CAREER IN ARCHITECTURE

JOB DESCRIPTION

Architects design buildings and other structures. In addition to considering the way these buildings and structures look, they also make sure they are functional, safe, economical and suit the needs of the people who use them.

    Architects are the real creators of amazing buildings and structures. Skyscrapers in metro cities would not have been possible without them. While capitalism furthers the growth and prosperity of human race, tall buildings with beautiful designs and glory show the grandeur. The rebuilding of ‘Twin Towers’ collapsed in 9/11 incident and other towers and structures shows the real dint of human talent and excellence, creativity and vision.

HOW TO START

As architects study planning and designing of building and structures, a mental inclination and orientation is necessary to move forward in the career of Architecture. Most of the Architecture colleges in India offer education in Architecture at undergraduate level and students with Mathematics at +2 level are preferred. Preparation for an All India Entrance Exam can be started soon after 10th Class. After completing graduation or during the time of graduation in Architecture, candidates can do an internship program either with some practicing architects or with an architecture firm to gain practical experience and better up job prospects.

*Educational Requirements

To become an architect one must earn a professional degree in architecture after completing one of the following programs offered at many colleges and universities:

• 5-year Bachelor of Architecture program intended for students entering programs from high school or with no previous architectural training
• 2-year Master of Architecture program for students with a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture or a related area
• 3 or 4-year Master of Architecture program offered to students with degrees in other disciplines

Generally, the professional degree in architecture must be from a school of architectureaccredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). A few states don't have this requirement.

SCHOLARSHIP

Aga Khan Foundation offers a limited number of scholarships for students of Architecture who are willing to pursue higher education. The scholarship is given to the outstanding students from India who have no other means of financing their studies. According to the guidelines issued by the trust, the scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant:50% loan basis. Applications are invited once a year in June or July and students with excellent academic records, genuine financial need, admission to a reputable institution of higher learning, etc. only are eligible for the scholarship.

60 National Overseas Scholarships are offered to students belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, De-notified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, etc. US$6,600 per year is the amount which is paid to qualified candidates doing the Master's. However, PhD candidates can get US $7,700 per year. There are other scholarships which are being offered to unprivileged meritorious students in various government aided institutes. Besides toppers, candidates who top in entrance exams conducted by the private institutes receive attractive discounts in fees. Education loans are available to students from nationalized banks and private banks at attractively low interest rates.

DIFFERENT ROLES

• Architect: Literally an architect is someone who has got training from an architecture institute on the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. Generally, architects are licensed to practice architecture. An architect either can work independently or for some architecture company or real estate developing firm.

• Architecture Designer: Architecture designers are the professionals who are involved in designing houses and other small buildings. However, these are not registered like an architect but perform various jobs such as designing buildings, designing light-frame buildings including of family homes, agricultural buildings, etc. Some additional duties for architecture designers may include designing of decorative facades malls or big to small sized buildings.

• Architecture Engineer: These professionals have dual qualification of architect and a civil engineer. Bestowed with the duty to provide the services of an architect and engineer, such professionals have attractive demand in job market.

• Interior Designer: Contrary to general belief that the career in interior designing belongs to women, men found it attractive and do courses in interior designing, interior decor, etc. Trained professionals can work with interior designing firms offering services in serene interiors, home interior, bedroom interior, bathroom interior, kitchen, furniture designing, etc.

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

A licensed architect, after gaining experience, may take on increasingly responsible duties and eventual managing entire projects. Architects may advance to supervisory or managerial positions in large firms. Some become partners in established firms while others set up their own practices.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Architects can work with construction companies wherein they are asked to serve as a designer. Initially an architect is expected to understand specific requirements of clients and strike a right balance between aesthetics and practicality. Additionally, an architect with skills can help clients by his ideas in terms of balancing the requirements of appearance, financial budget and time frame. Some architects even work independently and earn their livelihood through consultancy fees which entirely depends upon the skills and profile as well as work experience.

Most of the jobs in architecture come up in government organizations such as Public Works Department, the Archaeological Department, Ministry of Defense, National Building Organization, Town and Country Planning Organization, National Institute of Urban Affairs, Departments of Railways, Post and Telegraphs, Public Sector Undertakings, Housing and Urban Development Corporation, National Building Construction Corporation Ltd., etc. While some other organizations or bodies like State Departments, Housing Boards, Local Bodies for construction works, Builders, Architecture Firms, Consultants, etc. also hire architects.

Architects working independently have ample scope in terms of earning. However, the inherent hazard with independent practice is that the professional undergoes lots of work as he alone has to plan details of sizes, specification and estimates of the cost of the structure, etc. Moreover, he require good models and graphics as there would not be any other person to assist him which is the case when he works with some construction company. Specialization works well for better prospects in architecture as it is a matter of requirement. 

Employment in this field is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2020. Prospective architects may face competition for positions at prestigious firms. To increase one's chances of getting an internship after graduation, it is important to get career-related experience in an architectural firm while still in school. Those who know CADD technology will also have an advantage.

INSTITUTES

• School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi
• Punjab University, Chandigarh College of Architecture
• School of Architecture CEPT, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad
• Lucknow University, Govt. College of Architecture, Lucknow
• Goa University, College of Architecture 
• University of Mumbai, Sir J J College of Architecture 
• Indian Education Society's College of Architecture, Mumbai
• Pune University, Marathwada Mitra Mandal College of Architecture, Pune
• Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, School of Planning & Architecture, Hyderabad
• Kerala University, College of Engineering, Thiruvananthpuram
• Anna University, School of Architecture & Planning, Chennai