INTRODUCTION

To borrow an ex-pression from the advertisement of a certain gaming company, “Wanna play God?”
Architecture is one of the few professions of the world that allows you to do just that. As an architect, you get to design and conceptualize something that will remain in the public eye and years later, when you’re driving through the city square with your grandchildren, might get you a “Look.. Grandpa made that! Isn’t it amazing?” The whole idea of being part of a process which creates something that will outlive you is a humbling feeling; a feeling that gives you a high unmatched by anything else.

JOB PROFILE

So, basically, what does an architect do? Clients approach architects with a certain idea or concept in mind but little awareness regarding its feasibility. An architect has the task of marrying aesthetics and practicality. The architect is given an idea, a budget and a time-frame. The architect begins his job by making sketches and plans of the structure with details of size, specifications, estimated cost, etc. After the finalisation of plans by the client, an architect ha to obtain the approval and the permission of the local authorities. He then proceeds to negotiate contracts with building contractors, engineers and surveyors. Then the construction begins. The architect is, thus, the overall incharge of the project; his responsibility begins right form designing and planning the structure until the very same is erected. In recent times, an architect’s job has expanded to taking into consideration the total built environment, from the macro level of how a building integrates with its surrounding man made landscape to the micro level of architectural or construction details and, sometimes, furniture; speaking of which, the latest sub-field of architecture which is taking off in a big way is interior designing- an upcomimg field which involves scientific and artistic skills. The demand for interior designers is no longer restricted to corporate offices or hotels. Homes, too are employing interior designers in a big way.

ELIGIBILTY

Though there is no particular requirement of academic stream to take up architecture for studies , certain institutes might require the student to have qualification in Physics and Maths  to apply for admission to colleges offering architecture at the graduate level. The course usually has a duration of 5 years at the Bachelors’ level. Colleges and schools select candidates through written tests. In some cases, weightage may be given to Class XII marks. Interviews may be held too. Further, on completion of the graduation course, a student has the option of pursuing a post-graduation course in the subject, the duration of which may vary from 18 months to 2 years.

CAREER PROSPECTS

 The construction boom has contributed to substantial increase in investments in the construction sector. And currently, there is a shortfall of architects. For e.g. in India, annual requirement projections of architects are pitted at 10,000 and training facilities are few in number, which makes it a very competitive field.

An architect can find employment with construction majors in the private sector or with the Public Works Department, the Archaeological Department, Ministry of Defence, Departments of Railways, Post and Telegraphs, Public Sector Undertakings, National Building Organisation, Town and Country Planning Organisation etc. in the Public sector. Architects with experience can start their own business as consultants or contractors.

Incomes are rising and so is the population. Plus, at the end of the day, people will always need a roof over their heads. Put simply, an architect will never go out of work. 

CONCLUSION

  “There are three forms of visual art: Painting is art to look at, sculpture is art you can walk around, and architecture is art you can walk through.” Dan Rice couldn’t have described it better. Architecture is art you can walk through; art you can experience through the senses. Technological advancement has given the modern-day architect the license to let his creative sensibilities flow unchecked and the ability to create almost anything his mind can conjure. Thus, today, an artistic mind can find its creative catharsis in architecture- which is what makes architecture such a big draw. So, go on and let the artist in you leave his imprint on the Canvas we call Earth. Go on and leave your mark on the sands of time. Become an architect.