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Architect What is an Architect?

Definition: An architect is a professional who organizes space. Architects design houses, office buildings, skyscrapers, landscapes, and even entire cities.

Architects are trained in many areas, from historic preservation to structural engineering. Like doctors and lawyers, architects have completed university programs and lengthy internships.

The services of a licensed architect depend on the type of project; fees may range from 10% to 15% of the total construction costs.

Examples: Since the dawn of time, humans have constructed dwellings and created new environments. We often use the word "architect" to describe the artists and engineers who designed historic buildings like the Taj Mahal.

Nature of the Work
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Employment
Job Outlook
Projections Data
Earnings
OES Data
Related Occupations Sources of Additional Information

Significant Points

About 1 in 5 architects are self-employed—more than 2 times the proportion for all occupations.
Licensing requirements include a professional degree in architecture, at least 3 years of practical work training, and passing all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination. Architecture graduates may face competition, especially for jobs in the most prestigious firms.

Nature of the Work

People need places in which to live, work, play, learn, worship, meet, govern, shop, and eat. These places may be private or public; indoors or out; rooms, buildings, or complexes, and architects design them. Architects are licensed professionals trained in the art and science of building design who develop the concepts for structures and turn those concepts into images and plans.

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.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

There are three main steps in becoming an architect. First is the attainment of a professional degree in architecture. Second is work experience through an internship, and third is licensure through the passing of the Architect Registration Exam.

Education and training. In most States, the professional degree in architecture must be from one of the 114 schools of architecture that have degree programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. However, State architectural registration boards set their own standards, so graduation from a non-accredited program may meet the educational requirement for licensing in a few States.

Three types of professional degrees in architecture are available: a 5-year bachelor’s degree, which is most common and is intended for students with no previous architectural training; a 2-year master’s degree for students with an undergraduate degree in architecture or a related area; and a 3- or 4-year master’s degree for students with a degree in another discipline.

The choice of degree depends on preference and educational background. Prospective architecture students should consider the options before committing to a program. For example, although the 5-year bachelor of architecture offers the fastest route to the professional degree, courses are specialized, and if the student does not complete the program, transferring to a program in another discipline may be difficult. A typical program includes courses in architectural history and theory, building design with an emphasis on CADD, structures, technology, construction methods, professional practice, math, physical sciences, and liberal arts. Central to most architectural programs is the design studio, where students apply the skills and concepts learned in the classroom, creating drawings and three-dimensional models of their designs.

Many schools of architecture also offer postprofessional degrees for those who already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture or other areas. Although graduate education beyond the professional degree is not required for practicing architects, it may be required for research, teaching, and certain specialties.

All State architectural registration boards require architecture graduates to complete a training period—usually at least 3 years—before they may sit for the licensing exam. Every State, with the exception of Arizona, has adopted the training standards established by the Intern Development Program, a branch of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). These standards stipulate broad training under the supervision of a licensed architect. Most new graduates complete their training period by working as interns at architectural firms. Some States allow a portion of the training to occur in the offices of related professionals, such as engineers or general contractors. Architecture students who complete internships while still in school can count some of that time toward the 3-year training period.

Interns in architectural firms may assist in the design of one part of a project, help prepare architectural documents or drawings, build models, or prepare construction drawings on CADD. Interns also may research building codes and materials or write specifications for building materials, installation criteria, the quality of finishes, and other, related details.

Licensure. All States and the District of Columbia require individuals to be licensed (registered) before they may call themselves architects and contract to provide architectural services. During the time between graduation and becoming licensed, architecture school graduates generally work in the field under the supervision of a licensed architect who takes legal responsibility for all work. Licensing requirements include a professional degree in architecture, a period of practical training or internship, and a passing score on all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination. The examination is broken into nine divisions consisting of either multiple choice or graphical questions. The eligibility period for completion of all divisions of the exam varies by State.

Most States also require some form of continuing education to maintain a license, and many others are expected to adopt mandatory continuing education. Requirements vary by State but usually involve the completion of a certain number of credits annually or biennially through workshops, formal university classes, conferences, self-study courses, or other sources.

Other qualifications. Architects must be able to communicate their ideas visually to their clients. Artistic and drawing ability is helpful, but not essential, to such communication. More important are a visual orientation and the ability to understand spatial relationships. Other important qualities for anyone interested in becoming an architect are creativity and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Computer skills are also required for writing specifications, for 2- and 3- dimensional drafting using CADD programs, and for financial management.

Certification and advancement. A growing number of architects voluntarily seek certification by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Certification is awarded after independent verification of the candidate’s educational transcripts, employment record, and professional references. Certification can make it easier to become licensed across States. In fact, it is the primary requirement for reciprocity of licensing among State Boards that are NCARB members. In 2007, approximately one-third of all licensed architects had this certification.

After becoming licensed and gaining experience, architects take on increasingly responsible duties, eventually managing entire projects. In large firms, architects may advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Some architects become partners in established firms, while others set up their own practices. Some graduates with degrees in architecture also enter related fields, such as graphic, interior, or industrial design; urban planning; real estate development; civil engineering; and construction management.

Employment

Architects held about 132,000 jobs in 2006. Approximately 7 out of 10 jobs were in the architectural, engineering, and related services industry—mostly in architectural firms with fewer than five workers. A small number worked for residential and nonresidential building construction firms and for government agencies responsible for housing, community planning, or construction of government buildings, such as the U.S. Departments of Defense and Interior, and the General Services Administration. About 1 in 5 architects are self-employed.

Job Outlook

Employment of architects is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. Keen competition is expected for positions at the most prestigious firms, and opportunities will be best for those architects who are able to distinguish themselves with their creativity.

Employment change. Employment of architects is expected to grow by 18 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of architects is strongly tied to the activity of the construction industry. Strong growth is expected to come from nonresidential construction as demand for commercial space increases. Residential construction, buoyed by low interest rates, is also expected to grow as more people become homeowners. If interest rates rise significantly, home building may fall off, but residential construction makes up only a small part of architects’ work.

Current demographic trends also support an increase in demand for architects. As the population of Sunbelt States continues to grow, the people living there will need new places to live and work. As the population continues to live longer and baby-boomers begin to retire, there will be a need for more healthcare facilities, nursing homes, and retirement communities. In education, buildings at all levels are getting older and class sizes are getting larger. This will require many school districts and universities to build new facilities and renovate existing ones.

In recent years, some architecture firms have outsourced the drafting of construction documents and basic design for large-scale commercial and residential projects to architecture firms overseas. This trend is expected to continue and may have a negative impact on employment growth for lower level architects and interns who would normally gain experience by producing these drawings.

Job prospects. Besides employment growth, additional job openings will arise from the need to replace the many architects who are nearing retirement, and others who transfer to other occupations or stop working for other reasons. Internship opportunities for new architectural students are expected to be good over the next decade, but more students are graduating with architectural degrees and some competition for entry-level jobs can be anticipated. Competition will be especially keen for jobs at the most prestigious architectural firms as prospective architects try to build their reputation. Prospective architects who have had internships while in school will have an advantage in obtaining intern positions after graduation. Opportunities will be best for those architects that are able to distinguish themselves from others with their creativity.

Prospects will also be favorable for architects with knowledge of “green” design. Green design, also known as sustainable design, emphasizes energy efficiency, renewable resources such as energy and water, waste reduction, and environmentally friendly design, specifications, and materials. Rising energy costs and increased concern about the environment has led to many new buildings being built green.

Some types of construction are sensitive to cyclical changes in the economy. Architects seeking design projects for office and retail construction will face especially strong competition for jobs or clients during recessions, and layoffs may ensue in less successful firms. Those involved in the design of institutional buildings, such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and correctional facilities, will be less affected by fluctuations in the economy. Residential construction makes up a small portion of work for architects, so major changes in the housing market would not be as significant as fluctuations in the nonresidential market.

Despite good overall job opportunities some architects may not fare as well as others. The profession is geographically sensitive, and some parts of the Nation may have fewer new building projects. Also, many firms specialize in specific buildings, such as hospitals or office towers, and demand for these buildings may vary by region. Architects may find it increasingly necessary to gain reciprocity in order to compete for the best jobs and projects in other States.

Earnings

Median annual earnings of wage-and-salary architects were $64,150 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $49,780 and $83,450. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,420, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $104,970. Those just starting their internships can expect to earn considerably less.

Earnings of partners in established architectural firms may fluctuate because of changing business conditions. Some architects may have difficulty establishing their own practices and may go through a period when their expenses are greater than their income, requiring substantial financial resources.

Many firms pay tuition and fees toward continuing education requirements for their employees.

Related Occupations

Architects design buildings and related structures. Construction managers, like architects, also plan and coordinate activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of buildings and facilities. Others who engage in similar work are landscape architects, civil engineers, urban and regional planners, and designers, including interior designers, commercial and industrial designers, and graphic designers. What can I do with a major in Architecture?

A. Architecture is more than designing buildings. Students who study architecture in college may choose to go into many different careers. Here's just a sampling:

Architectural Journalist
Architectural Historian
Corporate Architect
Draftsperson
Building Researcher
Building Inspector
Building Contractor
Cartographer
Architectural Engineer
Civil Engineer
Industrial Engineer
Marine Architect
Mechanical Engineer
Surveyor
Technical Illustrator
Urban Planner
Art Director
Fashion Designer
Furniture Designer
Graphic Designer Illustrator
Industrial Designer
Interior Designer
Landscape Architect
Set Designer
Real Estate Broker

Q. To be an architect, what subjects should I take in high school?

A. While still in high school, you should plan a strong college preparatory program with courses in English, humanities subjects, mathematics, including geometry, trigonometry, algebra, and pre-calculus, and physics.

Art courses - drawing, painting, sculpture, or photography - will be helpful in developing your ability to visualize and conceptualize, both important skills to an architect.

Elective courses in computers and business will be extremely helpful in preparing for a career in architecture.

Where are the best colleges to study architecture?

Before You Choose an Architecture School.

Course Work

Now that the degrees have been described, the next step is to understand what courses you will be taking. There exist as many curricula as there are programs in architecture, and in many schools there are a number of options that lead to the completion of the degree requirements. The following illustrations are not intended as ideals. They simply describe the more common components of the study of architecture at most schools.

In a B Arch program, and to a lesser extent in the four-year non-professional degrees, the primary concentration is design, in both credit hours and time. In some schools "design" may be a required course every semester. It is almost always a studio course, and certain aspects of an actual or hypothetical architectural problem are emphasized. The student, either individually or as a member of a team, working with a faculty "critic," finishes a project with a preliminary design solution for the problem, which is graphically (and often verbally) presented. For centuries "juries" of faculty and professionals have been used to discuss and evaluate the student solutions-undoubtedly the best-remembered experiences of nearly all students. Ideally, knowledge from other courses is applied in the design studio.

Typically, several non-architectural disciplines play key roles in determining architectural solutions-the behavioral sciences, engineering (structural and mechanical), and economics, to name a few of the more obvious. While some schools have made concerted efforts to teach these and other disciplines in an integrated studio situation, in many programs the actual instruction is still provided in discrete courses-sometimes in the architecture department, sometimes in other colleges.

Most architecture graduates do not become principal designers in architectural offices, and there is some criticism that too much emphasis is placed on the design studio without enough attention given to technical instruction. Others fervently argue that the role of the architecture school is not to develop technical skills; rather, it is to provide a broad framework of knowledge and a basic understanding of the desired objectives-realizing that five or six years of formal education cannot possibly provide all the necessary training an architect will ultimately need. But nearly everyone working on an architectural project will at some point be required to make a decision about what materials should be used or how they will be applied. Literally thousands of details must be resolved before the building is completed. To this extent everyone is a "designer," and this in part explains the emphasis on design in architecture schools.

A typical architecture program will recognize the importance of graphic skills and early instruction will be given in freehand drawing and graphic delineation. Various media will be explored, including pencil, ink, color, and often computer graphics. Common to many schools is an introductory course in architecture, which may range from a sampling of various aspects of the profession to an overview of the historical development of human building activities. In a sense it is a preview of future courses. Many programs will require at least one course in basic design or composition preparatory to architectural design, sometimes offered by the art department, to develop a fundamental understanding of both two- and three-dimensional forms. This course or courses may conclude with direct applications to a specific architectural problem, beginning the transition to more complex design problems. In addition to its use as a presentation medium, computer-aided design (CAD) is also taught as an increasingly important design tool that may be integrated into later design studio courses.

The problem of designing a structure to withstand the forces of gravity, wind, and earthquakes is usually addressed through another series of courses. Beginning with algebra, trigonometry, and physics, most schools require at least one course in calculus and descriptive geometry before the introduction of engineering statics (a development of the study of vector forces, from elementary physics). There may be an additional course on structural materials, particularly in engineering-oriented programs. The actual structures courses may proceed in various sequences by reference to the type of structural element (beam, column, etc.) or the structural material itself (wood, steel, reinforced concrete). Each material has different characteristics and requires separate considerations, but the ultimate objective in the engineering sense is to determine the most efficient and economical system that can be coordinated with the design solution. Obviously, the design affects the structural system and vice versa. Today, most final structural calculations are done by engineering specialists. A mastery of structural calculations is not essential for the architect, but an understanding of structural principles and material properties is. Again, the emphasis in this area will vary widely.

Specialists exist for nearly every aspect of professional practice: programming, specifications, contracts, cost estimating, construction supervision, site planning, interiors, acoustics, lighting, heating and air conditioning, and electrical and structural design. If you look through the offerings in the catalogs of several academic programs you will probably find courses covering each of these and other subjects. They may be either required or optional, or may be integrated into a broader course such as "architectural technology," "professional practice," "contract documents," or "building systems."

Fundamental to most programs is a sequence of courses in architectural history, sometimes including theory. In a few instances these courses are taught in art departments, but nearly always include discussion of not only what humankind has constructed since the pyramids, but how and why. A thorough understanding of the differences in style and technologies of our predecessors provides the foundation for understanding our present culture relative to its building needs.

Communication is essential to human endeavor. Some schools may require or suggest a speech or writing course in addition to native language requirements; in any event, a good command of language skills is indispensable. Most architects spend a great deal of time communicating their ideas in both written and spoken form. You might be surprised to learn that it is not uncommon for senior architects in a large firm to have offices without drawing boards!

Interspersed with architectural or technical support courses are electives. Most programs offer a solid rationale for a strong education in the humanities and social sciences to parallel the professional offerings. While the demand for skills often tends to crowd out the so-called liberal arts offerings, most educators and professionals realize that architecture should not and cannot be practiced in isolation from the rest of our culture. A school may require the student to select a "directed" sequence of perhaps three courses in one field as well as attempt to provide a diverse exposure to some of the many studies important to architecture-such as psychology, philosophy, history, geography, economics, urban studies, literature, sociology, and political science. The first two years in undergraduate architecture programs typically have a greater emphasis in the elective areas to establish a student's academic breadth. It is not uncommon to find programs that have few, if any, architecture courses in the first two years, particularly in the schools whose first degree in architecture is pre-professional.

The actual number and designation of courses, their prerequisites, and sequences are the subject of many hours of discussion in virtually every faculty. Some schools will have far greater concentrations in some areas and offer little, if anything, in other areas.

The general study described above, however, is basically descriptive of most programs, whether they lead to the five-year professional degree or the four-plus-two Bachelor of Arts (or Science) in Architecture or Environmental Studies, followed by a Master of Architecture. Despite the major differences and minor nuances in the programs of the professional schools in the United States and Canada, their graduates collectively have fundamentally similar attributes with, of course, a wide variance in achievement across the range of graduates.

If I study architecture, what is the college curriculum like?

A. As an architecture student, you will study a broad range of subjects, including writing, design, graphics, computer applications, art history, mathematics, physics, structural systems, and building and materials construction.

After college how do I start a career in architecture?

A. Ideally, attempt to find a career-related position while in school; this will make gaining your first full-time position easier. You may work for an architect, desiger, or builder doing a variety of tasks.

Otherwise, network your way into a firm with the help of your interviewing skills and portfolio.

What is the average starting salary for an architect? A. Ideally, attempt to find a career-related position while in school; this will make gaining your first full-time position easier. You may work for an architect, desiger, or builder doing a variety of tasks.

Otherwise, network your way into a firm with the help of your interviewing skills and portfolio.

What is a Building Designer?

Definition: Professional Building Designers, or Home Designers, specialize in designing single family homes. In some cases, they may also design other light frame residential buildings, agricultural buildings, and decorative facades for larger buildings. Unlike architects, Home Designers are not legally required to pass exams or receive special licenses. However, a designer who carries the title "Certified Professional Building Designer" or "CPBD" has completed training courses,

How does one become a professional home designer?

A. If you dream of designing houses and other small buildings, but don't want to spend the years it takes to become a registered architect, then you may want to explore career opportunities in the field of Building Design. A Professional Building Designer, or Home Designer, specializes in designing light-frame buildings such as single family homes and agricultural buildings. A Professional Building Designer may also design decorative facades for larger buildings.

Unlike architects, Professional Building Designers are not legally required to pass exams or receive special licenses. However, a designer who carries the title "Certified Professional Building Designer" or "CPBD" has completed training courses, built a portfolio, and passed a difficult exam.

Training Courses

Your first step in becoming a Professional Building Designer is to enroll in training courses in architecture or structural engineering.

You may take classes at an accredited school of architecture, at a vocational school, or even through a correspondence school. Seek courses and training that will give you a broad background in construction, problem solving, and architectural design. In lieu of academic training, you may study architecture or structural engineering on the job, under the supervision of a building designer, architect, or structural engineer. To find appropriate training programs, explore the links under "Plan Your Career in Home Design," on the right hand side of this page.

On-the-job training is essential to receive certification as a Professional Building Designer. Use the career resources center at your school and/or online job listings to locate an internship or entry level position where you can work with architects, structural engineers, or building designers. Begin building a portfolio with working drawings for design projects. Once you have accumulated several years of training through coursework and on-the-job training, you will be eligible to take a certification exam.

Certification Exam

You are not legally required to become certified in order to work as a house designer. However, earning certification will make it easier for you to find a job in the field. When you apply for certification, you will be asked for letters of reference and a portfolio. Once these are approved, you will need to take a two-day certification exam. The exam questions will cover many phases of construction, design, and problem solving. You will be permitted to refer to several approved reference books as you take the exam. The exam is timed, so you will have only a few minutes to complete each question.

Whether or not you aspire to become certified, you may find it helpful to look at sample questions from the certification exam. These questions will show you the types of courses and training you will need to obtain in order to find work designing houses. A few sample questions are listed below. To find more sample questions and to learn more about the certification process,

Sample Exam Questions

Which of the following is not one of the four basic ingredients in concrete?

a. fine aggregate
b. cement
c. water
d. admixture

Where did early _______ architects obtain most of their building materials? __________________________________

Make an isometric sketch of a:
a. gable roof
b. hip roof
c. gambrel roof

If these questions seem difficult, do not be discouraged. The NCPBD offers a study guide that will help you prepare. You will also find the material you need to know in these books:

1. Architectural Graphics Standards (Ramsey/Sleeper-AIA)
2. The Professional Practice of Architectural Working Drawings by Wakita & Linde (John Wiley & Sons)
3. Construction Materials and Processes by Don A. Watson (McGraw Hill Book Co.)
4. Construction Principles. Materials and Methods by Harold B. Olin (Van Nostrand Reinhold)
5. A Field Guide to American Houses (Virginia & Lee McAlester)
6. Simplified Engineering for Architects & Builders (Harry Parker)
Q. How old is my house? How should I remodel my house?
A. Determining the style or historic period of a house can be tricky! For how-to tips, see How Old is my House? For information about the features of your home, see the House Styles Dictionary. Still stumped? Send a photo! Just follow the guidelines on the House Helpline page.
What will I need to study? How much money do architects make?

A. These are important questions. For fast answers, see Be An Architect!. On this page you'll find links to interviews with architects plus helpful career facts.

A. If your research topic is highly specialized, you'll find it helpful to get feedback from many different people. Please post your question in the Architecture Forum. For research tips, see Find Architecture on the Web. And, if you are preparing for an architect's licensing exam, be sure to check out these Study Aids.

Q. Where can I buy columns, windows, doors, radiators, or other architectural parts?
A. A database of building supply resources can help you find the materials you need. For unusual or historic building parts, you might want to consider shopping for architectural salvage. For further information about any type of architectural product, you are invited to post your question on the Architecture Forum.

Q) What does the Architect see as important issues or considerations in your project?
Q) What are the specific challenges presented by the project?
Q) How will the Architect gather information about your needs and goals?
Q) How will the Architect establish priorities and make decisions?
Q) How are fees established?
Q) What would the Architect expect the fees to be for this project?
Q) What does the Architect expect you to provide during the process?
Q) If the scope of the project changes, will there be additional fees?
Q) How disruptive will the construction process be, if a renovation?

Q) What does the architect see as important issues or considerations in your project? What are the challenges of the project?
Q) How will the architect approach your project?
Q) How will the architect gather information about your needs, goals, etc.?
Q) How will the architect establish priorities and make decisions?
Q) Who from the architecture firm will you be dealing with directly? Is it the same person who will be designing the project? Who will be designing your project?
Q) How interested is the architect in this project?
Q) How busy is the architect?
Q) What are the steps in the design process?
Q) How does the architect organize the process?
Q) What does the architect expect you to provide?
Q) What is the architect's design philosophy?
Q) What is the architect's experience/track record with cost estimating?
Q) What will the architect show you along the way to explain the project? Will you see drawings or sketches?
Q) What services does the architect provide during construction?
Q) How disruptive will construction be?
Q) How long does the architect expect it to take to complete your project?
Q) What sets this architect apart from the rest?
Q) How does the architect establish fees?
Q) What would the architect expect the fee to be for this project?
Q) If the scope of the project changes, how will additional fees be determined?
Q) How will the architect approach your project?
Pre-Design, General Structures, Lateral Forces, Mechanical & Electrical Systems, Building Design/Materials & Methods, and Construction Documents & Services. The graphic divisions are Site Planning, Building Planning, and Building Technology.

Q) What to Expect from an Architect

Design and construction projects involve several steps. According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA), projects typically go through the following six phases. However, on some small-scale projects several of these steps may be combined, and on larger, more complicated ones, there may be additional steps. Keep in mind that an Architect's services may be used in one or all of these processes and those fees will vary accordingly.

Program Requirements. Discuss with your Architect the requirements for the project and determine the best approach to your needs, wants, and budget.

Schematic design/rough sketches. The Architect will prepare a series of rough sketches or schematic designs that show the general arrangement of the rooms and of the site. The sketches must be approved before moving onto the next step.

Design and development/refining the design. The Architect prepares more detailed drawings to illustrate other aspects of the proposed design. Floor plans show all the rooms in their correct sizes and shapes.

Preparation of construction documents. Once you have approved the design, the Architect then prepares detailed drawings and specifications; a contractor will use both of these to estimate construction costs and build the project. These drawings and specifications actually become part of the building contract.

Hiring a contractor. The homeowner is responsible for selecting and hiring a contractor. The Architect may be willing to make some recommendations. In most cases, homeowners choose from several contractors that they have asked to submit bids on the job. The Architect can help you prepare bidding documents as well as invitations to bid and instructions to bidders.

Construction administration. While the contractor will physically build the home or addition, the Architect can assist along the way in making sure that the project is built according to the plans and specifications. While the Architect's job does not necessarily involve the actual construction, he or she can and should make site visits to observe the work in progress, review and approve the contractor's application for payment, and generally keep you informed of the project's progress. Some general contractors do provide a project manager from their staff to oversee the project.

According to the Asia Pacific Institute of Architects, (coming soon)
According to the Middle East Institute of Architects, (coming soon)
According to the South American Institute of Architects, (coming soon)
According to the African Institute of Architects, (coming soon)

Pre Design

Maps

Last Updated: September 22, 2017