Architects are a vital part of a building or remodeling project, and many people do not fully understand what an architect does, how they get paid, and many other important details about this profession. An architect is someone who designs buildings, homes, schools, airport terminals, offices, apartments, and all other structures. The architect has to consider many different things while developing plans for the project. The building or structure must be designed to look appealing for the intended purpose, be sturdy and extremely safe, and suit all of the requirements including electrical and plumbing, as well as space requirements for any equipment or other things. An architect must look at all aspects and uses for the structure, home, or building before the plans are designed.
The first step for an architect is to meet with the client, to help determine their needs and whether the architect can meet these needs. At times an architect may have to tell a client that the project should not be done, like in cases where the environment may be harmed or the project simply can not be safely done. Once the architect understands the needs of the client and has determined it is possible for the project to be done safely, they will draw up some preliminary plans for the client to look at. Once these plans are shown to the client, they are either approved or changes are made. Once the plans are approved, the final plans will be drawn up, and this is the final layout where every aspect is considered and included. These plans tell the builders, plumbers, electricians, and other workers how to build the project. The final plans should include the ventilation system, the heating and cooling system, the electrical system, the plumbing layout, the beams and support system for the building, and other aspects as needed. Architects can use either pen and paper or a computer program to create the design plan, depending on their personal preference.
Architects may charge in several different ways for a project. The specific fees charged will depend on the project and the architect. Some architects may charge a percentage fee, which may be a percentage of the project construction costs or a percentage of the building value. Another way an architect may charge is by the hour, especially if the project is small. Sometimes the architect may just charge a flat fee for the project. If the project is big or contains multiple units, like with apartment buildings and office buildings, the architect may charge an individual fee for each unit designed.
Becoming an architect takes years of education and hard work. The architect must get a five year bachelor degree in an architecture program. In addition, they have to go through an internship of at least three years with an architect who is licensed. Once this is done, the architect has to pass the Architect Registration Examination and not fail a single section. Only after all of this is done can the architect provide services as an architect.
Becoming an architect requires some talent in drawing and design, although it is not as important anymore to be able to draw using a pencil and paper because of the CADD (Computer Aided and Draft Design) programs now available. The salary of an architect will vary, depending on what their job title and classifications are, but the range is between thirty thousand and eighty thousand dollars a year in most places, and this is after the five years of schooling. The upside is that many architects work for themselves, which is a higher percentage than almost any other profession. Architects normally work out of their office, but it may be necessary at times to go to the project location or the client’s home.
An architect designs structures and buildings, and they must pay special attention to every small detail, keeping in mind the project budget, structural safety, structural security, system safety, the efficient layout and designing of the plans, what the building will be used for, and a lot more. The architect is responsible for making sure that the project is both feasible and environmentally sound. At times an architect may be asked to do a study to determine these factors before a project can even be planned, usually called a feasibility study or an environmental impact study. An architect is an important part of all phases of most projects, from helping the client determine what they want and need to drawing up the final plan, as well as throughout the entire construction job.
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