RCHITECT..

Architects develop new designs and structural techniques to improve the quality, safety, and
attractiveness of the buildings and settings in which we live, work and play. The scope of
architectural work is very broad. Architects often work with urban and interior designers, structural
engineers, landscape architects and members of other professions to incorporate their efforts into
the total building project.

Architects employed a large firms often work on extensive projects as part of a development
team. Each member specializes in one phase of work such as planning, programming, designing, cost
estimating, writing project specifications, or administering construction contracts. Work
assignments may vary from project to project, depending on the customer͛s need or the Architect͛s
special area of interest. The principal or other senior Architect of the firm negotiates with the clients
to secure projects and handles most business contacts with clients. Architects functioning as site
planners and designers conduct site analyses, establish requirements for the project and suggest
alternative design concepts.

Once the general design has been set, Architects prepare schematic and design development
drawings. The project director will supervises a staff which includes drafters. Drafters prepare
working, drawings, sketches of the proposed finished building and other necessary graphics.
Architects also supervise specifications writers who set the qualities and dimensions of the materials
to be used and estimators who develop cost estimates based on building area, material types and
quantities. During construction, construction administrators oversee the work to ensure that the
requirements of the plans and specifications are met.

Architects working for small firms usually work on individual commercial or industrial
structures, apartment buildings, residences, or additions to existing buildings. In these firms, one
Architect is likely to perform several functions such as designer, drafter, estimator and construction
overseer, as well as communicating directly with clients and building contractors.

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 -‘WORK CONDITIONS
Architects nowadays do much work using computers and drawing boards. They also might
sometimes work in field consulting with clients and other professionals, making presentation to city
planning departments, securing permits and investigating site conditions. During construction,
architects deal with contractors and subcontractors, they make frequent trips to building sites. This
requires walking through mud or dust, uneven ground, and conditions that are a little dangerous.‘
However there are many safety precautions taken. o Architect basically work both indoors and
outdoors. Architects might have to travel to few different locations. So the work also need travelling
which make it interesting. Architect͛s salaries vary somewhat between geographical areas and kind
of employer. For the fresh / entry level Architect their average salary is around RM1,900. The Junior
Executive Architect earns around RM2,500. While the Senior Executive Architect earns around
RM4,550. Manager get an average salary of RM8,000 while the Senior Manager get an average
around RM8,500. Deadlines are incredibly important to architects. Although a typical 40-hour work
week is not uncommon, pending deadlines can keep architects working nights and weekends,
exceeding normal working hours. Because of the importance of working under deadlines, architects
must cope with stress and pressure in the office. Many architectural firms offer such benefits as life
and health insurance plans, profit-sharing plans, and retirement funds. Most companies provide
paid holidays and vacations.

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 ʹ IMPLICATION FOR LIFESTYLE

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 ʹ NATURE OF THE WORK
Architects design, plan, and supervise the construction of buildings. They are responsible for
the safety, usefulness, and aesthetics of their buildings. They must design structures that satisfy
their clients' needs while conforming to the laws and regulations of the areas in which the
structures will be built.

When a client hires an architect to design a building, the client and architect discuss the
purpose of the building, the type of building wanted, and the budget. Then the architect inspects
the building site to see what the land looks like. Sometimes the architect works with the builder to
find the right piece of land for a structure. The architect has to consider what kind of design the
building should have in relation to the site. The architect must also consider the climate, the
surrounding buildings, and the slope of the site. Next the architect creates preliminary sketches,
usually using computer-assisted design and drafting (CADD) software. These first drawings suggest
the general shape and appearance of the building, the method of construction, where it will be
placed on the site, and how the inside will look. The architect might have to revise the plans to meet
the client's expectations.

Once the client approves these preliminary plans, the architect prepares more detailed
plans, which show exactly how the structure is to be built. They indicate the dimensions and
placement of each wall and window. They offer diagrams for heating, ventilation, and air-
conditioning ducts and indicate the paths for plumbing pipes and electrical wiring. They include
technical information, or specifications, of the materials to be used and the methods of installation.
At this point, the plans go to contractors. The contractors examine the plans and submit bids on
labor and material costs. When the bids are received, the client and the architect decide who will
get the work. Considerations in selecting the contractor include the price submitted and the quality
of past work. The contractor who is chosen uses the plans and specifications to direct the actual
construction work.

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 Once construction begins, the architect visits the site frequently to check that the plans are
being followed. The architect must also approve the materials being used. The architect checks the
interior hardware and fixtures and works with the landscape planner and other workers and
engineers on the building site. The architect's final duty is to decide whether the contract between
the client and the contractor has been satisfied.

The amount of detail that the architects handle themselves depends on the size of
their firms. In large offices, many of the smaller details are the responsibility of other staff members.
Architects who work in small companies handle most of the details personally. Architects must be
artists, businesspeople, organizers, planners, and coordinators. They should be aware of their
clients' needs, as well as the needs of those who will use the buildings they design. They must know
how to communicate their ideas and be persuasive. Architects must consider the effect their
buildings will have on the natural and artificial surroundings. They must understand building codes.
An extensive knowledge of design and construction coupled with creative ability is the best
combination of qualities for an architect.


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ʹ NEED BY SOCIETY AND COMMUNITY
Employment of architects is expected to grow by 18 percent between 2006 and 2016, which
is faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of architects is strongly tied to the
activity of the construction industry. Strong growth is expected to come from non-residential
construction as demand for commercial space increases.

Current demographic trends also support an increase in demand for architects. As the
population of a certain place continues to grow, the people living there will need new places to live
and work. As the population continues to live longer, there will be a need for more healthcare
facilities, nursing homes, and retirement communities. In education, buildings at all levels are
getting older and class sizes are getting larger. This will require many school districts and universities
to build new facilities and renovate existing ones.

Besides employment growth, additional job openings will arise from the need to replace the
many architects who are nearing retirement, and others who transfer to other occupations or stop
working for other reasons. Internship opportunities for new architectural students are expected to
be good over the next decade, but more students are graduating with architectural degrees and
some competition for entry-level jobs can be anticipated. Competition will be especially keen for
jobs at the most prestigious architectural firms as prospective architects try to build their
reputation. Prospective architects who have had internships while in school will have an advantage
in obtaining intern positions after graduation. Opportunities will be best for those architects that are
able to distinguish themselves from others with their creativity.

Despite good overall job opportunities some architects may not fare as well as others. The
profession is geographically sensitive, and some parts of the Nation may have fewer new building
projects. Also, many firms specialize in specific buildings, such as hospitals or office towers, and
demand for these buildings may vary by region. Architects may find it increasingly necessary to gain
reciprocity in order to compete for the best jobs and projects in other states.

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 ʹ ENTRY, TRAINING AND PROSPECTS
The entry of being an Architect is one should be good in designing and drawing skills. Next is
hve strong imaginations and the ability to think and create in three dimensions. Architects should
have good analytical skills, accuracy and attention to detail. Next, a keen interest in buildings and
the built environment. Architects also need to have an excellent communication skills, written and
oral, with the ability to liaise effectively with a range of other professionals. One must have good
organisational and negotiation skills. And also strong teamworking and leadership skills. Next, one
should be understanding about the relationship between people, buildings and the wider
environment. Good in reasonable mathematical skills, physics, project management skills and
excellent IT skills, including computer-aided design skills, such as AutoCAD.

A minimum of seven years is required to train as an architect. This consist of an approved

first degree in architecture, which typically takes three or four years. It also consist of 12 months of
supervised and recorded practical experience, referred to as stage one professional experience. This
is commonly taken in architects͛ practices, but may be in any sector of the building industry,
including construction and design Next is two years of further study for a diploma or a secondary
degree in architecture. And then 12 months' supervised and recorded work experience, known as
stage two professional experience. This must be in an architect's office under the supervision of a
qualified architect. Finally, after completed the Professional Practice Examination. Then you can
register as an Architect to any firms and becomes a qualified member of the firms.

The entire architect job market will undergo rising competition. Demanding proven
experience and track records and abilities for those well seated in the workplace and while
becoming more specialized for those entering the workplace. Computer CADD has long since
become a given requirement. Competition for entry level positions on-up is likely to produce a
wealth of labor and choices for employers of architects.

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 ʹ RELATED OCCUPATIONS
There are a few related occupation for an Architect. First is Architectural Technician.
Architectural technicians interpret sketches and designs produced by an architect, architectural
designer or client. They make working drawings, such as floor plans, elevations, sections and details,
and associated documentation of buildings. These are used to obtain resource and building
consents, and for pricing and construction purposes by builders.

Next is Industrial Designer. Industrial designers design and develop products for use in
homes, businesses and industry.

Another related occupation is Interior Designer. An Interior designers plan and design spaces
in residential, commercial, retail and leisure environments.

Next one is Landscape Architect. A Landscape architects plan, design and advise on the
construction of urban, rural, residential and public landscapes. They also manage and conserve
natural or heritage landscapes and public open spaces.

Planners develop and administer plans that guide and control the physical, environmental
and to some extent the social and economic development of urban and rural areas.

Lastly, the most related occupations for an Architect is Structural Engineer. Structural
engineers analyse, design and manage the construction of a range of load-bearing structures such as
houses, commercial buildings, sports stadiums, hospitals, bridges and telecommunications towers.
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ʹ SUCCESSFUL PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

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