As you read yet another real estate listing with the note “Bring your architect!,” you may ask yourself, What does an architect do? Although designing splashy structures can be a part of the job, the day-to-day duties of an architect go way beyond aesthetics. So, first of all, what is an architect? Architects are involved at every phase of a project, including planning, drafting specification documents, problem-solving with the contractor, and ensuring that the finished product meets the required safety standards. They’ll need patience and the ability to multitask as they juggle the client’s wishes, budget, local building codes, and construction slowdowns. But the reward is helping to create the structures and spaces where people live, work, learn, and relax. If you’re thinking of hiring an architect, here’s the information you’ll need.
What does an architect do, exactly?
There are several different types of architects, but the term design architect is the one most people know about—that is, someone responsible for the architectural design of structures. They often work for architectural firms in partnership with technical architects, who focus on construction-related details like stability, local codes, and energy efficiency. Sometimes, especially when someone works independently, they’ll be responsible for both.
Architects might be involved in preliminary planning decisions such as choosing the site and determining the environmental impact. They also provide cost estimates, create plans, oversee the construction process (while keeping the client updated), and, in some cases, help pull together the team of pros, including builders, electricians, and plumbers. Finally, they help ensure that the building meets the required safety standards and offers proper access to those with disabilities.
Although residential architects, who design homes, and commercial architects, who work on office buildings and properties for businesses, are two common examples, there are many other different types of architects, each with a different focus. The answer to the question “What is an architect?” might be different depending on the speciality. Below are a few specific examples, and they may overlap too.
These experts work on creating outdoor areas, such as college campuses, playgrounds, and public parks. They’re responsible for the overall flow and making sure that the space blends well with the natural environment.
With a focus on sustainable construction practices and materials, these architects aim to make buildings more eco-friendly by using things like renewable energy sources, local materials, rainwater harvesting, and plumbing fixtures that save water.
As the name suggests, these pros design structures related to industry such as factories, power plants, warehouses, and water towers.
Historical buildings are the focus for these architects, who might either work on projects requiring total preservation or lead renovations that keep the structure’s spirit while reimagining it for a new purpose.
These architects fall under the broad umbrella of commercial architects, but they work on buildings that have a community focus, such as libraries, government agencies, and public safety offices.
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What are five things architects do?
If you’re wondering, What does an architect do daily?, know that each day looks a little different, and may vary depending on whether someone works independently or as part of a larger company. Here are some of the more common tasks that might pop up on any architect’s to-do list or job description.
Whether the “client” refers to a couple looking to build a house, a developer creating several home styles for a residential subdivision, or a multimillion-dollar corporation planning a new headquarters, working with people in the initial planning phase is a huge part of an architect’s job. At the initial sit-down, they learn about the client’s preferences, budget, ideal timeline, and anything else that may affect the project. As the work progresses, the architect will get regular updates from the project management team and share those with the clients which means—you guessed it—even more meetings.
A project is only as successful as its team of professionals, which include surveyors, civil engineers, contractors, electricians, plumbers, and many others. The architect may be asked to help assemble the pros on site for a specific job. They’ll need to interview candidates to share the construction project details, evaluate the bids that come in and, in some cases, negotiate the contracts on behalf of the client.
You’re likely familiar with images of architects hunched over slanted drafting tables, using drawing skills to produce construction drawings with pencils. For a long time, that’s how architects worked—but today most create blueprints and specification documents (known as specs) by computer, using systems like Computer Aided Design or Building Information Modeling. These renderings and models help the clients visualize the finished product. Once the initial plans (also called schematics) are approved, the architect works with other professionals (like structural engineers as well as landscape and interior designers) to incorporate more technical details, like those related to plumbing and electrical work. Finally, the architect prepares construction documents, which are written instructions that help the contractors execute the plans.
Architects may have many opportunities to step away from their desks. These might include researching potential building sites for an upcoming project, checking in with the construction subcontractors during an ongoing renovation, or even touring a facility that makes building materials they’ll be using (like a plant that makes precast concrete panels) to deepen their knowledge.
In-demand architects will find themselves busy and moving quickly from project to project. But during quieter times they might work on polishing their website or writing a marketing newsletter (if they work solo), corresponding with potential future clients or contractors, or attending industry conferences to expand their network. They are also nearly always required to take continuing education classes by their licensing boards, and they might choose to tour landmarks or delve deeper into topics like sustainability, garden design, or tiny houses.
Is it hard to be an architect?
One thing is certain: It definitely isn’t easy. Assuming one decides to go into the field during college, it may take several years to reach a point of comfort and seniority. Like doctors and lawyers, architects need to be licensed, since their work is directly related to public health and safety.
In the US, would-be architects usually get either a bachelor’s degree in architecture (B.Arch), which takes five years, or a post-college master’s degree in architecture (M.Arch), which takes two to four years, depending on whether or not they’ve already earned architecture-related credits. After they receive their degree, a prospective architect is expected to work for three years in a paid internship position such as draftsperson, junior associate, or researcher. Finally, they must take the Architect Registration Exam, which is a challenging, nationally recognized multipart test that includes questions on project planning, project development, construction, and other relevant topics.
Even once they become a licensed architect, they may work for several years assisting more senior people before they branch out and lead their own projects. The hours may be long, especially if a deadline is looming—maybe a corporate client needs a skyscraper finished for the commercial tenants who have booked move-in dates. Architects don’t choose this profession because they want an easy career, but many find it extremely fulfilling and enjoy the mix of creative and technical challenges.
If you're looking for an architect to work on your next project, visit the AD PRO Directory, our up-to-date, open-access list of AD-approved architecture firms, as well as interior designers and landscape specialists, that anyone in need of design services can search by profession and location to find the right professional.
