lots of work before starting the design.
• Good presentation skills: Architectural projects involve documentation like project reports, contract documents, agreements, specification writings, etc.

How is Architecture different from Civil Engineering?

While Architecture is the profession of Designing buildings keeping in view the aspirations and?requirements of building users, Civil Engineering looks into the design of the building concerning the safety and stability of the building structures. While an architect’s role is the application of his creative genius to design the building and more often off-site work, a civil engineer’s role is more on-site, design of foundations, structure, superstructure, construction management, quality management, etc.

The entrance exams for architecture are:

• JEE Paper, I | JEE Advance | AAT?These exams are specifically for students who seek admission into IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT BHU. One needs to begin by attempting JEE Paper 1, and only after passing this exam may one attempt the following tests.
• JEE Main Paper 2: For admission into the top NITs and SPAs, it is mandatory to appear for this exam.?JEE Mains Paper 2 will be conducted?to shortlist candidates for admission in B.?Arch/B.?Plan courses in institutes like the School of Planning and Architecture (SPAs) and NITs. The JEE Main candidates must have an understanding of JEE Main paper 2 syllabi.
• NATA:?The?National Aptitude Test in Architecture to all other reputed states, government, and private?colleges.

[ You may also visit the following webpage to confirm the?list of universities?that accept the NATA ]

The key areas that are tested in the aforementioned entrance exams are?mathematics, general aptitude,?and?drawing.

Some universities and colleges also offer a specialization degree in the field of architecture called M.Arch./MTech. The admission process into such specialization programs typically has an entrance exam, a?Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), or a Common Entrance Exam for Design (CEED).

Scope of Architecture?

Architecture is one of the most satisfying careers for passionate people who strive to use their creativity to build something new that is aesthetic and useful. An architect works in a dynamic environment and has a flexible thought process

Architects work very closely with professionals from disparate lines of work such as engineering and design. Thus, architects often develop a holistic and broad perspective and can approach everyday situations innovatively. That said, architecture is certainly one of the most demanding and challenging work areas. Furthermore, it is important to understand that one must be creative and ready to learn while working in dynamic environments if one wishes to enter the realm of architecture.

However, one must undergo a long period of academic training before they can start working formally.

Architecture is a demanding and highly competitive line of work. Architects' initial remuneration is average compared to other professions with similar educational backgrounds.?

Architects typically work in an unstructured setting, i.e. they work with various deadlines and hence their workloads may vary throughout a financial year.

Role of an Architect

The facets of architecture are varied and fascinating. Architects indulge in diverse works, including spatial design, aesthetics, safety management, material management, and several others. The role of an architecture professional is to assess the client's vision, requirements & budget, perform the research and analysis required, provide feasible design solutions, and construct the visualized design after a thorough investigation of expenditure.

Another facet of the design-build genre is the constraint to comply with building and safety regulations. Depending on the project, the architect also needs to abide by the laws surrounding the preservation of the local environment.

An architect is a creative problem solver who takes pride in inventing designs that increase efficiency and optimize spaces for communities, homeowners, and businesses. They are responsible for bringing the client's creative ideas to reality while keeping in mind the needs of those using the constructed space.

Architects go places, literally!

They go to a lot of places to work, eat, shop, study, stay, and much more. Students of architecture may apply for various jobs after completing their undergraduate program. For example, one may strive to work as an architectural designer, architectural engineer, interior designer, etc.

Future for Architects?

Architects will be required for as long as human life persists, as shelter is one of mankind’s most basic requirements. Architects will undoubtedly be required in the future, as the demand for designs, urban planning, architectural building, and property development will always outnumber the number of individuals available to do the same task. To develop a position for themselves in this future competitive industry of architecture, the younger generation who wishes to enter it may need to thoroughly prepare themselves with a comprehensive skill set and stay up to date on new trends.

Architecture has had a tremendous economic impact and has generated enormous income. With technological advancements, architects will have a plethora of opportunities in the future.

Conclusion?

Architecture is an intriguing line of work that offers a universe of opportunities for creative enthusiasts. You may scour the web and learn the tenets of architecture from the numerous resources that are available, such as documentaries and other educational media. Some of the popular web series are the following:

The world’s most extraordinary homes

Grand Designs

Abstract – The art of design

Lego House – Home to the brick

Stay Here

Amazing Interiors

Escape to the continent

Feel free to drop in any query you have, related to our field of architecture. The architecture community would be glad to help you out !!!!