This is how you become the best architect you can be

A career in architecture and design is a rewarding and lucrative profession. It brings with it a high level of responsibility and the opportunity to design residential homes, commercial buildings and even themed entertainment projects in locations around the world. Those interested in a career as an architect or pursuing a degree in architecture have a variety of options.

Are you interested in learning more about architecture and learning about architects' career goals? In this guide, you'll learn about the most important factors in an architect's career development, the prospects for future architects, and salaries for various architectural careers. Aspiring architects should read this article to find out whether a career in architecture is right for them.

Career prospects for architects: Why is architecture a good career?

Architecture is a good career because it can lead to a lucrative position, and as you advance in your career, architects can earn even more. Loud ZipRecruiter For example, senior architects in the 90th percentile earn $160,000 per year in the US. This job is also well paid in the DACH region.

Architecture is also a good profession because architects are generally respected in society. Contemporary architects play a crucial role in our modern society because they design the buildings in which we live. It is a good career choice for people who aspire to a position of high social status.

One downside is that architects don't have the best work-life balance. Architecture students work long hours to earn their bachelor's degrees, and the same is true for many professional architects. This job is demanding and can be stressful, and it is not suitable for everyone.

Know that if you want to become an architect, your professional development depends on you being truly committed to your work. This job can be demanding but also rewarding. If you have excellent problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills and attention to detail, architecture is your field.

Salary and career prospects for architects

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for architects is $80,180. When it comes to job growth, the BLS expects the number of architectural jobs to increase by three percent between 2020 and 2030. While this is less than the average growth for all occupations, BLS statistics also show that an average of 9,400 new jobs will be created each year should be created for architects.

What does a typical career path for an architect look like?

Level 1: Residential Designer

Many architecture graduates begin their careers as residential designers. A residential designer is someone who designs and plans the interiors of residential buildings and comes up with ideas for remodeling these spaces to meet their clients' needs. A person in this position is commonly referred to as an interior designer.

Home designers are responsible for determining what materials are needed and how much money is available for a home project. You are very creative, have excellent communication skills, can make sketches and have an eye for details. According to PayScale, the typical salary for residential designers is between $25,000 and $75,000.

Level 2: Architectural Designer

An architectural designer is someone who designs building and landscape patterns. They work directly under the supervision of licensed architects and communicate with clients to obtain design ideas and create budgets for their construction projects.

Architectural designers have acquired knowledge of Autodesk Revit and Autodesk AutoCAD. In terms of expertise, an architectural designer is one step behind an architect. According to PayScale, architectural designers can earn between $44,000 and $73,000 annually.

Level 3: Architect

When an architectural designer obtains their ARE license, they become a licensed architect. Architects use their expertise in construction and advanced draftsmanship skills to design safe, sustainable, and visually appealing structures.

Architects have technical knowledge of Autodesk Revit, design and project management. They can work on both residential projects such as single-family homes and commercial projects such as office buildings, shopping centers and even churches. According to PayScale, architects can earn between $51,000 and $101,000 annually.

Level 4: Architectural Project Manager

Architectural project managers oversee all parts of the design and construction process of a construction project. They are responsible for preparing and approving construction plans and ensuring that a project complies with environmental and zoning regulations.

Architectural project managers have skills in project management, customer interaction, and project coordination. According to PayScale, project managers in architecture can earn between $53,000 and $114,000 annually.

Level 5: Construction Director

The construction director is a leadership position responsible for assessing the project's staffing needs and ensuring construction goals are met. Construction directors also review contracts and budgets and agree schedules with subcontractors.

Construction directors have highly developed skills in project management, budget management and people management. According to PayScale, construction directors can earn an annual salary between $78,000 and $162,000.

Architect Career Path: Important Milestones

It is important to develop the right skills that will allow you to advance in your architectural career. There are some important milestones that every architect must achieve in order to be successful.

Build your first project

One of the best things that can happen to young architects is having their first project accepted. It is a great pleasure to see your concept for a building or construction project come to life. This will also boost your confidence that you have done a good job.

Work in a good architectural firm

There are many architectural firms. Working in one of the best architectural firms can help you become a better architect. You can acquire better communication skills and analytical skills, and with time and hard work, you can achieve a senior position in the company.

Get your first big customer

Landing your first client is like bringing your first project to life. If you manage to get your first big customer, you can do it again. Once you have secured a large customer, your company will be able to undertake more long-term construction projects.

Open your own architectural practice

If you are thinking about opening your own architectural practice, it is important that you have experience in both the technical aspects of architecture and the business aspects. Opening your own office is a huge milestone because you will be your own boss and run your own business.

Make your business profitable

Once you have practical experience running an architectural firm, it is important to make your business profitable. Create a step-by-step plan and try to achieve your business goals within a set time frame.

Plan your career path as an architect

To be successful in any profession, you must have a plan on how you will achieve that success. The same applies to the field of architecture. Developing your skills and setting career goals are just some of the things you need to consider when planning your career. Let's look at what else can help you plan your architectural career.

Determine your professional goals

One of the best ways to be successful in architecture is to set career goals. Keep the big picture in mind and set your architectural career goals based on your interests. For example, if you want a senior position in the field of architecture, you should set goals to achieve this. If you want to become a design director, set milestones and micro goals that will help you achieve that goal.

Learning higher qualifications

Learning key skills can help you advance your career in architecture. If you want to become a successful architect and excel in an architectural firm, you need to develop important higher-level skills. For example, technical managers or construction managers have good business knowledge.

As an architect, you may be familiar with the design process or have in-depth knowledge of the construction processes involved in a construction project. However, to advance to a higher position, you must have excellent management and communication skills. Invest some time to develop these.

Find a mentor

It's always a good idea to find someone you can learn from. If you work in a company, it's a good idea to find a mentor to take you under their wing and guide you. In many cases, the mentors are experienced architects who already have experience in the field of architecture. They play an important role as you can gain relevant technical knowledge and skills from them.

Expand your office

Grow in your office by taking on new projects and challenges. The more practice you have, the more experience you have. The more practical experience you have, the more you can earn. Almost every job advertisement for most occupations asks for relevant experience and specific educational requirements. Look for projects and certifications that will help you grow.

Decide where you want to settle

If you are concerned about your finances, it is important to choose a suitable place that offers a good salary for architects. Some states and cities offer better salaries, others don't. So it's a good idea to do your research and choose a city that suits your needs and lifestyle.