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Artistic or CreativeAnalytic or ScientificSkill Level 5

Architects use creativity and a practical understanding of structures and materials to develop concepts, FutureGrowthModerate plans, specifications and detailed drawings for buildings and other structures. They negotiate with builders and planning authorities, administer building contracts and inspect the work carried out.

Architects apply technical skills and creativity to design commercial, industrial, institutional, residential and recreational buildings that are both practical in use and beautiful in appearance. Unlike other construction or building professionals, architects focus more on the look of a building as opposed to its structure.

They work with a number of construction professionals as well as town planners and project clients to ensure that the use of the building is supplemented and complemented by its design and look. They may work on multi-level skyscrapers in the CBD, or small heritage buildings that require conservation work, as well as a wide range of domestic and commercial buildings.

ANZSCO description: 232111: Plans and designs buildings, provides concepts, plans, specifications and detailed drawings, negotiates with builders and advises on the procurement of buildings (registration or licensing is required).

3D planSpecialisations: Conservation or Heritage Architect.

Architects often specialise in particular types of work, for example, domestic, low-rise commercial, high-rise commercial, industrial, conservation and heritage buildings. Architects need to keep up with changing trends in the construction industry and the community. They have considerable contact with the public.

Architects may also be involved in project feasibility studies, strategic asset investigations, heritage studies, urban planning, interior design or landscape design.

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Architects need:

  • creativity and artistic ability

  • technical ability and spatial awareness

  • the ability to sketch and draw

  • a good level of English, mathematics and physics

  • good communication skills

  • the ability to work, liaise and negotiate with other people

  • the ability to meet strict deadlines.

Construction Plans
(Source: Career Addict)

Duties and Tasks

Architects may perform the following tasks:

  • discuss requirements of clients or builders (to design a new structure or modify an existing one) and prepare a brief
      
  • prepare sketch drawings, production drawings and detailed drawings by hand or using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) equipment
      
  • combine structural, mechanical and artistic elements into the building design, such as decks and atriums, lifts, air conditioning systems and decorative finishes
      
  • discuss designs and cost estimates with clients and others involved in the project, including engineers, quantity surveyors, landscape architects and town planners
      
  • obtain necessary approvals from authorities
      
  • prepare specifications and contract documents specifying building materials, construction equipment and, in some cases, the interior furnishings, for builders, tradespeople and legal advisers
      
  • observe, inspect and monitor building work to make sure that it is progressing according to the contract and specifications
       
  • evaluate projects once they are completed and occupied.

Architect with plans

Working conditions

Architects work in offices when designing and drawing, but are often required to visit work sites. They may need to travel frequently to visit clients at their workplace or at building sites (locally or overseas). They may also need to work with the public when developing government-funded projects that have particular cultural significance. Work conditions can sometimes be stressful due to strict project deadlines and clients’ demands.

Tools and technologies

Architects use drawing and measuring instruments and materials, as well as computer-aided design (CAD) and modelling software. They may also use a variety of stands and equipment for making and displaying three-dimensional models of their designs. Sometimes, it might be helpful to take cameras out on site visits. Architects work in an industry with constantly changing trends and must adhere to building regulations, so it is important that they have access to the most up-to-date information and technical manuals.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a qualified architect you usually need to complete an accredited architecture degree at university followed by postgraduate studies.

Did You Know?
Architects often design things other than buildings. For example, furniture and lamps. Nike Air shoes were designed by an Architect!

 

The Sydney Opera House was designed by Joern Utzon, a Danish architect, who won an International competition to design this structure.

The building commenced in 1959 and was officially opened in 1973. Utzon resigned in 1966 over a dispute in finances and the interior design. He was given the keys to the City of Sydney in April 1998.

 

Architect
Electrician
Bricklayer
PlumberPainter

Construction Worker

Concreter

Carpenter
Tiler

Interior Designer

Floor Finisher

Plasterer

Upholsterer

Interior Decorator

Pool Technician

Cabinetmaker


Roofer
Builder
Handyperson

cleaner


Nanny

Home Improvement Installer

Joiner
Furniture Polisher
Airconditioning Refrigeration Mechanic
Glazier

gardener

Gasfitter

Lift Mechanic

Construction Project Manager

Quantity Surveyor

Construction Rigger

Fencer

Solar Panel Installer


Architect

Electrician
Bricklayer
Plumber
Painter

Construction Worker

Concreter

Carpenter
Tiler
Interior Designer
Floor Finisher

Plasterer

Upholsterer

Interior Decorator

Pool Technician

Cabinetmaker

Roofer

Builder

Handyperson

cleaner

Nanny

Home Improvement Installer
Joiner
Furniture Polisher
Airconditioning Refrigeration Mechanic
Glazier

gardener

Gasfitter

Lift Mechanic

Construction Project Manager

Quantity Surveyor

Construction Rigger

Fencer

Solar Panel Installer

Architect
Electrician
Bricklayer
Plumber
Painter

Construction Worker

Concreter

Carpenter