Wednesday, July 16, 2008

What’s it like to be a …Senior Architect?

I don’t know about you but when I think about the field of architecture, I think grand buildings, creative structures, post-modern lines. But patience? That’s not a quality I normally ######### with the profession. Turns out, that’s an essential. Read on for a fascinating peak into the life of an architect.

My job title is: Senior Architect (very recently retired)

My actual position is (if this differs from job title):
Job responsibilities included project management and oversight. I was responsible for leading and scheduling a group of employees and for reviewing their work. Generally, the Project Manager is responsible for a project’s client contact, schedule and budget.

What does a normal day look like? Is it consistent throughout the year? If you’ve had this position for a while, how have things changed?
Generally the work day is fairly consistent, averaging 8 to 10 hours per day. I think the biggest change over the last few years is that project schedules have been compressed, primarily due to the use of the computer and clients’ needs to get immediate returns on their investments.

What other, if any, positions have you held prior to your current job? How did you get to where you are now?
In the architectural field, you are required to serve a period of internship prior to being able to take an exam for licensing. Even after licensing, a period of learning continues. One intermediate step before becoming a project manager is to be a Job Captain or Project Architect, who is responsible for project design and coordination with other design disciplines involved and works with the Project Manager.


What kind of training/education did you have? What would you suggest? What qualifications/skills/attributes make someone successful in this position?
An architectural degree takes 5 or 6 years to complete. An individual is required to have an architectural degree and a period of internship to qualify to take the licensing exam, a total period of approximately 8 years. Someone considering architecture as a career should have some design aptitude and talent, be somewhat artistic, and enjoy putting pieces together to develop a project. Patience is also a trait that would be beneficial, since projects and clients are ever changing.

What are the rewards in your position? Challenges? What makes a good day for you?
For me, the primary reward was to walk into the completed building knowing that I did my best and seeing the Owner be able to use the building as he envisioned. The challenges are numerous during a project, things like Owners changing their minds, changes in regulatory requirements and just getting the project done.

What trends or changes do you foresee in the next 5-10 years?
The biggest trend becoming a reality is sustainable design or LEED design. These require use of recycled materials, use of renewable resources and use of regional materials. All in all, these trends are intended to be more environmentally friendly.

How could a person find out more about your field?
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has extensive information about careers in architecture.

When you were growing up, did you have any interests that you built into your work?
I was somewhat artistic growing up.

What obstacles have you overcome to get to where you are today?
Unfortunately, architecture often reflects general economic trends, in other words, when the economy slows, architectural work declines. In my career, I was laid-off twice because of little or no work available.

What was your first job like after college?
My first job out of college was as a manual drafter (in the pre-computer era).

Are there any web sites you would suggest for more information about your field?
The AIA mentioned above has an excellent web site. Also, consider reviewing architectural office web sites.

Posted by Bonnie Speyers on 07/16 at 12:34 PM
Permalink

<< Back to main