Architect

Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:

• Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes.
• Design structures or facilities.
• Design water conservation systems.
• Incorporate green features into the design of structures or facilities.
• Discuss designs or plans with clients.
• Prepare detailed work plans.
• Investigate the environmental impact of projects.
• Direct design or development activities.
• Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
• Document technical design details.

Typical Working Conditions:

• Using e-mail.
• Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
• Working with a group or team.
• The importance of being accurate or exact.
• Sitting.
• High levels of competition.
• Meeting strict deadlines.
• Making decisions that impact co-workers or company results.

Tools & Technology used by Architects

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Most Important Skills for Architects

• Reading—Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Thinking Critically—Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Making Decisions—Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Mathematics—Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Monitoring Performance—Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Learning New Things—Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Selecting/Creating the Right Product Design—Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
• Coordinating with Others—Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
• Listening—Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Solving Complex Problems—Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Most Important Knowledge Areas for Architects

• Design—Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Building and Construction—Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
• Customer and Personal Service—Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Engineering and Technology—Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Administration and Management—Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Sales and Marketing—Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
• Geography—Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
• English Language—Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Mathematics—Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Clerical—Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Interests
Different careers may be a good fit for your personality or interests. This career is:

• Artistic—Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
• Investigative—Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Low indicates 25% of workers earn less and 75% earn more. Median indicates 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more. High indicates 75% of workers earn less and 25% earn more.

Demand
This career is seeing very high growth compared to other careers. There will be a 5% growth for Architects to meet market demand between 2018-2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

This career requires at least a Bachelor’s degree, and many professionals also have Masters and/or PhDs. This career does require a license and certifications are helpful.

View the local post-secondary education options from our partners: Central Lakes College & MSTATE.

Helpful High School Courses
Examples of helpful classes that help you prepare for this career:

• Accounting
• Algebra I and II
• Blueprint Reading
• Business Computer Applications
• CAD Design
• Drafting
• Electronics
• Geometry
• Physics
• Technical Writing
• Trigonometry
• Woodworking

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise