Architecture…

“The mother art is architecture. Without architecture of our own, we have no soul of our own civilization.” – Frank Lloyd Wright
The American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright believed that architecture was not just a career, but a way to embrace life and shape your surroundings. The practice of architecture requires extensive knowledge within a wide variety of topics, dealing from nature to analyzing meteorological conditions. Pursuing a career in the profession not only requires extensive knowledge, but personal characteristics that would place you within the hierarchy of architects. The Holland Code categorizes architects within the Investigative model, meaning that architects:
• Put a high value on math and science
• Are curious, creative and studious
• Like to work with theories or exploring ideas
• Value nature, conservation and the arts
Architects are also required to excel at visual communication skills, conceptualizing and understanding spatial relationships, and being part of a team. In addition, computer literacy is an increasing factor in today’s firms, so using various types of media to present designs will help emphasis ideas. Today architects are required to contribute much to the construction process, and although their general duties are to protect public health, safety and welfare through building design. They essentially:
• Formulate the design
• Communicate the architecture
• Support the developers
• Implement the design
In preparation to becoming an architect, the road essentially begins with high school. One must start early by creating and environment that is suitable for study. This will ensure your acceptance to an architectural college. Architecture programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) consist of five year programs that award students with the professional, bachelor of architecture degree. During their final academic years, students should pursue work as an architect intern. One must work as an intern for three years and pass all parts of the Architect Registration Exam to become a registered architect. Finally, if interested, graduates can pursue master and doctorate programs at the expense of attending college for two to four extra years.
When on the job working conditions for architects are typically in a comfortable environment, where most of their time is spent creating ideas, developing drawings, serving clients and occasional visits to the construction site. As an architect, you are required to work daily under stresses and meet deadlines. As for compensation, in 2002 the typical architect averaged $56,620, while the lowest ten percent made $36, 280 and the highest ten percent averaged $92,350.

2001 ARCHITECT SALARIES