Guide to Education and Career Prospects for Architects

Over the past year in the U.S, there has been a 2 percent rise in the number of architects, according to the NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) which brings the total to 115,316 practitioners.

If you are considering a career in architecture, whether in terms of owning an architect business or taking up employment with an established firm, it is important to know what it takes to be an architect.

Higher expectations are placed on architects due to their specialized training and education. The profession involves complex responsibilities and assignments from designing, supervising, coordinating between different vendors, suppliers, managers, and stakeholders, ensuring safety and complying with building codes and regulations. Professional liability insurance not only helps avoid the financial risks of defending against expensive malpractice or negligence lawsuits but also gives the confidence and optimism to get ahead in the career. Young architects who are starting out in their careers may want to take up projects apart from what they handle in their full-time employment, which is generally not encouraged by most firms. To ensure their employer is not inconvenienced, junior architects need to ensure they buy comprehensive professional liability insurance. Check here to find out more about architects’ professional liability insurance. 

Architect education

There are three main steps involved in becoming a professionally licensed architect. The first step is to complete a relevant bachelor’s degree, while the second is to gain experience by doing an internship. The third step is to take up and clear the Architect Registration Examination.

Most architects in the U.S. go through an accredited Bachelor of Architecture, which is a five-year degree program. Some go on to complete a master’s degree, which could take an additional one to five years. Typically, the bachelor’s degree program covers topics such as architectural history, building design, computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), construction methods, math, and physical sciences.

In the U.S., 35 states mandate obtaining the degree from one of the 122 accredited schools of architecture. The accreditation is provided by the NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board), while the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) provides state licensing requirements.

Before qualifying for the registration exam, architects also have to complete a paid internship, which typically lasts for three years. The NCARB runs an internship program called Architectural Experience Program (AXP), which helps students complete the internship process. In some states, students can complete a part of this internship in related fields such as general contractors and engineers.

Architect career

The demand for architects is expected to go up by 8 percent in the next decade which is more than the growth projected in other professions. The highest number of practitioners are in California, followed by cities like New York and Texas. With a median salary ranging between $5-revised 4,920 to $79,380, it is the right time to be an architect.

There is a growing demand also for architects who specialize in sustainable design, given the impetus on achieving zero carbon emission. From smart homes, modular homes, earthquake resistant structures to energy-efficient homes, architects are expected to plan and design wide-ranging residential and commercial projects.

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