Wage

I just wanted to know how much you would make on a normal house to design it?

Architect

How architects get paid is like other professions, it depends on how much you want done in terms of service. An architect can just design it and not do any detailed documents, specifications, or oversee construction. If it is a smaller, more typical home this would likely be the case. For something like this it could range between $4,000 and $6,000. If it is a larger home where some structural engineering, finishes selections, design of cabinets, specification of light fixtures, and detailed documents are required it could be 10% or more of the construction cost of the home. If landscaping or site work is included in our scope it could potentially be more than that. You will also find that different architects charge different fees for work as well. You would want to select an architect based on who they are, their reputation, and quality of work and then negotiate scope of services and a fee with them.

So, when people ask us what it costs for us to do things it all depends on how much time is required depending on what you want us to do. It can be minor work or major time commitments.

Question

I just wanted to know how much you would make on a normal house to design it?

Find the Right Person

Wesley: This cannot be answered quickly. Here would be the kinds of things I would need to know before I could begin to figure out what a professional fee would be:

1. How big is the house? 2 bedrooms, 5 bedrooms, etc.

2. What do you want it to be made of?

3. Do you want help in selection of appliances, furniture, etc.?

4. Where is the site and what kind of topography does it have?

5. Do you want me to consider alternative energy systems?

6. Do you want it to have a basement?

7. Have you ever been part of a design / build process before?

8. Do you want me to review what the contractor is doing during construction?

9. Who is the contractor?

These are just examples of the kinds of things an architect needs to know before designing. The fees we receive for a project are directly related to the quality and quantity of services you want us to perform. To give a fee for a "house" without knowing anything about the people who want to build it or how large they want it would not accurately represent what you are looking for. The amount of thought and design drawing work for a 2 bedroom slab on grade home with a flat site would be very different than a 5 bedroom 5,000 square foot home with finished walk-out basement on a steep site. If you want a more specific answer to this question, you should develop a list of information like I have done above and give to a few architects to review and provide you with a fee/services proposal. You can go to http://www.aia.org/ for a directory of architects.

You will find as well that with architecture you are selecting the best person who will design what you want/need and not simply work for the lowest fee. It is not like buying a product where all models of the same brand are the same no matter who you buy from. Each architect will design something different and provide various levels of service. In other words, you should find the best architect that you feel comfortable with that has the best qualifications, and then negotiate a fee that is agreeable to both of you.

I know this isn't the answer you were likely looking for, but hopefully it begins to show you the scope of what it is an architect does whether for a home or commercial project.

Thank You, Kevin N., AIA, LEED AP

School

I am very interested in a career in architecture. I have had 3 years of arch. classes in high school and understand the basics (if not more) of this career. But I do not know where to go to school. I live in Long Beach California, and relocating is not an option for me.Could you offer any advice as to where I might find a good school to attend in Los Angeles or Orange County that may have a reputation in this industry for having a good architectual program.

Architect

Here is a web page that shows the accredited colleges / universities in the US by state.

Hope this helps

http://archrecord.construction.com/features/EducationChart/EducationChart_AL.asp

Benefits

What Are Your Benefits?

Just a few questions...

I have a few questions for you. Where did you attend college? Was foreign language required when you went to high school or college? Do you use foreign language in your occupation and if so, how often? And if you don't know a foreign language now, do you wish you would have learned a foreign language? Which language would benefit you most?

Skills needed

What skills does an architect need to become "successful"? What do you typically do during a "work day"?

Skills needed

The qualities and skills an architect needs to be "successful" are typically no different than what any other professional needs and would include the following: honesty, passion, dedication, sincerity, ethics.

Now to answer your question a little more specifically, I think you need to be able to present your ideas well and communicate effectively on a daily basis as an architect. This includes working with fellow architects in the office and with clients and prospective clients outside the office.

You need to be able to have an ability to do many things as an architect including: artistic drawing by hand and with the computer; analytical skills like logic, reasoning, and higher mathematical skills; and probably most importantly, public speaking and writing skills to communicate effectively.

In college you are taught how to blend all of these skills together in a design process that takes general information and turns it into a specific result like a building, sculpture, landscape, city plan, etc.

Pursue an M. Arch. at 29

I hold a BFA in painting, and have been out of school for 6 years. Architecture has in the last few years became an area of interest for me, and something I could see myself doing as a career. I like the marriage of form and function, the aesthetic and the practical, that architecture provides. Would I be at too much of a disadvatage pursuing a degree in arch. now? THanks for any comments.....

balh

It is never too late to pursue your passions. In fact, I think some of the best students and professionals are those who have experiences in other fields-- especially those that are related to the fine arts. In my view, this can only make your architecture career better.

Foreman/Carpenter

Hello, I am a 28 year old carpenter with about 12 years' experience in the field. I am very good at what I do, and work hard when I do it. The problem I am having is that my body is not holding up. I have had two Carpal Tunnel surgerys and one shoulder surgery. Architecture has always been an intrest to me, but I have always feared to return to school. Also I have no idea where to find the school which is right for me. I guess my question is...

How can I use my experience in the field to my advantage, and can I work in the architecture field before or during my education?

Path to becoming an architect.

Hello! I am transferring to a university in August, with the intention of earning a master of architecture degree. I am most interested in residential architecture.

What is the specific path to becoming a licensed architect after graduation? Is it possible to become licensed soon after if internships are done during school? Also, once you are licensed, what might a typical progression amd timeline of my career look like? Thank you!

Typical path

After you have a professional degree in architecture you will need to (for most states) go through the Intern Development Program (IDP) administered through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). After you have fulfilled those requirements, you can sit for the licensing exam. Each state is different, but I believe most states now follow this process with IDP and NCARB. Some of the requirements for IDP can be fulfilled while in school, but there are specific stipulations to this in terms of length of employment, kind of employment, full-time/part time status, etc. Typically without a lot of experience during school, it takes about three years to complete the IDP requirements after graduation. With experience during school it would be less than this, but still some time after graduation I would expect.

So, I would check with the state licensing board for the states you are considering practicing in, check out the ( www.NCARB.org) Web site, and also check out the American Institute of Architects (AIA )Web site in the states you are also thinking about for more information.

Also, typical career paths are working as an intern until licensed and then being able to work for yourself if you want after that. Without licensure you would not be able to work alone or have your own firm. In larger firms like I am in (75 people) licensure enables me to have leadership and ownership roles in the firm which I would not necessarily be granted if I did not have this "professional" status.

So, I would encourage you to keep going, get your degree, get licensed and help lead the profession and make the world a better place through the built environment.

Good luck!

question

What are some of your responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Check out the architect's "Profile" and "A Day in the Life" links on this Web site: http://www.careers.iptv.org/enhanced/1139/ec_careerhome.cfm

Business Development Manager

Would you recommend career switching to architecture in one's forties?

Business Development Manager

In my opinion you can do anything at any time. In fact there is an increase in "non-traditional" students, a fancy way of saying "older," in various disciplines including architecture. When I was at Iowa State University as a "traditional" student in my early 20s, I had a classmate who was returning to school in his late 30s. The graduate studio I just taught at ISU this spring had students from various backgrounds/degrees including graphic design, accounting, and mathematics. ISU accepts students into the Master's program who have previous undergraduate degrees in architecture or other fields of study. There is an application process most schools have, however, and depending on the extent of your previous education, you may have to go through the undergraduate program as well. Each school is different in their process, I'm sure. Go for it.

Things to take care of early

I am a high school student in western Washington planning on becoming an architect. Where would I go to find a job or volunteer opportunity working around architects?

Where to start

Chelsea, The first place you could go would be to the state or local American Institute of Architects (AIA) chapter in your area/state. They will have a list of all the firms in your area. We have been hiring high school students for summer internships and as part of local school-to-career programs while they are in their senior year. Most firms also welcome people to job shadow for a day. So I would start with the AIA in Washington. The AIA is different in each state. Iowa, for example, just has a state chapter with no local chapter. Other larger metropolitan areas have their own chapters like AIA Portland, AIA Minneapolis, etc. So, I am not sure without doing an Internet search what the chapters are in Washington. You can go to www.aia.org for the National AIA Web site. Also, you can go to some of the college and universities in your area that have architecture departments and talk with folks there too.

Thinking about changing majors

I've been thinking about changing my major from electrical engineering to architect, so I did a Web search and came upon your discussion board. The discusion board answered a lot of questions for me, and I'm really thinking about making the major change. Do you recommend getting a Master in Architect? Would you be able to get by with a Bachelors in Architect? And do you work with people that have only bachelors? My dad too was a homebuilder/architect and I want to follow his footsteps. Thanks.

Go for it!

I'd go for it. Architecture is a great profession that is changing every day. I always say that architecture is the mother of the arts and it really is. Architecture encompasses many aspects of the arts. My firm currently has architects, interior designers, landscape architects, city planners, engineers, lighting designers, graphic artists, and artists all on staff within one firm. We do so many things that most would not consider "architecture." That's what keeps it exciting. For example, on a few projects we are currently doing art exhibit installations and lighting designs as an architecture firm. This wouldn't have happened even 10 years ago. I can't even really imagine what will happen in the next 10 years. We also are getting into even software development because as architects we are taught to solve problems not just design bricks and mortar.

So just do it.

And what you will need to practice architecture would be at least a 5 year Bachelors of Architecture degree. Many people have these. A Masters Degree is great if you want to specialize or want to extend your research in architectural theory or teach at a university. But having said all of that, you will see in my comments above that my firm for example hires many different folks in other related design professions with all sorts of degrees working on project teams. Architects are required by law to have a professional degree before becoming licensed and being responsible for designing buildings, but having a different degree in a related profession does not preclude you from participating in design teams on projects, such as artists, interior designers, graphic designers, etc.

Hope this helps.

Good Luck!!

Thanks

Thanks for the advice. If everything goes as planned I'll be pursuing a carrer in architect.

IDP

The IDP program requires over 700 hours of specific experience in architecture related tasks. After receiving bachelor's and master's degrees in seven years, an architect must complete IDP before being able to register. What if any advice do you have for obtaining this experience? How willing are firms to hire you at this stage of your career? How can you speed the process? How are you paid compared to after you have become registered. Thank you.

Intern Development Program

IDP stands for Intern Development Program and is a program established to organize an intern's practical education during and after college. As most people in the workforce understand, you learn much of what is required of your profession after college. Therefore, NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) developed this program to organize reporting of experience in certain areas to help firms and interns focus on education after college and prior to sitting for the exam to make sure a holistic view is understood of the profession.

It has been awhile since I have gone through IDP, but it took about 2 1/2 - 3 years of experience before I could sit for the architectural exam. I believe the requirement is 700 units where one unit is 8 hours of work. There are specific requirements for when you can start earning units which generally is after your 3rd year of college, depending on the program of study. For all of the specifics of this program go to the following website: http://www.ncarb.org/idp/index.html This website is NCARB's site and will take you through the entire IDP program and requirements.

You are not only restricted to architectural practice. You can also earn a certain number of units working for contractors, builders, construction managers, etc. Also, I started earning credits by working summer jobs with architectural firms after my 3rd year of college and the requirement was at least 10 consecutive weeks of work in order to receive the credit.

You will find that after you go through school and this IDP process and examination, you will still be required by the AIA (American Institute of Architects) and most state licensing boards to compile continuing education typically every two years to maintain your license because of a professional commitment to life-long learning and to keep current on building technologies and health, safety, and welfare issues related to the building industry.

Hope this helps.

Learning architecture after 40

Hi,

My question is: Is there a way to learn architecture as a past time activity?

I am a 40-year-old computer scientist. As I was growing up I always had talent in painting and drawing besides math. But, I chose math over art and became a computer scientist. At 40 now I realize architecture would have been a better choice for me as I see it a combination of math (proportions) and artistic talent.

I am interested in the "art" of architecture rather than building and construction. Do you have any suggestions for me to introduce myself to architecture.

Thanks, Gul

Young Endeavor

I have a 12-year-old son who expresses interest in becoming an architect. Are there any activities that he would enjoy that would help him with this young endeavor?

It's Never Too Early to Start

1. Have him draw things by looking at them and trying to draw what he sees. Have him try different methods like the computer, by hand, with pencil, markers, anything just to get used to drawing. Drawing is still an important part of our job even though computers are taking over it seems.

2. When I was that age my parents made me a drawing board that tilted so I could draw on that.

3. Buy books on architecture - lots available on this topic.

4. Have him design a building like a house or an office building and have him think about what would be needed to make a house or an office in terms of number and kinds of rooms and how will it stand up. He could even make a model of what he designs out of cardboard or stiff paper.

5. If you are in a town that has architecture firms or near a town that has firms, call one of them up and see if he can go for a day or part of a day to see what goes on. We have people doing this alot.

6. Go to www.aia.org for other information.

Good Luck.

Hello

I think that you are very good at your job. When I grow up I want to be just like you. I am 13 years old.

Thanks

I learned alot from you and all your info was useful. I was doing a report and I sure did learn alot! Thanks sooooo much! You're super-dee-duper!

Architect

Hi, What is your salary based on your job?

Average Salaries

Jose: Take a look at the "Quick Stats" graph at this link on the School to Careers Web site: http://www.careers.iptv.org/enhanced/1139/ec_profile.cfm

City Planner

Hi, I don't know if this is a stupid question, but how does the education/experience of a city/urban planner differ from an architect? As a person in my early '30s, I have been thinking about going back to college and considering becoming an architect. What kind of education do most architects have before they begin IDP activities? A bachelor's degree? Master's degree?P>

CAD draft/design

A technical school in my area offers a certificate program in Architectural Technology where they say you can be prepared for a job as an architectural draftsperson or CAD draftsperson/designer (in about 2 years). Do you or any architectural firms you've known of hire drafting people with vocation/technical (not degree)training? Is that common or rare?

Too Late?

I may find myself being a single mom with 4 kids. I have no degree and am pretty much about to start college from scratch. I've always been interested in architecture, but don't know if it's just too late to begin. I'm 33 and feel a bit hopeless. Any advice?

Never Too Late

Veronica, it is never too late. You should check the universities close to you and see what is available. For an accredited degree in Iowa - Iowa State is the only school. There are other good programs in other states / univ. The demands on your time will not be small - follow your dreams, but you will need to balance that with your family. Also there are related fields like landscape, interior design, drafting, etc. Good luck.

Interested

My dad built his own log cabin. I helped and I thought it was very fun and interesting to have an all-wood house. It was a lot of work. How much schooling do you have to take?

Education for Architects

You can learn about the educational requirements at this link: http://www.careers.iptv.org/enhanced/1139/ec_profile.cfm

Hi

I am 14 years old I have a report to write and I need to know what classes you need to take to become an architect?

Math skill

Hi. I'm a current art student under an art foundation program. Lately I've thought about changing my major into architecture because I found myself more interested in design stuff and building models! But I'm just wondering if the architecture program would involve a lot of math skills and physics skills. I'm not the type of person who are really good with math. I took calculus in high school, and I thougth it was ok. But my question is that would architecture major encounter math skills like engineers math? Or is it just basic math and more focusing on designing stuff? I'm thinking transferring to Virginia Polytechnic Institude and State University because I heard they have a good architecture program!

Math is Important

Architecture embodies many aspects including art, physical science, math, engineering, physics, social sciences, construction, etc. When I went to Iowa State University we took a full year of calculus, a full year of physics and multiple semesters of engineering dealing with structures, materials science, etc. It is important to know these things because it is not just about making a cool-looking building, but one that can withstand nature's forces, earthquakes, wind, rain, sun, etc. So, math is a very big part of what we do every day from building code calculations of fire barriers to understanding structural engineering and mechanical engineering.

In short, each school will have it's own specific requirements (for example, ISU does not require calculus anymore), but they still do advanced math, physics, and all the engineering courses related to structure and mechanical systems of buildings since we need to know these things in order to make successful buildings.

I hope this helps. Kevin N.

Confused about classes.

Hi, I am currently a 9th grader and I am doing excellent this year. My 12th grade friend is going to pursue a job in architecture and got me interested. I have always wanted to be an architect but really didn't think it was a woman's kind of job. So now that I am interested, I am still confused in what classes to take in college. I sort of get the basic idea of what I need to take in high school, for my friend has helped me. I was also wondering if state colleges offered classes that would help pursue my dream of being an architect.

Thank you.

Intern Architect

Hi Amanda, I hope you do pursue your dream of becoming an architect. Studying architecture in college is a lot of work, but it is a very rewarding career to be in, and I enjoy it very much. There are absolutely many women in architecture. Approximately half of the architecture majors in my graduating class in college were women, and I currently work with two women and two men. I would recommend studying math, art and physics in high school, and if your high school offers it, drafting classes as well. Good luck to you!

Keep asking

Check out the following website for more information on schools of architecture

http://www.acsa-arch.org/

This Web site is the one for the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. You should be able to gather alot of information on high school preparation and the kinds of questions to ask when looking to apply at various schools, etc.

Regarding your particular questions - There are many schools throughout the country that have departments of architecture - the Web site link above provides a resource for all the accredited schools that you can order that I assume has information about each school. The following link has a listing of all the schools that are accredited

http://www.architectstore.com/schools/usa.htm

Each school will have specific classes and requirements that you need to take and fulfill in order to graduate with a degree in architecture.

Traditionally, architecture was a male - dominated profession like many others. But, thankfully, women are increasingly becoming licensed architects from around the country. In our firm of around 65 - 70 people roughly 25 - 30% are female with several of those in the professions of architecture, interior design, and graphic design.

Glad to see you are interested and just keep asking questions.

It's Never Too Late

First, you are never too old to go back to school. So, one option is to investigate your options in terms of seeking education toward a professional degree in architecture. The program at Iowa State University, where I attended, is a 5- year program for a Bachelor of Architecture degree.

If you feel this is not an option, there are related areas of design like, interior design, landscape architecture, community and regional planning, graphic design, etc. To find out more about these professions contact the College of Design at a university near you.

Regarding math, while this is an important area to have a good working knowledge for my profession of architecture, there are many areas within my field that are less math intensive. For example, you will have to know a certain amount of engineering and math to become a licensed professional architect, but you can obtain a 2-year drafting degree that enables you to work in an office creating construction documents,but you would not be able to become a licensed architect and would have to be supervised by an architect. You could also gravitate into building codes or building inspections as well that do not require architectural degrees but other types of education. Another interesting development in our field is 3-D graphics. You could become an illustrator using 3-D computer software and work in our field in that area.

Also, an obvious thing to consider is working for a residential builder designing private homes, or working in the field. Contact some of the larger builders in your area to see what opportunities there are for you in that related field.

I hope this helps, but in essence you need to have a professional degree in architecture, along with the required internships and taking the licensing exams before you could legally practice architecture. For more information about architecture check out the www.aiaiowa.org or www.aiaonline.com. Or check out the numerous schools of architecture around the country on their Web sites.

Kevin

Change to an Architect

I was raised by an engineer and often see the world through my Dad's eyes. I'm always redesigning places in my mind. I have a 4 year degree in Mass Communications but I'm not interested in that field. I'm good in math but would like to know specifically what courses I would be taking. This would be a big decision for me as I am 48 and have a family. Thank you so much!

Answers are on this site

You should be able to find answers to your questions as you browse through the pages of this site.

Education?

What kind of education do you need to become an architect?

You are here

Jeff: you can find some info at the School to Careers site where you are now! http://www.careers.iptv.org/enhanced/1139/ec_profile.cfm

High School Classes

In high school you should take all the math, science, art, drawing/drafting, and speech/drama you can. In college you will be taking similar classes. I think one of the most valuable things I did in high school was to participate in speech/drama/plays / contests, etc. These things prepared me for the public speaking and presentations to clients that are daily occurrences with my job as an architect. Also any kind of general business or economics classes would be good in terms of understanding how a business works.

Advancement possibilities

What are some advancement possibilities for an architect?

Advancement

The traditional process of being an architect is from education, to intern, to licensed architect. In all states you have to be a licensed architect to practice architecture on your own. Much like the legal and medical professions. Interns are those that are in the transition from college to license and cannot "practice" architecture alone. Advancement in most firms of any size would require a license first and then motivation, initiative, leadership skills, etc. As with many things in life, alot of this comes with time and experience.

Now having said this, there are more and more graduates from architectural programs going into fields that are not considered "traditional architectural practice," such as stage design, graphic design, construction, product design, multimedia, interior architecture, single family home design etc. which do not require this internship and architectural license process typically. So, with these types of related fields, your "advancement potential" is probably greater and quicker than a traditional architectural process.

The only folks who can "practice" architecture are those who have met the requirements of the various states' licensing boards which all include professional degrees and passing a licensure exam.

So, if you want to own your own firm or move up in an established architectural firm you will need an architectural license to start. The rest would be the same as advancing in any business. If you are not a licensed architect and want to be, check out the NCARB website to learn more about that process or the AIA website, If you already are licensed and want more education in leadership development there are lots or resources and courses at colleges dealing with this topic as well.

Hope this answers your question, A.M.

Kevin

Student

Dear Kevin,

I've recently begun architecture coursework. I'm attracted to a career in architecture, but I have a sleeping disorder which makes normal office hours (8 am to 5 pm) difficult for me to maintain. Will I be able to work from home in any architectural capacity, such as single family home design? Do most architecture firms set rigid work hours?

Thanks, Ben

Architect Intern

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could direct me on how to find the median salary that an architect/intern should be making. I am 7 months out of school with a bachelor's degree and with at least 1.5 years of experience in architectural related work. Currently I have alot of responsibility (more than I believe someone with my experience should undertake, but it's worth the stress) and I just need some way to compare what I am making versus what I should or ideally should be making. Thank you.

Shawn

Hello. I'm in 9th grade and I am very interested in Architecture. But, I haven't been doing so well this year in school due to personal family problems. I was just wondering, if it is ok to slip and mess up in your first year in high school but do well the next three years and still be an succesful Architect?

Architect Intern

Shawn- definitely don't forget that grades are not necessarily the most important factor for getting into architecture school- many will look specifically into your extracurricular activities, just to see that you are able to balance schoolwork with outside work. Enjoy your time in high school.

Don't give up

Shawn, All I can say to your question is, "Do the best you can and work hard." Becoming an architect doesn't depend on how you did in 9th grade. To get accepted at a university you will need to show a good grade point overall by the time you are done with high school and acceptable test scores on ACTs, SATs and entrance exams into universities and colleges. Many folks also go to a 2 year school prior to moving into a 4 or 6 year program at a larger university. If you choose to do this that is perfectly fine too; many people do this. Two year schools are becoming very popular and help prepare folks for either jobs immediately or prepare them for further education. Also, remember education is a life-long process, and I am still learning more each day and I am 39. So you are not done at 9th grade, we all have had tough times at some point. Just don't give up. That is the worst thing you could do. Keep going and set some goals and work hard to achieve them.

Ready for a change

I am turning 40 this year. My passion before 'husband, kids, mortgage' was to be an architect. Now, after divorce I am interested in going back to school to do this. I also must mention, I was discouraged. I was told not a lot of women are sucessful. Is this true? I have an extensive work history in design and retail/wholesale flowers and antiques. Thanks for any advice.

Architecture

Hi,I'm in grade 11 and am hoping to pursue a degree in architecture. I am extremely creative/talented and can think in a great perspective that would be suitible for design. My only downsides are that I am bad at math and am even having a hard time passing my current high school course. I can function with formulas but when it comes to 'thinking outside the box' I have a hard time. Also, I hate public speaking. I am a shy type and wouldn't like to make presentations. I am really devoted but I don't know if this is the field for me. I need your advice and I'd like to know if this is a suitible career for me or there is a better one more fitted to my skills.

RE-Talk

Well, I just wanted to let you know that u can be anything you want in life. It's ok to be shy, but at one point in your life you will have to come out of your shell. And about the math just keep on doing as hard as u can to pass and if u can get some tutoring with someone that will be able to help you with your career. So keep up and don't give up.

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