Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.

Median Annual Wage: $74,520

Education: Bachelor's degree (56%); Master's degree (19%); Professional degree (15%)

Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)

Related Job Titles: Architect; Project Architect; Architectural Project Manager; Design Architect; Principal Architect; Principal, Architectural Firm; Senior Architect/Design Manager; Senior Architectural Designer; Senior Planner; Specifications Writer

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval.

More Architecture and Engineering Careers

  • Plan or design structures such as residences, office buildings, theatres, factories, or other structural properties in accordance with environmental, safety, or other regulations.
  • Direct activities of technicians engaged in preparing drawings or specification documents.
  • Prepare contract documents for building contractors.
  • Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.
  • Meet with clients to review or discuss architectural drawings.
  • Integrate engineering elements into unified architectural designs.
  • Administer construction contracts.
  • Consult with clients to determine functional or spatial requirements of structures.
  • Develop marketing materials, proposals, or presentation to generate new work opportunities.
  • Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details for its construction.
  • Conduct periodic on-site observations of construction work to monitor compliance with plans.
  • Monitor the work of specialists, such as electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, interior designers, or sound specialists to ensure optimal form or function of designs or final structures.
  • Plan layouts of structural architectural projects.
  • Design or plan construction of green building projects to minimize adverse environmental impact or conserve energy.
  • Represent clients in obtaining bids or awarding construction contracts.
  • Design structures that incorporate environmentally friendly building practices or concepts, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.
  • Perform predesign services, such as feasibility or environmental impact studies.
  • Inspect proposed building sites to determine suitability for construction.
  • Create three-dimensional or interactive representations of designs, using computer assisted design software.
  • Design environmentally sound structural upgrades to existing buildings, such as natural lighting systems, green roofs, or rainwater collection systems.
  • Gather information related to projects' environmental sustainability or operational efficiency.
  • Prepare operating and maintenance manuals, studies, or reports.
  • Calculate potential energy savings by comparing estimated energy consumption of proposed design to baseline standards.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval.

  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval.

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