Journal Entry #12: Architect

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/images/p06-to-p07/p066-1-jpg.jpg

Career Overview

An architect is someone who plans, designs, and oversees the construction of a structure, for example a library. In architecture both art and science is involved. Just like other forms of art, there are many different types and styles in architecture, such as “post-modernism.” A lot of science and physics is also involved in architecture.
Physics is one of my favourite parts of science as it involves the most amount of math which is one of my favourite subjects. Architects must know which types of materials to use in their structures, how the load should be distributed, and what shapes and designs to use in the building so that it can last a long time. Knowledge of forces like compression, tension, gravity, and inertia are important in architecture and architects use these forces to better design buildings that will last and buildings with a visual and artistic appeal.

Education

It is possible to become an architect by getting a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture or by joining a program, similar to apprenticeship, with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). With the RAIC program, one undergoes 10 years of courses and hands-on experience. After getting the required education, provincial licensure is required. This typically requires 3 years of work experience with licensed architect and an exam. Like most careers, architecture evolves and changes over time in both the art and the science aspects. Architects continue their education and keep up to date with new advancements/changes through workshops, university classes, and self-study courses.

Work Environment & Lifestyle

Architects usually work in office environments; however they need to travel to the construction site to oversee the construction progress from time to time. Many architects full time and most work more than 50 hours per week. In order to meet deadlines, architects usually have to work weekends and evenings as well. Based on the long work hours, architects would likely not have much free time and their life would probably be fairly hectic and stressful. However, this makes sense as their projects have to be done to specification and on time in order for them to be paid. Although, an architect’s life may be stressful, it is worth it since they make a lot of money; $50 000 to $100 000+. Some even make more than $300 000 per year!

Conclusion

A career in architecture may work for me since both art and science is involved. However, the long hours are probably not be for me as I am someone who prefers to have free time so that I can relax and do things that are not work related.



"Architect." Careercruising.com. Career Cruising, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2012. <https://www.careercruising.com/Careers/JobDetails.aspx?LoginID=e28ff7ad-4e7e-4be7-bf0d-23af80857bf1-5&OccNumber=29&field=AtaGlance>.

"Architects." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 31 Aug. 2012. Web. 30 Nov. 2012. <http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/architects.htm>.