4 answers
Kateryna
Student
Scranton, Pennsylvania
10
Questions
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What is the work of an architect?
#architecture #architectural-design #art #mathematics
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4 answers
Ellen Rosenthal
Retired Art Teacher
239
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Kathryn
I'm not an architect, but I'm a retired art teacher, and I often taught lessons on careers in the arts. Here is what I know.
An architect designs our "built environment"---houses, office buildings, shopping centers, sports stadiums, air ports, even outdoor spaces such as public parks. Some architects work specifically on indoor spaces, too. It is a wonderful profession for a creative person who also likes math and science. The previous answers give some pretty good insights into the profession. You'll need a bachelor's degree, plus graduate degree in architecture from a architecture school, and then you will apprentice for a number of years in an architectural firm, until you can pass the rigorous exam to become a licensed architect. It's a long road, but what a great career!
If you are a high school student who is interested in pursuing this career path, what you can do NOW is to take art classes in general art, especially any classes in 3-D art and pencil drawing; get comfortable using computer graphics programs; see what the "tech ed" classes in your school offer; and take science classes, especially physics and math. If your high school offers any art history classes, you should look at taking a general survey of art history, which will include the history of architecture, as well as the fine arts. If you are a college students, talk to your art professors, or google some architecture schools and see what requirements they require for admission.
For even more information, talk to your art teacher (when you can!) or look up online the AIA, the American Institute of Architects, a professional organization.
I hope this helps. Best wishes.
John Oller
Engineer, Project Manager, Quality Manager
159
Answers
Rockford, Illinois
Updated
John’s Answer
What Architects Do
Architects use CADD (Software) during the design process.
Architects plan and design houses, factories, office buildings, and other structures.
Duties
Architects typically do the following:
Meet with clients to determine objectives and requirements for structures
Give preliminary estimates on cost and construction time
Prepare structure specifications
Direct workers who prepare drawings and documents
Prepare scaled drawings, either with computer software or by hand
Prepare contract documents for building contractors
Manage construction contracts
Visit worksites to ensure that construction adheres to architectural plans
Seek new work by marketing and giving presentations
People need places to live, work, play, learn, shop, and eat. Architects are responsible for designing these places. They work on public or private projects and design both indoor and outdoor spaces. Architects can be commissioned to design anything from a single room to an entire complex of buildings.
Architects discuss with clients the objectives, requirements, and budget of a project. In some cases, architects provide predesign services, such as feasibility and environmental impact studies, site selection, cost analyses, and design requirements.
Architects develop final construction plans on the initial proposal after discussing with clients. The architects’ plans show the building’s appearance and details of its construction. These plans include drawings of the structural system; air-conditioning, heating, and ventilating systems; electrical systems; communications systems; and plumbing. Sometimes, landscape plans are included as well. In developing designs, architects must follow state and local building codes, zoning laws, fire regulations, and other ordinances, such as those requiring reasonable access for people with disabilities.
Architects use computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) and building information modeling (BIM) for creating designs and construction drawings. However, hand-drawing skills are still required, especially during the conceptual stages of a project and when an architect is at a construction site.
As construction continues, architects may visit building sites to ensure that contractors follow the design, adhere to the schedule, use the specified materials, and meet work-quality standards. The job is not complete until all construction is finished, required tests are conducted, and construction costs are paid.
Architects may also help clients get construction bids, select contractors, and negotiate construction contracts.
Architects often collaborate with workers in related occupations, such as civil engineers, urban and regional planners, drafters, interior designers, and landscape architects.
Architects use CADD (Software) during the design process.
Architects plan and design houses, factories, office buildings, and other structures.
Duties
Architects typically do the following:
Meet with clients to determine objectives and requirements for structures
Give preliminary estimates on cost and construction time
Prepare structure specifications
Direct workers who prepare drawings and documents
Prepare scaled drawings, either with computer software or by hand
Prepare contract documents for building contractors
Manage construction contracts
Visit worksites to ensure that construction adheres to architectural plans
Seek new work by marketing and giving presentations
People need places to live, work, play, learn, shop, and eat. Architects are responsible for designing these places. They work on public or private projects and design both indoor and outdoor spaces. Architects can be commissioned to design anything from a single room to an entire complex of buildings.
Architects discuss with clients the objectives, requirements, and budget of a project. In some cases, architects provide predesign services, such as feasibility and environmental impact studies, site selection, cost analyses, and design requirements.
Architects develop final construction plans on the initial proposal after discussing with clients. The architects’ plans show the building’s appearance and details of its construction. These plans include drawings of the structural system; air-conditioning, heating, and ventilating systems; electrical systems; communications systems; and plumbing. Sometimes, landscape plans are included as well. In developing designs, architects must follow state and local building codes, zoning laws, fire regulations, and other ordinances, such as those requiring reasonable access for people with disabilities.
Architects use computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) and building information modeling (BIM) for creating designs and construction drawings. However, hand-drawing skills are still required, especially during the conceptual stages of a project and when an architect is at a construction site.
As construction continues, architects may visit building sites to ensure that contractors follow the design, adhere to the schedule, use the specified materials, and meet work-quality standards. The job is not complete until all construction is finished, required tests are conducted, and construction costs are paid.
Architects may also help clients get construction bids, select contractors, and negotiate construction contracts.
Architects often collaborate with workers in related occupations, such as civil engineers, urban and regional planners, drafters, interior designers, and landscape architects.
Thank you, this is very helpful.
Kateryna
Kate Hauserman
Architect
13
Answers
Dearborn, Michigan
Updated
Kate’s Answer
Kateryna,
Architecture is a combination of the arts and sciences. Architects design the built environment. Architects design, research and select building materials and furnishings, work with engineers and produce drawings and specifications (written requirements) that a building contractor uses to build or renovate a building. Architects are licensed professionals. There are numerous market areas for which Architects design including the following: Corporate, Civic, Healthcare, Hospitality/Entertainment, Retail, Sports, Residential, Work-Place, Multi-Family, Education, Industrial, Mixed-Use.
There are several phases to every project, learn more here: https://wc-studio.com/journal/2019/7/5/working-with-an-architect-understanding-phases-of-design-construction
Read more about what an architect does here: https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/what-does-an-architect-do/
Good luck with your career research.
Architecture is a combination of the arts and sciences. Architects design the built environment. Architects design, research and select building materials and furnishings, work with engineers and produce drawings and specifications (written requirements) that a building contractor uses to build or renovate a building. Architects are licensed professionals. There are numerous market areas for which Architects design including the following: Corporate, Civic, Healthcare, Hospitality/Entertainment, Retail, Sports, Residential, Work-Place, Multi-Family, Education, Industrial, Mixed-Use.
There are several phases to every project, learn more here: https://wc-studio.com/journal/2019/7/5/working-with-an-architect-understanding-phases-of-design-construction
Read more about what an architect does here: https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/what-does-an-architect-do/
Good luck with your career research.
Architecture Engineering is a creative functional art to the space.
Creat a functional space from nothing by designing and planning .
Ahmed Almaweri
Eric Dacus, AIBD, CQM
Architectural/Construction Professional
17
Answers
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Architects usually start out interning once out of college doing a wide variety of tasks from making copies, hand sketching, taking a ton of notes, using Parametric Design programs for layout purposes. Once you gain experience you will get more hands on in the design and creation of Construction Documents, Construction Administration and client interfacing. If you want to be the a league ahead of other Architects first get in the construction field and learn how buildings get out of the ground: this is invaluable.
Great question. Good Luck!
Great question. Good Luck!