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Do you often look at a majestic building or a uniquely designed room and wonder who came up with its design and structure? Every physical structure sprouted initially from the genius mind of an Architect who transformed the simplest idea into a wonderfully created structure! From the conception of the idea to its formulation as well as construction, the architect remains engaged in all the details. Intrigued by the career path of an architect? If you have a knack for designing and an eye for detail, then you must consider studying Architecture. This blog brings you a comprehensive guide on how to become an architect, including the courses, universities, as well as the career scope this field has on offer.
This Blog Includes:
Who is an Architect?
An architect is involved in planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of different structures such as offices, houses, malls, stadiums, etc. The task of an architect is not easy, they have to make sure that the constructions adhere to different measures of public safety, quality, functionality, and environmental protection. Therefore, the architect needs to have an understanding of all these factors, along with a creative streak. Since architects need to work in teams, having great interpersonal and communication skills is a must for them.
Types of Architects
Before knowing in detail about how to become an architect, let’s first know about the most common types of architects with the help of the given table:
| Types of Architects | Description |
| Technical Architect | These experts are mostly concerned with a structure’s technical elements, such as its thermal efficiency and water tightness. To ensure that buildings fit regional and local construction standards and laws, technical architects research and modify construction mechanics and features. |
| Planning Architect | This type of architect is usually hired to advise on a project’s compliance with local and national laws and regulations. A planning architect, for example, may explain a site’s legal constraints or submit a project for approval to a municipal or regional authority. |
| Site Architect | From start to completion, a site architect is in charge of managing all activity on a construction site. A site architect can provide construction workers instructions, procure a construction contract, and guarantee that quality and safety are maintained throughout the project. |
| Design Architect | This type of architect is responsible for a building’s entire design and construction. A design architect can sketch up the basic outline of a structure, develop blueprints, and tweak the design to meet the client’s needs. This expert may also help choose the materials that will be utilized to construct the project. |
How to Become an Architect?
Due to the great scope of a career in architecture, it has now attained huge popularity as a field of study among students. Wondering how to become an architect? Here is a step-by-step guide for you:
1. Opt for the Science Stream after 10th
If you wish to pursue your career as an architect, you should begin by choosing the relevant subjects at the school level. You must go for the science stream after your 10th board and make sure to choose mathematics as one of the major subjects, since an understanding of many mathematical concepts is needed when planning the structure of a building. Also, architects need to have a good grasp of the basic concepts of physics that are involved in construction. Additionally, drawing skills also come in handy while creating designs of structures on paper.
2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
After completing your secondary education, you need to go for a Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch) degree. The B.Arch course is generally a 5-year degree and aims to equip the student with all the skills as well as the knowledge necessary to work as an architect in the construction sector. The course covers both theoretical and practical modules to produce highly qualified professionals in architecture.
Apart from the general BArch degree, you can also choose from specialised bachelor’s degree programs in Architecture such as:
- Bachelor’s in Engineering and Architectural Design
- Bachelor of Engineering in Landscape Architecture
- BSc/BA in Architecture Technology & Construction Management
- BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture & Design
The minimum qualification for a bachelor’s degree in Architecture is 10+2, and if you are planning to apply to Indian universities, then you will also be required to qualify NATA exam or any other university-specific exam. For students who want to pursue these courses abroad, you will additionally need to have a valid score in the required exams, such as the ACT or SAT, along with the English proficiency exams like TOEFL or IELTS.
3. Apply for an Architect Position
You can apply to work as an architect after passing the Architect Registration Examination and becoming licensed. You can work for a firm, a private practice, or in the field where you performed your internship.
4. Work on Your Skills Through Training Programs
All architects need to go through a compulsory internship period (included in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs) before getting licensed as a professional. You will be required to work under a professional architect to not only get exposure to all the technicalities involved in construction but also to gain experience in working as an architect. In countries like the USA and Canada, there are regulated training programs for students of architecture who are preparing for their licensure exams. These programs are known as the Intern Development Program (IDP) in the USA and the Intern Architect Program (IAP) in Canada.
5. Get Registered/Licensed as an Architect
The final and most important step is to get registered or obtain a license to work as a professional architect. Although in some countries you can work as an architect even without a license after completing a bachelor’s degree in this field, it is good to get a license since it makes you eligible for more job opportunities on a global level. In India, an architect needs to register with the Council of Architecture (COA) with all the required documents in addition to obtaining a certificate from a recognised university. All countries abroad have their own departments for providing licenses to architects. For example, in the US, you have to pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) conducted by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) to earn a professional license, while the Architects Registration Board (ARB) administers the license in the UK.
6. Earn Professional Certifications
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards offers extra-national certification in addition to the Architect Registration Examination. This qualification, while not needed, might help you apply for architecture employment in several states and exhibit your professional abilities and expertise.
7. Earn a Master’s Degree
The next step in this step-by-step guide on how to become an architect is to pursue a master’s degree. If you aim to gain a higher-level qualification after graduation, you can opt for a Masters in Architecture (M.Arch) degree or specialised master level programs in Architecture. While many BArch graduates decide to pursue job opportunities after completing their bachelor’s degree, pursuing a postgraduate degree will help you gain expertise as well as specialise in a specific field. Here are some of the major specialisations you can opt for at the major master’s degree level Architecture courses:
- Installation Art
- Urban Design
- Interior Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Sustainable Architecture
- Naval Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Lighting Design and Management
- Urban Studies and Planning
- Real Estate Management
Skills Required
Being an architect requires one to wear many hats. A person must have artistic hands and must be good with numbers at the same time. Here are the skills that are necessary for becoming an architect.
- Math and engineering skills
- Leadership skills
- Communication skills
- Creative Thinking
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Computer Modelling
- Commercial Knowledge
- High Perceptual Skills
- Teamwork and Management
- Effective Communication Skills
- Intense Pursuit
Similar Jobs as an Architect
Being an architect comes with a huge job scope due to the ever-increasing urbanization and the need for sustainable and eco-friendly living spaces. Now that you are aware of the major steps you need to fulfil to become an architect, let’s take a look at the different career opportunities that you can choose from in this field:
- Civil Engineer
- Industrial Designer
- CAD Designer
- Urban Planner
- Architectural Drafter
- Structural Designer
- Architectural Historian
- Structural Engineer
- Lighting Consultant
- Interior Designer
Salary Trends
A career as an architect provides you with a fair salary package along with additional benefits. The average salary of an architect in India is INR 7.20 Lakh per annum. The pay usually increases with one’s experience and additional skills. Tabulated below is the salary based on the various job profiles in architecture.
| S.No. | Profession | Average Salary (INR/year) |
| 1 | Real Estate Development Manager | INR 15 lakh |
| 2 | Design Manager | INR 12 lakh |
| 3 | Senior Architect | INR 10 lakh |
| 4 | Professor of Architecture | INR 8 lakh |
| 5 | Sustainable Design Consultant | INR 7.5 lakh |
| 6 | Project Architect | INR 7 lakh |
| 7 | Urban Planner | INR 6.5 lakh |
| 8 | BIM (Building Information Modeling) Specialist | INR 6 lakh |
| 9 | Landscape Architect | INR 5.5 lakh |
| 10 | Architect (General) | BIM (Building Information Modelling) Specialist |
Pros and Cons of Becoming an Architect
After knowing in detail about how to become an architect and top universities abroad and in India, let’s now identify some of the pros and cons of becoming an architect in today’s time:
Pros
Architecture is an excellent career for those with creativity, problem-solving skills, and who are interested in designing spaces. The following are the perks of pursuing architecture in India.
- For dedicated people who want to utilize their imagination to create something new that is both aesthetic and helpful, architecture is one of the most rewarding jobs.
- An architect works in a fast-paced setting and has a creative process that is adaptable.
- Architects collaborate closely with specialists from a variety of fields, including engineering and design.
- As a result, architects typically develop a comprehensive perspective on common issues and can address them in novel ways.
- Having said that, architecture is unquestionably one of the most demanding and difficult professions.
Cons
To become an aritectect you need to meet extensive educational requirements. Architects struggle with work-life balance. They have high-pressure work. The following are the drawbacks of pursuing architecture in India.
- Before one may begin working formally, one must first complete a long-term of academic and professional training.
- Architecture is a difficult and competitive profession.
- Architects earn an average starting salary when compared to other professions with similar educational backgrounds.
- Architects often operate in an unstructured environment, meaning they work with a variety of deadlines and so their workloads fluctuate throughout the year.
FAQs
To become an architect, you must have a professional degree in architecture such as a Bachelor of Architecture or a Master of Architecture. Moreover, you need to have appropriate licensure. You can complete an internship, or practical training, and then clear the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) to obtain licensure.
To become an architect, it will take you around 6 years. This includes 5 years of a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree, and an additional year of internship. However, the exact duration can vary depending on the internship duration and the time you take to prepare for the exam.
Yes. Architects are paid well in India. An entry level position offers a modest salary. However, experienced architects can earn higher income, particularly in high-demand areas. Typically, an architect earns about INR 24 lakh per annum on average. The exact salary varies from INR 2.4 lakh to 44 lakh depending on your location, experience, and specialisation.
Definitely! Architecture is an excellent career option. It is an ideal career option for those who are passionate about designing, are creative, and like problem-solving in building environments. Architecture offers opportunities to shape our surroundings and create aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces. You need a strong work ethic, technical skills, and willingness to learn to be successful in this field.
Some of the skills that an architect must have are knowledge of mathematics and engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and creativity. As an architect, you must also have leadership skills, communication skills, and be willing to collaborate with design teams and construction professionals.
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We hope this blog cleared your doubts regarding the process of how to become an architect. Want to start your career in this field with a B.Arch degree? Reach out to our experts at Leverage Edu who can help you identify the best universities as per your requirements, along with assisting in the application process. Call on 1800572000 for a free session today!
Leave a Reply
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I I want to be an architect in electricial engineering
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Hi James,
You can pursue your career as an electrical architect or electrical design engineer.
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Please help me to choose my carneer.
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Hi Archana,
Deciding on which career path to choose is a difficult decision. However, we must try to break down our goals and purposes in life into smaller fragments to understand what career or courses will help us fulfil them. You can read on how to decide your career goals in this blog- https://leverageedu.com/blog/career-goals/.
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9 comments
I I want to be an architect in electricial engineering
Hi James,
You can pursue your career as an electrical architect or electrical design engineer.
Please help me to choose my carneer.
Hi Archana,
Deciding on which career path to choose is a difficult decision. However, we must try to break down our goals and purposes in life into smaller fragments to understand what career or courses will help us fulfil them. You can read on how to decide your career goals in this blog- https://leverageedu.com/blog/career-goals/.
Please help me I am a B. Com honours student. But now I want to become a architect is that possible for this situation……… Plz reply me plz plz plz……….
To become an architect, B.Com isn’t the best choice for an undergraduate degree. Unfortunately, there are less chances of you being able to pursue architecture.
Is architecture bad option for me, if my maths is not good?
Hello
I would like that you guide me on this
As I just finished my 10th exams i hv vacations now so what shall I do ?
Hey Esha,
To become an Architect, we would recommend you to opt for the science stream after 10th and then pursue a Bachelor’s in Architecture. Then you can pursue your dream thereafter.