Career Opportunities in Architecture

Introduction:


Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings and structures. An Architect has to keep feasibility, cost to the builder as well as the functional and aesthetic aspects in mind. While planning a structural design, the architect has to weave interplay of space, volume, texture, light, shadow or abstract elements to achieve pleasing aesthetics. In this way architecture is different from applied science or engineering, which concentrate more on the functional aspects of the structure. In other words one can say that Architect embraces both utilitarian as well as aesthetic aspects. As urbanism is booming so are the job opportunities in architecture.

Eligibility :

Aspirants of architecture should have completed 10 + 2 with Math’s and English (with at least 50%) preferably with a first division. After completing 10+2, the candidate is required to complete the course of B.Arch. (Bachelor of Architecture) which is of 5 years duration in normal course and recognized by Council of Architecture (COA). In India B.Tech and M.Tech in Architecture is offered by various universities including the Indian Institutes of Technology (I.I.T. Kharagpur and I.I.T. Roorkee). Almost all colleges / universities conduct entrance examinations for admission to this program. To be successful in a highly, competitive world, it is advisable for an architect to obtain a master’s degree in architecture (i.e. M.Arch.) and specialize in some particular theme like hospital or shopping mall or residential spaces or educational institutions or hotels etc.

Entrance to architecture programmes at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT’s) is through the national level Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). Private institutes conduct entrance exams of their own. Different states also hold separate entrance exams for admission to architecture and engineering colleges in the state.

Apart from the degree course in B.Arch, Diploma in architecture are also available in some institutes as either full time or part time. It will take seven years to complete the part-time diploma courses.

All you need is :

A successful architect requires special qualifications like designing talent, business aptitude, social awareness and legal knowledge. They must have excellent communication and drawing skills, keen observation, vivid imagination, creativity, ideas and the ability to visualise. Other qualities include leadership, managerial qualities, resourcefulness and ability to work as a team. They must also possess sufficient grasp of all aspects of building technology to be able to design for various needs under different conditions. Computer literacy also is required for writing specifications, two- and three-dimensional drafting, and financial management. Knowledge of CADD is essential.

Remuneration

Due to large gap between the demand and supply in this field the remuneration of architect is expected rise further. Employment opportunities for architects are available in government as well as private sectors. However, the private payers like Builders, Architecture Firms, and Consultants offer handsome salary packages to skilled architects. Salary of experienced architect in India is generally high ranging from Rs.2 lakh to Rs.5 lakhs per annum. A fresh architectural graduate working as a trainee with established architects starts with a salary of Rs.4000 to Rs.7000/- per month. With in a short span of time, the earnings can rise up to Rs.10,000/- to Rs.20,000/-.