Become Architect

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Become Architect

An Architect plans and supervises the design and construction of all types of buildings and properties. They inspect potential sites and create blueprint designs that are followed by construction crews, and ensure that the finished building matches their exact specifications. An Architect can design any type of building, from residential homes and small businesses to large commercial spaces, industrial facilities and any other type. Every building was designed by an Architect to be functional and aesthetically pleasing, deciding everything from the layout to construction materials.

A Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture from an accredited school
Complete internship or apprenticeship with a qualified Architect
Pass the licensing exams as set in each province and territory and join a trade association
Have a strong aptitude for mathematics, design and organization
Be able to think creatively and logically to complete designs and solve problems

An Architect designs buildings for residential, commercial, industrial and governmental clients. They can bid on potential projects, creating concept designs and mock-ups to pitch their ideas. Once a project begins, they can examine and record potential building sites to create detailed plans and blueprints. They work with construction teams to oversee all aspects of construction from groundbreaking to completion. An Architect can be self-employed, bidding on potential projects themselves, or work as part of an Architectural design firm, collaborating with other Architects to complete large-scale projects. The duties of an Architect include:

Present detailed proposal and plans to potential clients
Inspect potential construction sites, record exact measurements and identify problem areas
Create detailed blueprints and plans, following client specifications and legal guidelines
File all documents and blueprints with the proper authorities
Oversee the construction of buildings to their exact specifications and requirements

There are specific education requirements for architects. Aspiring architects must complete at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Design from an accredited university, some employers may also require a Master's Degree.

Architects are recruited by private companies in the construction and design sectors, in addition to government and municipal agencies.

The long-term employment outlook for architects is considered fair to good, depending on the location. There is predicted to be a slight labour surplus in the architectural field over the next 10 years. This means that there will be slightly more job seekers than there will be available positions, creating increased competition for those seeking to enter the industry. This will vary province by province, and there will be opportunities in specific locations across the country.

Architects typically work in offices, typically with a large area to draft blueprints and the technology needed to design buildings. Architects working for private architectural firms can have a shared workspace with a team who collaborates to complete large-scale projects. Architects can also expect to travel to construction sites in order to surprives the building process.

According to the CNP code (national classification of occupations), here are additional and related titles for an architect: