We can see the end result and the hundreds of tiny steps between an initial design sketch on a napkin to the final paint touch up on your finished project. Contract Administration – some architects work exclusively on projects that are in the process of being built. Other times people want help coming up with a few design options for a renovation. Young, unlicensed architects on a production team (up to 10 years experience) spend their day correcting or modifying building plans with CAD or BIM software. an architect (today) does. However, if you would rather be involved in all aspects of a projects, this job may not be for you. Some architects sit at a desk all day. Principal at a Large firm – a principal or partner has reached the top of a large firm. For these services, our projects are generally broken down into phases: Pre-design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, Bidding & Negotiating, and Construction Administration. The benefits of working with an architect on your project are many. Figuring out where you want to go is more than half the battle. An architect is more than a designer. I have good friend Enoch Sears sitting in and writing today’s post. If you live in a small town, the odds are even smaller that you know any architects because most of us are located in larger cities. Being an Architect is Hell ... My "New" House, Building with Structural Insulated Panels ... or SIPs. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. We work with code officials, engineers, contractors, vendors, specialists, and people like you. Interns at smaller firms might do some creative work, but most of their day is spent drafting on a computer. So what does an architect do, exactly? Same concept for interior design or any of the other disciplines. Many people aren’t quite sure what they need help with or how the process works so we spend some time going over this with them. Then, we dive into designing, coming up with design options and exploring precedents. We are designers, planners, coordinators, managers, listeners, and advisers. It’s hard to describe what we do within these phases in just a few sentences because there are so many tasks (unless you have a few hours to listen)! We explain more about the differences between an architect, designer, and draftsperson in our post here: What’s the difference between an architect, a designer, and a drafter? Note that many architects involved in contract administration sit in front of a computer all day. Architects don’t merely design, they create environments, inside and out. Note that competition for these jobs is stiff since this is what most architects like to do. Principals are well paid ($100-200k) because they have vast amounts of experience (20+ years) as well as profitable relationships and connections (e.g. It will be commuting and busy streets for you. You won’t be involved in the drawing of building plans, nor how the project is constructed. Some architects design houses. They prepare site plans, specifications, or cost estimates for land development. We design spaces and environments that function well, are sized appropriately, use materials and lighting strategies that emphasize key aspects of the project, and integrate all the different mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and lighting systems into a holistic design. Instead I hear, “Oh, so you like, uh, design buildings?”. Each project and each client are different and request different services from us. If you enjoy reading and writing technical manuals, then you may want to consider being a spec writer! Architects that work in contract administration are usually senior architects that have been around 20+ years because this job requires deep experience. image: Landscape Architecture Foundation. It’s impossible to cover all the possible architect job descriptions, but this is a healthy start. Some architects draw all day. What we do on a daily basis varies considerably depending on any number of factors: where we’re located, where our projects are located, what kind of firm we work for, the types of projects we’re working on, and what stages of design our projects are in, among others. Architects spend a good part of each day communicating with clients by phone, e-mail or in face-to-face meetings. Given how many of our waking hours are dedicated to work, where we work matters. Note that spec writing is not an entry-level position, most spec writers are mid-to-late career professionals. And most likely, the benefits usually outweigh the cost, providing you a more enjoyable home and a better return on your investment. The only interns who do building design (the pretty pictures people think of when they think ‘architect’) all day work at large firms as part of a design team (see design architect at a large firm above). Architects produce inspired solutions to often complex residential and commercial needs. If you truly want to spend your days out-of-doors, go work for a contractor. What an architect does on a daily basis depends on where they live (big city or small town), what kind of firm they work for, and a myriad of other factors. Whether an expansive open office, a maze of cubicles, in a home office, or out on site, our workplaces influence how well we perform and how much we enjoy the work we do every day. Before you can reach any of the above positions you need to pass 3-5 years of internship doing (mostly) menial tasks 8 hours a day sitting in front of a computer. Filed Under: Architects, Career, Guest Posts Tagged With: Architects, career, Do you want to be an Architect, Guest post. Before deciding to be an architect, figure out what your ideal … So what exactly does an architect do all day? What you learn now will pay dividends later. Check out our post Do I Need An Architect For My Residential Project for more information on if working with an architect is right for you. They frequently pull in 6 figure plus salaries and are involved in the design and planning of projects. We hope that with this post and many future posts to come that you start to understand and appreciate the many facets of our work and our profession. “Uh, yes, I design buildings,” I respond, uncomfortably shifting my weight from left to right. The Value of Working With an Architect Guide, Do I Need An Architect For My Residential Project, Behind the Design Concept: Ontario Off-Grid, Behind the Design Review: Waterview Garden, Behind the Design (Part I): Lincoln Bluff, Behind the Design (Part II): Howard Addition & Renovation, Behind the Design Concept (Part I): Howard Addition & Renovation, Architectural Fees for Residential Projects, How Architects Charge For Design Services, Our Wish: Improve Our Relationship With Our Homes, How To Choose an Architect for Your Home Project.