Architect SalaryArchitect Salary

Architect Salary Guide

Architect Salary

Architect salary range

Architect salary is determined by numerous factors. Income varies greatly according to geographic location, type of firm, level of education, and years of experience.  Even if they are not the most recent, published statistics offer a glimpse of what awaits architects in terms of compensation and benefits. According to most recent U.S. Department of Labor statistics, architects in the U.S. earn between $41,320 and $119,220 a year. According to the same report, they have a mean annual architect salary of $76,750 and a mean hourly wage of $36.90.

Income stays afloat

Reliable wage statistics can also be obtained from the DesignIntelligence Compensation and Benefits Survey, which bases its figures on those submitted by 460 entities engaged in architecture, design-build, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, urban design, and industrial design.  Over 25,000 full-time professionals participated in this survey.  The results of the 2010-2011 edition paint a bright picture for an architect salary despite an ailing national economy. Salaries for recent architecture school graduates are increasing.  Proof of this is the mean wages for bachelor’s degree holders, which climbed from just $39,333 in 2008 to $41,012 in 2009.  The same is true for master’s degree earners, whose mean wage reached $47,263 from just $42,985 within the same time frame.

Architects with 20-year experience tucked under their belt stand to make as much as $100,723 for an architect salary.  The salaries of those with lengthier and more relevant experience can go as high as $142,200, reports the DesignIntelligence study.

Architects working directly on the payroll of firms, governments and corporations usually earn a regular annual salary.

Architect schools and Architect Colleges

If you would like to earn an architect salary, the first step is to find a good traditional or online university and start earning your degree.

There are a number of means by which you can pursue a career in architecture.  For one with no architectural experience whatsoever, it would be wise to enroll in a five-year bachelor’s program in architecture.  A master’s degree in architecture is the surest passport for people in other fields and with other degrees desiring to join the architectural domain.

A course in architecture will familiarize you with such concepts as building design, theory and history of architecture, use of technology in architecture, construction methods, professional architecture practice, physical sciences, mathematics, and liberal arts.  You may also be required to undertake design studio projects on your way to obtaining a degree.  A three-year apprenticeship and the bar exams follow the graduation, both of which you must complete and pass. By having such degrees when you start looking for architect jobs, you’ll have a solid base for the the architect requirements needed to give you the best architect salary possible.

Ways to earn an architect salary

Architects are professionals trained and licensed to conceptualize and design various types of buildings and establishments, including homes, offices, factories, schools, malls, and churches.  They face a myriad of opportunities and challenges as they create designs for both public and private structures.

One of your main duties as an architect is to sit down with your clients and decipher their requirements, specifically in terms of form and function.  As an architect, you will also be tasked to develop an original, visually appealing and functional master plan in accordance with the client’s requirements and standards.  From beginning to end, you will oversee the entire project, specifically by managing, designing, engineering, and supervising all its facets and details. You will also be in charge of all communications with others who are involved in the project.

The average architect salary of over $70,000, or even higher for the more qualified ones, is doubt luring many creative individuals to join the industry.  Not only do architects achieve fulfillment and decent compensation, they also get the chance to be their own boss as self-employed contractors.

Struggles and satisfaction

Architects view their job as pressure-laden, given all the fire regulations, building codes, local ordinances, and zoning laws they have to remember and comply with as the project progresses. As the architect, you are solely responsible for every aspect of the project and will likely be required to obtain construction bids, negotiate contracts, hire contractors, and regularly inspect the work that is being completed.  Most of today’s architects choose one building type to work as they for fear of overexposure and in hopes of obtaining a satisfactory architect salary.

The most important thing for anyone considering a career in architecture is tp determine what you like and what type of projects your skill set is best suited.  Answer these questions and you’re on your way to realizing the profession’s rich rewards, regardless of what your pay looks like.

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Bright horizon for architectural employment

The economic downturn and the crash of the real estate market have impacted architecture in the same way they have many other sectors. Between July 2009 and November 2009, employment at American architecture firms dropped from 224,500 to 184,600, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.  Unfazed by its earlier report, the Labor Department boldly predicts that in the next ten years, the number of architecture jobs will grow much faster than jobs in other industries. I hope you enjoyed this article covering the architect salary.

 

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System Architect – What You Need to Know

System Architect

A system architect is a person who controls the general requirements of a complicated system to ensure that it provides a cost effective, robust, strategic and reliable solution.  A system architect salary is paid to this types of architects.

How a system architect works

Basically,  systems architects divide huge and complex systems into subsystems that can be handled or managed by individual engineers. They determine the fundamental structure of a system, define its core design elements and features that are  difficult to change and offer a framework for what follows.  They also provides their views on what a system ought to be and what it should do as well as the paths on which it should be able to evolve. They also works towards maintaining the integrity of this vision throughout the comprehensive system design and implementation.

Responsibilities of a system architect

When developing a system,  architects are among others, responsible for developing a high level of system needs based on the cost, schedule and user requirements and interacting with the user, sponsors and other interested parties to determine their emerging needs. Systems architects also ensure that the system requirements are complete, consistent, operationally defined and correct and conduct a cost benefit analysis to establish whether the system requirements are best met by hardware, software or manual functions. They partition huge systems into layers of components and subsystems that can be managed by an engineer, subordinate architect or a team of engineers and ensure that all architectural inputs and products do not become obsolete and that they are well maintained. They develop models, sketches, prototypes and user guides to keep engineers and users updated as the system evolves as well as integrate constraints and rules of all the components that go into the system solution.

Skills requirement for system architects

While technical skills are important for architects to perform the above tasks, the architects are required to master the company’s structure as well its technical infrastructure. Architects should also have very good strategic and interpersonal skills as well negotiation skills to be able to work with users, providers of technical solutions and users.

They use system architect software such as IBM rational system architect as a tool to develop operation models and the applications, databases and systems that support them that can be used by technology departments and businesses. This rational system architect is also used to develop architectures using frameworks such as DoDAF, TOGAF, NAF and MODAF.

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Architect Job Description-Overview of What You Need to Know

Architect Job Description

An architect job description generally describes the nature of work of an architecture, the job title or position and the specific tasks that the  architecture is expected to undertake in a job. More often than not, the architect salary level is determined by the architect job description.

Tasks contained in an architect job description

An architect works in the construction industry to either design new buildings, conserve and restore existing ones and develop new and innovative ways of making use of them. An architect job description contains tasks that engages an architect in the construction projects right from the early stages until they are completed. These tasks include preparation and presentation of proposed designs to clients and providing advice to them as well as production of detailed drawings. Also contained in an architect job description are responsibilities relating to the architect’s participation in meetings with contractors, clients and other professionals on a regular basis, negotiation with contractors and other professionals involved in the construction work and coordination of the work being done by contractors. Architects are also expected to handling those problems that may come up in course of constructing buildings and visit construction sites regularly to monitor work progress.

How an architect’s work process looks like

Generally, architects work five days a week, Monday through to Friday from 9 am to 5pm. They do most of the work from the office with occasional visits to construction sites and clients.  Mostly, architects begin the design process by developing a client’s initial idea. They ask comprehensive questions to understand what a client wants and the budgets available for the project. Architects have to take the impact of the project on the environment and local community into account. They also consider the needs of those who will make use of the building. The architect job description requires the architect to produce a computer aided design showing the organization of spaces within the building, the appearance of the building and how it will be constructed. The designs are then submitted for approval by the client and relevant authorities such as building control and local planning departments. After approval of the designs, the architect generates detailed drawings for use by the builder. Architects often visit the construction sites to inspect the work and check progress.

Some valuable skills and interests that architects should have

In order to adequately perform the tasks contained in the architect job description, architects should have an eye for detail and a strong sense of visual awareness. They should be imaginative, inventive, enjoy built environment and have a passion for buildings.  The tasks outlined in an architect job description requires architects to be able to work in 3-Dimension, have excellent drawing skills and be concerned about the environment and people. In order to handle the tasks contained in an architect job description, a person must have completed a degree program in a school of architecture and gained experience in an architectural office.

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Architect job description

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3d Home Architect Software: Design Your Own Home

3D Home Architect

A 3d home architect provides a step-by-step guide to enable you design your own home with relative ease.  Traditionally, architectural designs are performed using pencils and paper and one to rely on a qualified architect to get a home design. Today, a lot has changed. Architectural designs begin as sketches on paper and take more defined shapes though computer aided designs (CAD) which allow easy alterations and precise details.  Now, you need not to worry about paying an architect salary to an architect. By getting the 3D architect software, you can develop your own 3D home architect designs all by yourself.

Significance of 3D architect

3-dimensional architecture adds value to CAD and makes the designing, documentation and presentation of an entire building of any shape or size possible. A 3D architect is able to take up a client’s design and make a much better and detailed visual presentation of it. The architect also presents more accurate plans hence helping solve most construction issues at an early stage. This is because a 3D home architect design makes it possible to provide a building’s outlook to appear as though they were real. 3D modeling has also played a significant role in helping any 3D home architect design’s dream buildings in clear and creative ways so they appear exactly the way they imagine them for clients. This goes a long way in helping  customers gain focus because the 3D home architect software creates realistic building models giving both 3D home architects and clients a clear view of the building being created. 3D modelling makes it easier to communicate concepts and ideas to clients and provides a perfect way to judge the assets that may be available.

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Make your own design using the 3D home architect software

Using home architect 3D is relatively easy. First, you need to  install the home 3D  architect software into your computer using a CD-ROM. To start the software, restart your computer after installation. Using this software, you will be able to access various templates of materials that you can choose for each room that you wish to design. Using the ‘draw’ tool, you can draw the walls of the room; you will see dimensions of the walls on the screen to guide you.  After doing the wall, you can go ahead and insert the floor, doors and windows to the walls. There are floor, door and window mode tools that provide icons that you can select from. Once your 3D home architect design is done, you can set up furniture and other fixtures in your room using furniture and fixture buttons on the main toolbar.

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Architect Your Home: Design your home the way you want it

Architect Your Home

The term architect your home is used to help you know that you can actually be your own home architect. Developing the design of your home can be an interesting process because you are the one who knows what  you want best. Architect your home is a serious process that can make the dream of your house come true. Becoming the architect of your home could save you money that would have otherwise have been paid out as architect salary.

Finding ideas to architect your home

The first step to architect your home is finding a design idea. There are many places where you can find creative  ideas for your home architect design. By taking photos, skimming through magazines and books, you can compile concepts, creative ideas and inspirations into one place to create a pool of designs that match your imaginations.  You can find more ideas on the internet to complete your design idea. If you want to architect your home, you will find the internet to be a great source of  building  resources such as  updated building materials and new construction techniques which could be up to 50% easier, faster and cheaper.  When doing your home design architect, you will also need to find detailed information on a variety of building materials such as doors and windows, plumbing fixtures, lighting, stairway elements among others that will support your finishing process. Gathering all this information will make it easier for you to select the best architect home design and inspire you enough to architect your home.

What you need to develop your architect home design

Compile a list of the things you need on a piece of paper before starting to architect your home. You may want to make a two lists, one containing the things that you wish for and the other the things that you need. This may take a few days to compile because you may not remember everything you need or wish within a day. Make it fun, think of it as making a mind map and write down any need or wish that you remember when it comes to mind. A great way to do it is by organizing the needs into categories such as space and size, flooring, exterior design and interior design. Compare these needs with the thoughts you gathered when you were looking for home design architect ideas.

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Four quick steps to architect your home

a. First step to architect your home is to develop a sketch of the space where you wish to build your home. Outline your land in terms of length and width and include a compass to your sketch for guidance. You can get this information from your local building authority. Also, show the location of your building on the sketch.

b. The second step has to do with organizing your space. Here, you develop an initial design with a sketch of how the space will be organized. As you architect your home, you will find that this makes it easy to allocate space according to your needs such as private  rooms and public space. Generate a sketch with the general overview of how you want your space organized then describe the smaller elements. For instance, your public space would be divided into garden space, parking, entrance etc while your private space may include the bedrooms, study rooms, washrooms, kitchen etc.

c. The third step is developing a detailed space list.  This architect your home step has to do with sorting out the wish and need lists that you had developed earlier in light of the finances available. Harmonize the two lists to make up a realistic list of what you really need and can afford.

d. Lastly, begin making a design layout. This architect your home step involves developing your space organization to a basic design layout by tracing. To make it easier, you can use a strimin box to set out the scale of the drawing. As you architect your home, it is advisable to use architectural graphic standards as a guide to develop the design layout.

Architect Your Home

Architect Your Home

 

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Solution Architect: Job description and the skills, education and certification required

Solution Architect

A solution architect works to address specific requirements and problems mostly through development of specific applications or information systems.

Required skills of a solution architect

Solution architecture is a discipline that deals with development of communicable and creative technical designs that align a viable business solution to the expectations of its stakeholders within specified delivery parameters. In general, this discipline involves either describing the behavior and structure of a  solution or describing the solution and the process of delivering it.  Architects in this field work with enterprise architects to develop strategic direction. They are tasked with the work of designing  one or more services or applications in an organization within the scope of a given division. The architect should be capable of solving problems and should have a mix of business and technical skills.  A solution architect salary is paid to people working in this profession.

Solution architect job description

Solution architect jobs essentially entail performance of the various responsibilities in the course of a project. These include development of  solutions  in consultation with infrastructure or integration architects and ensuring  that the project progresses as scheduled or according to the project time lines. The job also involves delivering solutions of a given problem within a given period of time. Though this task is often shared between solution architects and project managers, solutions architects are often responsible.As the expert in the subject matter, the architects must understand client’s requirements and give suggestions on how the challenges can be addressed. These architects are also required to serve as a consultant during early project phases when putting together requirements in response to customer requests for proposals. They lead  project managers and developers, work with business units in the company and the customer’s team to generate solutions as well as help the customer see the value in the solution and how it is beneficial in the long run.

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Education and Certification requirements

To work in this profession, you need to get a bachelors degree in information technology such as computer science or software engineering. The coursework for this program includes programming, advanced mathematics, systems engineering and database management.While solution architect certification is not mandatory, it could reflect one’s expertise in certain fields. There are several areas in which technology professionals can get certifications. These include software programs, computer languages and networking security. Also, there are certain programs that offer certification to technology professionals. Some employers require solution architects to undertake periodic training and certification programs.

 

Solution Architect

Solution Architect

 

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Architect Jobs: All you need to know

Architect Jobs

Architect jobs involve development of structural designs such as buildings, parks, ships, campuses, residential areas, roads among others. Besides focusing on the appearance of these structures, architects also ensure that they are safe, economical, functional and address the needs of those who use them. Architects can provide other design services such as graphic and signage, furniture and interior design. Architects are paid an architect salary for the services they provide.

Types of Architect Jobs

Architects offer design services in all building types.  An architect job has different responsibilities depending on the value and size of the project as well as the number of people in the project team. The various types of architectural jobs found in this profession include:

Intern Architect Jobs: These are short term jobs for people who are taking degree courses with plans of specializing in architecture. Generally, interns are given tasks such as making models and performing general office administration work.

Project Architects: These are also referred to as Job Captains. Project architect jobs involve performance of day to day project tasks. Such tasks include coordination of consultants, preparation of drawings, developing client’s presentations  and conducting technical research. Generally, project architects who have one or two years experience work in teams under a senior architect.

Architectural Technicians: These architect jobs focus on developing drawings using computer aided design packages like Revit and AutoCAD. Architectural technicians work closely with senior and project architects to graduate design drawings to construction documents.

Project Manager or Senior Architect: This architect jobs involves coordinating and communicating tasks between consultants. Senior architects are responsible for delivering projects within set deadlines and manage the amount of work allocated to project teams. They attend meetings with local municipalities and clients as well as review drawings.

Principal Architect: Often the owner of the business, the principal architect is tasked with the responsibility of running the business, getting new projects and meeting prospective clients. Though he often has the overall picture of the project work done in the office, be mostly participates in key project presentations or meetings only.

Where you can find find architectural jobs

Besides the building industry, architect jobs can be found in other areas such as landscaping and ship yards. To get landscape architect jobs, a bachelors or masters degree in landscaping is required.  Generally, a landscape architect job will involve design and beautification of areas such as parks, walkways, gardens, campuses  among others. Architects can find naval architect jobs in ship yards to construct, design and repair boats, ships and other vessels or offshore structures.

General  requirements for an architect job

To work as an architect, one is required to have degree, bachelors or masters, in an architectural program. An architect should also have the relevant license to practice in this profession. To get a license, an architect is generally required to acquire a professional degree, have the relevant work experience and pass the licensing examination. In many states, architects are required to continue with education in order to maintain their license.

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Advancing an Architectural Career

It is possible to advance an architectural career from junior architect jobs  to senior architect  jobs. Architect assistant jobs offer great opportunities  to gain the necessary work experience after which an architect can begin seeking architect job openings that offer challenging assignments and eventually begin managing projects. Seeking managerial or supervisory architect jobs in bigger firms can go a long way in advancing the one’s career.

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Architect jobs

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Landscape Architect Job: Learn the Nature and Requirements

Landscape Architect

A landscape architect  is involved in designing and planning  of  distinct spaces such as a gardens, public parks, college campus, residential areas, parkways and shopping areas.  Landscape architect jobs involve designing these areas to make them functional as well as beautiful and in harmony with the surrounding natural environment. A residential landscape architect designs and plans the outlook in residential areas. About 21 percent of landscapers in the US are self employed. A landscape architect salary is paid to people working in this profession.

The nature of landscape architect job

Landscapers generally plan the location of roads, buildings  and walkways. Their job also involves  factoring  in the arrangement of shrubs, trees and flowers in the plan as well as developing ways of restoring natural areas that may have been disturbed by people such as stream corridors, wetlands, forest land and mined areas.

These architects often work with surveyors, building architects and engineers to determine how best buildings and roads can be arranged. To develop the most appropriate ways of restoring and conserving natural resources, the architects collaborate with professionals such as foresters and environmental scientists. When decisions are made on these, they develop a detailed plan showing the new vegetation, topography, walkways as well as other landscaping details like decorative features and fountains.

When planning the site, the architects put into consideration the project’s purpose and budget allocations. They also analyze the natural aspects of the site, for instance soil, climate, drainage, slope of the land and vegetation. Existing roads, walkways, buildings and utilities are also assessed to see what improvements need to be done. A preliminary design is then developed upon completion of the site study and analysis. Usually, there are many changes that are made on the design  due to site conditions and to ensure it best addresses a client’s needs before approval. Federal, State or local regulations are also taken into account during the design. Such may be in relation to protection of historic resources or wetlands.

In most cases, a landscape architect software is used to prepare landscape designs. At every stage, the architects have to evaluate the project  to determine its impact on the local ecosystem.

Training and licensing requirements

A landscape architect degree (bachelors or masters) is required for a person to work as a professional landscaper. In the US, there are about 67 accredited universities and colleges offering graduate or undergraduate landscape architecture  programs. Landscape architects are required to get  licenses in order to practice in this profession. To qualify for licensing, one should have a degree in landscape architecture from an accredited landscape architect schools, work experience as well as pass the registration examination.  This professional has a good job outlook though new graduates could face stiff competition for landscaping  jobs from large and prestigious landscape architect firms.

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Landscape architect

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