Important Job Skills for Architects

Important Job Skills for Architects Important Job Skills for Architects With an increasing population and a greater number of developing countries, demand for new construction is as high as it has ever been around the world. But before construction crews can get started on a project, planners need to have architects that can get all plans down on paper and validate the design.   If you are interested in a career as an architect, you will have to complete a significant amount of formal education. It is a highly  challenging, yet deeply rewarding, profession. The skills list like the one below will  give  you a sense of whether or not a  career  in  architecture is something you might want to embark on. What are Architectural Skills? Architects  design buildings and other structures, inside and out, carefully considering engineering, function, and aesthetics. While it is true that architecture is an art, it is a more a  functional and practical kind of artistic expression. Rather than being enjoyed only by its owner or by museum-goers  â€"as  with a painting  â€" well-designed structures can enrich public life, providing lodging, facilities, and memorials for decades, and  sometimes centuries. Because buildings must be safe and functional, the  entry requirements needed  to become an architecture are stringent. You must have a masters degree in architecture and state licensure in order to practice. Besides coursework, you must also complete an extended internship under the supervision of an architect. With a relevant associates or bachelors degree, you can still work in the field as a draftsman. Many aspiring architects start as draftsmen to make sure they enjoy the field before committing  to several years of study. Types of Architect Skills Architects are technically proficient in a wide variety of construction-related tasks. Below are the top architect skills that you should be aware of. Advanced Math To design safe and functional buildings, you must be thoroughly familiar with the strengths, weaknesses, and other properties of various materials and their ability to bear weight under stress. You will need a background in geometry, mathematics, physics, and more advanced math concepts. Remember that you may find yourself having to innovate to meet challenges, such as designing earthquake-proof structures or energy-efficient, sustainable complexes. You will not always be able to rely only on solutions that have been tried and tested. CalculationsEstimatingBudgetingConverting Scale from BlueprintsSpecificationsAnalytical Skills Design Skills As important as safety and function are, there are also aesthetics is often a major consideration in architecture. You must be familiar with the history of architecture as an art and familiar with various artistic movements within the field. You must also be in touch with your own creativity. Fortunately, architectural training will help nurture and develop your artistic side, as well as your technical ability. The design should be something you enjoy if you are going to do it well. ConceptualizationCreative ThinkingDesign ConceptsDesign to DeliveryDraftingDrawingImaginationIndustrial DesignInnovation Computer Literacy The actual drawing up of plans is done on computers these days, as are simulations, artistic renderings, and much of the rest of the visual output of this field. You will need to develop agility with various architectural drafting software. Architectural RenderingAutoCADComputer-Aided Design (CAD)Computer ProcessingModel MakingRevit Communication Skills Of course, architects must work closely with clients, engineers, construction personnel, and sometimes other stakeholders in a project. To complete a design successfully and see a project to completion, an architect must understand what all these people are saying and communicate with them clearly in return. Every construction project requires a team. Client RelationsCollaborationOral CommunicationWritten CommunicationInterpersonal SkillsCoordination Business Knowledge As with any facet of a growing economy, being successful as an architect also requires a head for business. You will need to market your services and mold your brand if you want other people to hire you for their construction projects. Data AnalysisBusiness PlansSchedulingProject ManagementMarket Research Knowledge of Building Laws and Codes Zoning laws and building codes dictate  much about what can be built, where, and how. Some of these regulations pertain directly to the architect’s work, such as the number and size of windows for various building types. Some laws prohibit building on certain sites, like in wetlands or flood zones. Some regulations do not directly involve the architect, but all your work will be for nothing if you can’t understand how zoning and building codes work in the area  of  construction. Architectural CodesZoning CodesFire SafetyBuilding CodesBuilding ConstructionBuilding SystemsPlanning More Architect Skills AbstractionConstruction AdministrationConstruction DocumentsManaging ExpectationsBilingualCorporateCritical ThinkingDevelopmentDocumentsInstallationIntegrationLeadership in Energy Environmental Design (LEED)PreservationProblem SolvingRestorationRenovationResidential ConstructionRetail ConstructionSlicingSustainable DesignTechnical VisionVisualizationComplianceBuilding ContractsDatabase ManagementCustomer Service How to Make Your Skills Stand Out Add Relevant Skills to Your Resume: As you complete stages of your education and apprenticeships, be sure to add these to your  resume. Use the skills lists above to include those skills you mastered during various levels of training and experience.Highlight Skills in Your Cover Letter: As an architect, your past projects are part of your portfolio. Be sure to briefly mention in your  cover letter  a couple  of projects that you are most proud of, and why.Use Skill Words in Your Job Interview: In  your  interview,  be prepared to discuss how you handled various problems that you dealt with during both  the  design  stage and implementation  stage.