Architect

Job Profile

Architects may be involved in all phases of development, from the initial discussion to construction. Their duties demand a variety of skills e.g. design, engineering, managerial and supervisory.

Creative Designing

• Some architects concentrate on design work. Design involves both artistic and scientific skills, i.e. producing something which is also technically feasible.
• They work on a set of instructions from their clients defining the type of building required – residential, commercial or industrial or an entire housing or industrial estate and the estimated budget available.
• The project could involve designing from the very beginning or making alterations to existing structures.
• The ideas are discussed and approved. Sketches and plans with details of sizes, specifications are made and estimates of the cost of building materials are prepared.
• Models for a more graphic presentation of a project may be prepared.
• Designing of the interior layout of buildings. The work may be done by an architect alone, in a team, or with the aid of architectural technicians.
• This largely depends on the type of organization or firm an architect is working for and the type of contracts he undertakes.

Managerial and Administrative responsibilities

• Obtaining building permission from the local authority.
• Preparing and negotiating contracts with building contractors, civil and structural engineers and Surveyors.
• Presenting drawings and estimates.
• As overall in-charge architects make regular visits to the site, checking the progress and quality of work.
• Ensuring site and materials security.
• Issuing instructions to the contractor/agent and certifying payments to contractors.
• Discussing problems with the site manager and civil or structural engineers until the construction is complete and ready for the client’s use.

Experienced and senior professionals in Architecture work on large assignments and generally have a team of junior architects, architectural assistants etc. They work as consulting managers, directing, inspecting and dealing with major technical issues, costing, legal decisions, etc. It takes 10 years or more to reach their position.

Salary/Package

The starting salary in India will be in the range of RS. 25,000-35,000 but after being promoted, the salary reaches Rs, 80,000-90,000 in a few years. However, the pay also depends on the college from where you have done your B. Arch., your skills and experience. Also, doing M. Arch will increase your starting salary and future growth. The salaries may also vary based on experience, skills, roles, location, etc.

There are many companies which go for hiring for entry-level jobs and lateral hiring through referrals and job portals for managerial roles. Some of the companies are CBRE, L&T, Hiranandani Group, Atkins, Hafeez Contractor, CCB, Kreative House, Sobha Group, DAAR, VConstructions to name a few.

Skills required

• Technical Know-How: You need to really sound with the concepts you have learned by far and its application in the real world designing.
• Good communication skills: Good ideas are worth nothing if they cannot be put across to stakeholders and convince them of the same.
• Management Skills: You also need to get the work done by employees who are below you in the hierarchy.
• Out of the box thinking: creativity is a non-negotiable clause when it comes to this business. You need to contemplate and make those ideas happen.
• Visualization Skills: You need to be excellent with the angles, drawing and sketching skills to design a perfect prototype of your model.
• Meticulousness: There should be great attention to each and every detail while working on a project.

Pros and Cons of being an Architect

Pros

• Growth Opportunities
• International Exposure
• Not a mundane job
• Job Security
• Handsome pay after some years

Cons

• Low income initially
• Less of duty on the ground
• Longer working hours
• Constant up gradations and corrections in designs as per clients’ requirement

How do I become one

To earn a B.Arch. (Bachelors in Architecture) degree in India, you need to have at least 50% aggregate marks in Higher Secondary (Class XII) with three subjects namely mathematics, chemistry and physics. You can also apply for B.Arch. if you have a diploma in Civil Engineering after class X with equal to or greater than 50% aggregate marks. This is the academic requirement to take the first step in your architectural journey.

There are two entry exams to secure a seat for B.Arch. program from a reputed institute. The first is through NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) which is a national level entrance exam and the second is through JEE Mains-JEE Advance-AAT (Architecture Aptitude Test).