The architecture degree is most sought after for engineering. The architecture degree has a good number of job roles available that offers better career growth. The present article tries to explore more about careers available in the field of architecture.
Architect
The Architects are responsible to use technical and creative skill to design structures and buildings that suit the requirements of their clients
Role of an Architect
As an architect, one is needed to design new buildings or extensions or alterations to existing structures and advise on the restoration and conservation of old properties. The architects may work on individual buildings or on large redevelopment schemes and the responsibility can extend to the design of the surrounding landscape and spaces.
Responsibilities of an Architect
As an architect one is responsible for:
- Discuss the ideas, objectives, requirements and budget of a project and in some cases help to select a site
- Consult with other professionals about design
- Assess the needs of the building and its users, advising the client on the practicality of their project
- Prepare and present feasibility reports and design proposals to the client
- Assess the impact on the local environment
- Use IT in design and project management, specifically using computer-aided design software
- Keep within financial budgets and deadlines
- Produce detailed workings, drawings and specifications
- Specify the nature and quality of materials required
- Prepare tender applications and presentations
- Negotiate with contractors and other professionals
- Prepare applications for planning and building control departments
- Draw up tender documents for contracts
- Project, manage and help to coordinate the work of contractors
- Control a project from start to finish
- Carry out regular site visits to check on progress and ensure that the project is running on time and to budget
- Resolve problems and issues that arise during construction
- Ensure that the environmental impact of the project is managed.
Salary and Emoluments
The fresh B.Arch students will be earning around 5 lakhs to 9 lakhs per annum. The experienced professionals will be earning around 7 lakhs to 12 lakhs per annum.
Architectural Technologist
As an architectural technologist one will be using the creative side to turn innovative designs into durable and sustainable constructions that appeals to the clients
Role of an Architectural Technologist
As an architectural technologist one will be qualified to lead a project from inception to completion. The architectural technologists specialise in the technology of architecture, focusing on the design of buildings for use and performance.
Responsibilities of an Architectural Technologists
As an architectural technologist one is needed to:
- Meet with other professionals and clients at an early stage to agree on the project brief
- Understand how the design aspects of a construction project influence and relate to performance and functional issues, so that practical questions can be addressed at the outset
- Evaluate and advise on environmental, legal and regulatory issues
- Contribute to planning applications and other regulatory application procedures
- Identify the surveys (e.g. land surveys) required before work can commence, ensuring they're undertaken and their results are fed into the project
- Develop project briefs and work on these as the project progresses
- Prepare and present design proposals using computer-aided design (CAD) and other design software, as well as traditional drawing methods
- Lead the detailed design process and coordinate design information
- Advise clients on procuring the best and most appropriate contracts for the work they are undertaking
- Liaise with appropriate authorities (e.g. planning enquiries and building inspectors) when producing documentation for statutory approval
- Produce, analyse and advise on detailed specifications for suitable materials or processes to be used
- Carry out design-stage risk assessments
- Administer contracts and project certifications
- Manage the work of trainee technologists and contribute to the overall running of the business
- Obtain feedback from clients and people using the building, reporting on the performance of the contractors once construction is completed
- Appraise the performance of buildings which are in use and produce maintenance management information
- Evaluate and advise on refurbishment, re-use, recycling and deconstruction.
Salary and Emoluments
The fresh B.Arch students will be earning around 6 lakhs to 8 lakhs per annum. The experienced professionals will be earning around 8 lakhs to 10 lakhs per annum.
Building Control Surveyors
The Building control surveyors are responsible to ensure that building regulations are met during construction on a wide range of projects and structures.
Role of the building control surveyors
As a building control surveyors, one will be working to make sure that building regulations are followed when houses, offices and other buildings are designed and constructed and when altered, extended or converted.
Responsibilities of a Building control surveyors
As a building control surveyor, one is needed to
- Examine plans, drawings, specifications and other documents submitted for approval to make sure they comply with building regulations
- Inspect buildings, against regulations for public health, fire safety, energy conservation and sustainability and building accessibility
- Where necessary, ask the client for further details
- Advise applicants on changes to ensure legal requirements are met
- Issue conditional approval, subject to other steps being included in the process
- Grant approval for work to commence
- Carry out regular inspections of the building and building methods while works are being completed
- Inspect and test foundations and drainage work
- Take samples of new building materials and assess their suitability
- Keep records of the visits made to site and write reports
- Issue completion certificates when the work has been carried out satisfactorily
- Coordinate and communicate with members of the public, counselors, construction professionals and statutory bodies, e.g. highways, planning and environmental health departments
- Coordinate with special interest groups such as historic building conservation officers and national heritage organisations
- Calculate the fee to be charged to the client
- Keep up to date with current regulations and legislation
- Prosecute builders if non-compliance has occurred, although this is a last resort
- Approve demolitions and carry out surveys of potentially dangerous buildings - you may occasionally have responsibility for this if you work in local government.
Salary and Emoluments
The fresh B.Arch students will be earning around 7 lakhs to 9 lakhs per annum. The experienced professionals will be earning around 7 lakhs to 12 lakhs per annum.
Conclusion
The above are some of the important roles available for B.Arch students. All the above job roles pay decent and handsome salaries and also offer better career growth for the students. The students with passion towards architecture can join the B.Arch course and earn a decent living.