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If you want to become an architect you should have a complex set of skills including creativity, artistic skills, math skills, as well as good spatial perception and computer skills.
The list of architects’ responsibilities includes the design of various types of buildings such as offices, houses, schools, and so on.
In most cases, architecture firms have a rather small number of employers.
They usually perform such duties as commercial work and residential housing work while preserving some limitations such as a tight budget.
Also, architects may work as consultants and help others by advising on such issues as schedules, materials, and construction.
Nowadays, more and more attention is paid to the issues of buildings’ sustainability and green architecture.
It means that to work as an architect you need to be proficient in design, architectural theory, and use of modern materials, methods, and tools that may be used during the construction process.
In this article, you can find a bunch of useful info about various architecture careers, required training, salaries, and so on.
There are several architecture careers in the top 200 highest paying jobs in America!
Article Table of Contents
Architects
Education and Certification Requirements
In most cases, to become an architect, you need to complete a five-year training and obtain a bachelor’s degree.
Sometimes, a Master’s degree may be required and it may take 1-5 years of training depending on your experience and previous education.
You should keep in mind that you need to obtain a license to be able to work as an architect in any state of the country.
A license can be obtained only after completing a certain amount of training as well as some internship.
Also, you need to pass successfully the Architect Registration Examination.
According to the research held in 2011, about 1/3 of licensed specialists in this sphere also obtained certification from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
It is a great option for those who want to get a career in other states.
What They Do
The results of architects’ work can be seen everywhere around us as they design both buildings and landscapes.
It should be mentioned that architecture is not only creative but also an extremely collaborative sphere.
As an architect, you should be able to work with various professionals including landscape, residential, and interior architects.
Architects need to know how to make the client’s goals come true considering requirements, standards, and budget.
Also, architects should know how to hold and provide various studies on feasibility and environmental impact.
If you want t to be able to do it, you should learn to work on-site and collect and analyze data.
Starting working on a project, an architect makes a design.
As soon as a certain design is chosen, an architect needs to make a final drawing that includes all required conveniences and systems such as ventilation, heating, air conditioning, electricity, and plumbing.
As a landscape architect, you should also be able to design areas around various buildings.
Whether you work as a home architect, building architect, or landscape architect, you still may help your clients with various construction and budget issues.
Moreover, you need to know building codes, zoning laws, and various local ordinances so you can perform your duties properly.
Essential Career Info
An average salary in 2017 – $78,470 per year.
Employment outlook – about 128,000 job options in 2016.
Also, significant growth in employment growth is forecasted for the near future.
Minimum training requirement – a Bachelor’s degree.
The top 10% of specialists in this sphere get a salary of about $134,000 per year.
The lowest 10% of architects get about $47,480 annually.
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Education and Certification Requirements
If you want to work as an architectural manager or an engineering manager, the minimum requirement you should meet is a Bachelor of Engineering or professional architectural degree.
In most cases, architectural and engineering managers need to complete a Master of Engineering Management (MEM), Master of Technology Management (MSTM), or Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program.
Also, they may be obliged to obtain a license depending on the state where they are going to work.
What They Do
An architectural or engineering manager career is a great option for anyone who’s interested in architecture, engineering, and management.
Usually, these specialists are responsible for conducting research and developing and managing teams that work on various products, projects, and designs.
Whether you choose to become an architectural or engineering manager, you’ll be obliged to work on various issues such as:
- Projects’ budgets
- Hiring new staff
- Managing teams
- Preparing training for staff
- Monitoring the office
- Maintenance of equipment
- And some other responsibilities…
Also, these specialists perform project analysis in order to reveal all possible problems and find ways for their solution.
Moreover, they may be responsible for setting administrative procedures and policies.
Both these career options mean that you should know how to ensure staff’s tech accuracy, productivity, and ability to meet deadlines.
Also, they need to stay in touch with other management professionals such as financial, production, marketing, contractors, and other managers.
In some cases, they may be involved in construction and industrial management as well as engineering project management.
Essential Career Info
An average salary in 2017 – $137,720 per year.
Employment outlook – about 180,100 job options in 2016.
Also, significant growth in employment growth (66%) is forecasted for the near future.
Minimum training requirement – a Bachelor’s degree.
The top 10% of specialists in this sphere get a salary of about $208,000 per year.
The lowest 10% of architectural managers get about $88,050 annually.
Drafters
Education and Certification Requirements
To be able to work as a drafter, you need to obtain a postsecondary education.
It may include such options as an Associate of Drafting Technology degree, an Associate Computer Drafting, and Design degree or an Associate CAD Drafting degree that can be obtained at a community college or tech school.
Nevertheless, if you want to work in the architecture sphere, you may be obliged to complete a bachelor’s degree.
A Bachelor of Computer-Aided Drafting and Design degree program is offered by a bunch of colleges.
Also, there are lots of certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees offered by technical institutes.
Similar programs are also offered at community colleges.
After completing one of these programs, you can start working as a drafter or continue your training and enroll in one of the four-year programs.
Also, it is possible to become a drafter after military service but some employers may ask you for some further training.
If you are looking for training options, you may also enroll in a program provided by the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA).
Speaking of certification, it is not the main requirement for drafters but it can provide you with some better employment options.
Just keep in mind that the certification test doesn’t cover such aspects as knowledge of software for CADD or graphic production.
What They Do
In fact, drafters perform a whole variety of responsibilities in various fields like construction.
For example, they use plans to decide on how to build different buildings.
If you are an attentive person dedicated to details and interested in creating objects’ visual representations, a drafter’s career is a perfect option for you.
As a drafter, you should know how to use CADD software that is used to automatize the design and drafting process as well as transform designs into drawings and plans.
Also, drafters should know how to use three-dimensional building information modeling (BIM) and product data management (PDM) programs so they can perform their responsibilities while other people work on a project.
Usually, these specialists work under the supervision of architects and engineers and make designs using their knowledge of manufacturing techniques and engineering.
Working in this sphere, you are going to review architectural plans and add some structural details if necessary, as well as prepare numerous versions of project designs.
Moreover, you should be able to specify such aspects as dimensions, materials, and procedures required for project completion.
Essential Career Info
An average salary in 2017 – $54,170 per year.
Employment outlook – about 207,700 job options in 2016.
Also, significant growth in employment growth (67%) is forecasted for the near future.
Minimum training requirement – an Associate degree.
The top 10% of specialists in this sphere get a salary of about $84,180 per year.
The lowest 10% of drafters get about $34,350 annually.
Landscape Architects
Education and Certification Requirements
If you want to become a landscape architect, first of all, you need to obtain a Bachelor in Landscape Architecture degree or a Master in Landscape Architecture degree.
Just keep in mind that you need to enroll in a program provided by a school that was accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board.
To be able to work in this sphere, you need to get a license as it is the main requirement in any state.
The only exception is landscape architects who work for the government.
In such a case, the only requirement is a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
To become a landscape architect you need to complete 4 or 5-year training so you can become a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA).
If you want to get some better career options, consider applying for a Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) graduate degree program.
Also, it is a good idea to complete some internship before completing your training.
To be able to obtain a license, you need to sit for the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.).
You should know that you can be qualified for this exam only if you have a degree and some work experience.
In some states, you can enroll in the examination without a degree but in such a case you need more work experience.
Also, it is a good idea to get a certification as it can broaden your career prospects and give you an opportunity to work in different states without worrying about a license.
What They Do
A landscape architect – is a creative, visually stimulating, and hands-on career.
To be able to work in this sphere, you need to have great knowledge of art, design, science, and the outdoors aspects.
Usually, they are responsible for a whole variety of projects including designs of recreational areas and parks, public land development, highway construction, and so on.
As a landscape architect, you’ll be obliged to meet with clients and other specialists in the sphere so you can resolve some issues related to your projects.
It may include such points as cost management, plans, and schematics design, land analysis, and choosing methods and materials required for project completion.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Landscape architects may also work in such spheres as engineering and urban planning.
Also, you can work in the architecture industry but keep in mind that in some cases, to make a transition, you need to complete some extra training.
Essential Career Info
An average salary in 2017 – $65,760 per year.
Employment outlook – about 15,750 job options in 2016.
Also, significant growth in employment growth (66%) is forecasted for the near future.
Minimum training requirement – a Bachelor’s Degree.
The top 10% of specialists in this sphere get a salary of about $108,470 per year.
The lowest 10% of landscape architects get about $40,480 annually.
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Education and Certification Requirements
To start working as a surveying technician, it’s enough to have a high-school diploma but in some cases, an Associate in Survey Technology degree or an Associate in Geomatics Technology degree may be required.
Usually, these specialists get on-the-job training that should be completed under the supervision of a licensed specialist.
Starting their career, surveying technicians place markers but later the list of their responsibilities becomes bigger.
After getting some experience, they are responsible for the measurement of land pieces and methods that should be used.
To get some better career options, you need to complete an associate’s degree or an apprenticeship so they can get a better understanding of math and drafting, as well as technical drawing skills.
Speaking of mapping technicians, they usually need to obtain an Associate degree or a Bachelor’s degree in geomatics or in any related field.
To get some better career prospects, you can obtain the Certified Survey Technician credential.
Also, there are some other great certifications offered by The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing and the National Society of Professional Surveyors.
What They Do
Surveying technicians are responsible for maps’ creation.
Usually, they work with cartographers, and Photogrammetrists and help them collect data.
Working in fields, forests, and parks, they should know how to use various equipment and maintain it as well as set new markers and search for old ones.
Also, these specialists may work in an office so they can transfer collected info into digital data.
Mapping technicians are responsible for the selection of data that should be used for map creation.
Moreover, they should know how to inspect maps for accuracy and update them if it is required.
They may assist Photogrammetrists and help them study aerial photographs to analyze landpieces.
Career Advancement Opportunities
You can become a senior survey technician or even a party chief after completing some training and obtaining enough experience.
To become a licensed surveyor, you are obliged to meet some licensing requirements that may vary from state to state.
Essential Career Info
An average salary in 2017 – $39,350 per year.
Employment outlook – about 48,590 job options in 2016.
Also, significant growth in employment growth (16%) is forecasted for the near future.
Minimum training requirement – High school diploma or equivalent.
The top 10% of specialists in this sphere get a salary of about $51,690 per year.
The lowest 10% of surveying and mapping technicians get about $30,740 annually.
Surveyors
Education and Certification Requirements
To be able to work as a surveyor, you need to get a Bachelor in Surveying Technology or Surveying Science degree.
Also, you can obtain a degree in some related field such as forestry, civil engineering, or geography.
If you want to enroll in this career, you need to get a license in all states of the country.
Without a license, you can work as a survey technician but you won’t be able to provide public surveying services and certify legal documents.
To get a license, you need not only to complete your training but also to get at least 4 years of working experience.
Also, you should pass the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam, the Principles, and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam, or any other accredited exam that allows you to get a license.
What They Do
The list of surveyors’ responsibilities includes a bunch of points such as the determination of land or water borders and airspace.
With the help of GPS, these specialists can make a variety of measurements even above and under the Earth’s surface.
Using this data, they make administrative maps that define property lines, define airspaces, and so on.
Also, they should know how to use some specific equipment required for location pinpointing, recording land research, and preparing maps, reports, and plots.
Moreover, surveyors make land descriptions for various types of legal papers.
Normally, surveyors team up with such specialists as licensed surveyors and survey technicians.
In fact, they work with a whole bunch of specialists such as civil engineers, urban and regional planners, landscape architects, cartographers, and construction managers.
In some cases, surveyors may work in some specific sphere and enroll in a career as a geodetic, geophysical prospect, and marine or hydrographic surveyor.
Essential Career Info
An average salary in 2017 – $61,140 per year.
Employment outlook – about 44,800 job options in 2016.
Also, significant growth in employment growth (11%) is forecasted for the near future.
Minimum training requirement – a Bachelor’s Degree.
The top 10% of specialists in this sphere get a salary of about $100,420 per year.
The lowest 10% of surveyors get about $34,470 annually.
That’s It, Folks!
If your creative self is not satisfied with these careers, try looking at my degrees for artists list here to see more career options.