People need places in which to live, work, play, learn,
worship, meet, govern, shop, and eat. These places may be private or
public; indoors or outdoors; or rooms, buildings, or complexes; and
together, they make up neighborhoods, towns, suburbs, and cities. Architects—licensed
professionals trained in the art and science of building
design—transform these needs into concepts and then develop the
concepts into images and plans of buildings that can be constructed by
others.
Architects design the overall aesthetic and look of
buildings and other structures, but the design of a building involves
far more than its appearance. Buildings also must be functional, safe,
and economical and must suit the needs of the people who use them.
Architects consider all these factors when they design buildings and
other structures.
Architects provide professional services to
individuals and organizations planning a construction project. They may
be involved in all phases of development, from the initial discussion
with the client through the entire construction process. Their duties
require specific skills—designing, engineering, managing, supervising,
and communicating with clients and builders. Architects spend a great
deal of time explaining their ideas to clients, construction
contractors, and others. Successful architects must be able to
communicate their unique vision persuasively.
The architect and client discuss the objectives, requirements, and budget of a project.
In some cases, architects provide various predesign services—conducting
feasibility and environmental impact studies, selecting a site, or
specifying the requirements the design must meet. For example, they may
determine space requirements by researching the numbers and types of
potential users of a building. The architect then prepares drawings and
a report presenting ideas for the client to review.
After discussing and agreeing on the initial proposal, architects develop
final construction plans that show the building’s appearance and
details for its construction. Accompanying these plans are drawings of
the structural system; air-conditioning, heating, and ventilating
systems; electrical systems; communications systems; plumbing; and,
possibly, site and landscape plans. The plans also specify the building
materials and, in some cases, the interior furnishings. In developing
designs, architects follow building codes, zoning laws, fire
regulations, and other ordinances, such as those requiring easy access
by disabled persons. Throughout the planning stage, they make necessary
changes. Although they have traditionally used pencil and paper to
produce design and construction drawings, architects are increasingly
turning to computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) technology for
these important tasks. Continual revision of plans on the basis of
client needs and budget constraints is often necessary.
Architects may also assist clients in obtaining construction bids, selecting
contractors, and negotiating construction contracts. As construction
proceeds, they may visit building sites to make sure that contractors
follow the design, adhere to the schedule, use the specified materials,
and meet work quality standards. The job is not complete until all
construction is finished, required tests are conducted, and
construction costs are paid. Sometimes, architects also provide
postconstruction services, such as facilities management. They advise
on energy efficiency measures, evaluate how well the building design
adapts to the needs of occupants, and make necessary improvements.
Architects design a wide variety of buildings, such as office and apartment
buildings, schools, churches, factories, hospitals, houses, and airport
terminals. They also design complexes such as urban centers, college
campuses, industrial parks, and entire communities. In addition, they
may advise on the selection of building sites, prepare cost analysis
and land-use studies, and do long-range planning for land development.
Architects sometimes specialize in one phase of work. Some specialize in the
design of one type of building—for example, hospitals, schools, or
housing. Others focus on planning and predesign services or
construction management and do minimal design work. They often work
with engineers, urban planners, interior designers, landscape
architects, and other professionals. In fact, architects spend a great
deal of their time coordinating information from, and the work of,
others engaged in the same project. Many architects—particularly at
larger firms—use the Internet and e-mail to update designs and
communicate changes efficiently. Architects also use the Internet to
research product specifications and government regulations.
During the required training period leading up to licensing as architects,
entry-level workers are called interns. This training period, which
generally lasts 3 years, gives them practical work experience in
preparation for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Typical
duties may include preparing construction drawings on CADD, building
models, or assisting in the design of one part of a project.
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