Architecture is defined as the science as well as the art of designing a building or any physical structure. This is a unique field that combines art and culture, science and technology and even elements of business. Not many subjects of study offer such a diverse blend of learning.
Students studying architecture are rarely bored as their study includes a variety of learning experiences. Validly so, Philip Johnson, an influential American architect once said, "I hate vacations. If you can build buildings, why sit on the beach?"
Architecture is a professional course and is lengthier than other bachelor's programmes like arts and humanities. The duration of undergraduate study varies from country to country. For example, in USA and India, it may take 5 years to complete a degree in Architecture while in UK, it may take up to 6 years. The degree awarded is popularly known as ‘Bachelor in Architecture (Bachelors in Architecture). The course usually involves long hours of work in the form of studies, projects and design drawings. So, keep the pencils and drawing paper ready as it is going to be a long “drawn” process!
As it is an essential subject, architecture is taught in most of the countries, both developed and developing. Due to the general economic slowdown in developed countries, there may not be a lot of construction activity. This translates into less creation of jobs and thereby lesser opportunities for graduates.
India- Admission into Bachelor of Architecture courses in India is usually conducted on the basis of entrance examinations conducted by various universities. This could be state wise for admission into architecture for a specific state listed universities or a separate examination conducted by the IITs for admission into their elite set of institutes. Other reputed universities like BITS conduct their own entrance examinations. An undergraduate course in India is typically for a period of 5 years. Following successful completion of the course, a graduate has to register with the Council of Architecture by passing certain requirements. This registration is renewable. A lot of importance is given to design drawings so we recommend that you practice them as much as you can.
USA- A typical undergraduate course or Bachelors in Architecture (Bachelor in Architecture) is accredited by the NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board) and comprises of at least 150 semester hours of study with 45 semester hours dedicated just to general studies.
This allows the candidate to qualify for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Upon passing this examination, graduates are awarded their architectural licenses and they can officially be called an architect and practice. The total number of years of study may come up to 5. So, in America you need a license not just to drive but also to draw.
UK- Undergraduate architecture education in UK is different from that offered in the US. Students have to first finish a 3 year BA or BS programme (in some cases) and which is followed by a year’s practice. Only then is your 2 years Bachelors in Architecture considered complete. Registration is done by the Architects Registration Board upon passing of examinations conducted by the Royal Institute of British Architects. This course may take up to 5-6 years depending on the university. So, make up your mind to study for a long time, as this profession only rewards the patient and hardworking.
Australia-The duration of undergraduate programme in Australia varies from university to university. Mostly, it is a 3+2 year course where the first 3 years are dedicated to an undergraduate degree and the remaining 2 years comprise of a course-work based Master of Architecture professional degree. A few universities require 6-12 month work experience between the two courses. Registration is done by state wise boards in Australia and requires a minimum of 2 years of practice under the supervision of a registered architect. It should be kept in mind that admission to architecture courses in Australia is very competitive as the number of international students who apply and enrol are the highest for any country at 40%. We recommend you get good grades at high school level so that you get admission to the university of your choice.
Note: For other European universities, the course duration is around 5-6 years depending on the country and registering board.
Apart from the USA, UK, India and Australia which are the preferred destinations to study architecture, there are many premium architecture schools in Europe. Programmes in Spain, Scotland and Denmark are rated very high and students can live a cosmopolitan life in campuses across these countries. Social life in these campuses is active as many channels of entertainment exist. Catch a movie, attend a concert or unwind at one of the watering holes, the choice is yours!
Singapore, Malaysia and Japan are viable options. Singapore and Malaysia are predominantly English speaking. However, in Japan, most interactions take place in Japanese and one may have to learn the language before starting the course.
The work of an architect has a direct effect on the safety of people; hence they receive highly specialised training which consists of advanced education followed by internship and eventually examinations to get their license. A poorly constructed building poses a hazard to all the inhabitants and also the neighbours. Architects are also trained to be analytical and pay attention to detail. No one wants a building to collapse; hence architects are trained on safety as well.
Architects are involved and work on:
- Developing ideas with the client
- Earmarking budgets
- Assessing the layout of the building and its impact on the local environment
- Handling conceptual problems and project management
- Site selection and work in tandem with contractors on site
An architect’s job is also to ensure that the work is carried out to specific standards and above all, ensuring that the structure being built is sustainable, functional and aesthetically pleasing. No one likes a dull or drab construction; hence, the key is to incorporate all elements of design and engineering to give a fundamentally sound structure which also looks good. As the poet Keats once said, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever”; similarly a fine building ensures you clients forever!
Both international and local options open up after an undergraduate study in architecture. For a graduate in architecture from the USA, UK, Australia or India, options come in the form of campus placements wherein students are hired by architectural firms or corporations as interns and then join as architects once they after clear the regulatory exams and get the license. Also, graduates can join construction companies or various engineering organisations.
For students who pass Bachelors in Architecture in India, similar options do exist. They can also pursue higher studies abroad as many Indian architectural schools are reputed worldwide. Similarly, a graduate in architecture from abroad can move to India and join either a company, firm or even start his own practice after clearing the regulatory exams.
Internships with reputed architectural firms help a lot as they provide work opportunities to the student much ahead of their graduation. Potential employers take this factor into high consideration. It is recommended that undergraduate students take up as many internships as possible with good companies as this not only helps them secure a good job but also gives them the necessary exposure to interact with clients. Another piece of advice- always remember to be sweet to your boss during internship; who knows he may hire you once you graduate!
After completing an undergraduate course in architecture, a graduate can start work as:
- Architect intern
- Interior designer
- Architectural technologist
- Building surveyor
- Town planner
- Landscape architect
- Planning and development surveyor
These are, of course, the direct and possible job prospects. Also, government organisations and housing companies employ a significant proportion of graduates and some large organisations such as banks and engineering companies may have in-house architectural teams. Graduates can also start teaching at university level as a lecturer and later get promotions based on their acquired experience and expertise.
Prospective architects who complete internships while in college will have an advantage in obtaining intern positions after graduation. Opportunities will be best for those architects who are able to distinguish themselves from others with their creativity and design prowess. Someone who has unique and innovative designs has better prospects of getting hired.
The typical companies which hire architecture graduates are from
- Construction
- Real Estate
- Engineering
- Technology and Information technology
- MNC banks
- Big organisations that have in house design teams
Also, architects are hired for specific work by
- Public Sector Departments
- Management Consultancies
- Market Research Companies
Government organisations hire architecture graduates for specific work; it could be for the architectural, municipal and land surveyor departments. The armed forces also occasionally hire architect graduates, train and commission them. Basically, any company which needs to be built or needs redesigning will hire you. The question is whether you are smart enough to deliver creative and accurate work.
A student who completes a graduation programme in architecture can join a firm or start his own practice as an architect. It is suggested that a few years of work with a reputed firm would give one the required experience and understanding of the work involved. While working with an architecture firm, a graduate gets the required understanding of the market and the ability to deal with clients and cater to their needs. Ultimately, creativity and dedication are the prerequisites to perform well in any field. Also, it depends whether you like being your own boss or work under someone. If you don’t like taking orders, we suggest that you start your own practice.
Architecture is a profession where experience leads to competence and better designs. This is reflected in the salaries which architects make. Beginners make less compared to maybe a software engineer but with proper experience and professional acumen, sky is the limit. Experienced architects also charge by the hour for just consultations. The bottom-line is the better skilled you are at designing buildings and the more variations you put, the better you get paid. So, gain more experience and be as creative as you can if you want to become Mr. Moneybags!
| Experience in Years | Compensation per annum |
|---|---|
| 0 to 5 | 2 to 6 lakhs |
| 5 to 10 | 5 to 15 lakhs |
| 10 to 15 | 10 to 25 lakhs |
| 15 years and above | 25 lakhs and more |
There are no specific courses which forbid architecture graduates outright but after spending 5-6 years completing a course, students are encouraged to take up related fields than move to radically different fields. For example, a graduate in architecture may not be advised to take up a course in medicine as both are diametrically opposite courses and require equal amount of dedication and hard work. Plus, healing people and building sky scrapers are as different from each other as conducting an open heart surgery is from making blue prints.
Advantages:
- Being a highly creative field, architecture is a very satisfying profession as ideas of a person on paper turn into buildings and structures. It can be termed as a very rewarding career for the senses and the soul.
- The study of architecture also involves a related study of various fields of human endeavour, including Art, History, Material Science, Physics and Engineering. Hence, it is a very diverse field attracting the most brilliant and creative minds.
- It is a well paying field as large firms looking for fresh talent and new ideas. For someone with good grades from a reputed university, the starting salaries can rival any other well paying profession.
- Architecture is also never a monotonous career as each project or work is always different from the last one. This eliminates boredom and creates a new passion for every project which poses different challenges than the previous one.
Disadvantages
- Architecture is subject to the economy and guided by the way economy behaves. If the economy is depressed, there will be fewer constructions leading to a lack of demand for architects.
- Undergraduate study of architecture is a very tough and endearing process like medicine and requires intensive study which may seem taxing.
Usually people with a passion for building and flair for creativity choose this career. The ideal skills required are:
- Inclination towards design
- A keen eye for detail
- Free hand in drawings
- Penchant for accuracy
Apart from the above, an architect would possess the following skills:
- Design talent
- Engineering ability
- Social awareness
- Aptitude for business
- Legal knowledge
So, fill your coffee mugs and be prepared as this field requires a lot of hard work, dedication and adaptability. Creative minded people, look no further as this Hogwarts train of architectural study will take you to the destination of your dreams.
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