An architect is involved in the planning, design, and construction of various structures such as offices, houses, malls, stadiums, and so on. An architect's job is difficult; they must ensure that constructions meet various public safety, quality, functionality, and environmental protection standards. As a result, the architect must understand all of these factors while also being creative. Because architects must work in groups, they must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Because of the broad scope of a career in architecture, it has grown in popularity among students as a field of study. Do you want to learn how to become an architect? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:
If you want to be an architect, you should start by studying the relevant subjects in high school. After your 10th grade, you must enter the science stream and select mathematics as one of your major subjects, as understanding of many mathematical concepts is required when planning the structure of a building.Architects must also have a solid understanding of the fundamental physics concepts involved in construction. Additionally, drawing skills come in handy when designing structures on paper.
After finishing secondary school, you should pursue a Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch) degree. The B.Arch course is typically a 5-year degree that aims to provide students with all of the skills and knowledge required to work as an architect in the construction industry. The course includes both theoretical and practical modules, resulting in highly qualified architects.
Aside from the general BArch degree, you can also choose from specialised architecture bachelor's degree programmes such as:
Engineering and Architectural Design Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor of Engineering in Landscape Architecture BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture & Design BSc/BA in Architecture Technology & Construction Management
The minimum requirement for a bachelor's degree in architecture is 10+2, and if you plan to apply to Indian universities, you will also need to pass the NATA exam or another university-specific exam. Students who wish to pursue these courses abroad must also have a valid score on required exams such as the ACT or SAT, as well as English proficiency exams such as TOEFL or IELTS.
After passing the Architect Registration Examination and becoming licenced, you can apply to work as an architect. You can work for a company, a private practise, or in the field where you interned.
Before becoming a professional architect, all architects must complete a mandatory internship period (included in bachelor's and master's degree programmes). You will be required to work under a professional architect not only to gain exposure to all aspects of construction but also to gain experience as an architect.There are regulated training programmes for architecture students preparing for licensure exams in countries such as the United States and Canada. In the United States, these programmes are known as the Intern Development Program (IDP), and in Canada, they are known as the Intern Architect Program (IAP).
The final and most important step is to register as a professional architect or obtain a licence. Although you can work as an architect without a licence in some countries after completing a bachelor's degree in this field, getting a licence opens up more job opportunities on a global scale.In India, an architect must register with The Council Of Architecture (COA) and obtain a certificate from a recognised university before practising. Every country has its own department in charge of issuing architect licences. To earn a professional licence in the United States, for example, you must pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), whereas the Architects Registration Board (ARB) administers the licence in the United Kingdom.
In addition to the Architect Registration Examination, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards provides extra-national certification.While not required, this qualification may help you apply for architecture jobs in multiple states and demonstrate your professional abilities and expertise.
The next step in this how to become an architect step-by-step guide is to pursue a master's degree. If you want to pursue a higher-level qualification after graduation, you can pursue a Masters in Architecture (M.Arch) degree or specialised master's level Architecture programmes. While many BArch graduates choose to seek employment after completing their bachelor's degree, pursuing a postgraduate degree will allow you to gain expertise and specialise in a specific field.
