Architect Job Description & Roles and Responsibilities

Architect Job Description

The primary job of an architect is to design and oversee the construction of buildings and structures based on client preferences and budgets. Architects use their expert skills in design, planning and project management to ensure projects are completed with efficiency and accuracy. These professionals coordinate with other team members like painters, labourers, technicians, and even plumbers to ensure effectiveness in the construction process.

Architects also monitor site conditions and surrounding environmental factors to guarantee that the construction is safe and complies with the rules and regulations of the legal authorities. He or she secures project approval and permits from regulatory authorities. An architect job description includes preparing construction documents with detailed information about several elements for legal purposes. Architects oversee projects from beginning to completion, managing every stage to deliver high-quality and accurate work.

Roles and Responsibilities of an Architect

The roles and responsibilities of an architect are diverse. An architect's role and responsibility include mapping detailed plans and developing final structures of the space with the help of other teammates like electricians, plumbers, and labourers. The architect is responsible for delivering work that satisfies the client's needs and preferences. Here is a list of some major architect roles and responsibilities fulfilled by an architect:

• Client Management: An architect works closely with clients to understand their needs, preferences, and budgets, creating designs that satisfy both functional and aesthetic requirements.

• Project Management: The Architect also manages the construction projects, coordinating with professionals like mechanics, electricians, and even labourers to ensure that the design is effectively and timely implemented.

• Documentation: An architect is responsible for developing designs and checking their feasibility through various software. The final blueprints and safety certificates are important for builders and contractors for construction. These documents may also be required for legal registrations and approvals.

• Application of Technology: Architects use CAD software, building modelling tools, and other office applications to design, plan and test construction approaches.

Career Path Progression Of An Architect

The career path of an architect begins with entry-level roles like interns and gradually advances to senior positions of principal architects or specialised architects. This progression is based on various factors such as skills, experience, and industry trends. Here is a list of some major positions in an architect’s career journey:

• Entry-level Positions: Fresh graduates usually begin as architectural interns, assisting senior architects and learning relevant skills like designing, client management, and site analysis. They typically work under architectural firms or individual architects to gain practical experience.

• Architect: At this stage, an architect roles and responsibilities include designing, drafting, project management, and client management. Beginner architects may also oversee small projects and handle small teams.

• Senior Architect: With experience and strong leadership skills, an architect advances to the position of a senior architect. Senior architects manage teams and develop design strategies, business development activities, and client relationship management.

• Specialised Architect: An architect may further advance to the position of a specialised architect after gaining expertise in a particular field. These specialisations include heritage conservation architect, interior designer, urban planner, landscape architect, and healthcare architect. This may need further education and certification.

Architect Qualifications Requirement

A candidate planning to pursue a career as an architect must complete 10+2 in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics from a recognised board of education in India. The candidate then needs to opt for a bachelor’s degree, which can be followed either by a master’s degree or a job. To secure admission into top architecture colleges, candidates are required to qualify for state-level or national-level entrance exams. Below is a list of some entrance exams, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees a candidate may consider:

Entrance Examinations:

• JEE Main

• GAT

• AMUEE

• NATA

Bachelor’s Degree Programmes:

• B.Arch. (Bachelor of Architecture)

• B.Plan. (Bachelor of Planning)

• B.Tech. (Bachelor of Technology) Architecture Engineering

• B.Tech. (Bachelor of Technology) Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering

Master’s Degree Programmes:

• M.Arch. (Master of Architecture)

• M.Plan. (Master of Planning)

• M.Plan. (Master of Planning) Urban and Rural Planning

• M.Tech. (Master of Technology) Architecture Engineering)

Architect Skills Needed

The skills of an architect range from essential communication abilities to complex technical and analytical skills. An architect should have great attention to detail to ensure accurate designs for clients. We have provided a list of architectural skills and knowledge below that may help aspirants establish a successful career in architecture:

• Project Management Skills

• Communication Skills

• Creativity

• Client Management

• Technical Skills

• Visualisation Skills

Architect Top Recruiters In India

Recruitment of an architect is generally based on factors like skills, experience, talent, market trends, or the size of an organisation. Architects are mainly recruited by construction firms but are also considered by interior design firms, the healthcare sector, academic institutions and real estate developers. Here is a list of some top recruiters in India:

• Ericsson

• Accenture

• Gensler

• Aecom

• Larsen and Turbo

Architect Salary In India

The average salary of an architect in India ranges from Rs. 4 Lakhs to Rs. 50 Lakhs per year, after gaining 1 to 15 years of experience. Here is a list of salaries paid by some of the top architecture recruiters in India:

(Source: AmbitionBox)

Conclusion

An architect is a skilled professional who designs, develops, and implements creative and innovative ideas for constructing aesthetic and functional interior spaces. These experts use advanced computer software to test the feasibility of the design and maintain proper documentation. An architect job description also highlights the significance of working closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences. With growing opportunities and rewarding salaries, a career in architecture is blooming, making it a wise career choice.

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