Architect Career Guide and Counseling

Question: Becoming an architect, What are the critical essential things i must be good at ? Well, i want to become an architect since i am really really good at maths and very passionate about it. I like to design buildings and have all these ideas and etc. So what other things must i be good at to build the foundations of becoming a succeeding architect. What other questions must I ask myself ?

Answer: You need to know math, not necessarily complex math, but things like geometry, trig, algebra, etc are crucial. Calculus helps but isn't necessary. You need to have some background in physics, and preferably mechanics as well, though that isn't typically required. Some basic drawing and other art skills are useful, the real drawings will be done on computer (computer skills a plus), but you will sketch, and at least in school will have to take art classes and build models and such. You'll need a good memory, and good visualization, spatial thinking skills, too.

Question: How much would an architect with a masters get creating a casino make? also, is it better to become an architect who is more focused on residential or Commercial? What is the average salary and the highest salary for someone with a masters in architecture?

Answer: The question is too general to answer accurately, an architect's fee will be determined by the program/requirement of a given project. There is a significant difference in fees between a 20k sf casino and a 100k sf casino for example. When students ask me whether to specialize in commercial or residential architecture, I would always tell them to pursue commercial work. The main reason for this is commercial work will better prepare candidates to pass the ARE (Architectural Registration Exam). You're not an architect until you pass the series of tests. You can look at it this way, an architect who specializes in commercial work will be capable of designing a residence, while an architect specializing in residential work may not be capable of designing a commercial project. Salary range depends on the city you plan to work in. Larger cities tend to pay more to compensate for the increased cost of living. Your location will also dictate the salary range of different degrees. Some States will allow candidates to take the ARE with a BS in Architecture (four year degree). Given that situation, Masters recipients will not garner a higher salary. That's not to say having a Masters is unnecessary, it will depend on the minimum requirements of your local State Board.

Question: What duties does an architect have on a daily basis? Please just give me some information on architects/ architecture because i really want to become an architect. - Is their an union for being an architect?

Answer: Here is the scope of work for an architect from the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos038.htm Architects create the overall aesthetic and look of buildings and other structures, but the design of a building involves far more than its appearance. Buildings also must be functional, safe, and economical and must suit the needs of the people who use them. Architects consider all these factors when they design buildings and other structures. Architects may be involved in all phases of a construction project, from the initial discussion with the client through the entire construction process. Their duties require specific skills—designing, engineering, managing, supervising, and communicating with clients and builders. Architects spend a great deal of time explaining their ideas to clients, construction contractors, and others. Successful architects must be able to communicate their unique vision persuasively. The architect and client discuss the objectives, requirements, and budget of a project. In some cases, architects provide various predesign services: conducting feasibility and environmental impact studies, selecting a site, preparing cost analysis and land-use studies, or specifying the requirements the design must meet. For example, they may determine space requirements by researching the numbers and types of potential users of a building. The architect then prepares drawings and a report presenting ideas for the client to review. After discussing and agreeing on the initial proposal, architects develop final construction plans that show the building’s appearance and details for its construction. Accompanying these plans are drawings of the structural system; air-conditioning, heating, and ventilating systems; electrical systems; communications systems; plumbing; and, possibly, site and landscape plans. The plans also specify the building materials and, in some cases, the interior furnishings. In developing designs, architects follow building codes, zoning laws, fire regulations, and other ordinances, such as those requiring easy access by people who are disabled. Computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology has replaced traditional paper and pencil as the most common method for creating design and construction drawings. Continual revision of plans on the basis of client needs and budget constraints is often necessary. Architects may also assist clients in obtaining construction bids, selecting contractors, and negotiating construction contracts. As construction proceeds, they may visit building sites to make sure 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. Sometimes, architects also provide postconstruction services, such as facilities management. They advise on energy efficiency measures, evaluate how well the building design adapts to the needs of occupants, and make necessary improvements. Often working with engineers, urban planners, interior designers, landscape architects, and other professionals, architects in fact spend a great deal of their time coordinating information from, and the work of, other professionals engaged in the same project. They design a wide variety of buildings, such as office and apartment buildings, schools, churches, factories, hospitals, houses, and airport terminals. They also design complexes such as urban centers, college campuses, industrial parks, and entire communities. Architects sometimes specialize in one phase of work. Some specialize in the design of one type of building—for example, hospitals, schools, or housing. Others focus on planning and predesign services or construction management and do minimal design work. Work environment. Usually working in a comfortable environment, architects spend most of their time in offices consulting with clients, developing reports and drawings, and working with other architects and engineers. However, they often visit construction sites to review the progress of projects. Although most architects work approximately 40 hours per week, they often have to work nights and weekends to meet deadlines. Information about education and careers in architecture can be obtained from: The American Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20006. Internet: http://www.aia.org

Question: When is an architect expected to pay for a design error? On a residential project, the cost of a mistake made by a contractor is routinely absorbed by the contractor. In this case, our architect made a design error that will cost us over $1,000 to fix. Is there a similar expectation that an architect absorbs the financial impact of his/her mistakes?

Answer: What does your contract with the architect say? Read it and give the architect a call.

Question: How much does an architect charge for a residential remodel? We want to add an upstairs to our 2000 sq ft home. approximately an additional 750 sq ft. We spoke to an architect and he talked to the city and told us the process. How much should we expect the architect to charge us for drawing the plans, etc..?

Answer: $1,125.00 should be what you're charged for this. $1.00 per square foot is standard for design, the additional .50 is for the additional engineering that's involved in there being a second story addition. Shop the project out to several architects for estimates on their services. They should come out and survey the project and be able to give you their dollar amount on the spot. I've done several of these on waterfront homes in Florida; it's not that difficult and the design/engineering is typical and standardized in most cases. If you need further or additional help with this let me know. Mike Lonergan TradesProfessional, Inc. http://www.tradesprofessional.com

Question: How do I find a local architect (or designer) to help with a significant home addition? We are considering doing a home addition & need the services of an architect or someone who can help us formulate our ideas. How do I find them? Is there an agency or society that residential architects belong to?

Answer: I work a few different aspects of construction both new and renovation. I tell you this, recently graduated architects (say 5 years) are, well, basically they haven't a clue to how a house really works. No huge issue with plumbing, wiring, structure (usually) but I find the fit and finish is often forced in the drawing, the framer will do his best to deal with it, and the finishing work is now somehow supposed to make it all look good. You need somebody with a lot of experience, 10 years+, and find out how many similar projects they've worked on. Other than that maybe you know a few people who have built new- ask them about the general contractor they used and maybe go with one of them. In most cases it will cost slightly more but it's straightforward, you will avoid a million headaches, and if they're as good as the reference they already have good trades people in place and the job will be done right.

Question: How much a architect would be charging for residential design? I want to sketch my proposed residential building thru an qualified architect. What would be the appx. charges for that?

Answer: Could run easily into the thousands depending on the detail. Costs nothing to ask them for their fees. Could try a university and find an interning student to do it. Should cost considerably less and that student could use your building in his/her portfolio. There are also virtual architect programs you can purchase.

Question: Who was the architect who introduced the temporary use of grass to determine sidewalk placement? Years ago, an architecture student told me about a famous architect who planted grass all around his buildings when they first opened instead of pre-designing sidewalks and entrance paths. He waited several weeks until he could observe the natural paths formed by the foot traffic of occupants -- then he designed and built the walkways accordingly. Does anyone know who pioneered this technique?

Answer: One source attributes this Christopher Alexander when he was a consultant to the University of Oregon. This makes sense (knowing what I know of Christopher Alexander) but I can't confirm. Larry Wall attributes this to the University of California at Irvine: http://www.softpanorama.org/People/Wall/larry_wall_articles_and_interviews.shtml Here is a critique of the idea, without giving a name: http://atomiq.org/archives/2005/02/ceci_nest_pas_un_sentier.html

Question: What is the average salary for an architect with 8 years of experience in San Francisco? I am applying for a job transfer from Chicago to San Francisco and need to request for salary compensation. What is the average salary for an architect with 8 years of experience in San Francisco? I am worried abouth the high cost of living in SF; can I manage a decent lifestyle there as a single architect?

Answer: Check out the web links below. You don't say what kind of architect you are, which could affect your salary, but these sources might help. The first link is a listing of the salary range for engineers and architects in San Francisco. The second is a link to Salary.com, where you can enter the job title to search on, and the zipcode you will be working in, and it gives you a salary range. The final link is for the American Institute of Architects in San Francisco. You can find information there, and also visit their offices for more details on what to expect. Best of luck to you!!

Question: How much does an Architect cost for designing a simple nail salon? Hello, I would like to build a nail and hair salon in a 1860sq feet space in a city of 200k. My budget is $30,000 on construction. I want it to be simple but elegant. My question is how much does an architect cost? Is it wiser to ask my landlord for recommendation?

Answer: Since this will be a commercial establishment, the City will most likely require a professional seal either by the architect, mechanical, plumbing and/or electrical engineer. It all depends on the type of work required within that space. For a rule of thumb, most architects will charge somewhere in the $1.50+/sf range for a TI (Tenant Improvement) project, but that will mostly cover services and documentation required to get City permit. Anything beyond that scope will be likely be charged as additional services on a hourly basis.

Question: What are classes needed to become an architect, what is the salary, and what are types or architecture? I am doing a project about architecture and i need to know certain things. Mainly classes in college that you need to take to become an architect, also the salary of an architect and what type of architecture you work in.

Answer: I wish starting was 40k. It is on the coasts, but in the middle more around 35. Architecture is its own degree usally requiring 5 or 6 years (never less). It is often one of the hardest degrees at a university. For example at the school I went to only 30% of the kids who applied were accepted. In first year we had 200+ students, we graduated 60. Here's a good site: http://architecture.about.com/cs/careers/a/bearchitect.htm

Question: What % of total remodeling cost usually goes to an architect? 1,400 SF garage needs to be converted into living space. I will get proposals from 3 different architects. I want to know what is average share of an architect who performs from schematic designs, preparation for all documentation, and supervision of construction.

Answer: 32.798%

Question: What is the difference between an architect and an interior designer? Where does the architect's job end and interior designer's begins?

Answer: There has always been a fine line between them. Take Frank Lloyd Wright as an example. He was an architect by training and education, but he also designed interiors and furniture for many of his homes (control freak). In our firm, my partner is degreed in both fields, licensed and accredited.

Question: What is the difference between an architect and an architectural engineer? Can an architectural engineer be employed as an architect?

Answer: Yes, but an architect might not be qualified to be an architectural engineer. Some architects focus more on aesthetics--how a structure looks. An architectural engineer knows more about the mechanics, load bearing, etc. that is necessary to make the structure safe, functional, and compliant with applicable regulations.

Question: What is the average salary for an architect? and what do you have to do to become one? I would like to be one when i am older. Is it hard to be a self employed architect?

Answer: Oh,this is my directly answer as i'm an architect. In Thailand,start point when you just work around 12000-20000 Bahts/month,senior architect around30000-70000 Bahts,sometimes more than this depend on company you work at. You should work at some companies before to be a self employed as you can get experience from the company you work,It's not hard to be an architect,you love you can be,be patient and patient for doing projects or thesis on class.

Question: What is the average salary for an architect in the UAE? Is AED 7500+accomodation+car a decent salary for an architect with about 4 years exp? Should I hold out for more? What would be a good package overall? Is it better to work for local or international firms?

Answer: I hate to say it but, in Dubai, discrimination is very high. If you are from a western country, then no it's way to low. If you are from maybe India or the Philippines then it's not too bad. All depends on what your on now. Is it more? You won't be able to afford any luxury's on this wage if your main goal is to save. Good Luck