Architect facts for kids
An architect, 1893.
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Quick facts for kids Occupation |
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| Names | Architect |
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Occupation type
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Profession |
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Architecture Civil engineering Structural engineering Construction Project management Urban planning Interior design Visual arts |
| Description | |
| Competencies | Engineering, technical knowledge, building design, planning and management skills |
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Education required
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See professional requirements |
An architect is a person who plans, designs, and watches over the building of structures. This means they offer services related to designing buildings and the areas around them. These spaces are mainly for people to live in or use. The word "architect" comes from an old Greek word meaning "chief builder."
Architects make important choices that affect public safety. Because of this, they must get special training. This training includes advanced education and an internship. This practical experience helps them earn a license to practice architecture. The exact steps to become an architect can be different in various places. However, studying architecture in colleges and universities has always been very important for this job.
Contents
History of Architects
Throughout ancient and medieval times, most buildings were designed and built by skilled workers. These included stone masons and carpenters, who often became "master builders." For a long time, there was no clear difference between an architect and an engineer. In Europe, these two titles often referred to the same person and were used in place of each other.
The word "architect" comes from the Greek word arkhitéktōn, meaning "master builder."
It is thought that new technologies and math skills helped the job of a professional architect grow. These architects were different from the hands-on craftspeople. Paper was not used for drawing in Europe until the 15th century. However, it became more common after 1500. Pencils were used for drawing by 1600. Having both paper and pencils allowed professionals to make drawings before construction began.
At the same time, new ideas like linear perspective helped designers show their ideas. They also learned to use different ways to draw a 3D building on a flat surface. This, along with a better understanding of exact measurements, helped building designers share their plans. But this change happened slowly. Until the 18th century, most buildings were still designed by craftspeople. Only very important projects had professional designers.
What Architects Do
In most developed countries, only people with a special license or certification can legally practice architecture. To get this license, you usually need a university degree, pass exams, and complete a training period. The law often limits who can call themselves an "architect." However, terms like "architectural designer" are usually not protected by law.
To "practice architecture" means you can work independently without someone watching over you. A "building design professional" is a wider term. It includes engineers or people who help licensed architects, like intern architects. In many places, people without a license can design houses or smaller buildings.
The Design Process
When a client hires an architect, the architect's main job is to create a design idea. This idea must meet the client's needs and be suitable for the building's purpose. The architect talks with the client to understand all the details of the planned project.
Often, the full plan is not clear at the start. The architect might suggest early ideas to the client. These ideas might even change the original plan. The "program" or "brief" (the list of what the owner needs) is very important. It guides the architect in creating the design.
Design ideas are expected to be both creative and practical. Many things affect the design, like the time, place, money, culture, and available tools. Architects need to think ahead because designing buildings is a very complex task.
Early in the design process, architects must consider many things. These include the quality of spaces, how they will be used, and how long they will last. They also think about how different spaces connect and how the building will affect its surroundings. Choosing the right materials and technology is also important. This helps avoid problems later, like unexpected high costs.
The building site and its environment, along with the local culture and history, also influence the design. Architects must also think about how to make buildings environmentally friendly. They might use ideas from math, new architectural theories, or past architectural styles.
A key part of designing is that architects often talk with engineers, surveyors, and other experts. This ensures that things like structural supports and air conditioning work together. Controlling construction costs is also part of these talks. To coordinate everything, architects use advanced computer tools. These include building information modeling (BIM) and computer-aided design (CAD). Architects must always report back to the client. The client might have ideas or concerns that could change the design.
Architects also work with local and national governments. They must follow rules and building codes. These rules might include how far a building must be from the street, how tall it can be, or how many windows it needs. Some places also have rules about design and protecting old buildings. Health and safety are very important in current designs. In some areas, reports must include plans for materials, waste, traffic, and fire safety.
Tools for Design
In the past, architects used drawings to show their design ideas. While quick sketches are still common, computer technology is now the main tool. Architects also use photos, collages, 3D scanning, and other media to create designs.
Computer software is changing how architects work. BIM technology lets them create a virtual building. This virtual building holds all the information about the design, construction, and upkeep of the building. Virtual reality (VR) presentations are also becoming popular. They help people see what a building will look like from the inside.
Being Green: The Environmental Role
Modern buildings can add carbon to the air. So, there are more and more rules to reduce pollution, save energy, and use renewable energy sources. Architects must stay updated on these rules. Some new buildings use very little energy or are designed to use the sun's energy naturally.
Architects are also asked to think about the environment in a wider sense. This includes planning for low-energy transportation, using natural light instead of artificial lights, and natural ventilation instead of air conditioning. They also consider pollution, waste management, using recycled materials, and choosing materials that can be easily recycled.
Overseeing Construction
As a design becomes more detailed, architects create specific plans for all parts of the building. Building methods are always improving. This means architects must stay current with these new advances.
An architect's services during construction can vary. They might prepare detailed documents and review construction closely. Or, they might let the contractor handle more of the design and building tasks. This depends on the client's needs and local rules.
Architects usually help clients get bids from different construction companies. They advise clients on which company to choose. They also help manage the contract between the client and the main contractor. This contract is a legal agreement. It covers things like insurance, design documents, and how the work will be controlled. The architect might also require warranties for certain materials or work.
In most places, the local authority must be told before a project starts. This allows them to do their own inspections. The architect will then check the work's progress with the local authority.
The architect usually reviews drawings from the contractor and other documents. They give instructions for the site and approve payments to the contractor. These payments are based on the work done and materials bought. For large projects, a construction manager might be hired to help.
Many places require official certification when work is finished. This means architects take on a lot of responsibility. So, they must regularly inspect the work on site. This ensures the design follows all rules and permissions.
How to Become an Architect
There are different ways to specialize in architecture now. Many architects and firms focus on certain types of projects. These include healthcare, retail, or public housing. Some specialize in building codes, sustainable design, or historic preservation.
Many architects also choose to work in other areas. These include real estate development, project management, or interior design.
While rules vary, most architects worldwide must register with their local authority. Architects usually need to meet three main requirements:
- Education: This usually means getting a university degree in architecture.
- Experience: After getting a degree, candidates usually complete an internship or practical training. This often lasts two to three years.
- Examination: Finally, a registration exam or a series of exams is required before getting a license.
Before the late 1800s, people who designed and oversaw construction were not always trained in architecture schools. Instead, they often learned from experienced architects. There was no clear difference between architects and engineers back then. They were often called "master builders" or "surveyors" after working as apprentices. Formal study in universities helped the architecture profession grow. It became a center for new ideas in building technology and theory. In some countries, using "Architect" as a title is protected by law.
Architects' Fees
Architects' fees were often based on a percentage of the building's cost. They could also be a rate per square foot, hourly rates, or a fixed amount. Often, a mix of these methods was used. Fixed fees were usually based on the project's construction cost. They could range from 4% to 12% for new commercial buildings. Residential projects might be 12% to 20%. Renovation projects often cost more, around 15% to 20%.
The money earned by architectural firms can vary a lot. This depends on their location and the economy. In the past, earnings depended on local economic conditions. But with more global work, this is less of a factor for large international firms. Salaries can also change based on experience, position in the firm, and the firm's size and location.
Architects' Groups
Many national groups exist to help architects with their careers and businesses.
- The International Union of Architects (UIA)
- The American Institute of Architects (AIA) USA
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) UK
- Architects Registration Board (ARB) UK
- The Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Australia
- The South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) South Africa
- Association of Consultant Architects (ACA) UK
- Association of Licensed Architects (ALA) USA
- The Consejo Profesional de Arquitectura y Urbanismo (CPAU) Argentina
- Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) & Council of Architecture (COA) India
- The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) USA
Awards for Architects
Many prizes are given by national groups and other organizations. These awards recognize talented architects, their buildings, and their careers.
The most valuable award an architect can get is the Pritzker Architecture Prize. It is sometimes called the "Nobel Prize for architecture." The first Pritzker Prize winner was Philip Johnson. He was honored for his "50 years of imagination and energy shown in many museums, theaters, libraries, houses, gardens, and company buildings." The Pritzker Prize has been given out every year for over forty years. Now, architects from 22 countries have won at least one award. Other important architectural awards include the Royal Gold Medal, the AIA Gold Medal (USA), and the Praemium Imperiale.
In the UK, architects who have done great work in design or teaching, or have helped the profession in other ways, could be elected Fellows of the Royal Institute of British Architects until 1971. They could then use "FRIBA" after their name. Those who became members after 1971 can use "RIBA." An Honorary Fellow can use "Hon. FRIBA," and an International Fellow can use "Int. FRIBA."
In the US, architects who have made important contributions to the profession are elected Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. They can use "FAIA" after their name. In Canada, architects who have made outstanding contributions to research, public service, or the profession can be recognized as a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. They can use "FRAIC" after their name. In Hong Kong, members can use "HKIA." Those who have made a special contribution can be elected as fellow members and use "FHKIA."
In the Philippines and among Filipino communities overseas, people often address architects as "Architect" instead of "Sir/Madam" or "Mr./Mrs./Ms." This is true even if they have other jobs. The word "Architect" is used alone or before their first or last name.
See Also
In Spanish: Arquitecto para niños
