CAREER IN ARCHITECTURE

INTRODUCTION

With the need for modern infrastructure leading the cause, architecture in India is opening up its avenues for hopeful students, with a diverse ranges of careers in the field.

Architecture means the art and science of designing buildings and other physical structures. However, over the past few years the concept has vastly metamorphosed from dealing in urban design and landscape architecture to construction of furniture.

Architects are the real creators of amazing buildings and structures. Skyscrapers in metro cities would not have been possible without them. While capitalism furthers the growth and prosperity of human race, tall buildings with beautiful designs and glory show the grandeur. The rebuilding of ‘Twin Towers’ collapsed in 9/11 incident and other towers and structures shows the real dint of human talent and excellence, creativity and vision.

Architects are responsible for designing the places that people need in order to live, play, work, learn, worship, shop, meet and eat. In addition to the general look of the building, architects also must take into consideration factors that will make the building functional, secure and economical and fits the needs of the people who use them. They may be involved in all phases of a construction project. Their responsibilities require certain skills such as engineering, designing, supervising, managing and communicating with builders and clients. Persuasive skills are also helpful, as architects need to clearly communicate their visions.

Different Roles - Different Names

• Architect: Literally an architect is someone who has got training from an architecture institute on the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. Generally, architects are licensed to practice architecture. An architect either can work independently or for some architecture company or real estate developing firm.

• Architecture Designer: Architecture designers are the professionals who are involved in designing houses and other small buildings. However, these are not registered like an architect but perform various jobs such as designing buildings, designing light-frame buildings including of family homes, agricultural buildings, etc. Some additional duties for architecture designers may include designing of decorative facades malls or big to small sized buildings.

• Architecture Engineer: These professionals have dual qualification of architect and a civil engineer. Bestowed with the duty to provide the services of an architect and engineer, such professionals have attractive demand in job market.

• Interior Designer: Contrary to general belief that the career in interior designing belongs to women, men found it attractive and do courses in interior designing, interior decor, etc. Trained professionals can work with interior designing firms offering services in serene interiors, home interior, bedroom interior, bathroom interior, kitchen, furniture designing, etc.

NATURE OF WORK

An architect is expected to work on desk as well on the construction site. Architects design structures and give physical face-lift as well as provide functional utility, safety and economy. The job of an architect is not limited to designing corporate offices, rather they design houses, apartments and colonies, industrial complexes, hospitals, hotels, airport terminals, stadium, shopping and commercial complexes, schools etc.

Architects focus on how to make living easy and comfortable for people ranging from lower-middle class to upper-class and offer them housing and shelter with luxury and style. Moreover, increased demand for luxury accommodation from certain section of people drives architects to work on building such designs which fulfill the specific requirements. Architects provide professional services to new constructions, alterations and renovations, etc. of the existing buildings.

After architects discuss and agree on a proposal, they develop the final construction plans that demonstrate details of construction and the building’s appearance. They also must complete drawings of structural systems, such as heating, air conditioning, electrical systems, plumbing and communications systems. In some cases, the plans will include building materials and interior furnishings.

Architects are required to follow zoning laws, building codes, fire regulations and various other ordinances, like requiring easy access for people who are disabled. Using the traditional paper and pencil for creating design and construction papers has been replaced by computer-aided designing and drafting (CADD) and building information modeling (BIM) technology. Often, architects are required to make continual revisions based on the clients needs and budget constraints.

Sometimes, architects assist clients in hiring a construction crew and negotiating their contracts. They may visit building sites to ensure that contractors are following the design, using the specified materials, adhering to the schedule and performing quality work. The job is only complete when all construction is finished, construction costs are paid and mandatory tests are conducted.

CONDITIONS OF WORK

It involves both indoor and outdoor work: work at desk in office meeting clients and drawing up blueprints and designing structures and at construction sites to observe the implementation of their designs and review progress, and may travel locally to visit construction sites or clients, and nationally or overseas to work on projects or attend conferences and workshops..

Positives/Negatives

Career in Architecture has its own pros and cons. Whereas negatives such as insecurity, job pressure, odd hours of working, too much expectations, etc. haunt an architect, positives such as higher salaries, growth prospect, individual identity, international exposure, etc. are enticing elements to choose a career in architecture and design.

Like any other industry, getting the first break is difficult because this profession involves convincing your client about your ability to yield desired results. For an architect, the challenge is to produce an artistically pleasing design within a given budget.

JOB AND HEALTH HAZARDS

The inherent hazard with independent practice is that the professional undergoes lots of work as he alone has to plan details of sizes, specification and estimates of the cost of the structure, etc. Moreover, he require good models and graphics as there would not be any other person to assist him which is the case when he works with some construction company.

Architects may specifically be prone to respiratory illnesses, headaches and nausea due to exposure to dust, fumes, solvents, etc.

HOURS OF WORK

Usually work regular business hours, but may work longer hours to meet deadlines

EARNINGS

Shubhrajit Das, head of the department of architecture, Jadavpur University says “The initial earning varies with the location of your workplace and your area of specialisation. In a place like New Delhi, a graduate working in an architectural firm may get something between Rs 20,000 and 25,000 per month initially. Whereas, working in a real estate company may fetch one something between Rs 40,000 and 50,000. Similarly, those who specialise in software design and work in reputed MNCs can command a starting salary of Rs 80,000-100,000 per-month.” Thereafter, one’s success depends on an individual’s commitment and sincerity towards the profession.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

Aspiring architects need either a Bachelor’s degree (BArch) or diploma in architecture. The basic eligibility criterion for BArch courses is class XII or equivalent, referred to as the qualifying examination from a recognised board/university with Mathematics as a subject of examination with a minimum of 50%. Besides, the candidate needs to clear an architecture entrance exam.

The selection is done through an entrance exam conducted by the Council of Architecture throughout India. The National Institute of Advanced Studies in Architecture (NIASA), Pune, an Academic Unit of the Council of Architecture (CoA), conducts a National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) for admission to 5-year Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch) degree course for all architectural institutions in the country, including NITs, IITs, Government Institutions, Government-aided Institutions, Universities, Deemed Universities and Private Universities, established by a Central or State Legislature and other private institutions.

On the other hand engineering colleges select students on the basis of the result to the entrance exam on filling AIEEE or UPSEE exam. Similarly, some private colleges offering courses in architecture have their own criteria which are based on 10 + 2 marks of students.

No candidate, with less than 50% marks in aggregate, shall be admitted to the architecture course unless he/ she has passed an examination at the end of the new 10+2 scheme of Senior School Certificate Examination or equivalent with Mathematics as subjects of examination at the 10+2 level. Or

10+3 Diploma (any stream) recognised by Central/ State Governments with 50% aggregate marks.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED

Besides educational qualifications, a person should possess some personal attributes also these qualities are:

Creativity and problem solving skills
Organized
Observation skills,
Immense physical stamina
Sound communication skills
Analytical and mathematical ability
Ability to understand people’s needs
An understanding of legal and financial matters
Good perception of social and psychological attitude
Ability to visualize spatial relationships in three dimensions
Dexterity (in drawing and sketching) to succeed as an architect
A burning desire to update one’s knowledge of latest developments in structural techniques and materials,
Excellent memory and sound concentration level, flexibility, patience, team spirit, responsibility and accountability, etc. are some common personality traits which are essential for professional success in architecture and design.

SCHOLARSHIP

Aga Khan Foundation offers a limited number of scholarships for students of Architecture who are willing to pursue higher education. The scholarship is given to the outstanding students from India who have no other means of financing their studies. According to the guidelines issued by the trust, the scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant : 50% loan basis. Applications are invited once a year in June or July and students with excellent academic records, genuine financial need, admission to a reputable institution of higher learning, etc. only are eligible for the scholarship.

60 National Overseas Scholarships are offered to students belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, De-notified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, etc. Candidates who top in entrance exams conducted by the private institutes receive attractive discounts in fees. Education loans are available to students from nationalized banks and private banks at attractively low interest rates.

METHODS OF ENTERING THE JOB

After completing graduation or during the time of graduation in Architecture, candidates can do an internship program either with some practicing architects or with an architecture firm to gain practical experience and better up job prospects.

For freshers, working in a well-known architectural firm or with professionals who have been in this field for a longer period, helps towards learning the practical aspects of this profession before one sets out on his/her own.

ADVANCEMENT /PROMOTIONS

A licensed architect, after gaining experience, may take on increasingly responsible duties and eventual managing entire projects. Architects may advance to supervisory or managerial positions in large firms. Some become partners in established firms while others set up their own practices

TYPICAL PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT/SELF EMPLOYMENT

Architects can work with construction companies wherein they are asked to serve as a designer. Initially an architect is expected to understand specific requirements of clients and strike a right balance between aesthetics and practicality. Additionally, an architect with skills can help clients by his ideas in terms of balancing the requirements of appearance, financial budget and time frame. Some architects even work independently and earn their livelihood through consultancy fees which entirely depends upon the skills and profile as well as work experience.

Most of the jobs in architecture come up in government organizations such as Public Works Department, the Archaeological Department, Ministry of Defence, National Building Organization, Town and Country Planning Organization, National Institute of Urban Affairs, Departments of Railways, Post and Telegraphs, Public Sector Undertakings, Housing and Urban Development Corporation, National Building Construction Corporation Ltd., City Development Authorities, State Housing Boards, etc. While some other organizations or bodies like State Departments, Housing Boards, Local Bodies for construction works, Builders, Architecture Firms, Consultants, etc. also hire architects.

Architects with some experience can even set up their own business as Consultants or start their own architectural firm.

· Research- Central Building Research Institute, Central Road Research Institute, etc

· Teaching at colleges and institutes giving architectural training

INSTITUTES

A number of colleges and institutes imparting education in architecture have come up in last six decades and some of them have global reputation. Some of the leading colleges of architecture are as follows:

• National Institute of Advanced Studies in Architecture, Pune

• Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur

• Faculty of Architecture & Ekistics, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi

• School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi

• School of Architecture and Interior Design, VastuKala Academy (Associated with IGNOU), New Delhi

• University School of Architecture & Planning, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi

• MBS School of Planning and Architecture (Affiliated to GGSIP), New Delhi

• Sat Priya School of Architecture and Design Maharshi Dayanand University Rohtak (Haryana)

• Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra (Haryana)

• Lingaya’s University’s School of Architecture, Faridabad

• Rabindranath Tagore Institute of Architecture & Design (Affiliated to Maharshi Dayanand University), Faridabad

• Amity School of Architecture & Planning, Amity University, Gurgaon and Noida

• Sunder Deep College of Architecture, Sunder Deep Group of Institutions (Affiliated to Gautam Buddh Technical University), Ghaziabad

• JMS School of Architecture (Affiliated to Mahamaya Technical University), Ghaziabad

• Ideal School of Architecture (Affiliated to Mahamaya Technical University), Ghaziabad

• SGIT IMT College of Architecture (Affiliated to Mahamaya Technical University), Ghaziabad

• School of Architecture, G.L.Bajaj Group of Institutions, (Affiliated to Gautam Buddh Technical University), Mathura

• School of Architecture & Planning, Sharda University, Greater Noida

• Ishan Institute of Architecture & Planning (Associated with IGNOU), Greater Noida

• School of Architecture (Affiliated to GGSIP), Greater Noida

• Accurate Institute of Architecture & Planning (Affiliated to Mahamaya Technical University), Greater Noida

• School of Architecture and Regional Planning, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida

• Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, University (CEPT University), Ahmedabad, (Gujarat)

• College of Architecture Sardar Vallabhai Patel Institute of Technology ANAND (Gujarat)

• Punjab University, Chandigarh College of Architecture

• Lovely School of Architecture & Design Lovely Professional University, Phagwara (Punjab)

• Faculty of Architecture, Gautam Buddh Technical University, LUCKNOW (Uttar Pradesh)

• University of Mumbai, Sir J J College of Architecture

• Rizvi College of Architecture, Mumbai

• LS Raheja School of Architecture, Mumbai

• Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture, Mumbai

• Indian Education Society's College of Architecture, Mumbai

• Bharati Vidyapeeth University’s, College of Architecture, PUNE-411 043 (Maharashtra)

• Symbiosis School of Planning & Architecture Symbiosis International University, Pune

• Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNA&FAU), Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

• Acharya Nagarjuna University, GUNTUR, Andhra Pradesh

• Guwahati University, Guwahati, Assam

• National Institute of Technology (Deemed University), PATNA, Bihar

• Birla Institute of Technology (Deemed University), Patna Centre, Patna (Bihar)

• N. I. T. (Deemed University) RAIPUR, (Chattisgarh)

• Maharaja Agrasen School of Architecture & Design, Maharaja Agrasen University Baddi District Solan (Himachal Pradesh)

• School of Architecture, College of Engineering, Kerala University, Thiruvananthpuram

• Anna University, School of Architecture & Planning, Chennai

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Dr. NIYATI GARG