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All of you must have heard about architects. But who are architects? What do they do? And most importantly, how to become an architect? In this blog, we will learn everything about a career in architecture.
Becoming an architect requires a combination of technical skills, creativity, and formal education. Architects are skilled professionals responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of buildings, ensuring safety and functionality. Only licensed architects are authorized to participate in the construction process from a legal and safety standpoint.
So, how to become an architect? The journey begins early, starting with an interest in the science stream during school. To pursue a career in architecture, you must earn an architectural degree from a recognized university. Essential skills for success in this field include engineering knowledge, creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and strong management skills.
Let’s understand further how a career as an architect can be fruitful for you.
Steps to Become an Architect in India
Most of the school students have a dream of pursuing an architecture career in the future. They might be confused about how to become an architect. In India, certain degrees and courses are required to become an architect. Let’s understand the detailed journey of a successful architectural career in India.
Step 1: Complete Secondary School Education
To understand how to become an architect, the first step is choosing the science stream in 12th grade, with compulsory subjects like Maths and Physics to develop technical and analytical skills. A minimum of 60% marks in 12th grade is required to gain admission to an architectural degree program.
Alternatively, students can pursue a 3-year diploma in engineering after 10th grade and then apply for a 3-year Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. This route offers another pathway to becoming an architect.
Step 2: Qualify Entrance Exam
To understand how to become an architect, simply scoring the required marks in 12th grade isn’t enough. Students must also qualify for one of the following entrance exams: Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main Paper 1, JEE Main Paper 2, JEE Advanced, Architectural Aptitude Test (AAT), or the National Aptitude Test for Architecture (NATA).
The specific exams required may vary by university, so candidates need to check the eligibility criteria of their chosen institution. For example, IIT Roorkee accepts exams like NATA, JEE Advanced, and AAT for admission to its architecture programs.
Step 3: Complete Bachelor’s Degree
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-
- Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)
- Bachelor in Engineering and Architectural Design
- Bachelor of Engineering in Landscape Architecture
- BSc/BA in Architecture Technology & Construction Management
- BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture & Design
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.
Step 4: Enroll in Internship Programs
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:
- Apply the skills and knowledge they have learned in school to real-world projects.
- Learn about different aspects of the architectural process, such as design, drafting, construction, and budgeting.
- Gain experience working with clients and other professionals.
- Build their portfolio of work.
- Network with other architects and professionals in the industry.
- Get a sense of whether or not a career in architecture is a good fit for them.
Registration
Students should register their names with the Council of Architecture (COA). Degree holders cannot work as architectural professionals without a license. They should submit proof of their bachelor’s degree in architecture to apply for the license. The students should check all the regulations beforehand.
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards provides extra-national certification. This certificate will help them to apply for architect jobs in the States. Extra-national certification is not compulsory, but students can take it along with the registration certification to apply for state jobs.
Apply for a Master’s Degree
If you are wondering how to become an architect, pursuing a Master’s in Architecture after graduation is a great option for those not ready to enter the job market. A Master’s program allows you to deepen your knowledge, specialize in areas such as sustainable architecture, naval architecture, or civil engineering, and tackle the challenges of the profession. This advanced education equips you with the skills needed to make informed decisions in your future career as an architect.
Apply for a Job.
Now, all the students have enough knowledge on how to become an architect. They need to make an engaging resume. The resume should show their educational qualifications, skills, training experience, and internship experience. The resume will depict the first impression of job applicants. Students can put all their achievements in their resumes to make them appealing. They should send their resume to the company for the job. The institution will check the resume and will inform the candidates.
Specializations in Architecture
The answer to How to become an architect is universal for all students. But what type of an architect to become is an individual’s interest. When students begin their careers in architecture, they need to decide the specialization in which they want to work. This will be required to maintain positive energy throughout the journey. Checlar specializations in detail.
Residential Architecture
How to become an architect in residential architecture involves specializing in the design and construction of non-commercial buildings like townhomes, apartments, and other living spaces. Architects in this field must focus on key factors like budget, space, and time while preparing designs. The average salary for residential architects is around Rs 7.2 lakh per year. Along with office work, architects must also oversee fieldwork, negotiate effectively, and develop strong communication skills to interact with clients.
Commercial Architecture
How to become an architect in commercial architecture involves specializing in the design and construction of commercial buildings such as office buildings, shopping malls, hotels, and retail stores. These structures require large spaces, visual appeal, and adherence to building codes and regulations, especially since they serve the public. Architects in this field may also integrate technology like security systems and smart lighting. Commercial architecture benefits businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The average salary for a commercial architect is around Rs. 20 lakh per year.
Landscape Architecture
How to become an architect in landscape architecture involves designing aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces by incorporating elements like tree plantations, shrubs, and other ornamental features. Landscape architects need knowledge of biology, urban design, interior design, and wildlife. This field focuses on enhancing the visual appeal of environments. The average annual salary for a landscape architect is around Rs. 5.7 lakh.
Sustainable Architecture
How to become an architect in sustainable architecture involves designing eco-friendly buildings that integrate technology with nature. This field focuses on resource-efficient, environmentally sound structures, such as green buildings that reduce the carbon footprint. Sustainable architecture is in demand due to its emphasis on comfort and natural features like trees and drainage. The average annual salary ranges from Rs. 2.7 lakh to Rs. 3.3 lakh.
Interior Architecture
How to become an architect in interior architecture involves redesigning existing spaces to improve aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. This specialization requires creativity and a strong understanding of structural elements like windows, doors, plumbing, and ventilation. Architects in this field focus on meeting client needs and staying within budget. The average annual salary is Rs. 4 lakh. This career allows architects to enhance their skills and build a professional portfolio.
Skills and Qualities Required to be an Architect
Certain skills and qualities are essential for being a good architect. These skills and qualities define the effectiveness of their work. It is easy to tell how to become an architect. However, defining the skills needed to become a good architect is difficult. Certain universal skills and qualities are explained in this section.
Creativity
Creative means artistic, and architecture is also a kind of art. If students ask how to become an architect? The answer can be that students should be creative. The clients will come to the architect if they have unique and creative ideas. Architecture is the identity of a country. Architects need to stand out from the crowd through their creative thinking. The employer will also check the creative skills of a candidate along with the other skills. The buildings, designed uniquely, can promote more tourism. The architects are tasked with creating creative solutions to attract more clients and, as a result, make their career growth go upward.
Problem-Solving
How to become an architect involves developing a problem-solving mindset, honed through experience and awareness of laws and regulations in the field. Architects must understand client needs, offer timely solutions, and manage legal and design challenges. They should be proactive, thinking beyond their comfort zone to find the best possible outcomes and ensure timely project completion.
Technical Skills
How to become an architect involves mastering technical skills essential for planning, designing, and constructing buildings. Attention to detail is crucial, as even small mistakes can lead to significant losses in time, money, and trust. Architects should continuously research materials, tools, and construction methods. With experience, their technical expertise improves, ensuring high-quality and efficient designs.
Communication Skills
The architect must deal with clients, lawyers, workers, and surveyors daily. Good and effective communication skills can make their work easy. They can get projects if the clients have understood their message clearly. Proper communication skills can be easily developed if an architect can understand the demands of their clients. They should make their clients comfortable. Only then can the architect communicate with them freely. Face-to-face conversations are more effective than conversations through emails.
Time Management
Problem-solving and technical skills directly related to time management skills. Time management means making more output in the given time. The architect can divide the work to reduce the wastage of time with good team working skills. The management skills of an architect can make it easy to handle challenging tasks without any time loss. Time management means effort and budget management.
Career Opportunities for an Architect
Is architecture a good career? It is a good career option when the architects are passionate about their job. They can do private practice. They can join architecture firms, real estate developers, government jobs, and academic positions. Know about the career opportunities in architecture in depth.
Private Practice
Private practice can be an option for those architects who do not want to work under an employer. They are free to work with any client. Architects need a proper license to pursue the profession as a private practice. Lack of proper guidance at the initial stage can be an issue. They must be ready to solve all clients’ problems to grow their profession. The private practice of architects is useful when it comes to salary increments. If the architect wants a sudden salary increment, they usually opt for private practice.
Architecture Firms
Architectural firms hire architects to work with their clients. They need architects to create structural designs of buildings and implement the plan. A variety of clients provided a variety of experiences to the architects, and this experience can be used to get a job in a high job profile firm in the future. Architectural firms are a good option for immediate jobs and experience. They can earn a sufficient amount of money to upgrade their living standards. This can vary from one firm to another. Architects should choose architectural firms wisely as per their preferences.
Real Estate Developers
Architects have an important role to play in the real estate developers industry. Architects are required to plan and construct buildings per the rules and regulations. Architects are well aware of all the laws. Architects approve projects. After the approval only, the actual development of buildings took place. The architects work as a bridge between the design and development process. Real estate industries can provide immense experience and respect to architects.
Government Jobs
Certain government jobs require an architect degree, like an assistant architect in central public work departments, manager architect in BHEL, deputy architect in the defense ministry, planning and designing metro stations, conducting railway workshops, staff quarters, and maintenance sheds under the railway department. Other role-based government posts include a surveyor, technical illustrator, set designer, architectural engineer, and branch engineer. Government jobs provide job security along with decent salaries.
Academic Positions
The architect can also join academic faculties after completing the program. They can join private as well as government universities. Academic positions give inner satisfaction to architects. Academic positions offer a good salary as well as a respectful position. This career option is for those who do not want to do fieldwork. They have to work for certain fixed hours only. They can teach students what they have learned throughout the journey and guide them in the right direction.
Architect Salary
The architect’s salary is the next important topic after how to become an architect. The architect’s salary can vary from private to government institutions. This can also vary with experience.
- If the architects are beginners, they can expect an average monthly salary of Rs. 29,119.
- Intermediate architects can expect some increment in their salary as compared to beginners. The salary can range from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs. 5.7 lakh per annum with an average salary of Rs. 4 lakhs per annum.
- The average salary of senior architects is Rs. 18 lahks per annum, ranging from Rs. 5 lahks to Rs 48 lakh per annum. A decent salary and effective career experience have gained popularity for the program in India.
A Gateway to Become an Architech!
How to become an architect? It is not enough. The students should be aware of their prospects too. The academic journey of an architect ends with a graduation degree in architecture. They gain experience through fieldwork and enhance their skills with time. Then, what is the work of an architect? An architect’s task is constructing homes and making them a better place to live comfortably.
Architects are trying to reduce global warming by making environmentally friendly constructions like green buildings. Architects make our day-to-day life comfortable and easy. They construct buildings like schools, hospitals, and worship places. These are the basic amenities for human beings. So, governmental agencies and universities should work together. They should promote this course. Students should be motivated to opt for this course.
Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive into our guide on Career Advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How can I become an architect after 12th?
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.
Q2. What subjects do you need to study architecture?
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.
Q3. What should I do after 10th to become an architect?
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.
Q4. Is it hard to study architecture?
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.
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