Architecture is the art of constructing spaces that are physically emotionally pleasing to man. It includes the building of houses, multi storied high rise building,stadiums, roads ,bridges, parks ,dams etc. The architect must harmonies his acquired skills of the aesthetic and technological with the natural ambience.
Architecture involves a lot of hard work. In the initial stages of one's career, prospective architects work as assistants to established architects, with low salaries. Duties include researching zoning regulations, working with subcontractors (electricians, plumbers, etc.), and drafting plans, either manually or with computer assistance. Long hours and little responsibility characterize these first few years. Over a period of time as junior architects gain some experience, they start designing parts of a building. At this stage they keep in constant touch with the contractor and ensure that the construction conforms to the plans. It is not until a decade or so that most architects get actual opportunities to design and plan buildings as the lead architect.
Educational Qualifications
There are three types of professional degrees in architecture offered through colleges and universities:
A)Bachelor in Architecture is a 5 year course after +2.
There are about a number of national institutions that offer architectural training at the under-graduate level. Those candidates who have studied Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics can apply for admission. A minimum of 60% marks in aggregate in the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (+2) is required, with the main subjects being English and Mathematics. An entrance examination will be given to test the candidates on their comprehension, sketching abilities and IQ. The top institutions in Ahmedabad and Delhi give about 30% weightage to class 12 results and the rest to the entrance exam. The course can be taken full-time or part-time, the former being divided into 10 semesters (16 weeks each) that also includes 6 months of practical training.
The basic subjects taught are Humanities, Arts and Crafts, Design, Engineering and Technology. The studies mainly focus on : developing awareness of the technical, cultural and environmental factors that determine the limits of any architectural problem understanding the institutional forces which will define the ground on which decisions will be framed balancing the aesthetic, scientific and technical requirements During the final year, students need to undergo practical apprenticeship with a selected Architectural firm. This training helps them to practice and learn all the various aspects of architectural designing, under the guidance of experienced professionals.
B)2-year Master of Architecture programs for students with a preprofessional undergraduate degree in architecture or a related area.
C)3 or 4-year Master of Architecture programs offered to students with degrees in other disciplines.
The Post-graduate awards offered are the Masters degree (M.Arch.), the PG diploma and the Ph.D.
Some of the reputed institutions are : -
The Centre of Environment and Planning Technology, Ahmedabad
The JJ School of Architecture, Mumbai
The School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi
The general opinion is that Ahmedabad focuses more on design and creates good academicians Delhi is good for those interested in practical training since Delhi's architectural activity is high. Mumbai tends to produce sleek interiors' women and men. Roorkee produces students who technically, know their stuff .
With the above degrees that have been approved by the All India Council for Technical Education, candidates and professionals who are registered members of the Indian Institute of Architects can request entitlement of practice from the Council of Architects.
Other Requirements for Architects: In the US those who want to provide architectural services must be licensed. To become licenced one must earn a professional degree in architecture, complete a period of practical training or internship, and pass all divisions of the ARE (Architect Registration Examination).
Generally, the professional degree in architecture must be from a school of architecture accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Individual states may not have this requirement.
Job Outlook for Architects
Employment of architects is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014. Prospective architects may face competition for entry-level positions. To increase one's chances of getting an internship after graduation, prospective architects should gain career-related experience in an architectural firm while still in school. Those who know CADD technology will also have an advantage.
Earnings of Architects
Median annual earnings of wage and salary architects were $60,300 in 2004. Recent graduates working on internships will earn much less. Those starting out in private practices will go through a period of time when they are operating at a loss.*
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much architects currently earn in your city.
A Day in an Architect's Life
On a typical day an architect will:
Discuss the objectives, requirements, and budget of a project;
Provide various predesign services which may include conducting feasibility and environmental impact studies, selecting a site, or specifying the requirements the design must meet;
Prepare drawings and present ideas for the client to review;
Develop final construction plans that show the building’s appearance as well as details for its construction;
Follow building codes, zoning laws, fire regulations, and other ordinances;
Make necessary changes throughout the planning process.
Advancement of Architects
A licensed architect, after gaining experience, may take on increasingly responsible duties and eventual managing entire projects. Architects may advance to supervisory or managerial positions in large firms. Some become partners in established firms while others set up their own practices.
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