Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.

Median Annual Wage: $74,520

Education: Bachelor's degree (56%); Master's degree (19%); Professional degree (15%)

Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)

Related Job Titles: Architect; Project Architect; Architectural Project Manager; Design Architect; Principal Architect; Principal, Architectural Firm; Senior Architect/Design Manager; Senior Architectural Designer; Senior Planner; Specifications Writer

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval.

More Architecture and Engineering Careers

  • Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.
  • Plan or design structures such as residences, office buildings, theatres, factories, or other structural properties in accordance with environmental, safety, or other regulations.
  • Direct activities of technicians engaged in preparing drawings or specification documents.
  • Prepare contract documents for building contractors.
  • Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.
  • Meet with clients to review or discuss architectural drawings.
  • Administer construction contracts.
  • Integrate engineering elements into unified architectural designs.
  • Consult with clients to determine functional or spatial requirements of structures.
  • Conduct periodic on-site observations of construction work to monitor compliance with plans.
  • Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details for its construction.
  • Develop marketing materials, proposals, or presentation to generate new work opportunities.
  • Monitor the work of specialists, such as electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, interior designers, or sound specialists to ensure optimal form or function of designs or final structures.
  • Plan layouts of structural architectural projects.
  • Design or plan construction of green building projects to minimize adverse environmental impact or conserve energy.
  • Represent clients in obtaining bids or awarding construction contracts.
  • Design structures that incorporate environmentally friendly building practices or concepts, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.
  • Inspect proposed building sites to determine suitability for construction.
  • Perform predesign services, such as feasibility or environmental impact studies.
  • Create three-dimensional or interactive representations of designs, using computer assisted design software.
  • Design environmentally sound structural upgrades to existing buildings, such as natural lighting systems, green roofs, or rainwater collection systems.
  • Gather information related to projects' environmental sustainability or operational efficiency.
  • Prepare operating and maintenance manuals, studies, or reports.
  • Calculate potential energy savings by comparing estimated energy consumption of proposed design to baseline standards.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval.

  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Active 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.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval.

Search Local Job Listings

Get Your Degree!

Find schools and get information on the program that’s right for you.

Powered by Campus Explorer