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Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
How to become an architect? You’ve likely heard of architects, but who are they? What do they do? Most importantly, how does one become an architect? Let’s explore everything about a career in architecture.
Architects are skilled professionals responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of buildings, ensuring they are safe, functional, and visually appealing. They blend technical expertise with creativity, taking ideas from concept to reality. Importantly, only licensed architects can legally oversee construction projects, ensuring compliance with safety and legal standards.
So, how do you become an architect? The journey starts early, often with an interest in the science stream during school. To pursue this career, you need to earn an architectural degree from a recognized university. Success in architecture demands a mix of skills, including engineering knowledge, creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and strong management capabilities. Whether you dream of designing towering skyscrapers or cozy homes, a career in architecture can help you shape the world around you—one building at a time.
Let’s understand further how a career as an architect can be fruitful for you.
An architect is a professional who crafts detailed plans for constructing various structures. They are responsible for both the technical and aesthetic aspects of building design, ensuring that their creations are not only functional but also visually appealing. Architects create blueprints, sketches, and guidelines while following safety standards, budget constraints, and resource availability.
Depending on their area of expertise, architects may design a wide range of structures, including:
There are numerous types of architects across different sectors, but their main goal remains consistent: to meticulously plan and design every element of a building. Architects not only focus on the visual appeal of a structure but also prioritize its safety and functionality. They take into account the financial aspects of construction, ensuring that the buildings cater to the needs of their future occupants. While their specific roles may differ based on their area of expertise and work environment, typical responsibilities of an architect include:
Many school students dream of becoming architects but often feel unsure about how to get started. In India, pursuing an architecture career requires specific qualifications and courses. Let’s explore the journey in detail.
The first step is choosing the science stream in 12th grade, with compulsory subjects like Mathematics and Physics to build technical and analytical skills. A minimum of 60% marks in 12th grade is necessary for admission to an architecture degree program.
Alternatively, students can take another route by completing a 3-year diploma in engineering after 10th grade. Following this, they can apply for a 3-year Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, offering a flexible pathway to the profession.
Scoring well in 12th grade isn’t enough to become an architect. Students must also qualify for entrance exams like JEE Main Paper 1, JEE Main Paper 2, JEE Advanced, Architectural Aptitude Test (AAT), or National Aptitude Test for Architecture (NATA).
Eligibility requirements vary by university, so it’s essential to check your chosen institution’s criteria. For example, IIT Roorkee accepts exams such as NATA, JEE Advanced, and AAT for admission into its architecture programs.
Students can get admission to the university after clearing the entrance test and pursuing an architectural degree.
The popular bachelor’s degrees in architecture include-
The architecture course duration is 5 years. The students will get the architecture subjects in depth. The program includes subjects like math, design principles, building structuring, and engineering. The university will further guide students on how to become an architect.
Internships are essential for architecture students who want to gain real-world experience and make connections in the industry. They provide students with the opportunity to:
Students must register with the Council of Architecture (COA) to work as licensed professionals. Without this license, degree holders cannot legally practice. To apply, students need to submit proof of their Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and review all regulations beforehand.
For broader opportunities, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) offers extra-national certification. While not mandatory, this certification helps candidates apply for architecture jobs in the United States. Combining extra-national and COA certifications can enhance your prospects, both locally and internationally.
If you’re not ready to enter the job market, pursuing a Master’s in Architecture after graduation is a great option. A Master’s program lets you deepen your knowledge and specialize in areas like sustainable architecture, naval architecture, or civil engineering. This advanced education equips you with the skills to tackle professional challenges and make informed decisions in your career.
Now that you know how to become an architect, it’s time to build an engaging resume. Highlight your educational qualifications, skills, training, and internship experience to make a strong first impression. Include all achievements to make your application stand out. Submit your resume to companies and wait for feedback after their evaluation.
How to become an architect? While the path to becoming an architect is similar for all students, the choice of specialization is a personal one. As students embark on their architectural careers, selecting the right specialization is essential to stay motivated and passionate throughout the journey. Let’s dive into some popular specializations in architecture:
If you’re interested in designing homes and living spaces, residential architecture might be the right fit. Architects in this field focus on non-commercial buildings like townhomes, apartments, and private residences. They must consider factors such as budget, space, and timeline while preparing their designs. Alongside office work, residential architects also oversee fieldwork, negotiate with clients, and ensure effective communication.
Average Salary: Rs. 7.2 lakh per year (As per Ambitionbox)
Commercial architecture involves designing large-scale buildings like office complexes, shopping malls, hotels, and retail stores. These structures require a focus on visual appeal, functionality, and compliance with building codes. Commercial architects also integrate technology such as security systems and smart lighting. This specialization serves businesses, government agencies, and non-profits.
Average Salary: Rs. 20 lakh per year
To become a landscape architect, you’ll focus on designing outdoor spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. By incorporating elements like trees, shrubs, and ornamental features, landscape architects enhance the beauty of environments. This field requires knowledge of biology, urban design, wildlife, and interior design to create harmonious outdoor spaces.
Average Salary: Rs. 5.7 lakh per year
For those passionate about the environment, sustainable architecture involves designing eco-friendly buildings that balance technology with nature. This specialization focuses on creating resource-efficient, green buildings that reduce carbon footprints while offering comfort and sustainability. As the demand for sustainable design grows, this field continues to offer rewarding opportunities.
If you love transforming indoor spaces, interior architecture is for you. This specialization involves redesigning existing structures to improve aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Interior architects must master the structural elements like windows, doors, plumbing, and ventilation while focusing on client needs and budget.
Average Salary: Rs. 4 lakh per year
Different Types of Architects and Their Areas of Expertise
How to become an architect? Becoming an architect isn’t just about meeting the academic requirements; it’s also about developing key skills and qualities that will shape the success of your career. While it’s straightforward to understand the steps to becoming an architect, identifying the skills that make you a great architect requires deeper insight. Here are some of the universal skills every architect needs.
Architecture is not just a profession it’s an art form. When students ask, “How to become an architect?” the answer often lies in developing creativity. Architects must have a flair for innovative thinking, as they are responsible for crafting unique, functional, and aesthetically pleasing designs. Creative architects attract clients with fresh, distinctive ideas that stand out. A truly creative design can even become a symbol of a city or country, drawing tourists and boosting local culture. Employers are not only looking for technical skills but also for the ability to think outside the box and create groundbreaking work. So, if you want your architecture career to soar, start nurturing your creative mindset!
To thrive as an architect, one must approach every project with a problem-solving mindset. Architects need to understand clients’ needs, foresee potential design challenges, and offer solutions that meet both aesthetic and practical goals. In addition to designing beautiful buildings, architects are responsible for navigating legal requirements and managing timelines. This proactive thinking helps ensure that designs align with regulations, project budgets, and deadlines, all while satisfying client expectations.
Technical proficiency is at the core of any architect’s toolkit. Architects must master the technical aspects of planning, designing, and constructing buildings. A keen attention to detail is essential, as even the smallest mistake can lead to costly delays, safety concerns, and loss of trust. Successful architects constantly update their knowledge of the latest materials, technologies, and construction methods. With time and hands-on experience, their technical skills evolve, resulting in designs that are not only visually striking but also efficient and durable.
Architects need to communicate effectively with clients, workers, lawyers, and surveyors daily. Strong communication ensures clients understand the architect’s vision, leading to smoother project execution. Building trust and comfort with clients through clear conversations is key. Face-to-face discussions often work better than emails, fostering open dialogue and clearer understanding, ultimately leading to successful projects.
Effective time management is essential for architects to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. By dividing work efficiently and using strong team management, architects can reduce time wastage. Good time management also helps in balancing efforts and managing budgets, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.
Architects passionate about their work have various career opportunities. They can pursue private practice, join architecture firms, work with real estate developers, take on government roles, or explore academic positions. Let’s explore these options further.
How to become an architect? Private practice is ideal for architects who prefer independence. With a proper license, they can work with any client and enjoy more freedom. However, initial challenges may arise due to a lack of guidance. Architects in private practice often experience salary growth and have the potential for quicker income increases as they build their reputation and client base.
How to become an architect in India? Architecture firms offer an exciting career path for architects, providing opportunities to work with diverse clients on a wide range of projects. These firms hire architects to create innovative structural designs and oversee their implementation. Working in an architectural firm exposes architects to a variety of experiences, allowing them to grow their skills and gain the expertise needed to secure high-profile positions in the future. While architectural firms offer valuable work experience and a steady income, architects should carefully choose firms that align with their career goals and preferences. This will help them not only earn a good salary but also elevate their living standards.
How to become an architect in India? In the world of real estate development, architects play a critical role in ensuring that buildings are designed and constructed according to regulations and standards. Architects are responsible for planning projects, obtaining approvals, and guiding the development process. They act as a bridge between the design phase and construction, ensuring that everything complies with legal requirements. Working with real estate developers can offer architects immense respect and invaluable experience, providing opportunities to work on large-scale projects that shape cities and communities.
How to become an architect in India? Government jobs provide a stable and rewarding career path for architects, offering opportunities in various departments. With an architecture degree, you can apply for roles like Assistant Architect in the Central Public Works Department, Manager Architect at BHEL, or Deputy Architect in the Ministry of Defence. Architects can also work on critical infrastructure projects such as metro stations, railway workshops, staff quarters, and maintenance sheds under the railway department. Other government roles include surveyor, technical illustrator, set designer, and architectural engineer. These positions come with the advantage of job security, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to contribute to national development.
How to become an architect? For architects who prefer to share their knowledge rather than work in the field, academic positions are an excellent option. Architects can teach in both private and government universities, shaping the next generation of architects. These positions provide a sense of fulfillment, as architects can guide students, pass on their expertise, and inspire them with their experiences. In addition to personal satisfaction, academic roles come with a respectable salary and set working hours, making them an attractive choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle while still contributing to the profession.
If you’re thinking about a career in architecture, you might also want to consider these related fields:
The architect’s salary is the next important topic after how to become an architect in India. The architect’s salary can vary from private to government institutions. This can also vary with experience.
Salaries are mentioned as per Ambitionbox
It’s not just about earning a degree. Students should also understand the prospects ahead. The academic journey of an architect culminates in a graduation degree, followed by fieldwork experience that sharpens their skills over time. So, what exactly do architects do?
Architects are responsible for designing homes and spaces that make life better and more comfortable. They play a key role in reducing global warming by creating eco-friendly buildings like green structures. Architects contribute to society by constructing essential spaces such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship fundamental needs for human beings.
Therefore, it’s important for government agencies and universities to collaborate in promoting this career and motivating students to pursue this path. Explore various career opportunities and choose the right path for you. Dive into our guide on Career Advice!
Here are several strategies to help you progress in your architectural career:
To become an architect, you need a blend of education, hands-on experience, and certification. Begin your journey by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in architecture from a recognized institution, and consider pursuing a master’s degree if necessary. Acquire practical skills through internships or apprenticeships with licensed architects. To achieve licensure, you must successfully complete the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Ongoing education and keeping abreast of industry developments are essential for advancing your career. This path requires commitment, creativity, and technical expertise, ultimately paving the way for a fulfilling career in creating both functional and visually appealing buildings.
Ans. The students should get cleared in an entrance test after the 12th. The exams are Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) main paper one, JEer 2, JEE Advanced, Architectural Aptitude Test (AAT), and National Aptitude Test for Architecture (NATA). They should qualify for at least one entrance exam.
Ans. The students should opt for the science stream after the 10th standard. The students will get the chance to study architectural subjects at university. These subjects are math, design principles, planning, building structuring, and engineering.
Ans. Students can pursue a diploma program in engineering after the 10th standard. The diploma course will continue for 3 years. Then, they can apply for the bachelor’s in architecture degree course.
Ans. Whether hard or easy, architecture study depends on the student’s understanding. They can tackle the program easily if they are curious to know more about their field. They should be passionate about learning architectural skills. They should have an interest in learning math and science.
Ans. To become a registered architect, you need to complete a degree that is acknowledged by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) – Part 1. Following that, you must gain a year of hands-on work experience. Then, you will pursue an additional two years of full-time university education, such as a BArch, Diploma, or March – Part 2. Finally, you will undertake a year of practical training.
Ans. Becoming a licensed architect typically requires a commitment of 7 to 11 years. This journey includes a minimum of five years dedicated to earning your degree, followed by additional years of practical training to gain the necessary experience.
Ans. To embark on a journey into the field of Architecture, you must first complete your foundational education, specifically finishing Class 10+2 in a relevant stream such as Science or even Arts, which can be beneficial. Following this, you should take the NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) and set your sights on the top Architecture colleges in India to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch) degree.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
