Architecture
Misael Delgado
Duties and work schedule
Many architects seek new work by marketing and giving presentations and also consulting with clients to determine the requirements. Some architects prepare and design specifications and prepare drawings and documents. Architects also make scaled drawings of the project, contract documents for the building, and manage construction contracts. Nearly all architects work full time. Many work more than 50 hours per week. Working evenings and weekends is often necessary to meet deadlines.
Working Location and Salary
Architects spend most of their time in offices, where they consult with clients, develop reports and drawings, and work with other architects and engineers. However, they often visit construction sites to review the progress of projects. The median annual wage is for an architect is $72,550. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,860, and the top 10 percent earned more than $119,500.
Education and skills
Most architects hold a professional degree from one of the 123 schools of architecture. Most architects earn their professional degree with a 5 year Bachelor of Architecture degree program. All state architectural registration boards require architecture graduates to complete a training period, usually 3 years, before they may sit for the licensing exam.
Job outlook and related jobs
Employment of architects is projected to grow 24 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of architects is strongly tied to the activity of the construction industry. Some similar jobs like this are civil engineers, construction managers, graphic designers, industrial designers, interior designers, landscape architects, and urban and regional planners.