A Career in Architecture and Building Sciences

Dawson Thornton

Ms. Davis

English III Honors

22 February 2018
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Dawson Thornton

Ms. Davis

English III Honors

14 February, 2018

A Career in Architecture and Building Sciences

As a young child filled with lots of questions, playing with legos and building the most

superior buildings, became a passion that sparked an interest in architecture. After starting grade

school, the easiest subjects became math and art. To this day, math will always stay a critical part

leading to a future career in building sciences even though it becomes more challenging each

year. In high school, the decision to take art as an elective class unvaled a deep desire for

designing 3d materials. Growing up most children fantasize about putting out fires, saving lives

or travelling in a spaceship to the moon while other kids put all their efforts in to sports to get a

scholarship to college. On the other hand, an important time that one must take into deep

consideration as an occupation or career objective to pursue after graduating from high school

and to study in college takes serious research. After doing lots of analysis, becoming an architect

fell right in line with the career interests that involved both math and art. A career in Architecture

and Buildings Sciences requires a master’s degree from college, a desire for building,

mathematical skills, and artistic abilities.

Architecture has an extensive influence on the American society citizens live in and the

needs of other people. For as long as history dates, communities define architecture as the

craftsmanship and technique to design a building and/or structure using mathematical and artistic

skills (Architecture). The population determines the types of buildings and design, but may fall
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into a group of architect hands for the completion to make a precise and more safe environment

for others. The ideas for the buildings, became created around the ideas of an aesthetic and

utilitarian characteristics (Architecture). Aesthetic characteristics contain the ideas of beauty

within the piece of work. Utilitarian characteristics contain the ideas of a building that include

green and energy-saving efficiencies no matter the beauty of the building itself.

In the article, ​America’s Top Architecture Schools, ​it explains the education needed to

apply for an architect license requires a four-year undergraduate college degree and a two-year

graduate program. The best undergraduate programs available to acquire an Architecture and

Building degree include Cornell University, California Polytechnic State University, and

Syracuse University (Fixsen). High school students notice these institutions offer the required

courses; however, students fail to notice the high price tag that it costs to attend the programs.

California Poly State became known as the least expensive university among the top three

universities to carry cost conscience architecture studies. The average cost to attend California

Poly State for out-of-state student tuition costs approximately 20,000 dollars a year. On the other

side of the spectrum, Cornell and Syracuse cost a staggering 60,000 dollars for an out-of-state

tuition for a first year student. Most of these astronomical costs include the tuition, on-campus

housing, campus dining and other hidden costs; however, the costs typically does not cover the

costs of purchasing books for each class. The best graduate programs to earn a master's degree in

Architecture and Building Design include such prestigious universities such as Harvard,

Columbia, and again Cornell (Fixsen). Most graduate students do not have to worry about the

expensive fees while attending the graduate school. Before students graduate with there

bachelor’s degree, they must complete a successful and credible internship program.requirement.
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In most instances, the internee will obtain a job from the architect firm/company after

completing the necessary hours required by the college. These companies would like for the

unseasoned architects to continue their education, so they might offer to pay for the internee to

continue their education through a highly qualified college program. Most architects go back to

college to earn a master’s degree in architecture, which could take one to five additional years to

accomplish (Bureau of Labor Statistics). As stated by a professional architect, a five-year

licensed program provides enough education to become a professional architect. A master’s

degree would only become a need, if an architect decides to teach courses after graduating

(Michael Standley). After graduation, a paycheck with large earnings defines the architects skill

level. Most schools offer three different pathways within the architect degrees. The pathways

include: artistic pathways (designer), technical and science pathways, and computer or I.T.

pathways. A credible architect chose Virginia Tech, because of the reasoning that a teacher can

not teach technical skills to a student, but that the student can learn through the processes of

design skills (Michael Standley). An architect needs to make sure when choosing a college that

the institution has accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology

(ABET). If the institution does not credit itself by the ABET, students will have to attend more

years of college, which would add more expenses.

To become a certified architect under the United States laws, an architect must pass the

Architecture Registration Examination, which qualifies an individual. When attempting this

computerized test, one must complete nine sections that consist of 25 questions within each

(Solomon). Th test presents the most challenges for architects to complete for their career. This

specific test has 225 required questions therefore, the use of time management come into play
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while completing the test. The test contains six multiple choice sections including the topics of:

Pre-Design, General Structures, Lateral Forces, Mechanical and Electrical Systems, Materials

and Methods, Constructing Documents and Services (Solomon). This test appears to only consist

of all multiple choice questions. The other three sections in the test include graphic design

sections, which includes Site Planning, Building Planning and Building Technology (Solomon).

This part of the test includes critical thinking skills. These three sections also include a hands on

activity which will give an architect a problem they must complete and fix.

Society can expect a tremendous growth of need for architects in the near future within

the next eight to ten years. From 2016 to 2026, the demand for architecture employment should

grow from four to seven percent over a ten year span (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Over the ten

years, it should create from 6,000 to 9,000 jobs in the U.S. Graduating from college takes about

four to five year, which will put a student who graduates high school in 2019 in the workforce by

the year 2024 to 2025. With the huge increase in job opportunity, the chances of employment

right after college increases. The larger, more populated states demand a larger amount of

architects that include Texas, Florida, California, and New York (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

The most likely reason for the increase in demand comes from the higher building opportunities

within the populated cities. Increases in demand for architects in certain states commonly

depends on the more clients they have and the amount of land available to work with. Third

world countries have great difficulty finding an increase into the modern architecture and young

architects within their society (Serageldin 2). Muslim societies stick to the classical styles of

architecture, because of their religion. Muslim countries push aside the help from young

architects, because of the classical Muslim building design. The lack of money also has
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significant effect on the reasons why countries can not switch to a more modernized style of

architecture. The lack of money affects the third world countries, which can decrease the

economy.

Becoming an Architect has a wealthy job opportunity, but if not taken seriously

bankruptcy might arise. Depending on certain positions within an architecture firm the

salary/wage differentiation fluctuates. Architects just out of college make on average 40,000

dollars a year. Architects in a firm that control a regular position make on average 86,000 dollars

a year. A lead architect in a firm makes around 120,000 dollars a year and some climb to as high

as 150,000 dollars a year (PR Newswire). Some architects sign contracts with customers which

entitles them to and eight to ten percent payment of how much the project cost to build. For

example, the design for a million dollar building would profit the architect 80,000 to 100,000

dollars on the project. Although theses salaries and contracts look skewed and unofficial between

the projects and businesses, becoming an architect can make a very wealthy job opportunity.

A typical day for an architect includes meeting with clients collaborating with fellow

architects, and visiting construction sites to make changes to the designs. Most architects work

for themselves or have one other business partner/designer in their company (Bureau of Labor

Statistics). Architects work full times jobs but can not guarantee specific hours during the week.

Architects have flexible hours, but could require additional hours during deadline completion

dates.

Becoming an architect has lots of setbacks because of the competition for newly architect

graduates. In Australia, oil rig workers, crane operators, and train drivers earn an increasingly

larger amount than architects (Puvanenthiran). Architects deserve higher paid jobs for the
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amount of work and time put into a project. Opening up an architecture firm can become very

expensive and will include the hiring of workers to help complete larger projects (Designs on a

Career). When hiring someone in a firm architects have to realize that an extra cost comes with

extra help. An experienced owner of his own architecture firm explains that a paycheck will no

longer guarantee the architect, and that it becomes a responsibility up to complete the project in a

timely fashion (Michael Standley). Architecture firms could close down within six to nine

months because of the lack of projects for a group of architects. The major upside to owning a

firm includes, becoming the boss of a company and signing off a building under the name of

oneself.

When architects apply for a job, they not only want to see their resume as well as the

architects portfolio. A design portfolio consist of projects completed throughout college and the

career of an architect (Archinect). Some portfolio’s include comments on the structure but do not

give major details to the reader. Giving to many details could bore the onlooker and take away

the distinct drawings from a portfolio. Each design should tell a story without using written out

details. If an architect firm wants to hire someone, they want to see previous projects completed

to see the individuality and uniqueness of the designer (Archinect). When architects look through

a portfolio they want to see online creations and tangible creations completed by the new

architect. A portfolio can consist of any types of drawings. A small sketch or an elaborate

detailed design will show the creativity and work ethic of an architect. When hiring someone

architects want to see a creation of something other than just a design. A portfolio should also

showcase achievements completed during the education and career of an architect. “Your

portfolio is like your printed version of an Instagram account showing who you are and selling
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yourself as beneficial for a college or firm to have in their program” (Michael Standley). This

explanation of a portfolio provides a great example of what describes the use of a portfolio. A

portfolio should showcase what an architect can complete and show the capability of explaining

problem solving techniques during the design process. Architects should complete any tasks the

clients ask for.

If an architect major realizes the designing of houses does not suit them, some related

jobs include: Architectural and Engineering Managers, Civil Engineers, and Construction

Managers. Architectural and Engineering Managers plan developments of designs, hire staff for

designs, and coordinate budgets for the construction and design (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Architectural and Engineering Managers oversee designs to the completion of construction with

the building aspect. They make around $134,730 dollars per year and require a master’s degree

in engineering management, technology management, or business management. Civil engineers

oversee the safeness of a building by soil testing, building material testing, and completion of

survey reports for the construction site (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Civil engineers in charge of

the completion of infrastructure within a construction site. They make around $83,540 dollars

per year and require a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or civil engineering technology.

Construction managers work with architects and engineers to complete construction deadlines

and estimate budget cost for a building (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Construction managers can

look over contractors and construction workers during the completion of onsite construction.

They make around $89,300 dollars per year and require a bachelor’s degree in construction

science, bachelor’s degree in building science, or a bachelor's degree in construction engineering.

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Architecture students do not learn or study in a classroom, instead they complete their

projects and designs in a studio based environment. In a studio Architects draw, design, and

construct models of their projects (Gross). Teachers might even complete a project along the way

to show the students an example of what each project component should include. The professors

also allow the students to act freely within a project instead of completing a step by step method

assigned to the students.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) became a new discovery within the architecture

community. BIM technology helps create digitally constructed buildings which will help the

project during construction and design (Azhar). Many different types of softwares use BIM

technology such as Revit and Google Sketchup. Revit, an expensive high end software which

creates intricate designs for any building type or feature. On the other hand Google Sketchup, a

free more simple version of Revit which can can complete any task for a starting architect.

Building Information Modeling consist of way more precise details unlike simple sketch on

paper. When using these software architects can insert the sizes for objects instead of having to

scale down the objects on paper. Other softwares have the capability of showing sustainability

and sturdiness of certain buildings on different types of landscapes.

The 21st century ideas around creating more energy efficient buildings rather than

elegant buildings revolves around the idea of Urban Architecture. People push for the world to

become a more energy efficient planet by creating buildings that could save yearly maintenance

and fees cost by 10 to 15 percent (Urban Architecture). Architects design and create houses

which use the solar rays to run electricity throughout houses or using water treatment plant that

make water reusable. Citizens like to use renewable resources provided by nature to save money
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in the long run. Saving money could help, but also include downsides when first constructing the

energy efficient house (Architecture). The upgrades used to create the buildings create higher

expenses. Also, the add-ons create an unattractive look which could decrease the value of the

building or house. Architects have researched products that will boost the energy savings and

ultimately cost less for the clients (Craven). Some of these products include energy efficient

lighting fixture, landscaping with native plants, and rainwater harvesting. Green houses can save

people almost $2,000 dollars a year. Obtaining an expensive energy efficient home may require

extra income, however, it would pay off in the next ten to twelve years. With the use of green

houses, architects can design a whole new line of building that benefits both the economy and

the environment.

In regards to the construction of a building, landscape architecture becomes utilize in

many different aspects. The modification of land within landscape architecture becomes

dependable to ensure sustainability of a building (Landscape Architecture). In most instances

modifying the land has will take place so the ground can withstand the weight of a structure.

Sometimes if the land becomes unstable or what a huge mishap could occur to the structure.

Another major use of landscape architecture include the intricate designs of gardening and golf

course design. Golf courses hire architects to construct the hills and valleys of a golf course to

make a better experience for the players. Landscape architects also design recreational facilities

for the citizens and students at college campuses (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The education

needed for this profession includes a bachelor’s degree of landscape architecture or a bachelor’s

degree of Science in Landscape Architecture. If a Landscape Architect want to become licensed

into the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) the architect has to complete a
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Master’s degree of Landscaping Architecture which takes three years to complete the program.

Like the Architect Registration Exam the landscapes architects have to complete the Landscape

Architect Registration Exam (LARE). Landscape architects on average make around $70,010

dollars per year. Landscaping architecture differs from building sciences architecture because of

the drawing and designs used to create these projects.

Ancient roman architecture became most highly known for its city planning and temple

designs. Rome incorporated two main streets that ran north to south and east to west with

smallers streets which divided the towns into blocks (Roman Art & Architecture). The city

planning Rome used had a major influence on the American architecture today because it set out

stepping stones for the designing and constructing of buildings within the city. Charlotte, North

Carolina has two main roads which includes I-77 north and south, and I-85 east and west. The

blocked off sections look like modern day exits today but have a close resemblance of the city

planning used during the ancient roman empire. Rome citizens greatly appreciated the distinct

and intricate temples. (Roman Art & Architecture). Since the temples included the centerpiece

where Romans came together and worshipped, the citizens of Rome relied on these architects to

design and construct the temple. All of the temples had distinct differences and never copied

from one piece of work to the other. Back then, a group of architects got together to lead this

massive project.

Ancient egyptian architecture became most highly known for the creation of large tombs

and pyramids. Tombs and pyramids show the beliefs and customs of ancient egypt with the

thought of “life after death” (Egyptian Art & Architecture). Architects at this ancient time period

faced great setbacks because of the wet soil that came from the Nile River. Architects first time
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in history where sustainability issues occured. This event in history helped future architects learn

about the use of the soil within the infrastructure of a design and building.

Becoming a licensed architect in the United States can entitle a lengthy task. With

determination and effort students can become an architect right out of college. With the high

need for architects in the US, finding a job will take no time. Learning the history, use of

technical and design skills, and the love of architecture will go along way with this job. The use

of portfolio’s define an architect and will help complete the job process for any aspiring

architect. Opening an architecture firm has its low sides but after completion of the process it

makes for a nice payday. Just realize when one day an architect has designed a building and they

get to sign their name as the architect who completed the job.
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