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Dawson Thornton
Ms. Davis
22 February 2018
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Dawson Thornton
Ms. Davis
14 February, 2018
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,
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
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
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
To become a certified architect under the United States laws, an architect must pass the
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
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
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
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
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
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.
many different aspects. The modification of land within landscape architecture becomes
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
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
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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Works Cited
Archinect. “Architecture and Design Graduates – How to Secure Your First Position – Part 2:
2011, archinect.com/features/article/O4gJh6KcpMUzA00H.
www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/architects.htm.
Azhar, Salman. “Building Information Modeling (BIM): Trends, Benefits, Risks, and Challenges
for the AEC Industry.” ASCE Library, Leadership Management Engineering, July 2011,
ascelibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.1061/%28ASCE%29LM.1943-5630.0000127.
Craven, Jackie. “A Primer on Green Architecture and Green Design.” ThoughCo., ThoughtCo., 4
"Designs on a career, but no road to riches." Age [Melbourne, Australia], 17 May 2017, p. 4.
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A491787309/SUIC?u=ncowl&xid=5f08dff8.
"Egyptian Art and Architecture." Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia, 2017, p. 1p. 1.
EBSCOhost,
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db=funk&AN=EG018200&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
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Fixsen, Anna. "America's Top Architecture Schools 2018." Architectural Record, vol. 205, no. 9,
search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,custuid&custid=s8455861&
db=mat&AN=125003484&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
Gross, Mark D., and E. Y. Do. "The design studio approach: Learning design in architecture
"Landscape Architecture." Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia, 2017, p. 1p. 1.
EBSCOhost,
search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,custuid&custid=s8455861&
db=funk&AN=LA013700&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
PR, Newswire. "Zweig Group's Newly Released 2015 Salary Survey Shows Salary Increases
EBSCOhost,
search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=n5h&AN=201411250904PR.NEWS.U
SPR.DA74906.
"Roman Art and Architecture." Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia, 2017, p. 1p. 1.
EBSCOhost,
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db=funk&AN=RO065400&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
archnet.org/system/publications/contents/3752/original/DPT0154.pdf?1384776547.
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Solomon, Nancy B. "The new registration exam." Architecture, Jan. 1997, p. 130+. Academic
OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A19193479/AONE?u=ncowl&sid=AONE&xid
"Urban Architecture: Rising Opportunity for Creativity." MGS Architecture, 24 Aug. 2017.
General OneFile,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A501636454/ITOF?u=ncowl&sid=ITOF&xid=c19420b6