What Do Architects Do Every Day?

The people responsible for translating concepts into buildings are architects. Not all architects have the same tasks, and even the same architect does not usually repeat the same tasks on a regular basis. The architectural tasks may be undertaken by self-employed architects, while architects at large companies may specialize in particular phases of the project. At the same time, an architect's regular activities at a small business usually consist of networking, overseeing projects, studying, organizing, de-communicating, de-planning,

 

Communication

Architects spend a large part of their day engaging by phone , e-mail or in face-to - face meetings with customers. Architects work closely with consumers to help them express what they need and then ensure that they get it. The architect is the client's face of the project. In order to pitch to the customer, an architect typically makes multiple sketches and plans and must either sell or justify a specific design. Architects can also assist clients in the commissioning of feasibility studies and contract selection.

 

Planning and Design

While it is not usually a regular activity, the most critical aspect of an architect's job is to carefully formulate innovative ideas to satisfy the requirements of a client. Architects need to figure out how consumer desires, budget limitations, considerations about the planned use of the building, sound design practices, and existing legal codes and ordinances can be incorporated into a single project. In doing so, the architect will decide how the building will appear, the types of construction materials to be used, and the implementation of infrastructure systems.

 

Project Management

Architects take and project from start to finish, requiring them to keep themselves coordinated at all times and to advance the project on a regular basis. This can include ensuring that deadlines are met, working with engineers and interior designers, negotiating contracts, and inspecting a construction site 's progress.

 

Research

An architect can study zoning regulations, building codes, accessibility standards, environmental assessments, building materials, sites and suppliers as part of the design and project management processes. This type of research helps the architect to make well-informed decisions and formulate suitable architectural solutions; in short, all his other work is made possible by this research.

 

Creative Work

By drafting with CADD computer software, architects bring their designs and concepts to life. As the designs of a building are continuously refined through many rounds of customer meetings, discussions with other experts, and studies, the architect must review the plans accordingly. An architect can also be asked to develop small-scale physical models of a design.

 

Architect Starting Salary

A large range of buildings are constructed by architects, including homes, office buildings, churches and airport terminals. They build both the desired appearance and a practical and secure structure, and within the budget of the client, they must do so.

 

Time Frame

After graduation and before being certified, architect interns usually require three to five years to pass all categories of the Architecture Registration Test.

 

Intern Salaries

Architect Magazine's 2007 salary survey revealed a starting salary of between $34,000 and $40,000 for interns. The salary of a fifth-year intern was between $48,000 and $59,000.

 

Early Experience

The survey suggested that architects with five years of experience could expect an average starting salary of between $52,000 and $65,000 in 2007, including their internship years.

 

Average Salary

The average architect 's salary in 2008 was around $37 an hour, or about $77,000 annually, as shown by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

 

General Range

The lowest-paid 10 percent of architects earned less than $42,000 in 2008, according to the BLS, which could represent internal and starting wages. The top 10 percent had incomes more than 119,000 dollars. The middle 50 percent had incomes in the range of $53,000 to $92,000.

​